Leaders
A medical doctor turned augmented/virtual reality health tech specialist, Ramya Gujjula, (CEO, NexRea) is a pioneer in rolling out next-generation innovative technology solutions across global medical sectors and education industries. She is an academic achiever with degrees in the field of dentistry and clinical research followed by a post-graduate program in management. “Gulliver would have been ordinary if he remained at Manhattan. Only because he went to Lilliput, he was considered extraordinary. Each diverse milestone of my educational journey has turned out to be a trip to Lilliput - be it dentistry, clinical research, or business administration”, says Ramya. Post-education, Ramya has stretched her wings across diverse industries including healthcare, e-learning, deep tech, and startups. And each of her endeavors is well connected to her passion. She has over 15 years of progressive work experience in AR/VR/MR metaverse, AI, Game-based Learning, Corporate Training, L&D, Project Management, Clinical Trial Operations, Startups, and many more verticals. She is an inspirational leader who believes that evolving is possible only through innovation. Let’s hear it from her.
Tell us about the various roles you shoulder as the CEO of NexRea.
At NexRea, we help medical device companies effectively market and sell their products using our AR/VR technology solutions. As the CEO of the organization, I focus on developing the best quality of service keeping abreast with the latest innovations, using AR/VR technologies as a tool to solve clients’ problems and execute end-to-end solutions. I also keep a check on the optimal cost of service & development time by building efficiencies internally, automated systems, team harmony, and happiness. I consistently support & follow up with our clients which leads to lifelong client satisfaction.
"Under my leadership, nexrea was selected as one of the top 2 startups for the world's largest medical insurance scheme ab-pmjay, to train five lakh frontline healthcare workforce across 23,000 hospitals in india"
Can you recount one of the most challenging phases of your professional journey? How did you successfully overcome the roadblock that you faced?
The whole world came to a halt during the pandemic and so did our business. We faced concerning challenges in terms of getting new clients and also receiving projects from our existing clients. As a result, our internal resources started to descend and operations started to shut down. But we converted the crisis into an opportunity. We dragged along our optimistic attitude and started with a clean slate. Covid gave the time and opportunity to rethink the entire business model, as a result, NexRea improved three times as compared to the pre-covid years.
What role did ISB play in terms of shaping you into an effective and successful business leader?
I had an astounding experience at ISB. It gave me the confidence to create next-generation innovative technology solutions. It not just taught me management but also gave me a distinct perspective on everything in life. Before ISB, I was not sure if I wanted to be an entrepreneur. The learnings from the program gave me the confidence to venture out, even in industries outside of healthcare, like the EdTech industry and the Government sector. It was my ISB network that bagged my first project at NexRea.
What are some of the most significant milestones that you have achieved throughout your professional journey?
During my association with MEdRC, I was able to complete and launch a first-of-its-kind 120-lecture repository of digitally enabled medical and dental e-content in India. While working with Sanofi I completed a 10,000-subject clinical study on rotavirus diarrhea in India across 13 geographically dispersed hospitals. At NexRea I have been responsible for getting selected as one of the top two startups for the world's largest medical insurance scheme AB-PMJAY, to train five lakh frontline healthcare workforce across 23,000 hospitals in India; onboarded global top 10 medical device companies such as Johnson & Johnson, GE Healthcare, Siemens, Medtronic, and Horiba. Moreover, under my leadership, NexRea has won the National Startup Award 2021 in Education & Skill Development.
What would your advice be to young women who aspire to become entrepreneurs in the future?
As young entrepreneurs, you must have the courage to do the right thing and be fearless in taking big decisions; nothing is worth your integrity and credibility. Get inspired by others, build connections, and do not hesitate to ask for help. Always maintain a fine balance between your professional & personal life to avoid a long-term impact and lead a successful journey.
