How did you come to be an entrepreneur?
I was able to become an aspiring entrepreneur with the constant guidance of my husband, Mr. Bharat Desai. I assisted him in business and learned about the brands and products we dealt with. After availing myself of extensive expertise in a wide range of pharma businesses, I eventually started my business career as the president-Commercial.
How is it different from other companies?
Our company makes alliances with other leading manufacturers and companies worldwide. We use various global best practices and world-class technologies to perform the proper operations. We also have a strong global presence by doing major operations in exports to over 40 countries globally.
Throw some light on your business and its offerings.
The company has developed its unique range of products in both the domestic and international markets. We offer a diversified range of products in distinct segments like the Anti-Retro viral, Anti-Malarial, cardio Vascular and Anti-Tuberculosis. We also offer a wide range of other product categories in the form of capsules, injections, tablets, ointments, liquids, oral powder, ointments, creams in general categories, and Cephalosporin, Beta Lactum, along with dedicated production blocks.
How challenging is it for a woman to start/ or associate with any company? /Have you faced any unusual situations doing business in India as a female entrepreneur?
Yes, it was undoubtedly challenging to undergo this entire experience. I always suffered my own share of difficulties but eventually overcame all the situations with the right support and guidance from my family and husband. Most people have heard the quote that a successful guy has a woman to back him, but even every successful woman has an extremely supportive family taking care of their children and house.
How do you achieve work-life balance?
Being an entrepreneur, deriving a work-life balance is crucial to retain productivity. Working longer is not always efficient, but there is always the temptation to overwork.
Did you have a mentor to guide you through your professional journey?
My husband, Bharat Kumar Desai, is my real mentor. He is a man with strong determination and passion, a willingness to take risks, and years of experience in the Pharma sector.
How are entrepreneurship and working women important for India?
Women entrepreneurs can offer a wide range of innovative solutions to tackle persisting issues in various industries. They can put forth distinct ideas, perspectives, and insights for various businesses that assist in fostering better growth and innovation. Several studies have shown that females usually have better leadership potential, which is why they are more successful in various leadership roles in the manufacturing sector.
Define a perfect business leader. What are the qualities you think a great leader possesses?
For me, a good business leader is someone with great potential to make the right decisions in life, set unique goals and take a direction toward the professional environment in life.
What is the road map of your organization?
I believe the voyage must continue throughout as the path is lengthy. After undergoing a lot of highs and lows, you might get lucky enough to surpass a few milestones in a shorter period. Bharat Parenterals Ltd. is completely dedicated to retaining its client and will also come up with advanced solutions and services that can lay outstanding benefits to the pharma sector. Perhaps we must go a long way to serve the nation and bring up the best for them.
A brief description of the major awards won by your company.
Below are some of the awards and recognitions achieved by our company:
- Udyog Ratan Award by the Institute of economic studies, New Delhi. D&B Axis Bank Business Gaurav Award -2012 & 2013, Best Citizen of India award 2013, by International Publishing House. Rashtriya Udyog Ratan Award by the Economic Growth Society of India.
- Outstanding Export Award 2012-13 in Gold Category by PHARMEXCIL, Excellence Award by Institute of Economic Studies, New Delhi.
- Awarded as India’s best “SME 100 Awards” by Axis Bank 2017 & 2018 (Consecutively selected) by SME Forum / Ministry of Industries, Government Of India.
- Exim Club, Vadodara Awards 2018– New Export Product Development of the Year 2017-18.
- Awarded as India’s best “SME 100 Awards” by Axis Bank 2017-18 & 2018-19.
- Awarded by the Federation of Gujarat Industries, Vadodara.
- Excellence – Certificate of Merit for “Outstanding MSME” consecutive for the last 03 years, i.e., from 2018 to 2020.
- Times Icon of Vadodara 2020 for Best Pharmaceutical Formulation Products.
- Leaders of Tomorrow Season 8 eAwards for Best Manufacturer SME of the year 2020 by Times of India.
- Best Exporter MSME 2019-20 by Federation of Gujarat Industries, Vadodara.
- Exporter of the Year in Manufacturing – Pharmaceuticals- #Time2Leap National Awards 2020-21 by Ministry of MSME, New Delhi.
What advice would you give to other businesswomen who want to thrive in a male-dominated industry?
I believe that there’s no substitute to replace the hard world. If you hold an innate urge to do something, just dive into that business, begin with a non-profit thing, lead into something, and do not wait for permission. It is important that you must not go into any business only to be the boss. I also suggest that one should never quit, no matter how hard the path is. Next, it’s quite important to create a network with other successful people in life.
Are you a decision-maker & risk-taker?
For me, identifying the risk, framing a solution for it, and then making relevant decisions is highly important.
One word that describes you the best…
Passionate.
If you had one piece of advice for rising entrepreneurs starting out, what would it be?
I advise that everyone should love their work with complete enthusiasm and patience and surround themselves with a good team that ensures the creation of a successful business.
How would you like people to remember you and your company?
I always wish to be remembered as a prestigious addition to the sector, which is developing good leaders, offering the right direction for the working men, and deriving the company’s progress.
What is your favorite metaphor for describing entrepreneurship?
Think creatively and start the process with complete confidence.
