I am most fortunate to have a very exciting job, and this makes it easier to find the energy to go to work every day. My family and friends are all encouraging, but I make it a priority to balance work, family, friends and exercise.

I think our company BioDiem is at a very exciting stage right now and we're seeing some of the hard work really crystallise into revenues. We have a flu technology licenced to the World Health Organisation for the developing world. And we have BDM-I, our antimicrobial, which has the potential to be a life-saving treatment for a range of infectious diseases and that is a strong motivator for me. My current focus is seeing BDM-I on the market and treating patients.

My message to young women is that one must get a good university education and decide what to do. Don't worry too much about what other people think. If you need some advice, find some experienced mentors. Then really believe in yourself and go for it.

(As told to Amrita Tejasvi)