The first challenge was to gain know-how in clinical research industry through intense interactions with doctors at different fora, and at J J Hospital. I shared my plans of starting a contract research organization and I learnt about oncology and cardiovascular clinical trials, the safety aspects. The finer business details were honed in over the next several months.
Finding suitable funding and getting the right valuations was the second challenge. I read up on how to fund start-ups. Of the several good reads on the subject Hi-Tech Start-Ups was of great help. While MBA gives concepts of starting and managing a business, the way valuations work is best learned on the job.

Although I see Mr Warren Buffet as my role model as he combines competence and character, I was lucky to find a mentor in my cousin Mr Rusi Brij, the then CEO of Hexaware, who gave insights into this business. Mr Sanjeev Verma, who worked with Chrysler and now in the US on board several venture groups, too mentored me.

During my free time, I love traveling, photography and playing squash. I also love reading poetry and fiction. It has been fairly easy for me to manage professional and personal life. I am happiest in office. My professional and personal life flow together and merge beautifully with me never feeling any stress. For me, work is life.

No short cut to success

My message to both men and women in the field is that there is no short cut to success. One or two big ideas could be the game changers. Creativity is extremely important. I tell everyone in my office that in whatever you do put in passion and bit more then the usual thinking.