Category: Leaders

INNOVATING FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

MR. RAJKUMAR KURRA IS THE MANAGING DIRECTOR AT EUROTECK ENVIRONMENTAL PVT. LTD., AN AWARD-WINNING WATER FILTRATION AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT COMPANY IN HYDERABAD. MR. KURRA’S STRATEGIC BUSINESS ACUMEN AND ABILITY TO IDENTIFY EMERGING TRENDS GIVE HIM A COMPETITIVE EDGE AND MAKE HIM A GAME-CHANGER

A WELL-VERSED LEADER

A computer application graduate, Mr. Kurra embarked on his career in 1997 with an instrumentation-based company in Hyderabad, where he honed his skills for eight years. In 2000, he set sail for Gujarat to manage the sales and service division of instrumentation products. However, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Euroteck in 2005, a company focused on wastewater treatment equipment and technologies. Now in its 19th year, Euroteck, under his leadership has emerged as a stalwart in the wastewater treatment and technology industry. Initially, the company monitored water and wastewater, but it gradually shifted gears to become a formidable player in treatment equipment.

Mr. Kurra is not only a leader but also a trailblazer. His company, Euroteck, utilises state-of-the-art technology to compete on an equal footing with industry giants. The products introduced by the company have not only gained significant market share but have set new standards for water treatment. Transitioning from an employee to an entrepreneur is no small feat, and Mr. Kurra attributes his inclination toward entrepreneurship to his business-oriented upbringing. Discussing his leadership style, he describes himself as a passionate individual who delves deep into every aspect of the business. Despite being a sales-oriented professional, he possesses a comprehensive understanding of equipment service, design, sizing, installation, and even finance, learned through hands-on experience. Mr. Kurra prefers to be a trendsetter than a follower. To that end, he emphasises the importance of keeping a close eye on competitors. He believes that entrepreneurs must
know their competitors first, then only they can transform their own business style. Euroteck’s strategy involves not just understanding but anticipating its competitors’ moves; this tactic enables the company to adapt, innovate, and set the trend in the market.

KNOWING THE TERRAIN

As for career-high points, Mr. Kurra humbly states that he is still in the process of achieving rather than having achieved. His vision for the future growth of Euroteck is to be among the top ten leaders in the global water industry. While already present in the Middle East since 2009, he discloses plans for global expansion in the next 2-3 years. Additionally, Mr. Kurra highlights the top-down approach in Euroteck, with ideas stemming from both his inputs and the continuous efforts of the engineering team. He attributes the company’s success to a culture of innovation that permeates throughout the organisation.

GIVING BACK TO SOCIETY

Mr. Kurra’s vision for entrepreneurship is `influenced by successful businessmen such as Ambani, Tata, and Elon Musk. For him, success is not just a personal achievement but an avenue to generate employment and contribute positively to the community. Under his leadership, Euroteck’s commitment to CSR extends beyond conventional practices. Mr. Kurra reveals plans to launch a foundation focused on five elemental aspects – air, water, fire, and energy saving. The CSR initiatives will revolve around preserving these elements in line with Euroteck’s core values.

GARNERING ACCOLADES

Euroteck, under Mr. Kurra’s leadership, has not only witnessed business success but also a collection of awards and accolades. With remarkable six patents, each one stands as a testament to the company’s innovative mindset and technological expertise.

A League of His Own

Mr. Moazzam Hossain, Chairman of the Hosaf Group in Dhaka, Bangladesh, is a seasoned industrialist with extensive experience in leading business operations. With decades of expertise, he has propelled the group to prominence and established it as the country’s leading private sector entity. Mr. Hossain’s significant contributions to Bangladesh’s commerce and industry, coupled with his focus on future-readiness, make him an influential figure in the country’s economic landscape. His commitment to excellence drives the ongoing saga of growth, besides fortifying the Hosaf Group’s stellar reputation in the industry

“MR. HOSSAIN IS DEDICATED TO UPLIFTING BANGLADESH THROUGH VARIOUS PHILANTHROPIC INITIATIVES. TO THAT END, HE ACTIVELY RECRUITS ACADEMICALLY STRONG YOUTH FROM LESS AFFLUENT VILLAGES IN BANGLADESH TO HELP THEM BECOME SUCCESSFUL PROFESSIONALS”

Right from his childhood, Mr. Hossain has consistently displayed a progressive mindset and adhered to the principles of honesty, integrity, courage, and tolerance. Guided by his vision, steadfast faith, and resilience, he has transformed into a self-made individual. Mr. Hossain’s entrepreneurial journey reflects a strategic blend of international exposure and innovative business expansion. A graduate under the University of Dhaka, he pursued advanced studies in Chemistry at Nagoya University, Japan, and while studying in the land of the rising sun, the leader acquired strong business acumen through interactions with Japan’s wealthiest industrialists. Inspired by them, he established an English school in Japan and then diversified into various ventures.

A TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADER

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Mr. Hossain’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to travel extensively and explore new economic opportunities. After completing his higher studies in Japan, he returned to the newly independent Bangladesh. He introduced the idea of importing reconditioned cars from Japan as part of a wage-earning scheme to help the war-torn country. Furthermore, for the purpose of developing the country’s communication sector, he imported microbuses, irrigation pumps, and small boat engines.

In 1975, Mr. Hossain ventured into an unexplored domain by initiating Bangladesh’s first joint venture with South Korea in deep-sea fishing. Additionally, he facilitated barter trade by importing truck-mounted standby generators, leather, tea, and steel-body trucks from East European countries. His strategic initiatives not only diversified the market but also positioned him as a key figure in Bangladesh’s economic evolution. Furthermore in the 80s, he ventured to modernise his country by introducing gas and water metres.

CAREER MILESTONES

Over the years, the forward-thinking leader has transformed Hosaf Group into Bangladesh’s premier private sector powerhouse through his relentless dedication. Under his sterling leadership, the group has earned a stellar reputation and achieved unparalleled success in the business arena. Moreover, as the driving force behind its exponential growth, he has built a workforce of over 800 to ensure the conglomerate’s success.

With primary focus on the electrical sector, Mr. Hossain addressed the nation’s power crisis by negotiating with the Chinese Government for long-term soft loan and expertise to help the Bangladesh Government to establish a 2×210 MW capacity thermal power-generation plant in Raozan, Chittagong in 1990.

He was also instrumental in facilitating the Bangladesh Government for the collaboration with China National Machinery and Equipment Import and Export Corporation (CMC) to develop the Barapukuria Coal Mine. The coal mining venture with CMC is another monumental involvement with the Bangladesh Government that demonstrates the leader’s dedication to sustainable energy. He assisted the Bangladesh Government to develop a 125 MW coal-fired Power Plant at the coal mine head and also keep a provision for another 125 MW power plant.

He further continued with the establishment of four quick-rental power plants in 2008 through international tender which generated 170 MW to mitigate acute power shortages in Bangladesh. This strategic move played a crucial role in alleviating Bangladesh’s crippling electrical sector problem, besides solidifying Mr. Hossain’s legacy as a transformative leader. In 2019, he was awarded, through international tender, a 113 MW HFO-based IPP Power Plant for 15 years to strategically address electricity demands in the southeast region.

Other than the electricity and energy sectors, he diversified investments into the finance, and real estate domains, thus, positioning the Hosaf Group as one of Bangladesh’s top commercial organisations. He also led his company to embrace green technology by manufacturing LED lights.

AN INNOVATIVE MINDSET

Mr. Hossain is known for his relentless pursuit of innovation and strategic alliances on a global scale. With a keen eye for emerging opportunities, he helped his company to enter into groundbreaking ventures. From introducing used-automobiles to the country, to venturing into the garments industry in the 1980s, he has demonstrated remarkable entrepreneurial versatility and adaptability. He also played a substantial role in establishing the National Bank Limited (NBL) to revolutionise Bangladesh’s banking sector.

The leader further diversified his portfolio by venturing into the insurance sector. To that end, he along with his few friends established Pragati Insurance Limited, which is now a frontrunner in the non-life private insurance domain. Mr. Hossain adopts a market-driven approach by placing a strong emphasis on quality and competitive pricing to synchronise his business with the ever-evolving market demands.

DONNING MANY HATS

Mr. Hossain is a multi-faceted personality. He dons many hats and excels in all of them. Currently, he holds the position of Chairman for both the Hosaf Group and its subsidiaries. He is also the Managing Director of Energy Prima Limited, Citi Link Apartment Limited, Hosaf International Limited, and HF Power Limited. He is one of the Founder Directors of National Bank Limited. He was accoladed with the post of President of Bangladesh Independent Power Producers’ Association. He also served as the Chairman of Pragati Life Insurance Limited, a leading private non-life insurance company in Bangladesh. He is Founder and Chairman of National Bank Public School and College, a renowned academic institution that offers education from pre-primary to higher secondary level in Bangla version under the Dhaka Education Board. What’s more, he was also elected as the Vice President of the Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) from 1981 to 1985.

GIVING BACK TO SOCIETY

Mr. Hossain is dedicated to uplifting Bangladesh through various philanthropic initiatives. To that end, he actively recruits academically strong youth from less affluent villages in Bangladesh to help them become successful professionals. His company has played a pivotal role in education by establishing Bokter Munshi Moazzam Hossain High School in Sonagazi, Feni. The school has a competent headmaster, well-trained teachers, and over 900 students. Additionally, the leader has also established Bhor Bazar Belayet Hossain High School in the same area.

Mr. Hossain consistently provides essential financial and logistical support to these schools, besides offering annual scholarships to deserving students. Furthermore, he has been honored as the Vice-President of Bangladesh Athletics Federation in recognition to his sponsoring diverse sporting events across different districts of Bangladesh to encourage budding sportsmen of his country. The eco-conscious leader also champions a pollution-free environment and emphasises wildlife preservation.

SHAPING THE FUTURE

Mr. Kartikay Agarwal, the CEO of GL Bajaj Educational Institutions Greater Noida/Mathura spearheads one of India’s premier engineering and management institutions in Greater Noida/Mathura, India. Under his sterling leadership, GL Bajaj has experienced exponential growth

A student of the University of Illinois, Chicago, Kartikay’s leadership style is the perfect combination of vision, strategy and collaboration. In a short period, the ambitious leader has created an environment conducive to innovation and growth. His relentless commitment to empowering the next generation makes him a changemaker of tomorrow. Kartikay has introduced numerous leadership initiatives and business innovations to remain competitive in the educational arena. From establishing specialised centres of excellence like EVM Centre and NVIDIA AI Learning and Research Centre to promoting entrepreneurship through a dedicated Start-up Incubation Cell he aims to revolutionise technological education by creating a holistic learning environment for students. Furthermore, the startup incubation cell functions as a launch pad for nurturing entrepreneurial talent and a spirit of business innovation. It has incubated 64 start-ups till date — the highest in private colleges under the Department of IT & Electronics, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh, for which GL Bajaj garnered praises from Mr. Bill Gates. Recognising the efforts of the institute, the Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India has sanctioned INR 3 Crore grant to GL Bajaj to promote entrepreneurship.

DRIVEN BY GOALS

Kartikay is a progressive leader with a goals-driven mindset. By setting inspirational and strategic goals, he aims to drive performance and move the organization toward its long-term vision. His vision for GL Bajaj’s future growth is two-fold. While his short-term goal is to elevate academic programs, infrastructure, and industry partnerships to provide students with an unparalleled learning experience, his long-term goal is to see his organization emerge as a global education leader renowned for innovation, research excellence, and holistic student development.

“KARTIKAY BELIEVES THAT THE QUEST FOR KNOWLEDGE IGNITES THE SPARK OF CREATIVITY, DISCOVERY, AND INNOVATION”

INSPIRATION FOR MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Kartikay draws inspiration from the transformative power of education. His parents and mentors, Mr. Pankaj Agarwal and Mrs. Anshu Agarwal, instilled in him a love of learning and a desire to give back to society. This passion for education and philanthropy motivates his quest for success and global change. Kartikay has instilled the spirit of CSR in GL Bajaj through his noble initiatives. Under his direction, the institution actively engages in various initiatives, including blood donation camps, dental check-ups, and plantation drives in collaboration with the Rotary Club. Furthermore, by engaging students in these meaningful endeavors, the visionary leader seeks to instill in them the values of empathy and compassion, besides helping them become better human beings.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS

As the CEO of GL Bajaj, Kartikay has achieved significant business accomplishments. Under his direction, the institution has made remarkable strides in academic excellence, industry partnerships, and student placements. Additionally, it has earned A+ grade accreditation from NAAC, and recognition from NIRF. GL Bajaj has also received a Diamond overall rating from QS-I GUAGE. A standout moment in Kartikay’s career was organising two chapters of the International Alumni Meet in London and Dubai. In his words, his philosophy of life remains very simple — “Be good, and do good.”

Visionary leadership plays an important role in the rapidly changing environment of higher education. Dr. Shruti Sharma, the Chief Executive Officer of Brindavan Group of Institutions (BGI), serves as a prime example of this approach. Dr. Sharma’s emphasis on strategic planning and commitment to social responsibility has enabled BGI to achieve remarkable success, establishing it as a frontrunner in pioneering education and creating constructive societal change.

Commitment to Academic Excellence

BGI provides a wide array of professional courses, including business administration, engineering, architecture, commerce, aviation, journalism, and industry-specific skills. Its wide range of academic options enables students to choose programmes that match their career goals. BGI enhances greatness by creating a nurturing atmosphere that helps students to flourish.

Visionary Leadership Driven Progress

With a Ph.D. in management and a background in both academia and business, Dr. Sharma possesses a distinct ability to connect theoretical concepts with practical applications. Through her innovative instructional techniques, her unwavering commitment to student achievement, and her unwavering focus on research, she has revolutionised education at BGI, elevating it to a globally renowned institution. Strategic planning is a hallmark of her leadership. The measures she has undertaken have resulted in a rise in enrollment, enhanced campus infrastructure — including state-of-the-art sports stadiums and innovative learning centres, and exceptional job placements for graduates.

Resilience and Adaptability for a Brighter Tomorrow

Dr. Sharma’s perspective extends beyond the realm of academia. She sees social justice and equity as her top priorities, which she promotes through a range of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects. These initiatives encompass addressing educational inequalities, advocating for diversity and inclusivity, and providing scholarships to underprivileged groups. By incorporating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into BGI’s research initiatives, she promotes the study of environmentally and socially significant topics, preparing graduates to become responsible global citizens.

Seamless Transition from Academia to Career

The outstanding placement record of BGI highlights the effectiveness of Dr. Sharma’s strategic plans. An exclusive placement cell, robust industrial affiliations, and collaborations with prestigious corporations provide a seamless progression from academia to the professional world. BGI’s alumni consistently exhibit an exceptional level of expertise and abilities, which they develop during their time at the university.

Beyond the Classroom: Holistic Development

BGI recognises the significance of student life beyond the realm of academics. An energetic campus community provides a wide range of extracurricular activities, sports, cultural events, and student organisations. These activities provide students with the chance to develop and refine essential life skills, including teamwork, leadership, and communication. Additionally, participation in society and empathy are nurtured through social responsibility and volunteer activities.

Exemplifying Vision and Excellence

The academic excellence and innovative leadership of Dr. Sharma are evident. Additionally, she has received numerous national and international accolades in recognition of her services to education. She has an exceptional proficiency in enhancing organisational performance and providing significant benefits to stakeholders. Dr. Sharma’s leadership cultivates high-performing teams, nurtures innovation, and inspires her team. Her extensive expertise in the industry establishes her as a notable person in the field of education. With her leadership, BGI has broadened its educational offerings and made substantial improvements to its campus facilities.

Recognitions and Awards: A Testament to Success

Dr. Sharma’s innovative and forward-thinking leadership has earned her esteemed accolades. Her recognition as one of the 40 under 40 Most Influential Young Leaders 2023–24 and her receipt of India’s Greatest Brands 2023–24 Award for BGI showcase her dedication to empowering young individuals, encouraging innovation, and advancing comprehensive growth.

She has made BGI a beacon of opportunity through her strategic planning and creative leadership, which in turn, has prioritised high academic standards, the development of well-rounded students, and fostering an atmosphere of social accountability. BGI enables students to harness their capabilities and fulfil their ambitions, molding the future pioneers of tomorrow.

CREATING BENCHMARKS IN THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY

Mr. Shubhang Arora is the Executive Director at the Yashoda Group of Hospitals. He strongly believes in a leadership style that prioritizes integrity and honesty to develop strong relationships with the team that works together for 360-degree success

“HE SUPPORTS ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY PRACTICES THAT ARE COST-EFFECTIVE, TIME-REDUCING, AND ENERGY EFFICIENT”

Shubhang believes that a true leader can take tough decisions without giving up on compassion. According to him, equality of actions and integrity of intent for the good of others are the hallmarks of impactful leadership. Running a hospital adhering to sound principles and international guidelines often puts him in a situation where he ought to be sensitive and empathetic while making tough choices. He opines that one’s ability to forge strong relationships is directly proportionate to their ability to lead. He is also inspired by his parents who have always worked as a team with an action-oriented mindset and guided the team of doctors and staff at the hospitals.

Shubang has a comprehensive plan for the hospital’s future. In the short term, he plans to expand the service portfolio by adding specialities namely, cardio-vascular surgery, robotic surgery, and neuro rehabilitation. At present, the hospital is also the first centre for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) treatment in Ghaziabad. In the long term i.e. by May 2023, the hospital will be upgraded to a Health City hospital with 1000-plus beds. The Health City is planned to be a state of the art hospital with all specialities and major super specialities catering to the population of Western UP and Delhi-NCR.

LAURELS ABOUND

Shubhang is one of the unsung heroes who worked day and night during the COVID-19 pandemic. To recognize his unfailing efforts, he has been awarded the Icon of the Healthcare Industry (2020) by The Week magazine. In addition, he received the Healthcare Champion of the Year Award (2020), at the World Economic Forum, in Davos, Switzerland.
His dedication and leadership has also led the hospital to receive loads of recognition. A few prominent accolades bestowed on the Yashoda Group of Hospitals include the Asian Achievers Awards 2020 (Healthcare Edition) for the Best “Multispeciality Hospital of the Year” by Asia Today Research & Media, supported by the Government of India – Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and the AHPI Healthcare Excellence Award 2020 in the category of Green Hospitals. In April 2022, the hospital won the AHPI Healthcare Excellence Award in the category of “Best Hospital to Work For.”

TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY AND WELFARE

Under his leadership, the Yashoda Group of Hospitals has achieved the Green and Clean Platinum Certification by implementing eco-friendly policies like using renewable energy, water and electricity conservation using advanced equipment, implementation of energy efficiency measures like sensor based lights, and regular training of staff to keep with Green & Clean policies. The organization strongly supports environment-friendly practices that are cost-effective, time-reducing, and energy efficient. Yashoda Hospital is associated with AKANSHA (Ghaziabad), an NGO empowering women and girls since Through this NGO, the CSR team funds the residential facilities, education, and health needs of 100 girls living in the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya’s hostel in Ghaziabad. It regularly organizes health camps in its premise in collaboration with Nepal Tarun Dal Uttar Bharat and CA Nepal Students Union India. It is also working with the Vivekananda Health Mission Society to open hospitals and arranging a variety of health camps throughout the year in Narayan Koti, Kedarnath, and Dehradun, Uttarakhand. It also helps St. Jude Child Care Centers by providing free health checkup and treatment to orphaned and abandoned children.

Aliko Dangote GCON (Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger) is a Nigerian billionaire and the founder of Lagos headquartered Dangote Group with the designation of President and Chief Executive. He is also a member of the board of the Corporate Council on Africa and the Steering Committee of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Global Education First Initiative, the Clinton Global Initiative, the McKinsey Advisory Council, and the International Business Council of the World Economic Forum. Though he was born in a wealthy business family of Nigeria – his great grandfather, Alhaji Alhassan Dantata, was the richest African at the time of his death in 1955 – he was so interested in business that even in his primary school he bought cartons of sugar boxes and sold them to make money.

This gentleman’s reputation precedes him, worldwide. The richest in Africa, he also surpassed in 2013 Saudi-Ethiopian billionaire Mohammed Hussein Al Amoudi by over $2.6 billion to become the world’s richest person of African descent.

DECLARING DOMINANCE

Starting in 1978 as a trader of rice, sugar and cement with a loan of $3000 by a family member, he soon ventured into full-scale manufacturing. Focusing on meeting the basic needs of the Nigerian population by providing local, value-added products and services, he expanded the Dangote Group by leaps and bounds.

Today, he heads the multi-trillion-naira industrial conglomerate that deals in cement manufacturing, sugar refining, salt refining, oil refinery, polysacks, beverages, flour, pasta, seasoning, real estate, telecommunication, steel and fertilizers with a presence in 18 African countries and employing more than 30000 people. In the late 1990s, Dangote forayed into manufacturing consumer goods such as sugar refining and flour milling and then in cement manufacturing. One of his subsidiary companies is listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange whose market capitalization is accounts for almost 20 percent of the total capitalization of the stock exchange. The visionary leader also signed a contract for the installation of a large underwater offshore pipeline with CNOOC Group.

CONCLUSIVE CONVINCING

Dangote takes a no neither easily, nor seriously. In 1990s, he got a yes from the Central Bank of Nigeria to be allowed to manage at cheaper rates their fleet of staff buses through his transport company. In July 2012, he approached the Nigerian Ports Authority and received the rights of an abandoned piece of land on lease to build facilities for his flour company. These approvals are not easy to get, but Dangote is capable of convincing others decisively.

LEADER OF PEOPLE

He is passionate about doing everything for the people of Nigeria. He encourages them to invest within the country and keep their profits or rewards with themselves. Dangote’s telecommunications project resulted in building 14,000 kilometers of fibre optic cables to supply in entire Nigeria. For this, he was honored as the leading provider of employment in Nigerian construction industry in 2009.

Acknowledging his extensive efforts towards manufacturing and employment in Nigeria, in 2010, President Goodluck Jonathan appointed him as the Chairman, National Job Creation Committee to assist the government in creating employment opportunities for Nigerians.

As a result of his global impressive contributions, recently in June 2021, he has been honoured with Cameroon’s top civilian award – the Commander of the National Order of Valour.

In 2015, he was also among “50 Most Influential Individuals in the World” list by Bloomberg Markets and also won ‘the Guardian Man of the Year 2015’ award. Additionally, he is the Chairman, National Partnership Committee of Government and Private Sector on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET); Member, Honorary International Investor Council (HIIC); a Malaria Ambassador; and Founding Board Member and Patron, Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PHN), thus contributing towards various aspects such as skill development, good governance and reengineering of the economy, to name a few.

INTERNATIONAL LOVE

In 2013, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, along with six other eminent Nigerians, was conferred Honorary Citizenship of Arkansas State by Governor Mike Beebe, who also declared May 30 every year as Nigeria Day in the US. Dangote is not only a foremost industrialist in Africa, he is equally loved and respected abroad. He is a member of several national and foreign organizations through which he contributes to the growth and development of people of several countries.

He has been quite active in philanthropic activities including the United Nations’ World Food Programme, Clinton Global Initiative, World Economic Forum, United Nations Secretary-General’s Global Education First Initiative, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Corporate Council on Africa, and many others thus contributing towards global education and eradication of polio. Dangote entrusted a $3.3 million complex to Bayero University Business School. He also donated 150 fully kitted operational cars to the Nigeria Police Force and 200 housing units to Boko Haram victims – mostly women and children. He was also associated with the board of directors of the Clinton Health Access Initiative. In addition to this, he had contributed N50 million (US$ 500,000) to the National Mosque under the aegis of “Friends of Obasanjo and Atiku” and N200 million to the Presidential Library. In 2014, Dangote had donated N150 million for stopping the spread of Ebola virus.

Moreover, to speed-up the work in health, education, economic empowerment and disaster relief sectors, Dangote made an initial offering of $1.25 billion to the Dangote Foundation which now has become the largest private Foundation in sub Saharan Africa. On behalf of his foundation, he also supports stand-alone projects which have potential for significant social impact and works with state and national governments and national and domestic charities. Recently in 2020, he donated N200 million towards the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

SHIFTING PARADIGMS IN HEALTHCARE

Mr. Badal Shah, a distinguished pharmacist specializing in drug discovery and development, is the Founder of Neolytica AI’s health analytics solutions. His dedication, leadership, and vision have been instrumental in revolutionizing the industry through advanced sentiment analysis. Neolytica is recognized for integrating artificial intelligence to drive innovation in the biopharma industry, particularly in areas like medical and commercial pharma communication. His drive to revolutionize the healthcare industry has earned him global recognition through numerous accolades and awards.

“HE HAS LED THE COMPANY AND HIS TEAM TO CREATE SOLUTIONS AND PLATFORMS THAT ARE BEING USED BY MORE THAN 25,000 USERS FROM PHARMACEUTICAL AND BIOTECH COMPANIES GLOBALLY. CONSIDERING THE METEORIC RISE OF THE COMPANY, IT IS SAFE TO SAY THAT MR. SHAH’S FORESIGHT HAS PROVED ITSELF”

Mr. Badal Shah started his journey way back in 2012 when he went to the US for his post-graduation. After gaining a Masters Degree in Business and Science (MS + MBA) from Rutgers University, his journey into the pharmaceutical sector began. A 22-year-old pharmacist embarked on a journey, driven by a pursuit of his dreams.

BACK TO THE BEGINNING

At just 22 years old, Mr. Shah was passionate about the healthcare sector and envisioned a future intertwined with innovation and progress. However, upon entering the industry, he was confronted with a stark reality: technological advancements in healthcare lagged behind those in other fields. The arduous process of bringing new molecules to market, coupled with exorbitant costs and low approval rates for clinical trials, highlighted systemic inefficiencies. Pharmaceutical decision-making still relied heavily on outdated tools like Excel spreadsheets, despite the stakes amounting to millions of dollars. As the burden of disease on patients reached unprecedented levels, it became evident that the reluctance to embrace technological advancements was at the root of the industry’s stagnation. This is where Mr. Shah saw his opportunity. His vision was to revolutionise the healthcare industry using generative AI, Natural Language Processing, and data analytics. His cue to be an entrepreneur came from his deep-seated desire to shift the whole market. He wanted to optimise medical communication to educate physicians on new therapies and unmet needs, real-world evidence solutions to reduce the burden of conducting clinical trials, disease awareness, and patient recruitment for clinical trials in rare diseases, etc. were a few of the opportunities that were on his list. In his career throughout, Mr. Shah has led many path-breaking innovations that have changed the course of the industry. For instance, using generative AI to increase patient recruitment for clinical trials, impact mapping to identify key experts to improve medical communication and help educate physicians on new treatments, and patient journey to understand the unmet needs in rare diseases. But, there was a solution that made a huge impact on every individual directly and that was Ti Risk solution. Opioid addiction became a pandemic for millions of patients throughout the USA. To tackle this, “Ti Risk” analysed millions of insurance claims data, Electronic Medical Mr. Shah removed extra spaces from electronic medical records (EMR) and prescription data to identify patients who are addicted and aggregated such patients to physicians who were abusing opioid drugs. He submitted the list of such physicians and patients to the FDA, distributors, and pharmaceutical companies to address the pandemic. These breakthroughs unequivocally establish Mr. Shah as a trailblazer in his field. His passion to innovate and introduce unprecedented solutions distinguishes him as a leader of unparalleled excellence.

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

After starting his career in client servicing in the year 2014, Mr. Shah steadily climbed up the ladder. In the year 2016, he joined as the Director at QPharma, and within a year he rose to the rank of Managing Director, KOL (Key Opinion Leader), and Targeting. This is not all, his hard work and dedication garnered a lot of affirmations from all over. He earned multiple accolades for his outstanding contribution to the industry. He was one of the three Indian Americans to be recognised by the Indo-American Press Organization with “The IAPC Excellence Award in Business”, “Top 100 Healthcare Leaders in 2020 by IFAH (International Forum on Advancement in Healthcare), “Outstanding Leadership Award” by Health 2.0. The most recent “Global Healthcare Entrepreneur of the Year” in 2023 by Forttuna Awards in Dubai was widely captured globally. Under his leadership, his entrepreneurial venture has also grown immensely. It was featured in the “100 Most Promising Companies in USA managed by Indians”.

TAKING THE LONG ROAD HOME

As a leader, Mr. Shah has taken some tough decisions so that his vision remains uncompromised. The first step toward entrepreneurship was the huge risk that he had to take by refusing all the lucrative job offers from reputed companies like McKinsey, and IBM among others. Sticking to his plan of launching his own firm itself was difficult, but he decided to take that leap of faith. The subsequent hurdle Mr. Shah faced was securing funding. In a landscape which was dominated by private equity fundraising, Mr. Shah had his reservations about venturing into the realm of venture capital, fearing it might divert his company from its primary focus: innovation. His steadfast dedication to his initial vision remained resolute, prompting him to prioritise innovation and the realisation of his long-term goals over immediate profit pursuits. In effect, he purposefully avoided the allure of instant returns on investment and chose to align his efforts with a strategic long-term approach. His undeterred dedication paid off when under his vision Neolytica AI pioneered some of the most innovative solutions in the industry. He has led the company and his team to create solutions and platforms that are being used by more than 25,000 users from pharmaceutical and biotech companies all over the world. Considering the meteoric rise of the company, it is safe to say that Mr. Shah’s foresight has proved itself.

ONE WITH THE TEAM

Mr. Shah is an exceptional leader and his vision has always been to be innovative and launch breakthrough solutions. Like any team leader, Mr. Shah has the onus of keeping the spirit of the team up even in dire circumstances. Maintaining a startup culture, even though the company is not a startup anymore, is one of Mr. Shah’s secrets to keeping everyone motivated. This commitment serves as a vital ingredient in sustaining high levels of motivation among team members. By preserving the nimbleness, creativity, and collaborative spirit typical of startups, Mr. Shah ensures that every individual feels empowered to contribute and innovate. This culture of agility and openness not only keeps the team engaged but also fosters a sense of ownership and camaraderie, essential for driving continued success in the organisation. For Mr. Shah, the ability to make tangible contributions to the healthcare industry is not just a career aspiration; it’s a personal mission. His drive stems from the desire to pioneer innovative solutions that address real-world challenges and have a meaningful impact on people’s lives. By pushing the boundaries of technology and championing its adoption in the pharmaceutical sector, he is dedicated to transforming traditional practices and processes. It’s this commitment to driving positive change and improving the efficacy of healthcare delivery that fuels his passion and motivates him to push forward.

AN INSPIRATIONAL JOURNEY

Dr. Arshi Ayub holds qualifications in Public Policy Economics from the University of Oxford and obtained her Doctorate in International Business in 2022. As the CEO of Trust with Trade Group in Abu Dhabi, she manages a global enterprise operating across diverse sectors like oil & gas, manufacturing, mining, waste management, neuroscience, and biotechnology.

“SHE CHALLENGES SOCIETAL NORMS THROUGH HER ACTIONS AND EMPOWERS WOMEN TO BREAK BARRIERS”

Dr. Arshi Ayub fulfils the role of Senior Investment Advisor for various family offices in the UAE and is the Founder and CEO of Oxygenate, a sustainability venture dedicated to addressing global climate change and promoting renewable energy solutions. She embarked on her first entrepreneurial venture at the age of 17. Dr. Arushi Ayub strongly believes that networking is paramount in advancing entrepreneurial endeavours, as connecting with mentors and professionals can significantly elevate one’s pursuits. Her company specialises in providing group advisory services that facilitate strategic partnerships for foreign firms seeking to establish business operations in the UAE. Her focus lies in leveraging its vast international resources and extensive talent network to identify clients’ unmet needs and explore new opportunities, crafting tailored solutions to optimise performance. By offering comprehensive support services, advice, and relationship-building initiatives, she caters to the diverse needs of foreign investors. Drawing on a profound understanding of the UAE, Asian, and Middle Eastern markets, the company excels in forging long-term partnership agreements and contracts with companies globally.

SETTING STANDARDS THROUGH ACTIONS

Early on, Dr. Arshi Ayub grasped the importance of leading by example rather than merely dictating instructions. She has continually prioritized nurturing her intellectual growth and fostering the advancement of those around her. Advocating passionately for empowerment, she has championed initiatives aimed at uplifting women and advocating for gender equality. As a benevolent leader, she understands the significance of responsibility and compassion. By embodying these traits, she inspires others, fostering a culture of mutual support and success.

RESPECTFUL LEADERSHIP

Dr. Arshi Ayub’s demeanour towards her staff is characterised by respect, empathy, and fairness. She values open communication, listens attentively to their concerns, and provides constructive feedback. She encourages a supportive work environment where collaboration and teamwork can grow, ensuring each team member feels valued and empowered to contribute their best. Additionally, she recognises the importance of work-life balance and implements policies that promote employee well-being and satisfaction. Overall, Dr. Arshi Ayub’s approach to her staff reflects her commitment to creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

Dr. Arshi Ayub has received numerous prestigious awards during her 16-year career, including the “Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award” in 2021 and the “Mother Teresa Memorial Award” in 2022, presented by the UAE Ministry of Presidential Affairs.

A ROLE MODEL FOR ALL

Dr. Arshi Ayub challenges societal norms through her actions and accomplishments and empowers women to break barriers, pursue their passions, and strive for excellence in all endeavors. Her advocacy for gender equality and commitment to uplifting women further solidify her status as a role model for women of all ages.

A Transformational Educationist with a Heart of Gold

Dr. Mariazeena Johnson, Pro Chancellor, Sathyabama University, has earned for herself and the organisation a distinct name and position in the field of education, especially across South India. With an inclination to help needy, poor and everybody under the sun, she, with an unreserved mind, is deeply committed to empower the less privileged and educate the less fortunate of the society

“She is providing value-based education at Sathyabama to enable students to earn as well as to contribute meaningfully to the growth of society and nation”

An Educationist Extraordinaire

Dr. Mariazeena Johnson is a revolutionary educationist with a prodigious vision of redefining the education system, and has made the organisation grow by leaps and bounds and achieve significant and noteworthy feats in various fields under her astute leadership. Being a vibrant personality and born to the politician-turned philanthropist Colonel Dr. Jeppiaar, she espouses a holistic approach to education focusing on quality and making the society a better place.

Raising the Level and Standard of Education

With her first break in 2001, she took over as the Managing Director, and through exemplary hard work and determination astonishingly increased the number of students to 25,000 from 4000 students – a remarkable progress by any yardstick! With a larger aim of working for the welfare of the country, she is highly bent on providing value-based education at Sathyabama to enable students to earn as well as to contribute meaningfully to the growth of society and nation. She finds herself adequately equipped to take the technical education standards of the country to the next level.

Proclivity to Contribute Emotively for Growth of Society

An intellectual with a penchant for exploring and research, she was conferred with a doctorate from the University of Madras. She strongly advocates providing a facilitating environment for the advancement of women and encourages the participation of women in all areas. Through Anbu Foundation, she has benefited over 1000 students with full scholarship every year.

She has also set up Jeppiaar IAS Academy for students willing to prepare for Civil Services and conducts coaching for 1000 aspiring students every year at no cost. Her role was very instrumental in launching the first Successful Student Satellite ‘SathyabamaSat’, created by Sathyabama staff and students, and launched by ISRO with other 19 satellites on June 22, 2016. In acknowledgement of her contribution and services, she was recognised among the Top 12 Women Transforming India by Niti Aayog and UN in India. She is a respected patron of more than 30 prominent foundations and trusts.

A Well-Recognised and Rewarded Personality

Truly a leader in her own right, she has added laurels to the university by increasing the impetus to make it well known with its technical edge and focus on humanitarian activities. With so much on the vista, she intends to create frontrunners and leaders out of her students by extending them all the support and endowment. Her ingenious guidance has always been a source of inspiration for students in actively participating in academic and extramural activities.

Working with dogged tenacity for the noble cause of education, she was honoured as one of the 100 impactful women of India, apart from winning numerous awards and accolades for her significant contribution to education, economic and community development through undertaking various initiatives. Dr. Mariazeena Johnson has also been honoured by India’s President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee for her laudable work.