Leadership Companion Series – 2025 - Episode 6
Leadership Companion Series Ep-6, a guest session on "Scope and Emerging Opportunities in the Pharmaceutical Industry”, was organised by the Placement Committee, SPPSPTM, on Sunday, 16th November 2025, at 11:15 a.m., in online mode via Microsoft Teams, for B. Pharm + MBA (4th Year) and M. Pharm + MBA (2nd Year) MIP batch students.
The session was conducted by Mr. Akhilesh Sharma, General Manager, Nephrology Business India, Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd., who gave an overview of the evolving Indian pharmaceutical industry with a focus on sales, marketing and the future scope for young professionals, guided by the philosophy "What got me here won’t get me there”.
The programme traced the growth of Indian pharma from the 1970s to the present, addressed the myth that multinational companies are always superior, and explained why the sector is recession-proof and how it has moved from in-person medical representative detailing to digital and omnichannel engagement.
The speaker discussed the 80–20 skill rule (80% soft skills and 20% technical skills), key competencies, the 3 Cs of marketing (Creativity, Communication and Control), emerging trends such as informed patients, new competitors and biosimilars, and relationship marketing strategies.
He also emphasised digital upskilling through platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning, and cautioned young professionals against rushing through the learning phase and seeking quick results.
The session was highly inspiring and informative, offering valuable guidance to students aspiring to build careers in the pharmaceutical sector.
Screenshot from the Leadership Companion Series Ep-6 online session
Screenshot from the Leadership Companion Series Ep-6 online session
