In Episode 22 of the Pharma Journey Series, we will get to know more about the inspirational journey of Ms. Parul Sood.
The episode features an interview with Parul Sood, a seasoned professional with over fifteen years of experience in pharmaceutical sales and marketing. Currently serving as the General Manager of Sales and Marketing at Zydus Group, Parul embodies confidence, ambition, and performance in the dynamic realm of pharmaceutical markets.
Parul begins by tracing her journey in the pharmaceutical industry, which commenced after completing her pharmacy degree and MBA specializing in pharmaceutical management in 2010. She joined Gland Pharma, where she experienced significant career growth over seven years, ultimately leading the entire marketing team. Her tenure at Gland Pharma was marked by rapid organizational scaling and diverse opportunities across functional roles like strategy and business development.
Following her successful stint at Gland Pharma, Parul joined Zydus Life Sciences as the Head of Marketing for their specialty business in gastroenterology and hepatology. Here, she continued to excel, climbing the corporate ladder and eventually assuming responsibility for the overall profit and loss (P&L) of the division. Parul attributes her career progression to continuous learning, valuable mentorship, and seizing opportunities presented by growing organizations.
A pivotal aspect of Parul’s career involves launching innovative pharmaceutical products, such as biosimilars and new chemical entities. She emphasizes the strategic approach required for marketing pioneering products, where high stakes demand unique strategies and stringent adherence to regulatory frameworks. Parul underscores the importance of patient-centricity in marketing, highlighting initiatives aimed at raising awareness and improving patient outcomes. She emphasizes the need for marketers to go beyond product promotion and contribute to broader healthcare objectives.
Apart from her professional endeavours, Parul shares her personal interests, including gardening and networking. She stresses the importance of hobbies in maintaining work-life balance and fostering personal growth. Parul also discusses her reading habits, preferring meaningful books that broaden her perspective rather than sticking to a specific genre.
The conversation delves into Parul’s experience launching groundbreaking drugs like Saroglitazar, the first-in-class drug for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). She highlights the significance of creating awareness about liver diseases and collaborating with patient advocacy groups to address emerging health challenges. Parul’s insights underscore the critical role of pharmaceutical marketing in addressing societal health needs and driving meaningful change.
Parul Sood’s journey exemplifies dedication, adaptability, and strategic thinking in the pharmaceutical industry. Her multifaceted approach to marketing, coupled with a commitment to continuous learning and patient-centricity, serves as a blueprint for success in the evolving landscape of healthcare.
The episode captures a comprehensive discussion on various facets of the pharmaceutical industry, shedding light on critical themes such as patient-centricity, personal and professional fulfillment, leadership challenges during the pandemic, continuous learning and development, emerging trends in gastroenterology and hepatology, and advice for newcomers in the pharma field.
Throughout the conversation, Parul Sood underscores the importance of patient-centricity in pharmaceutical marketing, emphasizing the need to understand and address patients’ needs effectively. They recount a poignant experience were witnessing the positive impact of medication on a young patient with Crohn’s disease reinforced their commitment to patient well-being.
Furthermore, Parul Sood reflects on personal and professional fulfillment, attributing it to career milestones and opportunities for recognition and team appreciation. They express gratitude for the diverse experiences, ranging from working with small to large organizations, which have enriched their career journey.
Amidst challenges posed by the pandemic, Parul Sood navigated leadership responsibilities with empathy and adaptability. They highlight the significance of maintaining operational continuity while ensuring employee well-being and fostering a sense of connection within remote teams.
Addressing the imperative of continuous learning and development, Parul Sood outlines strategies to cultivate a culture of open learning, clear communication, resource provision, and timely feedback within their team. They stress the value of networking and staying updated on industry trends, particularly in the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare and pharmaceuticals.
Looking ahead, Parul Sood identifies artificial intelligence and precision medicine as transformative trends in gastroenterology and hepatology. They foresee personalized medicine and advanced technologies playing a pivotal role in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes.
In offering advice to newcomers, she advocates for an open-minded approach to career exploration within the pharmaceutical industry. They encourage embracing diverse opportunities and remaining proactive in learning and staying abreast of industry advancements.
The episode concludes with mutual appreciation between the interviewer and Parul Sood, with the latter expressing satisfaction with the meaningful exchange. Parul Sood extends an invitation for feedback and encourages viewers to engage with the discussion further, underscoring the collaborative and interactive nature of the dialogue.
In essence, the transcript encapsulates a rich and insightful dialogue that delves into the multifaceted dimensions of the pharmaceutical industry, emphasizing core values of empathy, continuous learning, adaptability, and a patient-centric approach to healthcare.
𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲, 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗠𝗔 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 >
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This episode is brought to you by Humans of PHARMA Platform by PharmaState Academy.
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