Episode 03 - Pharma Journey of Vivek Hattangadi | Humans of Pharma

In this Episode 3 of the Pharma Journey Series, we talk to Vivek Hattangadi and listen to his pharma journey. 

Vivek Hattangadi began by sharing his childhood dream of joining the armed forces, a dream he harbored until he was 20. However, as fate would have it, his career path took a different turn when he entered the pharmaceutical industry, almost by accident. This serendipitous entry into pharma set the stage for a lifelong commitment to the field. He started as a medical representative, a role that required extensive travel and interaction with healthcare professionals. Vivek’s early days were filled with challenges, including long hours and the pressure to meet sales targets. Despite these hurdles, his dedication and hard work quickly paid off, and he began to climb the corporate ladder.

One of Vivek’s notable achievements was his work with the antidepressant product Prodep. His innovative approach to branding and promotion played a significant role in making Prodep a well-recognized name in the market. Vivek emphasized the importance of understanding the product, the market, and, most importantly, the needs of the patients. His strategy focused on empathy and simplicity, ensuring that the message was clear and relatable. This approach not only boosted sales but also helped build trust with healthcare professionals and patients alike.

However, Vivek’s career was not without its share of setbacks. He candidly discussed the failure of the product Kitasma, an incident that taught him invaluable lessons about market research and product positioning. Vivek’s willingness to acknowledge his mistakes and learn from them is a testament to his resilience and growth mindset. He believes that failures are an integral part of the journey and that each setback provides an opportunity to learn and improve.

One of the most gripping stories Vivek shared was his harrowing experience in Guwahati. After terminating an employee for ethical violations, Vivek faced threats from the disgruntled individual, creating a tense and dangerous situation. Despite the fear and uncertainty, Vivek handled the situation with remarkable composure and tact. His ability to navigate such a crisis underlines his strong leadership qualities and his commitment to ethical practices.

Throughout his career, Vivek has been guided by the principle of empathy. He stressed the importance of understanding and addressing the needs of all stakeholders, including colleagues, customers, and patients. This empathetic approach has not only been a cornerstone of his professional success but has also earned him immense respect within the industry. Vivek credits much of his success to the lessons he learned from his mentors, who instilled in him the values of hard work, integrity, and continuous learning.

In his concluding remarks, Vivek reflected on the rapid advancements in the pharmaceutical industry and the increasing importance of digital marketing. He encouraged young professionals to embrace change and continuously update their skills to stay relevant. Vivek’s journey is a powerful reminder that success in the pharmaceutical industry is built on a foundation of dedication, empathy, and a willingness to learn from every experience.

Gourvi’s session with Vivek Hattangadi was not just an exploration of a distinguished career but also a source of inspiration for aspiring professionals in the pharmaceutical field. Vivek’s story is a testament to the impact one can have through perseverance, innovation, and a genuine commitment to making a difference in people’s lives.

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.