Dr. Saloni Sharma has both a business mind and an amazing understanding of microbiology, allowing her to successfully combine both worlds in a way that few have managed to do. Given that she holds a doctorate degree with over a decade of microbiology experience, and then moving on from being a researcher to a CEO is quite an inspiring transition. Northall claims that business is basically science combined with management, and Sharma’s story is a perfect example of that principle. In this rare interview, Dr. Sharma opens up about her professional journey and the lessons this foray has taught her.
Excerpts
Dr. Sharma, how did your training and experience as a microbiologist bear on the creation and management of a company?
“I have a certain way of seeing problems and innovating, which stems from my microbiology background. Because scientific inquiry is characterized by its intricacy and the high value of precision, evaluation and a strong basis of facts, such characteristics are easily convertible to business. The same know-how utilized in conducting experiments and analysis of the data finds application in business strategies and management. For example, my work on microbial limit tests and anti-microbial efficacy AET were major challenges and learned the importance of pragmatism and analysis in solving problems. Such competencies have greatly helped me construct an impressive bedrock for my enterprise and steer it in the direction of expansion.”
How could you explain your change from a scientific researcher to the business world where you are now a CEO?
“I did it because I wished to use my style of thinking and solving issues in a different dimension. In the course of my work in research, I came to the understanding that I don’t want only to decipher sophisticated systems but also design some that could be deployed widely. Co-founding a company and developing it gave me a possibility to unite my scientific mind with a businessman’s concept. It was the endeavour of constructing something from scratch and actually achieving such changes that I found so motivating to make this move.”
Tell me about a particular point in your career that was quite a challenge and how it was resolved.
“One of the most critical moments came during the early period of formation of Dental Billing Assist Inc. We encountered significant challenges in getting customers and penetrating the market. To counter these difficulties, we performed focused marketing and personalized service to develop good client relations. Drawing on my experience in research, I was constantly studying the market and the opinions of medical institutions to improve our actions. The use of this strategy enabled us to serve the interests of the clients as well as attain rapid growth.”
What skills or knowledge gained during your work as a Middle School Science Teacher and University Lecturer proved helpful for you in filling the role of a CEO?
“My teaching experiences have been extremely beneficial when it comes to the leadership style that I possess. Being a teacher, I understood the necessity of having the ability to communicate effectively, be a strong source of guidance, and create a good environment for learners. These qualities are vital in coordinating a team and taking them towards the same objectives. Teaching also made me appreciate the need to break down complex concepts to their basic elements and use interesting ways to present the meaning of such concepts to the target audience. This is especially important in the course of presenting business strategies and business objectives to different constituents.”
How did your work on the medicinal plants and the mycorrhizal fungi contribute to the way you pursued your career?
“It was a constructive experience that refined my analytical and research capabilities. Involvement in this work included problematic issues solving and scientific principles into practice, which has great significance in business strategy and business development. Notably, an exhaustive attention to details and containing information was what shaped and guided my thoughts on various forms of strategic business challenges and the decision-making processes leading to their respective resolutions.”
How did you incorporate scientific knowledge in the business development processes in your companies?
“Scientific knowledge has been instrumental in our business development strategies, especially in scoping and meeting demands of the clients. For instance, I was able to apply my knowledge in microbiology and facilitate our development of effective approaches for the optimization of our service delivery and compliance with industry requirements. Notably, the introduction of scientific approaches to the core processes has contributed to improved operational effectiveness of the firm as well as the firm’s growth.”
How are you able to combine transformation and practical application when conducting business?
“The challenge of time and resources when developing new ideas and engaging in their practical application has to be addressed. The company nurtures an atmosphere where people are encouraged to try and optimize processes and develop the new products, but at the same time these developments have to make business sense. It simply requires a lot of validation, interfacing with stakeholders, and polishing the new concepts. And when such equilibrium is there, we are able to foster creativity without having to take a business risk on implementing the solutions.”
Can you describe any marketing campaign or business growth initiative which you championed and which succeeded?
“One of such initiatives was the deployment of one-to-one marketing, in which the key focus was on establishing closeness with the clients. We designed an outreach plan that incorporated provision of information and subsequent contact with the potential customers. Not only did this approach enable our team to win new clients, but it did also increase the rate of retention of the existing clients remarkably. By utilizing such information and insights, we were able to focus our marketing activities and generate incredible growth.”
Please share some of the business ideas that you have developed from your exposure in the pharmaceutical R&D and hospital settings.
“My exposure in the pharmaceutical R&D as well as the R&D departments of the hospitals equipped me with skills in quality assurance, compliance to regulations, and optimization of processes. Such insights have been valuable in informing the way we conduct our businesses, especially with respect to the quality and legal compliance of the services offered. This however, has to be done within the context of the importance of testing and following procedures in the execution of operations and the rendering of client services.”
What message do you have for young entrepreneurs who are keen to move between science and business development? What do you see them doing from a practical point of view?
“I would say that utilising your scientific knowledge is informed decision-making that sets you apart from the competition. Analyse the problems and come up with business solutions based on research. Be inquisitive and willing to learn, do not shy away from testing unorthodox solutions. It is also possible to develop strength that can assist one in these ventures through networking and building relationships with mentors. Persuasion and inventiveness made the perfect combination for enormous achievements.”
About Saloni Sharma
Dr. Saloni Sharma has been a microbiologist with Ph.D. for many years and is a leader in managing businesses which could be difficult for a specialist. Her tale depicts the relevance of applying scientific understanding outside the realm of scientific business in the wider society. According to her, being creative, tenacious, and determined to succeed are all essential qualities in business. Dr. Sharma’s current career ambitions and achievements in the field inspire anybody wishing to create a fundamental change in society as a result of their individual abilities and strengths.
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