Zeeshan Ahmed is Country Head at Mega LifeSciences. Known for strategic vision, adaptability, and bold decision-making, Mr. Ahmed has a proven record of navigating complex markets and driving growth. He has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s product pipeline, balancing immediate priorities with long-term opportunities in a highly regulated environment. Under his leadership, the organization has embraced diversity, fostered a positive culture, and implemented data-driven strategies to stay ahead of trends. His commitment to learning, employee development, and market research has made him influential in the sector. Mr. Ahmed’s ability to adapt, make bold decisions, and prioritize business growth and team well-being sets a benchmark for leadership in the evolving pharmaceutical landscape.
Can you share an example of a challenging decision you had to make as a Country Head and how you navigated through it?
As Country Head, one of my toughest decisions was determining our pharmaceutical product pipeline, balancing short-term and long-term priorities. Introducing a new product is a lengthy process, often taking 2-3 years for approval and distribution. The challenge was deciding which products to prioritize immediately and which to plan for 5-10 years ahead, considering market demand, regulatory hurdles, and industry trends. To navigate this, I relied on marketing tools and data analysis, using techniques like SWOT analysis to assess market strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Competitor profiling, customer journey mapping, and market segmentation helped identify immediate opportunities and long-term viability. This combination of strategic tools and market insights guided my decision-making, ensuring growth both now and in the future.
What strategies do you use to foster a positive work environment, particularly in a multicultural team?
Fostering a positive work environment in a multicultural team is key to team cohesion and motivation. I prioritize celebrating diversity by recognizing different cultures, traditions, and backgrounds, while also addressing issues like racism and color bias. This inclusivity strengthens the team’s sense of belonging. Communication is crucial, so I maintain an open platform that encourages transparency and the free exchange of ideas. As a leader, I actively listen to ensure all voices are heard, which builds trust and prevents misunderstandings. I also promote flexibility in work arrangements, respecting each culture’s work-life balance and unique needs, such as different expectations for work hours and holidays. Team-building activities, like outings, help strengthen relationships and break down barriers. Finally, I emphasize unbiased performance management and offer training opportunities to ensure everyone has equal chances for success. Celebrating diversity, fostering communication, and promoting fairness create a positive, productive work environment.
What role does market research and analysis play in identifying new business opportunities?
Market research and analysis are essential in identifying new business opportunities, especially in the pharmaceutical industry. They help create a focused product pipeline, enabling informed decisions on short-term and long-term product entries. As a Country Head, one of the toughest challenges is determining which products to prioritize, and thorough market research makes this process easier by providing key insights to set clear goals and develop effective marketing strategies. Beyond product identification, market research helps understand trends, customer needs, and preferences, enabling the capture of gaps in the market. In the pharmaceutical industry, where regulatory compliance varies by country, research ensures that products meet market demands while staying compliant with local regulations.I use both primary research (surveys, focus groups, industry feedback) and secondary research (industry reports, third-party analyses). Additionally, qualitative and quantitative methods, such as SWOT, Porter’s Five Forces, and market segmentation, provide valuable insights to predict market shifts and uncover new opportunities.
What personal qualities do you believe have been key to your success throughout your career?
Several personal qualities have been key to my success, especially in the fast-evolving pharmaceutical industry. Adaptability is at the top of the list. With constant regulatory shifts, market dynamics, and technological advancements, the ability to adapt is crucial. This means not only accepting change but embracing it and adjusting proactively to new challenges. Alongside adaptability, fearlessness has played a pivotal role. As a leader, making bold decisions under uncertainty is often necessary. Owning those decisions— whether they lead to success or failure—drives progress. The ability to take calculated risks is essential. However, fearlessness alone isn’t enough. Willingness to embrace change is equally important. While it’s tempting to resist change when things are going well, embracing it early can accelerate growth. Looking back, adopting change sooner would have further enhanced my success.In summary, adaptability, fearlessness, and the ability to embrace change have been fundamental to my career, helping me navigate challenges and succeed in an ever-evolving industry.
How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals in a fast-paced industry?
Staying motivated and focused in a fast-paced industry like pharmaceuticals requires a structured approach. It starts with setting clear, SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Breaking down long-term goals into smaller, manageable chunks (like yearly, quarterly, and monthly goals) helps maintain motivation. Prioritization is key. Distinguishing between high and low-priority tasks makes goals more achievable. Completing smaller milestones along the way provides a sense of accomplishment, boosting motivation to keep moving forward.Organization is also essential. With multiple competing priorities, staying on top of deadlines and reviewing progress regularly ensures you stay on track and aligned with your objectives. Celebrating small wins helps maintain momentum. Large goals take time, and recognizing incremental progress prevents demotivation. Finally, self-care-including work-life balance, exercise, and sleep is crucial for long-term success. A healthy body and mind are essential for sustained focus and productivity. By combining goal-setting, prioritization, organization, celebrating wins, and self-care, I stay motivated and focused in a dynamic industry.
