Microbiologist Turns CEO: Dr. Saloni Sharma's Inspiring Journey
Dr. Saloni Sharma, a renowned microbiologist with a Ph.D., has achieved the unthinkable - transitioning from a researcher to a CEO of her own company. Her journey is a testament to the power of applying scientific knowledge in the business world.
In an exclusive interview, Dr. Sharma opens up about her professional journey, the lessons she's learned, and how she's managed to combine her expertise in microbiology with business management.
Dr. Sharma attributes her success to her ability to see problems and innovate, which stems from her extensive experience as a microbiologist. She explains that scientific inquiry, characterized by its intricacy and precision, can be easily converted to business strategies and management.
"I have a certain way of seeing problems and innovating, which stems from my microbiology background," she says. "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."
One of the most critical moments in her career came during the early period of formation of Dental Billing Assist Inc., when the company faced significant challenges in getting customers and penetrating the market. To counter these difficulties, Dr. Sharma 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," she says. "The use of this strategy enabled us to serve the interests of the clients as well as attain rapid growth."
Despite not having a direct background in business, Dr. Sharma's teaching experiences have been instrumental in shaping her leadership style. Being a teacher made her understand the necessity of communicating effectively, creating a good environment for learners, and breaking down complex concepts into simple terms.
"I've always appreciated the need to communicate complex information in an interesting and accessible way," she says. "This has been crucial in presenting business strategies and objectives to different constituents."
Dr. Sharma's work on medicinal plants and mycorrhizal fungi also contributed significantly to her career, refining her analytical and research capabilities. Her exposure in the pharmaceutical R&D as well as hospital settings equipped her with skills in quality assurance, compliance to regulations, and optimization of processes.
To young entrepreneurs eager to move between science and business development, Dr. Sharma's advice is simple: utilize your scientific knowledge for informed decision-making, be inquisitive and willing to learn, and network with mentors.
"Utilizing your scientific knowledge is informed decision-making that sets you apart from the competition," she says. "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."
Dr. Saloni Sharma's inspiring story serves as a reminder that scientific expertise can be applied in various fields, including business management. Her determination, creativity, and perseverance have made her a leader in the industry, and her legacy will continue to inspire others for generations to come.