A Leader Without Ego: Dr. Mithilesh Trivedi’s Pharma Journey

Pharma Now: So, Dr. Trivedi, welcome to the show.

Dr. Trivedi: Thank you.

Pharma Now: First of all, thank you for your time. I know you're always busy, traveling here and there. Being a consultant, I imagine it’s tough to find time, so I feel lucky today.

Dr. Trivedi: It’s my pleasure too.

Pharma Now: Perfect. Dr. Trivedi, you have decades of experience and you’ve now started your second journey—your second innings in the pharma industry—as a consultant. But let's go back to your childhood. Did you ever imagine you’d become a pharmacist and impact the lives of millions?

Dr. Trivedi: Actually, I wanted to be a medical doctor, a practicing doctor. But my family, especially my mother, didn’t want me to become one. When I was in inter-science—back then it was just called inter-science, not 12th—my mother went to Siddhi Vinayak temple and promised a fast for five Tuesdays if I didn’t take admission in MBBS. That was the situation. But I was determined; I wanted the title of doctor as a prefix. So, at that time, I decided to pursue a PhD so I could have that doctor prefix.

Pharma Now: What’s the fascination behind the title?

Dr. Trivedi: I just wanted to be a doctor, not just a mister—something more special. I also wanted to be on the pharma side to remain partially related to medicine. After completing my exams, I visited my uncle’s house, and his neighbor, who had a pharma business called Make Laboratory Limited in Mumbai, invited me to his factory. He encouraged me to join their R&D, aligning with my desire for higher studies, and that's how I started in pharma.

Working on an API changed my life within just three days. The QC manager there, Bacchu Bhai Shah, introduced me to various instruments and encouraged me to learn as much as possible, which became my lifelong practice.

Afterward, I pursued my PhD in medicinal organic chemistry at UD City, now known as ICT. Upon returning to industry R&D, the company needed someone qualified in QC, as FDA regulations required a PhD for QC analysts. I accepted the role, eventually managing QC and formulation R&D, despite initially lacking formulation experience. I proactively learned formulation to ensure credibility.

Over time, I gained extensive hands-on experience in various departments—R&D formulation, production, API production, QA, QC, microbiology, sterility, and toxicity. I embraced every opportunity, acquiring extensive technical expertise. Though I never worked in large companies offering higher salaries, I benefited greatly from practical experience.

I also completed a PGDBM in Costing, significantly helping in reducing product costs. At Ajanta Pharma, my strategies helped secure tender orders, leading to my assignment in Uzbekistan. Initially overwhelmed by Uzbekistan’s extreme heat, my planned two-month stay extended to 200 days. I built a strong local team, learned Russian, and eventually became General Director, overseeing substantial business growth.

Returning to India, I continued expanding my expertise in QA and QC. My career has been fulfilling, especially achieving my dream of becoming a doctor.

Pharma Now: That’s a wonderful and exciting journey. You've faced many challenges. What's your approach to failure?

Dr. Trivedi: Failures are part of the journey. They shouldn't dominate your mind. Treat them as stepping stones, learn from them, and move forward without getting discouraged.

Pharma Now: Can you share an interesting story about a failure you experienced and the lesson you learned?

Dr. Trivedi: Once, at a nutraceutical firm wanting to adopt pharma-quality systems, I realized their existing systems and expectations differed greatly from actual pharma requirements. I learned not to accept challenges unless clearly understanding the expectations and management’s commitment.

Pharma Now: I love the concept you mentioned—that failure should hit your leg rather than your head.

Dr. Trivedi: Yes, it’s a valuable idea overall.

Pharma Now: After years of leadership, including being Director General at Ajanta Pharma and managing multiple plants and teams, what was your leadership mantra?

Dr. Trivedi: My mantra was always to be part of the team, never a boss. A leader must guide, not dictate. During interviews, when asked to bring my team along, I declined. Instead, I promised to build strong internal teams that would remain even after my departure, benefiting the company in the long run.

Pharma Now: Sometimes, when you say you're part of the team, members might misunderstand and resist your authority. How do you handle that?

Dr. Trivedi: I emphasize my knowledge and my role as a mentor rather than a boss. I make it clear I'm there to guide and support. Mutual respect usually follows.

Pharma Now: India is being called the pharmacy of the world. Do you agree with this?

Dr. Trivedi: Not exactly. We primarily manufacture generics and some branded products already developed elsewhere. Our own original research is minimal, limiting revenue growth. Generics have slim margins. Collaboration between industry and academia is crucial for innovation.

Pharma Now: What's the role of government here?

Dr. Trivedi: The government should provide grants and encourage industry-academia collaboration to foster innovation and national growth.

Pharma Now: Innovation requires patience, unlike today's instant gratification culture. What's your view on this?

Dr. Trivedi: Exactly. Social media popularity doesn't save lives like medicines do. Collaboration shortens development timelines, reduces industry costs, and benefits students through internships and scholarships.

Pharma Now: Who’s been your inspiration throughout this journey?

Dr. Trivedi: No specific individual. My inspiration was becoming a doctor, although spiritual and personal influences shaped me as well.

Pharma Now: What's your favorite book?

Dr. Trivedi: The Bhagavad Gita, because it provides answers to life's problems. I often use its teachings in my training sessions, emphasizing that qualities flow from top to bottom.

Pharma Now: Physics supports this—voltage moves from high to low.

Dr. Trivedi: Absolutely.

Pharma Now: Dr. Trivedi, it was wonderful talking to you. I feel we could continue for hours. We should definitely create a series about this. Thanks for sharing your wisdom; I'm sure this will inspire many pharmacists and leaders seeking innovation.

Dr. Trivedi: Thank you.

Pharma Now: Thanks! That brings us to the end of a truly inspiring conversation with Dr. Mithilesh Trivedi. His journey reminds us that learning never stops and that true leadership involves walking alongside your team. Solutions to challenges often come from within, reflecting lessons from the Bhagavad Gita. It's rare to meet someone who has experienced every aspect of pharma yet remains grounded and curious. If this inspired you, share it with someone passionate about leadership and innovation.