-Dr Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, CMD, Biocon, Bangalore

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw ranks among the elite in the global business world. She has been voted The Most Influential Bio-business Person outside Europe and US, by Nature Biotechnology

Q According to you, what are the attributes of an entrepreneur?
An entrepreneur should have the ability to pursue a business from concept to commercialization, to build a team through shared vision, to take on and manage risks and challenges, to lead by example; and also possess a strong capability in problem solving. Finally, for me, an entrepreneur is one who has a close emotional bond with his/her enterprise, and is passionate about succeeding, no matter how steep the obstacles are.

Q What motivates you to excel?
To reflect on all our difficult achievements, exciting challenges and promise that our innovation-led programs offer.

Q What is the lesson you have learned from any of your mistakes?
Never share intellectual property without a confidential disclosure agreement!

Q Where do you see Biocon five years from now?
I have endeavored to build a global biotechnology company with an Indian DNA. I aim to deliver a novel and differentiated biotechnology drug for patients across the world that can truly plug an unmet need.  We have at least three such programs in our pipeline: an oral insulin in a tablet, an antibody for chronic auto-immune diseases that does not flare up infections, and conjugated antibodies that behave as therapeutic cancer vaccines. If any of these succeed, I will have achieved my goal. I certainly see Biocon as one of the top five biotechnology companies in the world in 2020.