REPOST
In honor #WomenInHistory Month, we had the privilege of interviewing Sonia Hardikar, VP of Quality & Regulatory Affairs, to delve into her remarkable career journey, sources of inspiration and advice for aspiring women leaders.
Tell us about your career journey
I've accumulated over 30 years of diverse experience spanning precision manufacturing, process instrumentation, management consulting, #biopharmaceuticals & #medicaldevices across 3 continents. My leadership roles have encompassed Operations, Supply Chain, Business Strategy, M&A, and Business Intelligence & Analytics, all within a global context. Prior to joining Comar, I held pivotal executive and consulting positions with industries such as Integra Life Sciences, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Emcure Pharmaceutical, IBM Consulting, CSC Consulting and Forbes Marshall. I was the first woman hired as a member of Comar’s Executive Leadership Team.
You hold impressive credentials. Tell us more about your educational background and affiliations
I hold an MBA, MS in Computer Science, and BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pune, India. Additionally, I am a certified #ProjectManagementProfessional (PMP) and an active member of esteemed organizations like American Society for Quality (ASQ) and Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS).
Who has been your greatest source of inspiration?
Wow, there have been so many people who have inspired me at different levels. Starting with the resilience and work ethics of my parents, my husband with his simple but powerful words 'You can do it!', my determined children, and the women around me who surmount challenges with grace and resilience emerging stronger. I have been very fortunate to have great mentors in my journey who believed in me and helped me become who I am today.
Reflecting on your career, what pivotal moment(s) propelled you forward?
Each step of my career journey, spanning 3 continents, has propelled me forward and contributed to my growth. Starting as a #MechanicalEngineer on the production floor, I learned the nitty-gritty of operations and the importance of quality at the source. Transitioning to consulting roles, I gained insights into seeing through the customer's eyes and driving business results with urgency. Entering the #LifeScienceIndustry, I realized the profound impact of our work on improving people's quality of life, further emphasizing the significance of integrating this perspective into our daily actions. It's challenging to pinpoint a single "big break" as each milestone has been instrumental in shaping my trajectory.
What advice do you offer to aspiring women leaders?
Believe in yourself, and if you believe what you are doing is right, be persistent and resilient. View challenges as opportunities for personal & professional growth and stay faithful to your convictions. As Mother Teresa wisely said, "Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies."
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Chief Executive Officer and Board Member | Strategy, Transformational Leadership
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