Presented by AAPS’ Women in Pharmaceutical Science Community
An interview featuring Shobha N. Bhattachar, Research Advisor, Discovery Chemistry Research and Technologies, Eli Lilly and Company, presented by AAPS’ Women in Pharmaceutical Science Community
Shobha N. Bhattachar is a Research Advisor in Discovery Chemistry and Research Technologies at Eli Lilly and company. She is a pharmaceutical scientist with 20 years' experience in the discovery-development interface for small molecules. Her expertise ranges from the discovery-development interface for small molecules to leadership in the development and implementation of new strategies to keep up with changing business trends and application of new technologies.
Looking back on why she chose this field, she says, “It all started of course, with just an innate interest in diseases and medicines, but a number of very bright individuals who were excellent coaches and collaborators have played a huge role in my journey thus far. The fact that I am curious to know more and to solve problems have played an important part, but I'm most grateful for several wonderful opportunities borne of the trust and confidence that people have had in me.”
What was the biggest challenge that you faced in your career? How did you overcome that?
Communication. It is one thing to have a good command over the language, but developing, understanding, and communicating a strategy is entirely different and only comes with recognition of how important it is, and making a concerted effort to learn and practice.
Do you have experience receiving mentoring? If you do, what is the best advice that you have received from a mentor?
Yes, I do. Earlier in my career, I was very hesitant to even seek a mentor. Eventually, I learned that everyone needs a mentor. If I had to cite one advice as the best, it was to be more bold in seeking opportunities to step outside my comfort zone.
When you look back at your career, would you have done anything differently?
No, I do not think so, in the sense that I have no regrets about the trajectory of my career. But we all learn and mature over time, and so if I took on the same tasks I had a few years ago, I would do them differently today.
Can you share two tips for early career professionals on how to develop their career successfully?
Seek a mentor who is positive and passionate about what they do and about developing young talent. Be ambitious to deliver high quality work and to understand the big picture. Be aware of what is relevant to the business, without being anxious to get credit for your work or the next promotion. Consistent high performance WILL be recognized, and credit and career advancement will follow naturally.
What message would you like to give the women in PharmSci field?
Apply your empathy and emotional intelligence to build strong teams and trusting relationships. It's OK to have emotions but negative emotions are disruptive and must be kept outside of business dialogs and debates. Be understanding and inclusive of other women. Together we are stronger than we are individually.
What do you feel is the best way women can help each other in this field?
To find strong, healthy working relationships, and to prioritize teamwork developed through networking.