75 TWENTYFOURSEVENBIOPHARMA Issue 1 / March 2025 WOMEN IN SCIENCE I should remember that it’s just a small setback, not the end of my career.” Dr. Gadgil has carried this mindset forward into her leadership at Enzene, regularly advising her team members: “If you need to take a break, take it. But don’t let it be the end of your professional journey. Come back when you’re ready and continue to grow.” Talking about some of her initiatives at Enzene, she says “Over 60% of my team comprises women, and we actively ensure that diversity remains a key priority.” We also have something called an ‘Idea Bubble’—a monthly forum where employees from across R&D and operations can pitch new concepts without the fear of being judged. I’ve seen more women participate in them than men. Some of their ideas have even turned into full-fledged projects. Enzene has been certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’, four years in a row in India reaffirming its dedication to build an inclusive workplace. This has been the most rewarding for Dr Gadgil: the ability to create a workplace that truly supports and empowers women. “Seeing my team members thrive, innovate, and step into leadership roles—without gender being a factor—is a success,” she says. “A testament to this is our team’s advancements with EnzeneX™ 2.0, our Fully Connected Continuous Manufacturing™ platform for biologics. We are targeting 40–60 kg of mAb per batch, lowering production costs to $40 per gram and making biologics more accessible. Just last week, our Pune facility secured EU GMP certification, and our US manufacturing site is set to launch soon. I couldn’t be prouder of my team.” For young professionals just stepping into the pharmaceutical industry, she emphasizes the importance of passion. “There has to be a purpose. And if you have that, then the work is that much more enjoyable. Also understand the impact of your work—it makes the grind worthwhile.” Science is a demanding field, requiring patience and perseverance, but the knowledge that one’s work contributes to lifechanging medicines makes it all worthwhile. On leadership, her advice is clear: “Be your own person. Women naturally have qualities like empathy, attention to detail, and resilience. Use those strengths. Don’t feel guilty about prioritizing your career at times and most importantly, don’t feel the need to ‘act like a man’ to be a strong leader. You can be a strong leader in your own way.” Dr Shilpa Gadgil’s journey in the pharmaceutical industry is a testament to the power of mentorship and a strong company culture. By fostering a work environment where women are given equal opportunities, she is helping women in pharma join the industry’s workforce without the fear of being seen differently. Her advice to the next generation of female scientists and leaders is both simple and profound: “Stay passionate, be yourself, and never apologize for your success.” SHILPA GADGIL VP Head of Process and Analytical Development and Head of CDMO development Enzene
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