As part of our relentless efforts to identify and share some of the meaningful stories from India and around the world, this week we invited Dr. Aalap Shah for an exclusive interview with us. He is a Leader, Entrepreneur, HealthCare Consultant, Mentor, Change Enabler and Co-Founder and Managing Director of Crittherbs Pharma. Let’s read more about his inspiring journey so far and his advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Dr. Aalap:
We are aware of your contribution to the ecosystem, talk us through your background and your journey as an entrepreneur, please.
I am a Managing Director at Crittherbs Pharma -deals in Veterinary medicines & Human Herbal Medicines. I have completed my Bachelors in Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery in 2004-2005.
After that, I have worked as a consultant for 5 years and handled more than 1000 patients. Then I have decided to pursue a master’s degree and for that, I went to San Francisco State University in 2010 and completed my MPA (Master’s in Public Administration with Emphasis in Healthcare) in 2013.
After that, I have worked with Infosys from 2013-till until Nov 2016 as a Sr. Business Analyst in CA, USA. From 2017 onwards I am working as an MD in Crittherbs Pharma. I did a lot of research in this space and came out with an innovative and successful product in the field of Veterinary. We do have two manufacturing Plants where we are manufacturing. They are WHO GMP certified plants. We believe in quality products and making sure that whatever we manufacture meets the standards.
I have always been very passionate about building something new and innovative in my approach for veterinary. I did a lot of research in this space and came out with an innovative and successful product with the help of my wife Dr. Jayshree Shah & my sister Dr. Kruti Shah in the field of Veterinary problems.
Currently, I am working as a Managing Director in Crittherbs Pharma. My roles and responsibilities include – starting from planning till the execution of all Production, Marketing and making sure that we as CRITTHREBS PHARMA are going in the right direction i.e., progress as a company and as well as successful MD.
What attracts you towards entrepreneurship instead of a corporate career?
My family has been in the business of Veterinary Manufacturing since a long time. Abdul Kalam sir has said very correctly that: “You have to dream before your dreams can come true.” From the days when I was studying Homeopathy, I had a dream to do something unique in the field of veterinary and that moment came when we started this company back in 2018 and so far, I can say that all the users who use our products are satisfied. I would say I am happy with where I have started and there are many milestones to be achieved.
I chose entrepreneurship because I always wanted to make an impact. I have always been intrigued by entrepreneurship and read success stories of all successful entrepreneurs.
You see – It is fascinating how you build something from scratch to build an empire around it and not everyone can do it. It takes a lot of courage, planning, perseverance, hard work, teamwork, combined with good strategy & execution skills.
‘Crittherbs Pharma’ is such a unique name; talk us through more about it, please. Our audience would also love to know what kind of problem you are solving.
We came up with this unique name from the word Critter – means domestic animals and since all products are prepared from Herbs- we came up with the name “CRITTHERBS PHARMA”- NATURAL CARE FOR CRITTER ANIMALS.
We are as Crittherbs Pharma, believe animals are the same as human beings. We value and respect animals. For that purpose, we promote the use of Home- Herbal Feed supplement preparations, as these are safe and without any documented side effects as compared to modern animal health-care systems.”
Me, my Wife Dr Jayshree Shah (BHMS, CFN, PGD PPHC) and My Sister Dr. Kruti Shah (BAMS, MBA)- as a doctor we try to make such a formulation that will be beneficial to Veterinarians, Nutritionists, Farmers, Product sellers, distributors and all other associated with us.
I would say that from the day I decided to launch Crittherbs Pharma, I took the most important role as Marketer and entirely looked after the company’s marketing. I go out in the field with my team, meet the doctors on regular basis, do technical discussions with veterinarians, understand their needs and provide unique solutions that no one has offered. This has given me a strong identity to me as well as Crittherbs Pharma.
What does your company specialize in?
We specialize in developing unique Herbal formulations in the field of veterinary. As mentioned earlier, we as Crittherbs Pharma believe animals are the same as human beings.
We value and respect animals. For that purpose, we promote the use of Home- Herbal Feed supplement preparations, as these are safe and without any documented side effects as compared to modern animal healthcare systems
During this COVID-19 crisis, what are the measures you have undertaken to continue your business without disruption?
As the business is born during COVID, each measure is taken to ensure that the model aligns with the challenges of the pandemic.
~ We make sure that we maintain the distribution channel undisrupted. We have delivered all our commitments throughout the pandemic.
~ The freelancer model ensures every work can be handled remotely, where we don’t need to do physical meetings
~ Every aspect of the business is online and tech-enabled to ensure automation as much as possible.
~ For the entire team we have taken the COVID-19 Health Care Policy for the team and their family safety.
How do you manage to keep going despite the challenges? What drives you?
“Difficulties in your life do not come to destroy you, but to help you realize your hidden potential and power, let difficulties know that you too are difficult.”
I have worked as a Consultant Homeopath and worked in IT as Sr. Business Analyst. Both the fields are different -What I have studied and what I have worked in the USA.
But the major thing that I learned during this transition is that if you are determined to do it, there is nothing that can stop you! During this tenure I met different kinds of people and worked in different cultural environments that helped me to grow. Also, this helps me to create a more creative environment in my company.
The major challenge that I have faced is as there are many companies who are doing marketing for veterinary and to survive was the major challenge. Where you compete with corporate companies and small local companies.
But I would say because of my determination and most importantly support from my family especially from my wife Dr. Jayshree Shah – I am able to sustain myself and able to grow.”
I am very proud to tell one of the achievements that within this sort of time period we have successfully applied one of our unique products for ‘PATENT AND IT’S UNDER REVIEW AS OF NOW’.
Empowering and challenging the myths, stereotypes about wellness journey to have self-awareness and courage to do their own therapy to live a life of respect, dignity and treat others with the same ethical principles is my drive to work in this field. I believe in sharing Joy with my family and my team. It is important to understand people are shaped by their experiences and circumstances.
Who do you believe has been the biggest source of motivation in your daily life?
My life changed around my pillars; my wife Dr. Jayshree Shah and my family. My wife has always been solid support along with my father and other family members.
What are the three most important lessons you have learned building your startup?
(a) I’ve learned that if you want to achieve something, be innovative. Understand the market need and accordingly provide the solutions.
(b) I’ve also finally learned to not compare myself to another successful person. Do your best, give all that you have with full heart, and you will see the results.
(c) I have also learned how important it is to embrace change because, at any given time, you will need to shift strategies due to circumstances beyond your control.
What are some of the strategies that you believe has helped you grow as a person?
There are a few:
1) Being mindful
2) Be innovative/Be Creative
3) Always being resourceful
4) Taking extreme ownership and responsibility for my actions Courage
5) Ability to take risks & venture into uncharted territories.
Please share with us – what has worked well for you so far?
One thing I would say that helped me and my company grow is the ability to listen to our customers. We believe that customers are not interested in products but in getting their problems resolved.
The more we listen to them, the more problems they face in their business, the more efficiently and effectively we can resolve them. We believe that we are capable of doing that and it is the only reason for our growth.
Given the rapid pace at which the world is changing, what are the leadership traits that are necessary for success?
I am a self-motivated person who wants to go the extra mile and with a long vision. I do not believe in work which is done under any kind of pressure. One must have inner hunger and enthusiasm to achieve something for themselves and the same thing I tell my marketing team.
As a company’s MD, it’s my duty to see that company is doing good but at the same time I take care of my team as if they are my family – we called it Crittherbs Family. The ability to effectively lead is a crucial factor in the success, or lack thereof, in entrepreneurial ventures. By understanding and embodying what it takes to lead effectively, entrepreneurs can maximize their chances of success.
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
I will say it straight that there are many factors but if you really have to have the key elements then to me these are the ones:
> Responsibility for my actions
> Standing up for myself
> Resourcefulness
> Curiosity
> Positive Attitude
> Taking massive action (execution) with consistency and belief
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
“Opportunities don’t happen. You create them.”
My advice will be that one has to be innovative and thoughtful for new research. Take risks but it should be calculative- understand the market and their requirements and based on that Plan your path. You should be able to identify the key skills and personality traits required to succeed in brand, media, digital, influencer, product, or any other area of marketing.
There is so much to be shared, but this conversation limits how much I can communicate on this platform. Students and young professionals regularly reach out to me on LinkedIn with their specific queries.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
