Eminent luxury, lifestyle and business magazine Passion Vista celebrates the glittering and illustrious careers of stalwart personalities from across the globe. Their charisma, diligence, goodwill, cascading influence and work ethos make them a resounding success. The much-awaited “Global Icons 2023” issue is carefully curated with stories of such individuals who have prestigiously ranked above everyone else and have shared their passion journeys.
In the intricate tapestry of the global life sciences industry, one name stands out as a beacon of innovation and leadership- Usman Iqbal. His journey from a medical doctor to a multifaceted entrepreneur reflects a commitment to continuous learning and a passion for improving lives. In an exclusive interview, Usman Iqbal shares insights into his life, business portfolio, challenges faced, and the driving force behind his passion.
A Journey of Serendipitous Discoveries
Usman’s life journey is an evidence to the serendipitous nature of pursuing one’s passions. His philosophy revolves around honest self-assessment, continuous learning, and expanding horizons. “Our choices are half chances, and the most intriguing part is connecting the dots looking back,” he remarks, emphasizing the unpredictability of life.
Leadership in Life Sciences
As a leader in the complex and competitive life sciences industry, Usman emphasizes the need for integration leadership and cross-functional expertise. His academic pursuit beyond medicine, including an MPH in health economics, a Research Fellowship in pharmaceutical sciences, and an MBA from Boston University, laid the foundation for a diverse and comprehensive career in biopharma. From roles in R&D to Medical Affairs and Value & Access Usman’s career spans the entire spectrum of drug development, providing him with a 360-degree view of the industry and patient journey.
Navigating Challenges through Innovation
Reflecting on the challenges in his business journey, Usman asserts that hard work is the key to unlocking luck. “The harder you work the luckier you get” is what he states. For him, the challenge lies in prioritizing innovative professional growth over conventional organizational roles. This led him to take on entrepreneurial roles as the CMO for a pharma incubator and a life science solopreneur, allowing him more control over his career destiny and integrated path of learning.
Patient-Centric Passion
Usman’s passion for patient-centricity stems from his early experience at Amgen. He learned that prioritizing the patient in every endeavor is inherently linked to business success. As a pharmaceutical physician, his core passion lies in ensuring that both patients’ and pharma perspectives are represented during drug development, aligning with his commitment to making a difference in patients’ lives.
Balancing Act: Rat Race vs. Tiger Mentality
On the dichotomy of the rat race and tiger mentality, Usman advocates for a middle ground, emphasizing the importance of working smartly. Change agent thinking, self-awareness, and an innovative perspective are constants that he believes can help individuals avoid the pitfalls of any corporate ladder painted with sacrifice and endless pursuit of happiness.
Accolades and Recognition
Usman’s visibility, prominence and accomplishements span both professional and personal arenas. His pioneering work on an innovative model of drug development at AstraZeneca earned him the Hippocratic Award for connecting science to medical practice. Internationally recognized as an expert in value-based drug development, medical affairs, BIG DATA &and real-world evidence, he has authored numerous scholarly articles cited hundreds of times.
In 2022, he received the “Outstanding Leadership Award” at the US Health 2.0 Conference, recognizing his impactful contributions to rethinking the healthcare landscape. In 2023, he was recognized and included in Marquis Who’s Who in America® for his expertise in biopharmaceuticals, medical economics, and public health.
Looking Ahead: Shaping the Future of Healthcare
In closing, Usman shares his thoughts on the fundamental shifts in healthcare and biopharma driven by precision medicine, big data, AI, and digital technology. He emphasizes the need for aspiring leaders to focus on developing new-age competencies and cross-functional skills to navigate the evolving landscape of the industry.
As we bid farewell to Sheikh Usman Iqbal’s insightful journey, it becomes evident that his impact on the healthcare industry is indomitable. A visionary leader, a compassionate physician, and an innovative entrepreneur, Usman Iqbal continues to shape the future of healthcare with unwavering dedication and a commitment to excellence. To know more about Sheikh Usman, check https://online.fliphtml5.com/gtpiy/yeoz/#p=1 or to nominate, email, [email protected].
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Michigan Journal USA journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.