“You need to build trust, earn respect and show compassion, and the rest falls into place with time” Swati Patel, Managing Director at Clarkston Consulting

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Swati has a distinguished career in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries for 30 years. She started her career working for Johnson & Johnson and then transitioned into consulting working for Arthur Anderson before joining Clarkston Consulting in 2003. In her role at Clarkston Consulting, she has been instrumental in guiding companies through optimizing operations and implementing new solutions, as well as leading and managing SAP implementations. Her expertise extends to assisting biotech companies transition from clinical to commercial stages across various business aspects. In addition to her professional endeavors, Swati is proud of being a self-made minority woman who has established herself with excellence in a largely white male-dominated corporate environment. She has often been the only minority woman at the decision-making table, representing her company on various forums and managing teams and projects with poise, excellence, and efficiency. Her academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Science in business management, with a minor in communications, from Rochester Institute of Technology, which was completed in 1995.

What is the best advice someone has ever given you?

Shoot for the stars and you’ll hit the moon.

What advice would you give us?

Be the best version of your true self in everything you do and put your best foot forward. You may not always succeed, but at least you know you gave it your best shot and sometimes that’s all you need to do.

An essential quality to lead…

Trust, respect and compassion. You need to build trust, earn respect and show compassion, and the rest falls into place with time.

What book, podcast, YouTube channel or any other type of content do you recommend us…

I like to read the daily news and happenings around the world every morning. I am not a social media person. I spend most of my day in front of a laptop so the last thing I want to do is spend my free time with technology.

What historical figure would you like to have on your team?

Narendra Modi. I feel in modern times he is a gifted leader who brings people together, has the charisma to engage everyone at all levels and has used his power to improve the world around him.

Have you always been clear about your professional objective?

I have always been clear that I want to succeed on my own merit and reach my highest potential in everything I do. My goal is to always leave something better than how I received it, therein lies my legacy.

What is the bravest decision you have made in our life?

To stand up to tradition and choose to live my life on my own terms and not be pressured to marry at a young age. It was also the hardest decision in my life because I didn’t want to disappoint my parents.

What is the most curious app you have on your mobile?

Thumbtack – I own a home but am completely useless in knowing how to build or fix anything. I can find someone to help me do anything with this app.

What do people assume about you, and that isn’t true?

I think some people assume I am difficult to approach and am stern and strict which is definitely not the case. My door is always open to anyone who wants to chat. I also don’t judge anyone. I think there is a reason behind everything that happens and we should seek to understand before drawing conclusions or assigning blame.

What do you think will be the next revolution in your sector/industry?

AI and its impact on how we make and deliver drugs to patients.

What do you admire and do not tolerate in a person?

I admire loyalty and I do not tolerate excuses or incompetence.

Which three top managers would you like to nominate?

Lynette Nazabal, Associate Partner at Clarkston Consulting.

Ami Patel, Director, Supplier Risk Management at RBC.

Lauren Dietze, Senior Director, Human Resources at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals.