From clinical researcher to entrepreneur: my journey on the Oxford Executive MBA

4 minute read
Pramod Kashid and his family

Life has a way of leading us down unexpected paths. Growing up in a small village in India, I never imagined I’d be studying at Oxford or leading a health sciences startup. Yet here I am, contributing to groundbreaking clinical research across Asia. This blog is about my journey, the people, challenges, and dreams that have shaped me, and how the Oxford Executive MBA has helped me take the leap into entrepreneurship.

Growing up in rural India: dreams and determination

I was raised in a farming family in Maharashtra, in a village with just 2,000 people. Life was simple yet demanding. My parents worked hard in the fields, and while there was plenty of love, money was tight. Yet, even in that small rural setting, my teachers ignited in me a passion for medicine. It seemed like an impossible dream for a boy from a tiny village, where opportunities were limited.

I still remember my parents worrying about how to support my education financially. But they never gave up on me. With their support, and the generosity of friends in the village, I enrolled in a diploma programme in pharmaceutical science. I worked hard – not just for myself, but to honour my family’s sacrifices and to help my siblings, ensuring they wouldn’t face the same financial struggles.

Pramod Kashid

I earned my degree in pharmaceutical science and later moved to Mumbai to work in clinical research at Sanofi. It felt like a world away from my village, but the values of hard work and perseverance stayed with me. As I pursued my master’s and doctorate, I worked with global pharmaceutical companies, including Bayer, Syneos, ICON and Medpace. I was fortunate to contribute to groundbreaking therapies, but I always carried a desire to make a broader impact.

Addressing healthcare inequality in Asia

In my years of clinical trials, one truth became clear: while new therapies were being developed, patients in emerging markets such as Asia and Africa were often the last to benefit from these treatments. This isn’t just a gap in access – it’s an injustice.

About 60-70% of the cost of developing medicines is spent on clinical trials. What if more of this research could be conducted in Asia? This could lower costs and speed up access to life-saving treatments while also ensuring more diverse representation in clinical trials. This vision became my mission.

Then came Covid-19. In common with many others, the pandemic made me reflect on my purpose. I knew I needed to do more than just observe these healthcare inequalities: I needed to act. That’s when the idea of starting my own company began to take shape. But I lacked the business knowledge needed to launch a startup, so I turned to the Oxford Executive MBA.

Pramod Kashid

Oxford: where my entrepreneurial journey began

From the moment I arrived at Oxford, I felt I was in the right place. The programme’s emphasis on social entrepreneurship and creating meaningful impact resonated with me. It wasn’t just about learning how to run a business – it was about building a business that changes lives.

During the programme, we explored key business challenges and opportunities in emerging markets like India, Vietnam, and South Africa. Not only did these experiences give me strategic insights; they also gave a deeper sense of purpose and helped me solidify my vision for the future.

A major turning point for me was working with my mentor, Dr Mike Drayton. I was anxious about leaving secure employment to start a business, especially with a young family. But Dr Drayton’s guidance, along with support from my fellow students on the Executive MBA, gave me the courage to move forward and launch my startup: Expecto Health Science.

From the moment I arrived at Oxford, I felt I was in the right place. The programme’s emphasis on social entrepreneurship and creating meaningful impact resonated with me.

Pramod Kashid and Simon Wong

Finding lifelong collaborators

Oxford also brought me something unexpected – lifelong collaborators. I met Simon Wong, my co-founder, on the programme. Simon had already run successful businesses and shared my vision for improving healthcare in Asia. Together, we laid the foundation for Expecto Health Science.

Expecto is still in its early stages, but our mission is clear. We’re developing therapeutics for oncology and infectious diseases while also conducting research on medical devices and personal care products. We’ve secured major projects, and our goal is to become the leading partner for clinical trials in the Asia-Pacific region. More importantly, we want to ensure that patients in these markets no longer have to wait for the treatments they need.

Fuelled by purpose, empowered by Oxford

The Oxford Executive MBA didn’t just teach me how to run a business – it transformed how I view the world and my role in it. The programme helped me clarify my vision for Expecto Health Science and gave me the confidence to step into the unknown with determination. The mentorship, education and friendships I gained through the programme have been invaluable.

The Oxford Executive MBA didn’t just teach me how to run a business – it transformed how I view the world and my role in it.

I’m excited about the future and the potential impact of our work on patients in Asia and beyond. I’m grateful for the journey that has brought me here, from my humble beginnings in a small village in India, to a successful career in clinical research, and now to this exciting new chapter as an entrepreneur driven by a strong social purpose.

Oxford Executive MBA