Chumi Khurana: The role of commercial organization in improving cancer care
SHOW NOTES
Note: Since the recording of this episode, Chumi has moved into a new leadership role at The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies at Johnson & Johnson.
Chumi Khurana is a dynamic leader at Janssen Global Commercial Strategy Organization
and Chairperson of the Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Chapter of the Leukemia and
Lymphoma Society. Today, she shares her career path and philosophy of leadership.
Learn fundamental skills for empowering your employees to be their best and develop
their leadership skills. Hear how the culture and vision of your workplace play an
intricate role in aspiring employees. Don’t miss this episode of Leading Minds.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [03:14] Chumi Khurana discusses the journey that took her to her current position
- [06:28] She outlines how her department interacts with other departments at Janssen and the process of bringing new products to the marketplace
- [12:10] Educating the consumer and giving them access to information
- [16:23] Chumi leads by knowing her employees’ strengths and weaknesses and capitalizing on those
- [18:28] Balancing your profession, family, and free time to be successful in all areas of your life
- [25:00] Chumi answers Jasmeet’s rapid-fire questions
Key Takeaways:
- The culture and vision of the workplace are critical in establishing a healthy work environment. Employees will follow your leadership when you listen and inspire them.
- Working part-time is not a death sentence to a career. On the contrary, it can be the right thing to do at the right time. Make life decisions that are personally good for you and your family. Hire help for tasks you don’t enjoy.
- Career paths are a journey. Don’t be discouraged when changes come your way. Navigate those roads. They can be essential learning experiences.
Guest Biography:
A truly blended leader with equal parts empathy and strategy, Chumi is a dynamic senior executive with
an extensive track record of success in the pharmaceutical industry. Currently, she is Vice President US
sales & marketing for Solid Tumors at Janssen. Ealier, she was the head of commercial disease area
stronghold for Prostate Cancer in the Janssen global commercial strategy organization. She has led her
team in their development and execution of the global and commercial strategy for portfolio of both late
stage and early pipeline compounds.
Chumi has established a strong history of achievements in early asset strategy, global product launches,
marketing, sales and leadership development at large pharma companies such as Janssen, BMS and
GSK. She has over 20 years of experience in multiple therapeutic areas, including diabetes,
cardiovascular disease and oncology where she demonstrated her agility across functions and
geographies with experience in both new product planning and driving in-line business.
In addition to her business acumen, Chumi is passionate about people and culture. Currently she leads
the Janssen DAS Leaders Forum with a focus on talent development, competency building, commercial
innovation and best practice sharing in their Global Commercial Strategy Organization. Chumi continues
giving back to her community as the Board Chair of the Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Chapter of
the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She earned an MBA from Temple University and received her
bachelor’s degree from the
International Management School in Germany. If all of that was not enough, Chumi is bilingual in English
and German and also speaks French and Spanish.
She lives in Centre City Philadelphia with her husband, and they are the proud parents of a college
freshman and a high school freshman.
About The Host
Jasmeet Sawhney
Jasmeet Sawhney is a life sciences industry executive, marketing leader, and serial entrepreneur with deep roots in technology and data analytics. He is currently the global head of marketing at Axtria. Jasmeet has over 20 years of experience in the life sciences domain and has helped build and scale three successful companies. He has received several company and individual awards, including Inc 500, Deloitte Fast 500, Crain’s NY Fast 50, NJBiz Fast 50, Business of the Year, SmartCEO Future 50, Top CMO, Forty Under 40, and many more.
Quotes
“I want to share my favorite quote. ‘To inspire others, show them their
superpowers.’ Don’t show yours. That quote is my philosophy as a leader. It’s not
about telling others what you think. Or being the loudest person in the room. It’s
about empowering the people around you to lead.” - Chumi Khurana
“It’s about the how. How you bring others along. We can’t do this on our own in
any organization. So we need to ensure that we have a culture and a mindset of a
clear vision. Also, a fun atmosphere where we respect people’s diverse opinions.
We’re listening. We are empowering people at every level.” - Chumi Khurana
Leading Minds Podcast
The Leading Minds podcast by Life Sciences Voice delves deep inside the minds of the top life sciences executives, including pharmaceuticals, biotech, medical devices, consumer health, animal health, and leaders from related industries. In every episode, we meet a leader who has made a lasting impact in the life sciences industry and continues to drive the industry forward. We go beyond the name and the title to unravel their personality, their beliefs, their mission, and most importantly, to understand how their brilliant minds are changing the world for the better while fueling growth for their companies and their teams. Whether you are on a leadership path of your own, or just here to learn from the experiences of these great leaders, this is the podcast for you!
Season 1
Episodes
Episode 3
Gregory Rubert: Importance of leadership and a practical approach in product commercialization
00:32:38
