The Indian CEO driving change

Ankit Gupta’s journey into pharma was completely accidental — but his rise since then has been anything but. From falling into the sector during the 2008 financial crisis to now leading InstaPill Private Limited (Formerly Tenshi Kaizen Private Limited), one of India’s most exciting pharma technology companies, his story is a masterclass in adaptability, ambition and humility.

When I sat down with Ankit, I walked away with three big lessons.

What I Learnt

Be ready when luck knocks. Ankit’s story proves that opportunity often comes from chaos. He took what was meant to be a short-term detour into pharma and turned it into a thriving, purposeful career.

Adaptation is a superpower. From consulting to corporate strategy, from Strides to Tenshi, he has soaked up learnings at every turn. His ability to listen, pivot and absorb has made him an incredibly well-rounded CEO.

India is rising. Ankit painted an incredible picture of India’s biopharma ecosystem — not just as a manufacturing powerhouse, but as a true innovation hub now driving the “D” as well as the “M” in CDMO. His optimism for the future was infectious.

What I Liked

I’ve known Ankit for many years, and it’s been brilliant to watch his evolution. He’s grown into a global leader while staying grounded, kind and humble. His calm energy, sharp intellect and adaptability make him the kind of leader people want to follow.

Reflection

What stood out most was his mix of ambition and humanity. He’s leading change from India with a modern, collaborative spirit — one that blends technology, empathy and purpose. It’s a reminder that leadership today is as much about who you are as what you achieve.

Hear the full episode here: Apple | Spotify

Big thanks to our amazing sponsors Bora Pharmaceuticals, Charles River Laboratories and Lead Candidate for supporting the pod