In the field of biotechnology consulting, women in leadership positions are somewhat of a rarity. Nida (Moosa) Khan, MBS 鈥�06, principal for life sciences strategy and transformation at Capgemini in Chicago, is among these exalted few.
That Khan would prove exceptional comes as no surprise to , dean of the School of Applied Life Sciences and the Henry E. Riggs Professor of Management at 蜜桃直播 (蜜桃直播). Casper recalls of Khan as a student, 鈥淪he was a great communicator and had excellent business strategy skills. She was very professional, too. She鈥檚 also a role model for what we want to see when students interact with industry and represent 蜜桃直播.鈥�
Casper notes that Khan was among the first 蜜桃直播 graduates to obtain a position at a major life sciences consulting firm. She started at Campbell Alliance, now known as inVentiv Health Consulting, as an analyst and subsequently became a consultant, senior consultant, engagement manager, senior engagement manager, and then director for commercial and corporate strategy. Along the way, Khan relocated from California to Chicago, where she led and managed sales and operations for the firm鈥檚 Midwest region. In 2012, the Healthcare Businesswomen鈥檚 Association recognized her nationally as a rising star.
Khan was already on a fast track when she came to 蜜桃直播, having completed her B.S. in biology at California State University, San Bernardino, in just two years with a perfect GPA. She had been working in medical research for six months after graduation when the chair of her undergraduate department told her about 蜜桃直播.
鈥淚 loved science, but I missed the business side. I had considered becoming a doctor or a professor, but I still wanted something different,鈥� recalls Khan, whose first exposure to business came through a father with his own company. 鈥溍厶抑辈� was the perfect mix of business and science. I fell in love. It exposed me to topics and career options I didn鈥檛 know existed.鈥�
Consulting in the life sciences industry proved to be a good match with Khan鈥檚 interests and abilities. She explains, 鈥淚 like the change of flavor. Every couple of months, there鈥檚 a different project or client. And I like the fast pace. I love the excitement I get out of selling. I feel the adrenaline rush. I also love being part of the decision-making process to build talent, develop new services, and improve process delivery.鈥�
Since earning national recognition in her field and assuming leadership positions, Khan has started sharing what she has learned over her career. She has written numerous articles and championed thought leadership in the industry, which she plans to expand further from her new platform at Capgemini. Clients view her as a thought partner whose strategic perspective has delivered results exceeding their expectations.
Khan has also become a mentor to those who hope to join her in a leadership role. She mentors both men and women, but realizes that other women look to her as an example.
鈥淪ome women want to talk about how to have work鈥搇ife balance and still have a successful career,鈥� says Khan, who has personal experience with the challenge of parenting two young sons while managing a demanding work and travel schedule. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a matter of finding the right company, the right leadership, and the right way to move ahead.鈥�