05/04/2026
*Story: When Shiksha Learned Why Sales Messages Stink*
Like a typical pharma brand manager, Shiksha had always believed she was a decent communicator. After all, she worked in Indian pharma, an industry where every brand manager is expected to be articulate, scientifically grounded, and persuasive.
But that afternoon, sitting across from her mentor Vicky, she realised she had been missing something fundamental.
Read on for the next 2 and a half minutes!
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/story-when-shiksha-learned-why-sales-messages-stink-vivek-hattangadi-v2qvc
19/03/2026
On this auspicious day of Yugadi and the beginning of Chaitra Navratri, a promise begins to take shape.
Months of deep thinking, honest conversations, and relentless effort, led by Shailaja Dwivedi Pathak, are now nearing a moment of truth.
Very soon, we will unveil something that looks beyond today… and dares to imagine tomorrow.
“The Pharma Marketing Model – 2040.”
The journey from 2026 to 2040
Not just a White Paper.
A mirror.
A question.
A possibility.
What will pharma marketing truly look like 15 years from now?
Will it still chase numbers… or will it begin to earn trust?
Will it speak to doctors… or connect with human lives?
Team ‘B – Black Belt Brand Builders’ has to listened to the future, before it arrives.
And what it heard… may surprise you.
Stay with us.
The journey to 2040 is about to begin.
29/03/2025
A Journey through Time: The Untold Story of Indian Pharma Branding and Marketing
We are excited to announce that on the auspicious day of / , we have begun writing our new book - "A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME: THE UNTOLD STORY OF INDIAN PHARMA BRANDING AND MARKETING".
This book uncovers fifty years of branding and marketing stories never before told.
From the humble beginnings after the Patents Act to the digital revolution, we reveal the hidden forces that shaped Indian pharma branding and marketing.
Within these pages, you'll discover the real stories behind brands that conquered markets and those that mysteriously disappeared.
What separated the winners from the losers? The answers will surprise you.
We take you behind closed doors where marketing legends made decisions that changed healthcare forever. Their triumphs and mistakes offer priceless wisdom for today's brand managers.
The book peers into the future, showing how tomorrow's leaders will need to master both human connection and cutting-edge technology. Those who understand this balance will shape the industry's next chapter.
Trust once lost is nearly impossible to regain—we explore how the most enduring brands protected their most precious asset through decades of change.
Whether you're a seasoned marketing veteran or new to the industry, these stories will transform how you think about building healthcare brands that truly matter.
The secrets of the past hold the keys to the future.
Those who learn these lessons will lead the next golden age of pharma marketing in India.
Coming soon to inspire the next generation of brand visionaries.
Shailaja Dwivedi Pathak and Vivek Hattangadi
31/10/2024
INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP
An inclusive leader values and actively promotes diversity within their team.
They create a supportive environment where everyone feels respected, heard, and valued.
Some key qualities of an inclusive leader include:
Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, making team members feel seen and heard.
Openness: Being receptive to new ideas, feedback, and different perspectives.
Fairness: Ensuring equal opportunities and treatment for all team members.
Cultural Awareness: Understanding and respecting different cultural backgrounds and practices.
Collaboration: Promoting teamwork and valuing each team member's contributions.
Communication: Being clear and transparent, fostering an environment of trust and respect.
Inclusive leaders make everyone feel like they belong and can contribute meaningfully to the team's success. 😊
26/10/2024
Have I set the right sales targets? Unlock the Secrets of Right Sales Target-Setting
In the dynamic world of pharmaceutical sales, effective target-setting is both an art and a science.
By embracing a strategic approach that balances quantitative metrics with qualitative factors, collaborating across departments, and personalizing incentives, sales managers can unlock their team's full potential.
Remember, the goal isn't just to hit numbers, but to drive meaningful growth and create lasting value. Log on to:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/your-sales-target-right-unlock-secrets-target-setting-hattangadi-xtqrf
03/10/2024
B is for Blunder: Confessions of a Brand Builder
Exactly a year ago, I made a Mount Everest-sized mistake in my professional journey.
In my eagerness to breathe new life into the stale, misleading name "The Enablers," I hastily rebranded it as "The Enablers BrandGym" without conducting a thorough 360-degree assessment.
Weeks later, I discovered that David Taylor from the USA already operated a firm called "BrandGym." Immediately,
I reached out to apologize to David, and in the process, became an avid follower of his insightful blogs.
This misstep led to weeks of soul-searching and brainstorming. Drawing inspiration from Twitter's rebranding, I settled on a simple, powerful name: B. The new tagline emerged: "B – The Black Belt Brand Builders."
On January 1, 2024, marking the 21st anniversary of founding "The Enablers," I officially launched B.
This journey taught me a lesson I'll carry for a lifetime: the importance of thorough research and the power of owning and learning from our mistakes.
28/09/2024
The more I read, the more I know that I KNOW LESS AND LESS OF ANYTHING I WANTED TO KNOW
21/09/2024
Quotes from Swami Vivekananda: For Pharma Sales Managers and Brand Managers
I know many of you are used to seeing my posts focused on sales and brand management.
Today, let’s take a refreshing detour!
Swami Vivekananda has inspired millions with his profound teachings.
Here are some of his most impactful quotes on achieving success in professional life.
Here's what I am still learning, but still imperfect.
Please log on to: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/quotes-from-swami-vivekananda-pharma-sales-managers-brand-hattangadi-ehplf
17/09/2024
Welcome to:
World Pharma Brand Managers Day – 2025.
Please mark your diaries
Why did we say goodbye to virtual events?
We heard you loud and clear. And the three top reasons you gave us are…
• Lack of human connection: Online formats often fail to replicate the networking and spontaneous interactions of in-person events.
• Oversaturation: The initial novelty has worn off, and the market is flooded with mediocre offerings, diminishing perceived value.
• Screen fatigue: Prolonged exposure to virtual environments has led to mental exhaustion and decreased engagement.
17/10/2024
16/10/2024
03/10/2024
21/09/2024
17/09/2024