Family and its values occupy a place of prominence in Nikkhil Masurkar’s personal and professional lives. No wonder, the CEO of ENTOD Pharmaceuticals – the Mumbai-based speciality research-based pharmaceutical company – treats his company and his employees as an extended family. And he stresses that the family-like culture at the workplace is the source of his success.

Mr Masurkar’s journey in the pharmaceutical industry began with a strong educational foundation. He graduated with distinction as a research pharmacist from King’s College London, UK. He is member of in the esteemed Royal Pharmaceutical Society in the UK.

Hailing from a family with an illustrious legacy in the pharmaceutical field, Mr Masurkar’s entrepreneurial spirit was nurtured from an early age. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather (G V Masurkar – widely regarded as the Father of Indian Pharma Entrepreneurship) and his father (Kishore Masurkar – a distinguished biochemist with an exceptional business acumen), Mr Masurkar joined ENTOD and embarked on a journey that would transform the company’s trajectory.

In a wide-ranging interaction with Sharmila Chand, Mr Masurkar dissects his management principles and practices that have helped him scale up his pharmaceutical company to greater heights.

Your top-five management mantras

·         Understand your team deeply: Leadership is not just about delegating. Being a CEO does not mean stepping back from team dynamics. People management is one of the most critical and challenging aspects of leadership. Know your team’s strengths and weaknesses and support their growth accordingly.

·         Monitor finances closely: Cash flow is the backbone of any organisation. Have a robust system for monthly financial reviews, and take corrective actions promptly when needed. Financial discipline ensures sustainability.

·         Be on the ground: Understanding your market requires presence, not just data. You need to visit the field, connect with customers and observe the environment to make informed decisions. You cannot fully grasp a market through a screen.

·         Appreciate and motivate your team: Recognition boosts morale. Acknowledge efforts openly, and celebrate even small wins. And when things do not go well, handle them with dignity. Stay firm, but calm – never raise your voice. Leadership is similar to an elder sibling guiding with care.

·         Maintain emotional intelligence: The way you behave with your team matters as much as the outcomes you deliver. Create a culture of respect and responsibility, where firmness is constructive, not reactive.

A game that helps your career
I enjoy playing cricket with friends when time permits. The game teaches valuable life and leadership lessons – focus, patience, adaptability and strategic thinking. It is not just about physical strength but about reading the bowler, judging the field and responding smartly.

Turning point in your career
The pandemic was a defining moment. It exposed the critical need for Atmanirbhar Bharat in the pharmaceutical sector. We could no longer rely on the West for key molecules or innovation. That realisation drove me to focus more seriously on R&D and innovation

Secret of your success
Gratitude, manifestation and a strong team culture rooted in Indian values – Success to me comes from understanding that nothing is permanent. It is all a blessing. Combine that with a family-like team culture and clear purpose, and success naturally follows.

Your core work philosophy
I believe in creating a workplace that functions like a family – where empathy, respect and unity guide decisions. Our Indian traditions and ethics are the backbone of this philosophy. The same principles that apply in personal life should translate into professional conduct.

A person you admire
Elon Musk – His courage to speak his mind, take bold risks and innovate fearlessly is inspiring. What stands out most is his ability to keep moving forward even during setbacks. His resilience and vision have deeply influenced my own leadership journey.

The best advice you have ever received
When I moved from the UK to India to join the family business, someone asked me a profound question: “Do you want to take care of just your immediate family or a large family of a thousand people?” That made me to reflect deeply. I realised that I had a responsibility beyond myself – to my team, my company and to those whose livelihoods depend on us. It was not just advice; it was a calling.

Your journey so far
It has been a fulfilling journey, full of learning, transformation and growth. From building the business from the ground up, navigating through the pandemic and now steering towards R&D-led innovation, the path has had many phases. The biggest lesson I have learnt is to listen to my heart. While market trends are important, your intuition and vision play an equally-powerful role. It is about balancing external insights with internal clarity.

Your favourite book
Although I am not an avid reader of fiction or business books, The Heart of the Lotus Sutra by Daisaku Ikeda is a standout. It delves into Buddhist principles and teaches how to lead a life of compassion, courage and happiness. The book provides a philosophical compass on how to be kind – yet bold – spiritual – yet practical.

Your five business mantras

·         Stay grounded and grateful.

·         Build a people-first culture.

·         Balance vision with execution.

·         Trust your instincts.

·         Stay consistent, not just ambitious.

Your fitness regime
I follow a vegan diet, avoid dairy and meat completely, and keep my fitness routine simple – daily cardio and core exercises. No heavy weights or fancy diet plans, just consistency and discipline. Yoga, Pranayama and mindful pauses are essential for me.

Your message on management to young professionals
Plan your day in advance, and set clear priorities. Do not wait for the day to unfold chaotically. Time, hobby and career management all come down to intentional living. Detach periodically from routine to reflect and reset. That is how you stay balanced, while staying productive.

Lastly, how would you define yourself?
I would define myself simply as a proud Sanatani, someone who holds deeply to Indian values, traditions and purpose – both in life and leadership.