Driven by passion, Dr. Pongsuda Phumathon Pongtanya has long developed innovations supporting business development. Today, this executive has served as the Managing Director of Deltalab SL, a Spain-based company. As her new role requires her to move to Europe, she is exposed to diversity in various aspects. But her determination and mindset have enabled her to take up the challenging job smoothly.
RESEARCHER-TURNED EXECUTIVE
“I was awarded British & Thai government scholarships to study in the UK. After graduating with master’s and doctorate degrees in Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering, I returned to Thailand and started working as a biotech researcher. Driven by a desire to apply my research for commercial purposes and make broad impact, I was keen to work for a leading enterprise. I dreamed of developing innovative and practical products. In 2007, I joined SCG and was assigned to explore new business opportunities in the fields of Healthcare & Life Science. I was also in charge of managing R&D system. SCG back then started recruiting researchers for the creation of High Value Added Products & Services. So, I actively participated in the development of R&D and innovation management system, researchers’ performance evaluations, and researcher management.
“In the middle of 2013, I was named the Director of SCGP’s Product and Technology Development Center and was entrusted with the mission of transforming research outcomes into business solutions. I really enjoyed and loved the job. In December 2021, I then got a new role as the Deputy Managing Director of Deltalab. After about a year in the stint, Mr. Jose Saez – the former Managing Director – passed on his position to me.”
READY TO LEARN! TACKLE EVERY CHALLENGE
“I faced up to the challenges ever since I knew I would be assigned to work at Deltalab. After my graduation, I had never managed this kind of business before. So, everything was new to me. I was worried about business affairs as well as culture. I was not sure how much acceptance I would receive. A Growth Mindset, therefore, was much needed. I had to prepare myself mentally and get ready to tackle any challenge on my way. As part of my preparations, I started studying business information and reviving knowledge from my educational background. I also looked into new knowledge and technologies that could apply to Healthcare & Life Science businesses.
“I have come to Spain with another Thai staff. First of all, we planned how to work well with the team in Spain, achieve synergy, and create value for the company. I have also focused on building trust by presenting myself in every company function, identifying clear goals, and preparing factual information. I have always placed emphasis on communications to promote mutual understanding and readiness to work ahead together too. Prior to any customer visits, I enhanced my understanding of customers’ businesses. We have learned from one another. My goals are to fulfill the tasks I was assigned, drive business growth, and smoothly link SCGP and Deltalab.
“My main duty is to build further growth of business with Deltalab team. My principles surround sustainable growth, practicality, systematic management, and employee motivation. In my opinion, it is necessary that employees are motivated to understand both SCGP and Deltalab, as well as the fact that teamwork and employees’ contributions are meaningful to drive business and create a happy workplace. In the past year, we faced many challenges such as the post COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the rising costs of raw materials, transportation, production, and even electricity. In such a climate, the first must-take step is to get ready to learn and deal with whatever emerges. Then, we need to explore solutions strategically. I am very much impressed with the team members’ expertise and friendship. As we really work as a team, we have beaten all odds.”
OPEN UP, EMBRACE DIVERSITY
Dr. Pongsuda has now worked amid diversity. Her workplace is different than before in terms of business nature, people, language, laws, and culture. “At Deltalab, I have experienced much diversity. Under Deltalab’s wings are five subsidiaries, namely Keylab, Nirco, Equilabo, Enfa, and Sanilabo. They have produced and distributed more than 10,000 medical and labware products to both B2B and B2C sectors. Their product portfolio covers Healthcare, Life Science, and related industries. I have therefore worked with professionals from many fields. Our team consists of more than 200 members, with products exported to over 100 countries worldwide. I have learned how to communicate with diversified groups of customers and conduct commercialization of vast product varieties,” she said.
“Aside, I have been learning new culture, mindset, and language. While we mainly communicate in English, I need to try to learn Spanish as much as possible and use body language in various contexts. On top of this, I have had to handle many other things like taking a test to get a Spanish driving license. But because I have never considered anything too difficult, so far, fortunately I can handle them all. I am motivated, driven, and positive. I try to look at everything as an opportunity. I have kept adapting and learning more.”
NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE
“Based on my mindset, nothing is impossible. Even if something is not possible today, it may be possible tomorrow. Many things in the world could have never happened in the past. But today, they exist. So, if we set our sights on doing something, we have to think carefully and explore ways to make it possible. After we find a way, do our best. When I succeed, I am glad to an extent and use it as a motivation to keep going. If I fail, I learn from my mistakes. That’s how I keep moving ahead. I take action because it’s better than doing nothing related to our ideas.
“I have also developed myself constantly because new things keep happening. We need to look ahead and predict what will be next. I look into the future and imagine what Deltalab will be like in the changing world. What are the customers’ needs? Where are the new business opportunities? How will Deltalab pursue further growth? Answers lie in our self-development.
“To all younger staff, SCGP is a truly leading organization that pursues sustainable growth and keeps developing its business models. Moreover, it has generated opportunities for its employees to improve themselves. Training has been provided all the time. So, we just need to be open-minded and constantly improve ourselves. If we feel tired, we can take a short break. Then, come back and do what we need to do. Try to find what you love & passionate about because it will fill you with happiness. Our self-development will support our company’s growth, which is now expanding through M&P. Employees based overseas or in Thailand can be contributors. I have tried self-development at all times. Now that I am in a new environment, I think I should learn and adapt more. Staff who are in Thailand should keep learning and adapting as well. No one knows when an opportunity will knock on their door. Therefore, let’s open up, learn, and be well-prepared so that our company and we can march ahead together,” Dr. Pongsuda concluded.