Also in March, we continue our Anniversary series — a new month brings new interviews and employees into the spotlight. This time, our journey takes us to India, where we speak with the Managing Director of our Indian office – Umakanta Sahoo, M.B.A., Ph.D.
When did you join GCT and how long have you been with the company?
I am with GCT, India since inception in India in 2017. It has been wonderful working with GCT LLC company. I am based out of our Indian office in Powai, an eastern suburb of Mumbai. Powai’s is an upscale township within Mumbai, where there are many IT/ITES, Research and Consulting companies, Banks etc. located.
Could you tell us more about your role and your professional background?
Regarding my background, I am a professional having more than 25 years of experience in managing full-service operations in Asian countries for global CROs. Within GCT, I am responsible for country management and business development within India. I am also responsible for overseeing and delivering biometrics assignments (data management, biostatistics, and medical writing) through our Indian partners. Additionally, I am responsible for overseeing the clinical trial project management in India.
What can you say about India’s involvement in clinical trials?
India has emerged as a hub for global clinical trials and has already proved its position by participating and contributing to international trials in the last three decades. The vibrant pharmaceutical industry in India has showcased their strength globally in generics, biologics, and vaccine development. The regulatory framework of India has achieved landmark significance globally due to its stringent guidelines and newer approaches to clinical trials. For the global pharma industry, India will play a major role in clinical research due to its enormous population, market size and IT savvy and qualified professionals both at industry level (managers) and at hospital level (doctors, nurses etc.).
What’s changed at the company since you’ve joined?
GCT has expanded into many new countries in Europe and CIS countries. The team size has increased in many countries and the experiences in projects in various therapeutic areas. GCT has expanded into providing data management, biostatistics, medical writing services and pharmacovigilance services from India in addition to the clinical trials management in India. The company is winning real multi-centric global trials involving many countries / geographies including India.
What motivates you to come to work each day?
Respecting local expertise, granting freedom to operate locally under global framework and facilitating a friendly professional work environment based on mutual trust are something unique in GCT. I respect that value proposition as that is what I believe in.
What does GCT’s 25th anniversary mean to you personally?
Contributing almost 10 years in GCT and celebrating its 25th anniversary signifies a profound, deeply personal milestone of loyalty, mentorship, and legacy. As a part of the core team, mentoring teams globally and helping the company’s journey in a progressive territory foster deep professional satisfaction personally.
When did you realize that joining GCT was the right decision for you?
I remember my 1st communication with Jeff, our President and my first telecon with Eugene, Our CEO. But the real confidence I gained when I met Eugene in person and discussed the shared objectives, then I felt, it matches, and I can work and contribute.
What is something special about the people you work with at GCT?
At GCT, this is something special to see many colleagues, especially country heads who have worked for over 10 years acting as the company’s backbone. They typically demonstrate immense loyalty, foster a family-like environment, and serve as go-to mentors. They are dedicated to the company’s mission, and are deeply invested in the organization’s long-term success rather than just short-term gains.
How do you see GCT in 10 years?
I see GCT to grow adding multiple offices in Asia and Middle East in addition to strengthening the existing teams in USA, Europe and CIS countries. GCT will strengthen and adopt many more trial management tools and adapt to technological changes with the growth of the industry.
If GCT were a person, how would you describe its personality?
If GCT were a person, this personality would be a steadfast guardian—a leader who radiates a calm, defiant resilience. During times of financial crises, calamities or extreme geopolitical adversity, this person acts as an emotional anchor, absorbing external shocks to provide the team with a sense of psychological safety and a feeling that no one is left behind. The most striking trait is the moral courage to maintain “business as usual” amidst chaos.