GSK E^3 - Engaging and Exciting minds for Excellence 2019 saw Team Ride It from IIM Shillong ride the winning wave

Our team's forte was our diverse background and we had a common agenda of coming up with ideas that were feasible which the organisation could implement right away if they wish. We pondered on the short term and long term outcomes of the ideas we presented at GSK E^3 - Engaging and Exciting minds for Excellence 2019. Individual talent of researching information, cold-calling people and connecting with professors at our own levels gave us an edge to come to a common platform and openly discuss our ideas. We were never off work as a team even if we were out with friends or busy with some college projects; we ensured to inform other members were aware. This was important so that each of us could plan accordingly for all responsibilities of the competition and other college work.

Leaving no stone unturned

Five teams made it to the Finale. Each one of them was a tough competitor for us, as we were participating in this competition for the first time from IIM Shillong and all other teams were from IIM's like Ahmedabad, Calcutta and others. Teams from IIM A and IIM I seemed like our toughest competitors, as they had a knack for such competitions. The chronology of presentations was such that we were the last presenters in the Finale and were quite stirred with the presentations made by other teams.

We followed a simple strategy of finding a sustainable solution to the problem in hand. We were aware that the Pharma industry is unique and doesn't match with the usual business concepts. Deducing the problem statements into parts and clearly deriving a sense out of the case to suit the current industry scenario was our agenda. Digitization was a major challenge and building the business model in such a manner that it doesn't hamper the current offline model was a huge roadblock for us. We researched about the industry and its developments not only in developing countries like India but also developed nations such as US, Europe and analysed how they have enhanced their healthcare services for their citizens. Driving higher margins was our objective but not at the cost of patients who need such services.

Every team gets attached to their ideas. They don't want any reason that negates the feasibility of their idea in the long run. Through this competition, we learned that one has to think of all possibilities of failure and also try to predict the possible outcomes of every choice we make, be it in terms of partners, government or the customers. Once the idea is in place, we should go beyond and figure out the roadblocks we can face while implementation.

A worthwhile experience with attention to detail

Judgement quality, organization and competition; all three things were just 'extraordinary'. The competition followed by the mentorship period drove us to think beyond our horizons and expand our ideas to strike a chord with every associated stakeholder. Judgement quality was up to the mark and proper feedback was given post every round.

It was an amazing experience working together in a team where we all had the liberty to question and express our thoughts during brain storming sessions without offending any member. We usually wrote down the questions posed by anyone and saw if we required to amend our idea to address the question. Conflicts are internal to every team and in case of conflicts we just took a day off as a team, and in hindsight kept thinking of a probable solution or an answer to the question. Taking a day off cleared our heads and also gave us time to introspect what has gone wrong and how to fix it. By the next day we were again back to work and sat in our common room together.

The best from the bunch

Such competitions are full of awe-some moments. One such moment for us at GSK E^3 - Engaging and Exciting minds for Excellence 2019 was the break between presentations and result declaration. We were moved to the 'ice lounge,' which was GSK's recreational center for their employees. We were networking with other participants and took in their suggestions. Plans for the rest of the day were also being hatched. Where shall we head out to, in celebration of all the hard work that was put in and also the forthcoming winter break. And when we were announced as the 'National Winners,' all three of us were frozen in our places. It was only when Meenakshi Ma'am recalled our name was when we realised that we should go, and the first thing the jury asked us was, why were we not expecting this title. Your team gave an excellent presentation, and this position belongs to you. The panel didn't have any discussion on Winners' title because you three owned it already.