PATTERNS OF PERSONALIZATION 

OncoStem’s Manjiri Bakre is decoding unexplored patterns and connecting invisible dots to create the next benchmark of non-invasive, affordable and ultra-personalized cancer care.

MEET THE LEADER 

Manjiri Bakre is Founder and CEO at OncoStem Diagnostics Pvt Ltd. She is a cell biology veteran with extensive experience in multiple areas of technologies such as AI/ML, microfluidic assays, microarrays and proteomics. She has spent over two decades in R &D across basic research and applied research in India, US, Singapore in academia and corporate world. 

JOURNEY IN A NUTSHELL

We begin the session with a deep-dive into Manjiri’s personal and professional persona. The idea champion elaborates…

“I am Cell Biologist by training with a PhD from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.  Am a practical person driven by curiosity, patience, perseverance and enthusiasm to learn and implement! A doting mother who is fond of art, textiles, yoga, running, reading and traveling.  Professionally, I am goal oriented with a huge appetite to dig deep to understand things and always try to see the other person’s point of view.  Things I cannot tolerate are capable people wasting their talent.”

BIG IDEA

So what is the one big idea, concept or philosophy that defines her? What, in short, is her approach to life and success? Manjiri shares…

“To me, success is defined as something that you set out to do and accomplished it, and one is caring, humble and most importantly happy in life.  I think “everyone goes through ‘ups and down’ in life so never get ‘full of’ either of them. In life most things can be solved just by being curious, thinking, analyzing about the issue with an open mind to solve it.  Attention to the detail at the same time taking a 10,000 ft view is really important to solve issues”.

LEADING WITH CURIOSITY

How have her deep-seated beliefs and philosophies actually convert into a success formula? Manjiri reflects… 
“I have this philosophy mainly from my own experiences teachings by my parents, teachers, mentors and reading about great scientists.  All throughout my education, and personal and professional life, if I do not understand something, I always dig deep to get to the bottom of it. Even in my current venture, as a Cell Biologist I did not know anything about running a company but it’s the curious mindset and willingness to learn that has got us this far.”

BIG GOALS

So what lies next? Any specific milestones or peaks she and her team has set her hearts on? The entrepreneur with the heart of a scientist divulges her big future plans for our readers… “All I want to do is use the knowledge, experience gained so far to solve issues which improve quality of life for the patients be it a cancer patient or any other disease area I choose to work in future. Develop innovative non-invasive diagnostics, least toxic drugs which are affordable.”

A WORD ABOUT VOH

We have a feeling Manjiri Bakre’s journey – despite the milestones crossed – has only just begun. And that the best is yet to come. As we wish her the best going forward, we request her to share her views on Voice of Healthcare. How, for instance, can tribute profiles such as Idea Leaders add direction, inspiration and positive energy to the healthcare community, according to her? Responds Manjiri with a smile…
“Reading about successful people and leaders is always refreshing and helps one to learn from them, course correct our journey, or gives the boost when chips are down.  Hence I totally support activities by VOH!”

*This story has been published by VOH team.*