Otima Bhanot, the CEO and co-founder of GenQore, is one of the first women to lead a pharmaceutical distribution company in the UAE. With 15 years of expertise in the fiercely competitive pharmaceutical & wellness industry, she has built powerful business strategies that are making a global impact. Through GenQore, Otima is on a mission to make high-quality medications more accessible and affordable worldwide. In this conversation, she shares profound insights into women’s empowerment and the passion that drove her to build GenQore as a visionary female leader. Let’s dive into Otima’s inspiring journey and discover what makes her a trailblazer in the pharmaceutical industry!

Otima and Her Inspiration

Otima’s entrepreneurial spirit is fuelled by a deep passion for healthcare, a field where she saw the gap to introduce affordable, high-quality medications. GenQore’s story began in the UAE during the peak covid time, where Otima identified and got the opportunity to supply lifesaving medications in the UAE market and felt compelled to make a difference. She recognized the growing demand for niche first in line generic and biosimilar medicines and seized the opportunity to bridge the gap between affordability, quality, and advanced therapies.

From those early days, GenQore’s growth has been nothing short of remarkable. What started as a vision has now transformed into one of the most trusted pharmaceutical companies in the region. Through strategic partnerships with hospitals, governments, and private healthcare sectors, GenQore has become synonymous with reliability and innovation in the pharmaceutical space.

Owning Ambition Without Apology

Breaking into the pharmaceutical industry was no small feat, especially in a male-dominated environment. Otima quickly realized that her experience in the fitness industry wasn’t enough, so she immersed herself in learning. From understanding complex regulations to building trust with local and international investors, she left no stone unturned.

One of her key strategies was developing a structured market entry strategy. This allowed GenQore to navigate regulatory hurdles swiftly while ensuring compliance with GCC and UAE Ministry of Health (MOHAP) standards. In an industry where new players emerge daily, Otima focused on building long-term partnerships based on trust and quality. Her value-driven pricing, market-specific portfolios, and carefully crafted market access strategies set GenQore apart, all while staying true to her ambition, unapologetically.

A Role Model’s Influence

Otima’s biggest inspiration has always been her father, a compassionate and dedicated physician. His kindness, integrity, and unwavering commitment to patient care left a lasting impression on her. She saw firsthand the impact of ethical practices and genuine concern for others—values she would later bring into her own business.

Her father also instilled in her an entrepreneurial mindset. Watching him balance medicine with empathy inspired Otima to pursue a career where she could make a meaningful difference. As she transitioned from the fitness industry to pharmaceuticals, these values became the foundation of her leadership style, setting her apart not just as a female entrepreneur but as a force of change in the industry.

Redefining Leadership in Pharma

In a field where leadership is often equated with authority, Otima redefined the narrative. For her, true leadership is about influence, adaptability, and creating opportunities for others. She believes that success lies in transforming challenges into stepping stones and embracing collaboration to drive meaningful change.

Otima champions an empathetic leadership style, one that prioritizes understanding the needs of stakeholders, colleagues, and the market itself. This approach has not only shaped GenQore’s growth but has also fostered an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and innovation thrives. In her view, acting tough isn’t leadership. It’s about making space for compassion and vision to work hand in hand.

GenQore’s Milestones and Achievements

GenQore’s journey is a testament to vision, adaptability, and strategic execution. Under Otima’s leadership, the company has launched over 28 pharmaceutical SKUs, with a particular focus on oncology and chronic care. This success stems from a robust product portfolio and streamlined supply chain, ensuring that life-saving medications are accessible to those who need them most.

One of GenQore’s most notable achievements has been in supplying lifesaving medications, during Covid, to all the field hospitals in the UAE. This has helped the company build credibility and rise up to$20 million in cumulative sales, a reflection of the trust and credibility the company has built across the healthcare ecosystem. By forging strong alliances with hospitals, regulatory bodies, and healthcare providers, GenQore has positioned itself as a leader in delivering affordable, cutting-edge therapeutic solutions.

At the heart of this success is a dedicated team driven by integrity and a shared vision. From sales to strategy, every member embodies the values that Otima has championed, making GenQore not just a pharmaceutical company, but a beacon of innovation and ethics.

Advice and Future Outlook

Reflecting on her journey, Otima shares:

“When I first entered the pharmaceutical world, it was completely new to me. Coming from the fitness industry, there was so much to learn: the technical knowledge, the regulations, and navigating a male-dominated environment. But I embraced the challenge. Confidence, adaptability, and perseverance helped me break through.”

Her advice to women?

“Have faith in your abilities and chase your goals without apology. Don’t let anyone else define your path. Be your own role model, and let every obstacle become a stepping stone toward growth.” Connect with Otima on LinkedIn here.

As GenQore continues to expand its reach, Otima’s vision remains clear: to empower others, break barriers, and leave a lasting legacy in the pharmaceutical world. Her story is proof that ambition, compassion, and resilience can reshape industries and inspire generations to come.