From Cancer Researcher to Clinical Trials Trailblazer: Esha Kothari on Redefining Success
Esha Kothari’s journey is a masterclass in reinvention—a tale of a woman who pivoted from hardcore cancer research in the UK to becoming a leading force in clinical trials in the US. Her story isn’t just about career transformation; it’s about breaking through barriers, leveraging mentorship, and proving that you can truly have it all.
Pivoting from Research to Industry
Esha’s academic beginnings were firmly rooted in cancer research. While pursuing her PhD in the UK, she was deeply immersed in laboratory work. However, life had other plans.
“I moved to the US for personal reasons—I met someone, got married, and all of a sudden, my world shifted,”
she recalls. With hopes of continuing her PhD in Silicon Valley, Esha soon found herself facing a harsh reality: visa issues and the lack of research sponsorship made staying on the traditional academic path nearly impossible.
Realizing that starting over academically in the US wasn’t an option she was willing to embrace, Esha boldly decided to pivot.
“I knew I had to look beyond research to survive here. I found a program in clinical trials design and management that resonated with my background and passion,”
she explains. This decision marked the beginning of an entirely new chapter in her career.
Navigating Immigration and Early Struggles
For first-generation immigrants, the path is often laden with unexpected challenges. Esha faced the dual hurdles of establishing herself professionally and managing her personal life in a new country. After switching her focus, she took her first step into the industry with an internship at a small medical device startup.
“I was paid just $20 an hour, but I took the job—it wasn’t about the money; it was about getting my foot in the door,” she says.
Even as a new mother juggling a six‐week-old baby and a demanding career, Esha’s determination never wavered. With a supportive partner and a willingness to negotiate flexible working arrangements, she managed to balance both worlds.
“I negotiated with my boss to work a few hours from home because I had my baby with me,”
Esha recalls, highlighting the critical role of family support in her journey.
The Power of Networking
In industries with undefined career ladders, networking isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential. Faced with the transient nature of roles in the clinical trials sector, Esha knew that every job was a stepping stone to the next opportunity.
“If you only need my talent for a few years, then you are going to help me move into my next position,”
she confidently states. Her career transitions have all come through leveraging professional connections, rather than through blind applications.
Networking, for Esha, isn’t merely about job hunting—it’s about building lasting relationships. “That’s how I’ve moved from one role to another,” she adds.
Mentorship: Multiple Guides Along the Way
Mentorship has been a cornerstone of Esha’s career, even though she never relied on a single mentor. “I didn’t have one mentor—I had a few along the journey,” she explains. Early in her career, her boss at a larger company became a key advisor. Over time, as she accumulated more experience, Esha gathered insights from several mentors across the industry.
She emphasizes the importance of diverse guidance:
“There are people from whom you get different kinds of knowledge. Today, I have three amazing mentors in the medical device industry who have helped lead me to new opportunities.”
This multifaceted mentorship has not only helped her navigate challenging career transitions but also reinforced the idea that support comes in many forms. She even encourages networking for its relational benefits:
“I tell my kids and my husband, to network not just to get something, but just to say hi and see how everyone is doing.”
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and the Leadership Gap
Navigating a male-dominated field has its own set of challenges. Esha is candid about the moments when imposter syndrome crept in—when hierarchical politics and the lack of opportunities to showcase her work made her feel overlooked.
“When you work in big corporates, sometimes you’re not given the stage to present your work. I strive to be that confident leader who says, ‘Yes, I can present this to whoever is in charge,’” she explains.
Her experience underscores a broader issue: very few women reach top leadership roles because they often don’t get the recognition they deserve.
“If you don’t ask for it, nobody is going to come call you. They’re not going to say, ‘Esha did the work.’ They’ll just present it as a team effort,”
she notes, emphasizing the need for women to assert themselves.
Juggling It All: Family, Work, and Self-Advocacy
The notion of “doing it all” is often dismissed as unrealistic—yet Esha’s journey defies that very idea. Growing up in a family of high achievers she was always pushed to ask, “What’s next? Are you challenging yourself?” This constant drive has been her guiding force. Even amid personal and professional upheavals, she remains steadfast:
“My family’s ambition fuels me. I want to set an example for my kids that hard work and persistence pay off.”
Her ability to juggle a burgeoning career and family responsibilities is a testament to her resilience, and it serves as a powerful reminder that support—both at home and in the workplace—is indispensable.
Empowering Others: Advice to Aspiring Women Leaders
When asked what advice she would give to women stepping into leadership roles, Esha is straightforward:
“Don’t be afraid. Speak up and network. Sometimes you won’t get an immediate response, but you have to keep trying.”
Her words resonate deeply with anyone facing the hurdles of a competitive industry. She encourages women to assert themselves, negotiate for what they deserve, and never shy away from asking for what they are worth—even if it means asking for a raise.
“Don’t be afraid to ask for money. You are worth it,” she insists.
My Brand: You Can Have It All
Perhaps the most powerful element of Esha’s narrative is encapsulated in her motto:
“You can have it all. Define your all, because not everybody’s all is the same. As long as you’ve defined your all, you can go have it all. You can achieve it all.”
This philosophy has guided her through every twist and turn, from overcoming visa setbacks to asserting herself in boardrooms. It’s a rallying cry for every woman who dreams of charting her course—reminding us all that success is not a one-size-fits-all destination.
Final Thoughts
Esha Kothari’s journey is a rich tapestry of resilience, mentorship, and unyielding self-belief.
From her pivot away from cancer research to her triumphant entrance into the world of clinical trials, she has navigated a myriad of challenges with grace and determination. Her story—filled with personal anecdotes, hard-earned wisdom, and direct, inspiring advice—serves as a powerful reminder that every woman can define her success.
At PowerChronicles, we celebrate leaders like Esha, who break barriers and empower others to do the same. Her journey teaches us that with the right network, a strong support system, and the courage to speak up, you truly can have it all.
Feel free to share this story and let it inspire more women!
