“Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.”
Introduction
Dr. Onkar Yadav, the Managing Director and CEO of Vida Life Sciences Private Limited, stands as a living testament to how determination, vision, and humility can transform an idea into a nationwide and global success story. Alongside two other directors, he laid a strong and unshakable foundation for the company, one that is now flourishing across multiple geographies. Today, Vida Life Sciences provides services in every state of India, has established its specialized equipment in Bhutan, and is successfully operating in Congo, South Africa. What began as a dream has evolved into an organization that not only promotes innovation but also inspires people at all levels.
The journey, however, was anything but easy. Unlike many start-ups that seek outside funding or rely on parental support, Dr. Onkar and his team chose a path of complete independence. They did not raise external funds. They did not seek financial help from family. Instead, they started from scratch with nothing but their skills, their relentless determination, and their unwavering willpower. Their story proves that sometimes, the most powerful resources are not financial but emotional and mental strength combined with a clear sense of purpose.
What sets Dr. Onkar apart is not only his professional success but also his personality and philosophy. He is known for his appealing, grounded, and humble nature. These traits are Dr. Onkar’s greatest strengths, which he carries even as his company continues to expand across borders. For him, leadership is not about commanding from the top, but about staying focused on a meaningful vision while lifting others along the way. His story reminds us that true success lies not only in achieving big milestones but in remaining humble and compassionate throughout the process.
Through his experiences, Dr. Onkar emphasizes the timeless values of resilience, patience, compassion, and the power of a strong support system. He believes that setting clear goals and objectives is essential, but what keeps those goals alive is the ability to adapt, stay patient, and never lose faith in the journey. His leadership has shaped Vida Life Sciences into not just a successful company but also a workplace that people are proud to be part of.
One of the most inspiring aspects of his journey is how the company has managed to overcome turnover challenges and become a favourite among its employees. Dr. Onkar strongly believes that employees are the backbone of any organization. By fostering a culture of trust, support, and recognition, Vida Life Sciences has become more than just a workplace; it has become a family where people feel valued, respected, and motivated to grow.
But his story doesn’t stop at business growth or employee satisfaction. It is, at its core, a reflection of a life well-lived and lessons well-learned. It teaches us that true leadership is about blending ambition with compassion, resilience with humility, and success with service. Dr. Onkar Yadav’s journey is a testimony to the fact that when you lead with vision and heart, not only can you build a strong company, but you can also inspire lives across borders.
“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.”
PHASE 1: A Disciplined and Education - Oriented Family Environment
Born on November 14, 1983, Dr. Onkar Yadav grew up in a household where discipline, education, and values were the cornerstones of life. His mother, Mrs. Premala Yadav, a teacher who later retired as a principal, instilled in him a deep respect for learning and an unwavering focus on academics. She dreamed of seeing her son become a doctor, and from a very young age, she nurtured his mind with discipline and determination. His father, Mr. Arvind Yadav, working for the Electricity Board, brought technical curiosity and practical problem-solving into the home. Together, his parents created an environment where hard work, humility, and education were not negotiable but a way of life.
From childhood, Dr. Onkar understood that education was not merely about securing grades but about building a strong foundation for the future. His mother’s discipline shaped him, while his father’s technical background gave him a mindset to explore beyond the obvious. This balance of compassion and practicality became the hallmark of his personality as he grew.
When the time came to choose his career path, Onkar worked tirelessly toward medical entrance exams. Though destiny had a different plan, he qualified for Pharmacy, a field that beautifully merged medicine, science, and innovation. Instead of seeing this as a diversion from his mother’s dream, he embraced it as a bridge between medicine and research, a path that would eventually allow him to serve society in his own unique way.
His academic journey speaks volumes about his persistence and thirst for knowledge. In 2006, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy (B.Pharm) from Pune University, laying the foundation of his scientific and professional career. By 2009, he broadened his horizons globally, completing a Postgraduate degree in Pharmacology (Pharmacy & Medicine) from the University of Hertfordshire, UK. This international exposure not only deepened his expertise but also shaped his global perspective on healthcare and research.
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
PHASE 2: From Vision to Impact: The Vida Life Sciences Journey
The story of Dr. Onkar Yadav, the Founder, Chairman, and Managing Director of Vida Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., Pune, is one of vision, resilience, and unwavering determination. It is the story of a man who began his journey from scratch, with no financial backing or shortcuts, and went on to build a healthcare company that now operates not only across India but also internationally. His life reminds us that true leadership is not about the titles one holds but about the impact one creates and the legacy one leaves behind.
Armed with knowledge, discipline, and a vision to make a difference, Dr. Onkar, along with two other directors, founded Vida Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd. in Pune. The company was not built with external funding, loans, or family resources. Instead, it began from scratch, fueled only by the determination and willpower of its founders. This made their journey even more remarkable. From those humble beginnings, the company has grown into a respected Healthcare Manufacturing and Consultancy Firm with a presence across every state in India, specialized equipment established in Bhutan, and active operations in Congo, South Africa. What started as a small venture has become a global player, transforming lives and reshaping healthcare practices.
At the core of Vida Life Sciences is a commitment to infection prevention and control, a field that is critical to ensuring patient safety and public health but often overlooked. As the Chairman and Managing Director, Dr. Onkar has been instrumental in leading the development, implementation, and management of infection prevention programs across healthcare facilities. His responsibilities range from designing policies and conducting surveillance to managing outbreaks and providing education to healthcare professionals. He has made it his mission to ensure that hospitals and clinics maintain safe environments for both patients and staff.
Yet his role goes far beyond infection control. Dr. Onkar is also responsible for shaping the company’s overall business strategy. He identifies opportunities, develops plans, and ensures that every step aligns with the company’s mission of delivering innovation and quality in healthcare.
“Empathy is one of our greatest tools of business that is most underused”
PHASE 3: Becoming the Employees’ CEO: Thinking, Feeling & Living Their Pains!
In a world where leadership is too often reduced to metrics, targets, and quarterly reports, there are a few individuals who stand apart. These are the leaders who refuse to let numbers define the entirety of their roles. Dr. Onkar Yadav, the Founder, Chairman, and Managing Director of Vida Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., is one such leader. For him, leadership is not only about steering strategy or driving profit margins; it is about recognizing the humanity of the people who sustain the organization. To call him only a CEO would be to diminish the essence of his leadership. Within the walls of Vida Life Sciences, he is celebrated as the “employees’ CEO”—a leader who sees beyond balance sheets and recognizes that organizations thrive only when people thrive.
For Dr. Onkar, employees are not mere resources or headcounts on payroll. They are his family, and he treats them with the dignity and care that family deserves. His philosophy of leadership is anchored in empathy, a quality that allows him to understand the needs, struggles, and aspirations of his team. Unlike many leaders who speak of empathy in abstract terms, he puts it into practice in ways both symbolic and tangible. One of his most powerful gestures is ensuring that every employee receives their salary beforehand, even before he encashes his own. This act may seem simple, but it speaks volumes about his priorities. It reflects his gratitude, his recognition that the company’s strength comes from its people, and his belief that leadership means putting others first.
Empathy in leadership has often been dismissed as a “soft skill,” but research tells a different story. A study by Businessolver found that an unempathetic organization with 2,000 employees risks over $7 million in annual attrition costs. Conversely, 72% of employees reported that they would be willing to work longer hours for empathetic employers. These statistics underscore the reality that empathy is not a sentimental add-on but a driver of loyalty, engagement, and productivity. When employees feel understood and valued, they are more likely to remain with the organization, contribute with passion, and advocate for the company’s vision. Dr. Onkar’s leadership embodies this truth, transforming empathy into both a cultural principle and a strategic advantage.
Note of Thanks
As I reflect upon this journey, we are reminded that no story is ever written alone, and no dream is ever fulfilled without the hands, hearts, and minds of others lifting it forward. This note of thanks is our humble attempt to acknowledge those whose contributions have shaped Dr. Onkar’s life and work.
First and foremost, we express our deepest gratitude to his wife, Suchitra Yadav, as she believes in him in each and every decision he makes and supports him wholeheartedly. We also thank his parents, Mrs. Premala Yadav and Mr. Arvind Yadav, whose discipline, values, and unwavering belief in the power of education became the compass that guided him through every challenge and milestone. His mother’s dream of seeing him in the medical field became the silent force that motivated him to pursue his path with sincerity and dedication.
To his family, whose patience, love, and encouragement have been his anchor, we remain forever indebted. Their sacrifices and steady faith allowed him to stay focused on building VIDA Life Sciences into what it is today.
To his colleagues, mentors, and teachers across Pune University, the University of Hertfordshire (UK), and Symbiosis International, thank you for nurturing his curiosity and sharpening his knowledge. Each academic pursuit was not just a degree but a steppingstone toward realizing a larger vision.
This book belongs to the employees of VIDA Life Sciences—the extended family of Mr. Onkar Yadav—just as much as it belongs to him. Their hard work, resilience, and belief in a shared mission have been the lifeline of this organization. Together, they have shown that empathy, loyalty, and determination can build not just a company but a culture of trust and excellence.
We also extend our appreciation to the healthcare community, clients, partners, and regulators who placed their trust in VIDA and allowed us to serve with integrity. Their faith and support strengthened our resolve to innovate and improve healthcare standards across India, Bhutan, Congo, and beyond.
Finally, to the readers of this book, thank you for investing your time and attention in this story. It is our sincere hope that these pages inspire you to believe in resilience, lead with empathy, and never lose faith in the power of determination. If this book leaves us with one lesson, let it be this: sharing success makes it sweeter.
Thanks
Dr. Onkar Yadav