Failure is the ground on which you make the staircase to victory by successfully achieving your dreams. Dreams you dared to pursue amidst all odds. In fact, “Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s a stepping stone to success. Embrace it, learn from it, and rise stronger,” says Soma Chakraborty, who not only dared to dream and realize them but also dared to pivot when it had been desired by her heart and aimed by her mind to boldly transition from marketing to healthcare, two industries on the different sides of the spectrum.
As the dynamic realm of leadership constantly evolves, women like Soma, who exemplify resilience, innovation, and empathy, are at the forefront of shaping India’s business and healthcare sectors. As the Founder and Managing Director of Goodace Hospital, Soma has emerged as a trailblazer, proving that with grit and determination, it is possible to pivot from one industry to another and leave an indelible mark.
The Uncertain Beginning
Soma’s journey began without a definitive roadmap. She harboured an unyielding desire to create something meaningful but lacked a clear plan. From her first role as a junior sales executive at Taj Bengal, Soma ventured into aviation and insurance, excelling in every position with the mindset of giving her best. These roles laid the foundation for her eventual leap into entrepreneurship.
Today, as a pioneering figure in the healthcare sector, Soma has broken through glass ceilings and challenged stereotypes, creating pathways for numerous women to chase their aspirations and realize their fullest potential. Her leadership extends beyond conventional boundaries, encompassing various areas such as business, philanthropy, education, and social activism. Through her innovative initiatives and inclusive leadership style, Soma has empowered women to dismantle barriers, question societal norms, and emerge as catalysts for change in their own right.
When we attempted to honour her with a title like the trailblazing entrepreneurial leader, she humbly remarked, “I would like to confess that a huge step is pending to become a trailblazing leader in the world. I have achieved very little. Though I always celebrate this small achievement, which motivates me to go ahead for the next goal.”
Soma’s journey illustrates the strength found in daring to dream and the unwavering resolve required to transform those dreams into reality. From a young age, Soma nurtured ambitions of establishing a successful career, driven by her dedication, passion, and relentless pursuit of success. Her refusal to be limited by constraints or traditional ideas of retirement highlights her commitment to excellence and her unquenchable desire to create a meaningful impact through her endeavours.
For Soma, the road to success has been forged through dedication, dreams, and steadfast determination. She firmly believes that these attributes are crucial for anyone aspiring to become a successful entrepreneur. Her experiences affirm that success is not merely a product of luck or circumstance; rather, it is the result of hard work, perseverance, and a resolute commitment to one’s goals.
A Life-Altering Event
A devastating accident between 2008 and 2010 drastically changed Soma’s trajectory. Both Soma and her daughter suffered injuries, leading to a year-long hiatus during which Soma cared for her child and depleted her savings. This period, fraught with financial and emotional hardship, became the crucible that forged her resilience and adaptability.
Despite encountering challenges and setbacks along the way, Soma remained steadfast in her pursuit of her dreams. From her teenage years onward, she aspired to create her establishment, fueled by a deep-seated desire to forge her path in life. Even when faced with adversity, Soma demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination to overcome any obstacles that arose.
Her journey exemplifies the resilience and courage necessary to navigate difficulties and emerge stronger than before. She recognizes that no job, team, or institution is perfect from the beginning; however, the willingness to embrace risks and seize opportunities can lead to extraordinary accomplishments. Soma firmly believes that every opportunity presented is a blessing—a chance to achieve something remarkable and make a significant difference in the world.
The Call to Healthcare
In 2010, Soma found a new calling at the Institute of Neuro Science, Kolkata. This role marked the beginning of her foray into the healthcare industry, where she honed her marketing and management skills. Over the next decade, she navigated leadership roles in renowned hospitals, mastering the nuances of patient care, operations, and business strategy. By 2021, she had the courage and vision to establish her healthcare facility, Goodace Hospital.
According to Soma, the essence of healthcare entrepreneurship lies in innovation and consistently balancing patient expectations with operational efficiency. She explains that patients today, especially post-pandemic, are more vocal and assertive about their healthcare needs. Their expectations have transformed across industries, including healthcare.
“One of the best ways to manage customer expectations during uncertainty is proactive communication,” Soma emphasizes. “Don’t wait for patients to reach out with complaints or feedback. Keep them informed of changes, delays, or challenges, explaining the reasons, impacts, and solutions with honesty and empathy. This shows care for their needs.”
Adaptability and innovation are key to maintaining equilibrium in service delivery. “Uncertainty can open doors to new possibilities. Embrace change, experiment, and learn,” Soma suggests, highlighting the importance of adopting new tools and methods, exploring untapped markets, and continually enhancing skills and practices to meet evolving demands.
Soma believes in proactively addressing gaps and risks. “Reviewing and improving service delivery standards is essential for sustainable growth,” she notes. Her approach is rooted in a patient-focused philosophy: “Before starting any venture, identify your clientele. My hospital was designed for lower-middle-class families, leveraging government schemes to ensure affordability and accessibility.”
Recognizing the vast and ever-developing healthcare industry, Soma advocates for continuous advancement. “To adapt to changes, adopt modern technologies, consult with experts, and ensure high-quality treatment at an affordable cost,” she advises, urging healthcare providers to challenge stereotypes and prioritize long-term patient benefits.
Her balanced approach exemplifies the synergy between innovation and patient care, creating a foundation for sustainable and impactful healthcare leadership.
Overcoming Obstacles
Starting Goodace Hospital came with its own set of challenges. Soma faced financial constraints, broken partnerships, and scepticism from peers. However, she tackled these hurdles with unwavering resolve. She adopted a disciplined approach to running her hospital, focusing on delivering exceptional patient care and fostering a culture of service.
Soma’s journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of dreams. After a successful 12-year career in corporate hospitals, she felt a calling to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. Motivated by a vision of providing affordable healthcare, she embarked on a challenging journey.
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical need for accessible healthcare, particularly for middle-class families. This further fueled Soma’s determination to realize her dream.
Drawing on her 18 years of medical experience and leveraging her extensive network, Soma meticulously planned and executed her vision. Despite significant financial challenges, she committed her savings to fund the project.
Rising from adversity, Soma transformed her dream into reality. Her unwavering dedication and perseverance have made a significant impact on the healthcare landscape, improving the lives of countless individuals.
A Visionary’s Journey: Her Dedication to Healthcare
Soma’s unwavering dedication to healthcare is evident in her remarkable journey. In 2021, amidst the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she opened her hospital doors to provide critical care to those in need. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, she remained steadfast in her mission to provide accessible and affordable healthcare.
In under three years, Soma transformed Goodace Hospital into a 54-bed multi-speciality facility equipped with modern ICUs, modular OTs, dialysis units, and a team of highly skilled professionals. Her hospital caters primarily to middle-class families, addressing the critical need for affordable healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored her hospital’s importance, as it became a lifeline for over 200 patients during the crisis.
As her hospital grew, Soma expanded its services to include a wide range of medical treatments, from routine check-ups to complex surgeries. She prioritized patient care, ensuring that every individual received the highest-quality treatment. By partnering with various health schemes, she made healthcare accessible to a broader population.
Her commitment to accessibility is reflected in her partnerships with government healthcare schemes like Swasthya Sathi and the West Bengal Health Scheme, as well as corporate health programs. Through free OPDs and health camps in underserved areas, Soma extends her hospital’s reach to those who need it most.
Beyond clinical excellence, Soma’s Hospital is committed to community outreach and preventive healthcare. Through free OPD services and health check-up camps, they aim to improve the overall health and well-being of the community.
Soma’s journey is a testament to the power of human compassion and the transformative impact of selfless service. Her unwavering dedication to her patients and her unwavering commitment to providing quality healthcare have made her hospital a beacon of hope in the region.
Embracing Digital Transformation
The healthcare industry is rapidly undergoing digital transformation, and Soma is aligning her hospital with this global trend. “Digital transformation optimizes operations, improves patient experiences, and reduces costs through innovative technologies,” she shares. Her hospital has significantly benefited from digitization, enabling personalized care, seamless consultant communication, and efficient tracking of patient data, medicines, and consumables. Teleconsultation services have further bridged the gap for patients abroad. “I also plan to establish a Greenery Hospital in the future,” she adds, emphasizing sustainability alongside innovation.
Recognizing employees as the backbone of success, Soma prioritizes skill development and engagement. “New employees should understand the organization’s history, and my HR department ensures this,” she explains. Alongside professional training, motivational cultural events keep the workforce inspired. Despite challenges during the hospital’s inception, Soma’s leadership nurtured team resilience.
“When creating something big, challenges are inevitable,” she acknowledges. “Clear purpose and mission empower employees, enabling quick, informed decisions even in tough situations.” This clarity fosters progress, motivates teams, and rejuvenates their energy to achieve organizational goals, reflecting Soma’s unwavering commitment to growth and excellence.
Building a Healthier Tomorrow
Soma’s inspiring journey serves as a testament to the power of the human spirit and the pursuit of dreams. Her unwavering commitment to providing accessible and affordable healthcare has made a significant impact on the community.
Looking to the future, Soma envisions a healthier India. She aims to establish a network of hospitals across the country, ensuring that quality healthcare is within reach for all. By expanding her healthcare ecosystem to include nursing colleges, medical colleges, and pharmaceutical industries, Soma is working towards a holistic approach to healthcare.
Her leadership style is characterized by empathy, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. She inspires her team to strive for the highest standards of patient care and to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Soma’s vision is not just about building hospitals; it’s about building a healthier future for generations to come. Her unwavering dedication to her mission makes her a true inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and healthcare professionals alike.
A Fittest Vision for the Future
Soma envisions expanding her healthcare footprint by establishing multiple hospitals in different states. She is also actively seeking venture capital to fuel global growth and improve healthcare accessibility. Soma’s leadership philosophy focuses on building trust, fostering collaboration, and nurturing talent. Her ability to set ambitious goals while maintaining empathy has positioned her as an exemplary leader in her field.
Soma foresee a tomorrow where accessible, high-quality healthcare is within reach for the middle class. Her ambition is to establish a network of hospitals across various states staffed by renowned specialists. To achieve this, she emphasizes the importance of strong leadership principles.
She believes that effective leadership is rooted in self-awareness and a clear sense of purpose. By understanding one’s strengths and weaknesses, leaders can inspire and motivate their teams. A management philosophy centred around trust, empathy, and accountability fosters a positive work environment and empowers employees to reach their full potential.
Soma’s seven principles for leadership guide her approach:
- Build Trust: Foster strong relationships based on honesty and integrity.
- Set Ambitious Goals: Encourage team members to strive for excellence.
- Empathetic Leadership: Understand and address the needs and concerns of your team.
- Empowerment: Provide opportunities for growth and development.
- Positive Environment: Create a positive and supportive workplace culture.
- Respectful Leadership: Treat everyone with dignity and fairness.
- Continuous Learning: Encourage skill development and knowledge sharing.
By embodying these principles, Soma aims to create a healthcare system that meets the needs of patients and uplifts the lives of healthcare professionals.
Recognition and Legacy
Soma’s exceptional leadership has been instrumental in shaping Goodace Hospital into a renowned healthcare institution. She believes that a strong team is the foundation of success and emphasizes the importance of selecting the right leaders who can inspire and motivate their teams. Building trust and loyalty, rather than relying on fear or authority, is key to effective leadership.
Soma underscores the detrimental impact of ego on leadership. She advises aspiring leaders to prioritize humility and empathy and foster strong relationships with their team members. By recognizing and valuing each individual’s contributions, leaders can create a positive and productive work environment.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Soma is deeply committed to social justice and equality. She has actively supported initiatives to empower women, educate underprivileged children, and protect the environment. Her philanthropic endeavours have made a significant impact on countless lives, de
Soma’s achievements have garnered her numerous accolades, including
- The Global Healthcare Outstanding Leadership Award (2021),
- The Bengal Pride Emerging Entrepreneur Award (2021), and
- The Change Maker Award (2022) from the Rotary Club.
In 2024, she was nominated for the International Women’s Leadership Award for Startups in Dubai. Her story has been featured in prominent publications like Women World India, Femmetimes Magazine, and She Inspire Magazine.
Lessons from Soma’s Journey
Soma’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of resilience, vision, and service. She believes in turning failures into opportunities and learning from setbacks. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to focus on service, empower teams, and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
Soma’s story inspires countless women to break barriers, challenge norms, and pursue their dreams. Her transition from marketing to healthcare exemplifies the courage to pivot and the determination to create meaningful change. Through Goodace Hospital, Soma has not only redefined affordable healthcare but has also set a benchmark for women leaders across industries.
For others to get inspired by her story, Soma shares the milestones:
- 54-bed hospital with dialysis.
- NABH entry-level accreditation.
- Pursuing QCI accreditation.
- Expanding trauma and critical care services.
- Establishing a Cath lab for cardiac procedures.
Her journey reminds us all that success is not a straight path but a series of leaps fueled by passion, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence.