Ashish Agrawal: Leading with Integrity and Inspiring Nepal’s Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
Ashish Agrawal is the Director of Taurus Pharma. As a third-generation entrepreneur in the pharmaceutical trade, Agrawal's passion for the field stems from a family legacy and the mentorship he received early in his career. "Seeing the dedication and success of my mentors inspired me to follow in their footsteps and set my own goals," he says.
Agrawal is also the President of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries Young Entrepreneurs Forum (CNIYEF). Under his leadership, the forum has organised transformative events, workshops and advocacy initiatives that encourage startup-friendly policies. Active in CNIYEF since 2020, he brings experience, vision and a passion for fostering strategic partnerships to his presidency.
What accomplishments are you most proud of at Taurus Pharma?
Taurus has facilitated my growth as a business leader, contributing to the company's position as Nepal's second-largest seller of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and achieving the highest Over-the-Counter (OTC) product-to-prescription ratio. I am also grateful to my team for accomplishing so much in a short time, despite the challenges.
What is one lesson you have learned as a leader that you would like to share with aspiring entrepreneurs?
Leadership is rooted in patience and character building. In today's fast-paced world, many entrepreneurs lack patience, seeking quick results. Another key lesson I have learned as a leader is that times will get tough, and with each decision, the stakes rise. The best way to navigate this is by surrounding yourself with a trusted inner circle and staying true to your instincts. Stand firm in your values, keep persevering, and believe that with persistence, both you and your team will grow. Lead with integrity, and you will make a difference, no matter how challenging the journey may seem.
How has being a part of organisations like CNIYEF influenced your career?
Active youth forums offer young entrepreneurs networking, learning and creative thinking opportunities. These platforms expand networks, inspire passion and keep individuals connected to the economy. As a great entrepreneur once said, “It’s not what you have, it’s who you know.”
What is your vision for the future of Nepal’s entrepreneur landscape?
I strive to create a dynamic ecosystem that empowers young entrepreneurs, positioning them as key drivers of Nepal's global growth. My vision is to transform Nepal's entrepreneurial landscape by empowering young entrepreneurs with the tools, resources and mentorship to scale their businesses. This includes building a strong network connecting leaders, investors, mentors and institutions to foster growth and opportunities. My aspiration is to build an interconnected network where young entrepreneurs can support and learn from one another.
What steps can be taken to make Nepal's business environment more supportive of young entrepreneurs?
We have the power to reshape Nepal’s business environment by creating a more inclusive, diverse and innovative space where young entrepreneurs feel empowered to pursue their ideas. I strive to eliminate barriers like access to finance, mentorship and market opportunities for youth-driven businesses, advocating for policies that foster a supportive startup environment.
How do you envision empowering Nepal's youth to shape policies and drive change today?
I believe that the future of Nepal’s economy lies in the hands of its youth entrepreneurs. With the right mindset, resources and support, we can create a thriving ecosystem that not only boosts Nepal’s global competitiveness but also empowers the next generation to take charge of their destiny. Together, we will shape the future of youth entrepreneurship, inspire innovation and build a prosperous Nepal for tomorrow.
It is time for the youth of Nepal to be heard – not just as future leaders, but as present-day catalysts of change. I am committed to ensuring that young entrepreneurs have a platform to share their experiences, challenges and successes. Through active dialogue and advocacy, we can foster greater collaboration between youth and government, private sector and international organisations, ensuring that young voices shape policies and initiatives that impact them.
