One day in November 2001, Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Group, the largest private sector enterprise in India, mandated K.V. Subramaniam to build a life sciences business from scratch. With no formal education in biology, he was initially at sea.

But, endowed with a corporate business development background, and a do-or-die spirit, he set out to systematically understand and create a research-driven, biotechnology-leveraged company with a differentiated footprint and a distinct culture.

In the process, in an environment that is severe on performance, which Reliance Group is known for, he defied detractors, fixed snags and surmounted both personal and business setbacks to ring in a successful technology business with sustained high growth, profitability and stature.

Apart from giving insights into the Reliance way of building and managing businesses, K.V. Subramaniam goes beyond the narrative of nurturing a life sciences company to step back and derive messages and morals that are applicable to any technology-driven venture.

This candid, conversational account of his encounters and excitements holds valuable lessons for those who are either starting a new business or managing an existing one.