Serving as nutrition products sales director with Abbott Laboratories, Inc., Zariq Siddiqui is a longtime Chicago executive who represents a science-based portfolio that meets the needs of consumers at all life stages, from infancy to later adulthood. Working closely with group purchasing organizations across the country, Zariq Siddiqui has set in place a new, results-focused sales structure. Mr. Siddiqui previously served as senior manager for nutrition products with Abbott Laboratories, a role in which he informed sales strategy and operations. Cross-functionally coordinating efforts with marketing, he developed an innovative sales bonus plan that motivated team members and successfully directed efforts in support of new product launches. Mr. Siddiqui holds a BS in forensic science from the State University of New York, Brockport, and is accredited through the Certified Medical Representative Institute. In business activities, he abides by principles such as leading by example, building trust through integrity, and standing by actions and decisions. Community involved, Zariq Siddiqui supports nonprofits such as Habitat for Humanity and Unbound (formerly the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging), and helps prepare meals for individuals who are homeless on weekends.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
As a regional sales director, I am responsible for leading and managing the sales activities within the Northeast. I develop and implement strategic sales plans to achieve business objectives and drive revenue growth. I oversee a team of sales representatives, ensure customer satisfaction, and foster a collaborative and results-driven environment.
Key Responsibilities:
• Sales Strategy Development: Create and execute regional sales plans aligned with overall company goals and objectives.
• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and motivate a team of sales representatives to achieve individual and team targets.
• Market Analysis: Conduct market research and analysis to identify potential growth opportunities and areas for improvement.
• Customer Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction and retention.
• Performance Monitoring: Track and analyze sales performance metrics, providing regular reports and insights to senior management.
• Budget Management: Manage the regional sales budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and optimal ROI.
• Training and Development: Provide ongoing training and development opportunities for the sales team to enhance skills and knowledge.
• Collaboration: Work closely with other departments, such as marketing and product development, to support and enhance sales efforts.
• Compliance: Ensure all sales activities comply with company policies and industry regulations.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Turning your ideas into reality involves a blend of creativity, strategic planning, and execution. Here’s a descriptive guide on how to bring your ideas to life:
• Conceptualize – visualize the idea and get it down on paper.
• Do some research – investigate if similar ideas exist and understand your target audiences.
• Planning – set goals.
• Identify who can help.
• Execute.
What’s one trend that excites you?
There are several exciting trends in pediatric nutrition that are shaping the way we think about children’s health and well-being. Here are a few that stand out:
• Plant-Based Eating for Kids: More parents are incorporating plant-based foods into their children’s diets. This includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes. Plant-based eating supports physical health and contributes to environmental sustainability.
• Mindful Eating: Mindful eating involves paying attention to the sensory aspects of food and being fully present during meals. This practice helps children develop healthier relationships with food and prevents issues like overeating or emotional eating.
• Personalized Nutrition Plans: With advancements in genetic research and personalized medicine, nutrition plans are becoming more tailored to individual children’s needs. This approach takes into account factors like genetics, metabolism, and lifestyle to provide optimal nutrition.
• Focus on Gut Health: Gut health is gaining attention in pediatric nutrition. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in overall health, and research is exploring how diet can influence the balance of healthy bacteria in children.
• Brain Health and Development: There is increasing interest in how nutrition affects brain development and health in children. Nutrients like iron and omega-3 DHA are being studied for their role in optimizing brain function and preventing conditions like autism and ADHD.
• Food Allergy Management: The approach to managing food allergies in children has evolved. Early introduction of allergens like peanuts and eggs is now recommended to prevent allergies, based on recent research.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Prioritizing and compartmentalize.
• Urgent and important tasks – These need to be done immediately.
• Important but not urgent tasks – Schedule time to work on these.
• Urgent but not important tasks – Delegate these if possible.
• Neither urgent nor important tasks – Eliminate these to save time.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Save a little every week, it will add up.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Take a moment to reflect on what is important.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
Write things down and prioritize.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Networking and building strong relationships.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Not achieving my sales number and being ranked in the bottom 15 percent. Maintain a positive mindset and remain resilient. Understand that failure is a part of the learning process and an opportunity to grow.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
ChatGPT – helps me refine communication.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I don’t, but I like crime podcasts.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
9/11.
Key learnings
- Prioritization and compartmentalization are critical for productivity. Focus on urgent and important tasks first, delegate when possible, and eliminate unnecessary activities to save time.
- Overcoming failure is part of the learning process. Maintain a positive mindset and use setbacks as opportunities for growth.
- Networking fosters growth. Building strong professional relationships and networking are key strategies for career advancement and business growth.