At Confidence Pharmaceutical Research, we know that the strength of our work comes from the people behind it. This month, we’re shining a spotlight on one of our Clinical Project Managers, Sushmitha Madhukar, whose career path in clinical research and recent journey as an author remind us how perseverance can shape both science and life.

A Career Built on Curiosity and Adaptability

Sushmitha’s career has been a steady climb through the world of clinical research.

“I began as a research assistant and later became a study manager at a clinical trial site. From there, I transitioned to a home healthcare company as a project manager, then moved into the CRO space, where I’ve held roles both on the sponsor and CRO sides,” she says.

These diverse experiences gave her a 360-degree view of how clinical trials are planned, run, and delivered. Over the years, her role has shifted from handling day-to-day study tasks to overseeing entire projects and leading teams.

No Two Days Are the Same

For Sushmitha, every day brings a new challenge.

“My time is often spent in cross-functional meetings, coordinating with different teams, managing both the people and the project, and—most importantly—problem-solving. A big part of the job is staying ahead of potential issues before they escalate. The key is strong communication, agility, and always staying focused on the end goal: delivering high-quality outcomes for patients and sponsors alike.”

That constant need to adapt and respond quickly has shaped her leadership style: proactive, calm, and solution-oriented.

Lessons That Shape Leadership

Looking back, Sushmitha credits much of her growth to the variety of clients and teams she’s worked with:

“Every client brings a different style, set of expectations, and communication rhythm. One of the most pivotal lessons I’ve learned is the importance of adaptability. I’ve grown by observing, listening, and shaping my approach to fit each sponsor’s needs—ensuring the project runs smoothly and fostering a relationship that makes them want to collaborate again.”

She also highlights mentors who modeled grace under pressure as a lasting influence on how she leads today.

A Culture That Fuels Growth

When asked what has kept her motivated at Confidence, Sushmitha doesn’t hesitate:

“The culture here is genuinely like a family. There’s no rigid hierarchy—everyone, from leadership to our colleagues in support roles, is approachable. That sense of security brings out the best in people. Even during some of my most challenging times, the company supported me, and that kind of trust and care makes you want to give your best back. It’s no surprise that turnover here is so low.”

That supportive environment, she says, gave her the confidence to grow as a professional and even inspired her to take on something deeply personal outside of work.

Unbroken: Finding Strength Through Storytelling

This past May, Sushmitha achieved a milestone outside the walls of clinical research: she published her memoir, Unbroken: A Journey from Silence to Strength.

“I had carried this story inside me for a long time, always knowing I would write it someday—but like many of us, I kept telling myself I didn’t have the time. Eventually, I realized that was just an excuse. So I began writing… Some days, it was just a paragraph; other days, an entire chapter. My team at work was incredibly supportive—from the moment I shared that I was writing a book, they cheered me on.”

That encouragement, paired with a commitment to steady progress, allowed her to balance a demanding career with the deeply personal process of writing her story.

A Message of Hope

Her book speaks to resilience, something that resonates just as much in clinical trials as it does in life.

“I hope readers walk away understanding that resilience isn’t about being unshaken—it’s about continuing forward, even when you’ve been broken. …If they can read Unbroken and take away the lessons—about strength, healing, empathy—without having to endure the trauma themselves, that’s a profound win.”

Whether managing the complexities of global trials or putting her own experiences into words, Sushmitha’s journey is a reminder that resilience and hope are universal—and that storytelling can be just as transformative as science.

You can learn more about Sushmitha’s book, Unbroken, at www.sushmithamadhukar.com.