CEO Insights Magazine

Taipei has become a hub for women in leadership roles, with many female CEOs leading influential companies across various sectors. In industries such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and technology, women are mak­ing significant strides, driving innovation and fostering growth. One such leader is Christina Ma, the CEO of Clovers Biotechnology Ltd., a company specializing in medical devices and aesthetic products. Christina's career is a remarkable example of dedication and entrepreneurial drive. After graduat­ing from the University of California at Berkeley, she embarked on a career with some of the world's most prestigious multinational pharmaceutical companies, including MSD, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, and Boston Scientific. She began as a marketing assistant and sales representative, gradually rising through the ranks over the years.

Throughout her career, Christina successfully launched a variety of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, including treatments for chronic and cardiac diseases aimed at improving patients' quality of life, as well as aesthetic solutions that cater to consumer-driven demands. Her extensive experience in both out-of-pocket and insurance-covered products allowed her to navigate the complexities of different market segments, skillfully addressing unique mar­keting challenges.

After more than a decade in corporate roles, Christina took a bold step and founded her own medical device distribution company a decade ago. With her wealth of experience, she sought out the best medical and aesthetic products from around the world, aiming to bridge the gap between Taiwan and international standards. Her vision has always been to provide pa­tients and beauty enthusiasts in Taiwan with access to the most advanced treatments available globally, creating a significant impact in both healthcare and aesthetics.

CEO Insights Asia engaged in a one-on-one interaction with Christina Ma, the CEO of Clovers Biotechnology. Let’s read on.

How are these experiences enabling you to provide strategic insights and governance expertise to advance Clovers Biotechnology?

My journey from entry-level to leadership roles has given me a comprehensive understanding of the marketing landscape. Managing a diverse range of products, from chronic disease treatments to aesthet­ic solutions, has honed my ability to navigate varied market demands and identify high-quality, compet­itive products for the Taiwanese market. Overcom­ing numerous market challenges has strengthened my creative thinking and adaptability which are key traits of an effective leader. Experience with leading international pharmaceutical companies has also provided a global outlook and refined my cross-cul­tural communication skills, enabling me to collabo­rate across borders and manage diverse teams while expanding into international markets.

As a leader, how do you ensure your team remains up-to-date with the latest developments in medical aesthetics?

I consistently tell my team that when we represent and work with our products, we’re not just selling items, we’re creating real value for our customers and end users. This means we must always keep their needs at the forefront, whether they are physicians or end users. We need to identify their unmet needs by observing their behaviors and pinpointing opportunities in the market for better healthcare or medical aesthetic solutions that address those needs.

I stress to my team that our role is to be value creators. This requires continuous observation, analysis, and a deep understanding of our customers’ evolving needs, along with a commitment to constant learning and improvement. For instance, when representing a product, it’s crucial to thoroughly review its clinical reports, collaborate closely with physicians to grasp how it works and its clinical applications, and engage in discussions with experts about patient needs. This ongoing process of self-learning and growth not only enhances our ability to serve our customers better but also ensures that the products and solutions we bring to market are at the forefront of global advancements, delivering the highest standards in healthcare.

How do you foster a culture of innovation to introduce cutting-edge medical devices and technologies?

In addition to creating value and introducing advanced medical technology by addressing unmet needs, maintaining an innovative mindset is crucial in our work. Innovation goes beyond the medical devices and products we represent, it’s also about how we creatively approach and solve problems. When faced with challenges, we must ask ourselves how can we think outside the box and explore new ways to overcome obstacles and challenge the status quo. The strategies or successes of others in the market don’t guarantee the same outcomes for us. What truly matters is identifying the most effective and innovative solutions that are tailored to our specific situation. Adopting this mindset helps us navigate challenges efficiently and forge our own path to success, ensuring we remain adaptable and forward-thinking in all aspects of our work.

How do you ensure safety and quality, and what guiding principles do you encourage your team to follow?

In the healthcare industry, where the products we import and promote are often used directly on or implanted into the human body, quality and safety must always be our top priority. This commitment requires us to adhere to strict standard operating procedures (SOP) across all aspects of our operations, from transportation and storage to the technical training provided to physicians and end users. It is essential that every doctor using our products and medical devices is fully trained on their correct application to minimize the risk of complications or errors during use.

Our dedication to rigorous training reflects our unwavering focus on precision and safety. This commitment extends not only to ensuring our employees have a deep understanding of the products, but also to equipping physicians with the knowledge and hands-on experience necessary for successful clinical application. By prioritizing these efforts, we ensure that our products not only meet the highest standards of quality and safety but also contribute to achieving the best possible clinical outcomes for patients.

How do you cultivate a culture of growth for both employees and the organization?

One of the phrases I often emphasize in my company is that each of us should aim to become a better version of ourselves. There’s no need to compare our progress with others, the only true comparison is with our past selves. Every day at work should be viewed as an opportunity to gain experience and learn. Every task we tackle should be seen as a chance to grow and improve. When we focus on surpassing our previous performance, becoming more efficient and skilled at what we do, this, in itself, is a form of success.

Similarly, when our company competes in the market, we shouldn’t focus on seeing others as competitors. Our real competition lies within ourselves. By continuously challenging and refining our own strategies, operations, and achievements, we can drive our evolution and success. The ultimate goal is for everyone to strive to be better each day than they were the day before. This mindset not only encourages personal growth but also nurtures innovation and fosters long-term success for both individuals and the company as a whole.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

My goal is to continuously improve, embracing new challenges and using my knowledge and experience to guide my team in developing effective strategies to overcome obstacles and reach new milestones. I’m passionate about achieving industry firsts and pursuing innovations that set us apart in the market.

I envision Clovers Biotechnology as a place where every team member is motivated to surpass their own limits while working toward shared goals. I aim to foster a culture of determination and joy, where the journey itself brings pride and fulfillment. When we succeed, I want us to celebrate with genuine excitement. My philosophy is simple, ‘love and be passionate at what you do, work hard, play hard, and embrace life fully’. This is the standard I live by and the vision I have for the company.

Christina Ma, CEO, Clovers Biotechnology

Christina Ma is the CEO of Clovers Biotechnology, with extensive experience in multinational pharmaceutical companies like MSD, Johnson & Johnson, Boston Scientific and Biosensors  International and Novartis. She founded her own medical device distribution company, bringing innovative healthcare solutions to Taiwan’s market.