Teng Pengli, Managing Director And CFO, Unipharm Healthy Manufacturing Co., Ltd
In an era where the healthcare sector has undergone a revolutionary transformation, it becomes imperative for the pharmaceutical industry to spread across a wider spectrum of healthcare and encompass a myriad of elements enhancing healthcare services. At the forefront of this transformative narrative, emerges the visionary architect, the Managing Director and CFO of Unipharm Healthy Manufacturing Co., Ltd, Teng Pengli, orchestrating the process of nurturing the healthcare industry.
During her tenure as the CFO of the company, Unipharm established itself as a global leader spearheading healthcare solution, that are unique, useful, and effective in elevating every facet of healthcare services and manufacturing. Join us in the riveting tale of woman entrepreneurship, where innovation seamlessly converges with expertise, and elegance finds its way to ushering into a future illuminated by healthcare tapestry. Let us explore the awe-inspiring journey of a leader driving Unipharm to etch an indelible mark at the zenith of the health supplement industry.
The Genesis: A Personal Vision Takes Flight
Imagine a landscape where personal conviction and professional acumen seamlessly blend into perfection attaining monumental success in something as grand as business- marks the genesis of Unipharm Healthy Manufacturing Co. Ltd. Teng Pengli’s foray into the healthcare manufacturing industry was not just a career shift; it was a response to her inner calling. Fueled by a background in public health and a deep understanding of preventive medicine, Teng embarked on a quest to enhance well-being proactively. The seeds of Unipharm were sown in the recognition that a well-balanced diet and addressing nutritional deficiencies could be transformative for families, and contribute to the wellness of society.
A Symphony of Passion and Opportunity
Teng Pengli’s narrative is a testament to the art of seizing the right opportunities at the right time. Transitioning from a Chartered Accountant in Aotearoa New Zealand, Teng, along with the CEO ofUnipharm, acquired the company in 2016. Far beyond a mere business maneuver, they took this strategic leap to explore the untapped potential of Mother Nature by digging out the world’s finest natural resources. The goal was clear- to craft health supplements teeming with abundant nutritional values, aligning with their commitment to building a healthy and wholesome community.
Such an entrepreneurial vision instilled with grit and passion, dedicated to prioritizing family health underscores the leader’s objective to combat nutritional deficiency and alleviate the pervasive issues of declining health due to malnutrition plaguing communities. The fusion of financial expertise and a passion for health and nutrition laid the groundwork for Unipharm’s exceptional journey.
In Teng Pengli’s words, “I quickly recognized that simple things such as a well-balanced diet and existing deficiencies in demographics and geography play a major factor in day-to-day well-being.” The affirmation encapsulates the profound insights of the entrepreneur, whose foresight not only transcends the ordinary but also resonates with her deep commitment to societal health and vitality.
Navigating Choppy Waters
Every entrepreneur has to sail through the tumultuous seas of impossibilities and difficulties before they can anchor safely on a peaceful harbor. Teng too overcame some major hurdles that gave headwinds to her illustrious entrepreneurial journey. The initial challenge of trusting an external management team nearly led to the company’s demise. Battling through negotiations with the bank, crafting comprehensive business plans, and even putting up personal properties as collateral, Teng and her partner weathered every storm with resilience and fortitude. Learning to navigate the intricate channels of managing a business in a landscape both regulated and fiercely competitive, Teng emerged triumphant with a renewed strength and determination that turned every new obstacle into an opportunity to move ahead of time and boundaries.
“Our journey has not just been about building a business, but about cultivating an indomitable spirit that has become the cornerstone of Unipharm’s ethos”, reminisces the entrepreneur. It was a chapter marked by personal quests, reflecting on the hero’s journey of venturing into the coldest winter months in pursuit of raw materials. The journey wasn’t just a trial; it was a testament to the unyielding grit ingrained in Unipharm’s DNA.
Nature’s Bounty Unleashed
Unipharm’s distinctiveness lies in its commitment to using home-grown ingredients sourced from the pristine landscape of New Zealand. With a firm belief in the efficacy of the country’s potent natural resources, Teng emphasizes the utilization of these indigenous raw materials for the benefit of its people. Manuka honey, with its unique active ingredient Methylglyoxal (MGO), and other ingredients like Kiwi fruit powder and Kiwiseng, not only fortified the health benefit of the products to the highest level but also helped the company gain a competitive advantage in the global health food market. The strategy of harnessing raw materials “Originating from New Zealand” places them as the vanguard in healthcare manufacturing and services. This distinctive approach serves as the cornerstone of Unipharm’s unparalleled selling proposition, establishing its unique command in the industry.
Leadership: A Symphony of Trust and Ingenuity
As the CFO and Managing Director, Teng’s ingenious leadership style is unique and lives off the mark. Though most leaders are chiseled out of the crucibles of life’s trials and tribulations, some people are born with an innate set of qualities defining a leader. Teng Pengli is one such extraordinary personality who has been already attributed with the virtues of integrity, openness, and honesty – the qualities that distinguish her as a veritable leader. Her voice echoes the essence of spontaneous leadership, “My leadership style as the CFO isn’t something that I’ve consciously defined but something which has developed throughout my time here at Unipharm. It’s no different to my personality as I’ve found that simple works best – to be open and honest.”
Trusting passionate team members, fostering an environment where people can explore their innerabilities, and thrive on a purpose that could resonate with their dreams are the key features of Teng’s distinct leadership approach. However, personally immersing in the intricacies of each department, and bridging the gap with her employees across levels underscore her greatness and humility as a human being as well as a leader. At Unipharm, Teng cultivates a culture of mutual trust and ingenuity. Thus, Unipharm’s success is not just about financial acumen; it’s about understanding the pulse of the business at every level.
Creativity and Autonomy: The Spark
Empowering the Unipharm team involves more than just leadership; it’s about cultivating a culture of innovation with autonomy. Teng’s commitment to flexible work schedules, participation in global summits, and collaborations with prestigious institutions like Massey and other top universities has resulted in an innovative and dynamic R&D environment that gives everyone the motivation to push boundaries and reach the summit. Furthermore, the establishment of an independent food research institute further underlines the leader’s dedication to fostering creativity and embracing new opportunities.
Entrepreneurial Wisdom: Navigating the Unknown
Teng Pengli’s entrepreneurial advice is upfront, clear, and rooted in practicality. In her words, entrepreneurship is a challenging odyssey that testifies to one’s purpose, leadership capabilities, and tenacity. For those contemplating the entrepreneurial journey, Teng advocates a prerequisite of an unwavering clarity of purpose, self-introspection, and identification of one’s passion and proficiency in a specific domain. A robust business model and a well-defined growth strategy stand as the fundamental pillars for triumph in the realm of business. Embracing the journey, and staying curious are the qualities that keep one updated, focused, and positive. The leader emphasizes the critical importance of resilience and adaptability in navigating our path through the uncertain waters of business.
Future Aspirations: A Collective Journey
Looking ahead, Teng Pengli envisions a future where personal entrepreneurial goals perfectly align with Unipharm’s aspirations. Recognizing the interdependence of the team, customers, suppliers, and partners, she aims to propel Unipharm towards becoming the largest health supplementmanufacturer in Oceania. The synergy between personal drive and collaborative spirit, according to Teng, will be the cornerstone of Unipharm’s enduring success and legacy.
In a world where health is paramount, Unipharm’s visionary leader, Teng Pengli, continues to chart a course toward excellence, innovation, and shared success. The story of Unipharm is not just about building a business but cultivating an indomitable spirit that resonates with the ethos of entrepreneurs who strive for the best, not only for themselves but for the well-being of families globally.
The Awards
Under the aegis of Teng Pengli, Unipharm has been bestowed with a medley of prestigious honors and recognitions resounding affirmations of its eminent global presence in healthcare manufacturing:
- 2020- Unipharm is nominated for Best Employer, Best Innovation, and Best International Trade Company by the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce and West Pacific Bank.
- 2021- Awarded the Excellence in International Trade.
- 2023- International Best Practice Award and the New Zealand Best Practice Award at the 9th International Best Practice Competition at Massey.
- 2023- China Food Industry Brand Expo-quality Reputation Award.
- 2023, September- Selected as a Finalist for the Best Medium Business Award at the NZIBA, hosted by NZTE.
- 2023, November-High-Five Health Promoter of Achievement.