Staying True to the Mission, Striving for Excellence — An Interview with Javid Li, Sales Manager at Unipharm

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Chapter One: The Journey — From Pharmaceutical University to New Zealand

Q: Hello Javid! To begin, could you please share your career background with our readers?

Javid: Hello everyone, I’m Javid, currently serving as Sales Manager at Unipharm in New Zealand. My career began at Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, where I majored in Pharmaceutical English—a period of my life I’ll always cherish. After graduating, I had the privilege of joining the Shenzhen branch of the Chinese Food and Drug Administration, where I worked on pharmaceutical safety regulation. That experience gave me a profound understanding that compliance and safety are the lifelines of the pharmaceutical industry.

As a fresh graduate, I enthusiastically joined the Shenzhen FDA and became directly involved in frontline drug safety supervision. It was a passionate and unforgettable time—where we realized that only strict quality standards can ensure the public's access to safe and reliable medicine. As the first city-level pilot unit in China, our office participated in the country's earliest rounds of GMP certification for pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers. I still vividly remember our frequent site visits to companies like 999 Pharmaceutical and Haiwang Pharmaceutical to assist with GMP certification. Through repeated audits, I came to understand that uncompromising quality is essential in building public trust.

During the nationwide reform of separating prescription and over-the-counter medicine distribution, chain pharmacies were rapidly emerging, and there was a shortage of qualified professionals. I took part in weekly training programs organized by the FDA for licensed and in-store pharmacists, helping cultivate a large pool of talent for Shenzhen’s pharmacy sector. Knowing that consumers could access the right medications and supplements with professional guidance gave me deep satisfaction.

After moving to New Zealand, I entered the health supplement industry, working across nearly every function—from production and R&D to quality control. These experiences not only broadened my industry knowledge but also solidified my belief: no matter where you are, a commitment to quality is the foundation of any enterprise.

Q: Has your international background given you a unique perspective on the industry?

Javid: Absolutely—it has been invaluable! My time at the Shenzhen FDA taught me to approach the industry with a regulator’s mindset, aiming to support enterprises and improve the overall ecosystem. My domestic background helps me better understand the Chinese market and assist clients with accurate product positioning, while my New Zealand experience enhances my ability to collaborate effectively and deliver solutions. Though these roles differ, they ultimately share the same goal—improving public health.

This dual perspective gives me a strong sense of responsibility: every product we deliver reflects our respect for life. Market challenges have sharpened my business skills, while the regulatory environment has forged my unwavering professional integrity.

Chapter Two: Choosing Unipharm — A Convergence of Values

Q: Why did you choose to join Unipharm?Javid: Because Unipharm feels like family. Before joining, I had already worked in New Zealand’s supplement industry for years. What set Unipharm apart was its visionary leadership, highly efficient teamwork, and above all, its client-centric culture. I was immediately drawn to it. Here, I see more than just business growth; I see a rare spirit of pragmatism—every decision is based on long-term value, and every action is guided by customer needs. We never compromise on quality and relentlessly pursue service excellence.

Q: What does this company culture mean to you?

Javid: It’s a deep, personal alignment. At Unipharm, I’ve found the ideal environment for personal growth. We’re engaged in a mission to safeguard human health. From top management to every team member, we share the same beliefs and sense of duty: to embrace challenges with passion and protect health with quality products. This strong resonance in values convinced me without hesitation that Unipharm is the place to realize my professional aspirations.


 

Chapter Three: Staying Grounded — The Source of Professional Belief

Q: What has kept you going in this industry for over 20 years?

Javid: It’s the original aspiration from my student days—to heal and help others. I used to think that only doctors and nurses carried that mission. But I came to realize every part of the pharmaceutical chain contributes to people’s pursuit of health. At the FDA, I was protecting the safety baseline; at Unipharm, I deliver hope through health. Every bottle of supplement represents the trust of our consumers—this weighty responsibility keeps me vigilant and committed.

Q: How do you view your role at work?

Javid: I see myself as the customer’s representative within Unipharm—a trustworthy partner who creates value. My job goes far beyond selling products. I aim to build bridges of trust. Drawing from years of international experience, I approach every challenge from a win-win perspective for both the client and the company. From product development to after-sales support, I respond to every need with professionalism and sincerity.

To meet client expectations, I frequently collaborate with R&D and production teams on process improvements. I remember one case where we worked until 4 a.m. to optimize a client’s product—and the result exceeded expectations. We are rigorous not just with final products but also with packaging materials. I personally inspect the average thickness of PVC blister packs from new suppliers and push for upgrades when necessary.

When developing new products, I’m always on the frontlines—only by understanding the product firsthand can I share it confidently with clients. Customer satisfaction and product excellence are the best rewards for staying true to my original mission.

Chapter Four: Growing with the Company — Milestones Forged in Sweat 

Q: Unipharm has made remarkable progress in recent years. What are your thoughts on this journey?

Javid: I feel immense pride. From being the top exporter of supplements to China, to becoming a global leader in krill oil production, Unipharm has grown steadily and decisively. What excites me even more is how the company provides a platform for every employee. While I’ve repeatedly broken sales records, the greatest sense of accomplishment comes from the teamwork and long nights we shared.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we accurately anticipated the health market boom in China. While many factories in New Zealand shut down, Unipharm kept moving. From leadership to frontline workers, we all gave it our all. We worked around the clock to maintain supply, developing over 20 new SKUs in just the first three months of 2021. Personally, I achieved significant sales growth: 60% in 2021, a 350% leap in 2022, 60% again in 2023, and a remarkable 165% in 2024. From 2020 to 2024, we achieved nearly 30-fold growth in sales volume. What seemed like an impossible task at the time has now become a treasured memory of shared achievement.

Behind these numbers were countless late nights—often working until 11 p.m. daily. Due to time zone differences, I even worked late into Christmas Eve. Year after year, we compressed what would typically take five or six years into just two or three. I’ll never forget those nights of perseverance.

Q: What did this experience mean to you?

Javid: It redefined my understanding of life’s value and the meaning of success. Unipharm is like an aircraft carrier moving full speed ahead, and each of us is a vital crew member. Only with unity can we ride the waves. This strong sense of collective pride continues to motivate me. We are a team that never backs down, turning passion into miracles and collaboration into achievement—and we truly made it happen.

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