Aja Rich

Enthusiast
DISC Type : i

Alpha-1 Franchise Head at Takeda

Greater Chicago Area, United States

Overview

Aja is a biopharmaceutical commercial leader and the Alpha-1 Franchise Head at Takeda, focused on aligning science and strategy. She is a skilled cross-functional team leader with experience in U. S. sales and marketing. Aja holds an MBA from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business.

She is passionate about making a difference for those impacted by rare diseases, particularly alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Aja actively champions initiatives that reduce diagnosis times and improve patient care, and she supports community engagement efforts that build stronger STEM foundations for local students.

Unique fact: Before her senior roles at Takeda, Aja founded her own company, Aja Rich Consulting, LLC.

Personality Overview

Amiable & Agreeable

Consensus Focused

Story Driven

Unlike D or C types, they are convinced more by stories and testimonials.  They are generally friendly, so be careful when relying on their word. They are more about building relationships than just cutting deals.

Topics They Care About

Rare Disease Advocacy
Her work and public posts show a deep commitment to raising awareness and improving care for conditions like alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
Patient-Focused Strategy
Emphasizes a patient-first commitment in her work, aiming to accelerate the diagnostic journey and improve the lives of those with rare diseases.
STEM Education
Showcases commitment to community engagement by supporting partnerships with organizations like Out Teach to create hands-on learning spaces for students.

Media Appearances

Aja has no verified media appearances

Work History

9-2025
Alpha-1 Franchise Head at Takeda
6-2023 - 9-2025
Vice President, USBU New Product Planning at Takeda
8-2020 - 6-2023
Senior Director, US New Product Planning, GI and Neuroscience at Takeda
5-2017 - 8-2018
Chief Marketing Officer at Cheeky Scientist
5-2017 - 8-2018
Founder at Aja Rich Consulting, LLC

Education

2007 - 2009
MBA from University of Virginia Darden School of Business
2004 - 2007
M.S. from University of Iowa

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 8 Location : Greater Chicago Area, United States Job Level : N/A Designation : Alpha-1 Franchise Head at Takeda
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Insights For Selling To Aja

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Refer to interesting customer testimonials and stress on great customer experience
  • Maintain high, positive energy and convey confidence
  • Give them the opportunity to lead the conversation where possible

DONT's

  • Don’t ask too many questions in one go, weave them into the flow
  • Don’t be excessively objective, be like a storyteller with them
  • Don’t be too formal with them, they trust informality more

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Aja is

  • Relationships and rapport matter to them, but so does the value of the product.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Aja

  • They will hardly ever say a direct no.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Aja move?

  • Even when they are constantly engaged, they do not reach decisions quickly.
  • Can Aja take some risk or not?

  • If it seems really necessary, they can take small risks.

You And Aja

Personality Compatibility


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