International Women’s Day

Can you describe your role and responsibilities? 

— As the Director of Aixial Lab, I lead our research and innovation efforts. My role involves overseeing the development of cutting-edge clinical research technologies, managing talent, and establishing a long-term innovation pipeline and strategic partnerships. I ensure our projects align with the latest scientific advancements and set new industry standards.

Our Smart Healthcare Research Program is dedicated to transforming patient care through innovative remote health monitoring and enhanced patient experience. What I find most fulfilling in my role is creating a collaborative and inclusive environment where every voice is heard and valued.

What role has Aixial Group played in your professional development? 

— I have had the opportunity to build a new Research & Innovation division from scratch within a challenging organisational model. As with any new launch, this role requires a strategic vision and relentless effort to make the division sustainable and attractive to top talent. One of my main focuses is on creating a collaborative environment that encourages robust knowledge sharing and ensures that team members deeply understand each other’s perspectives. I believe this is the best way to foster innovation and excellence.

What inspired you to pursue a career in clinical research? 

— My journey in clinical research has been driven by a deep fascination with how scientific and technological advancements can transform patient care. Early in my career, I worked in a country where access to medicines, especially innovative solutions, was severely limited. Clinical trials were often out of reach, invisible, and inaccessible. This stark reality made me acutely aware of the disparities in healthcare access and the suffering of those who miss out on new therapeutic solutions. This awareness fuels my passion for decentralised and virtual approaches, as they can provide more equitable access to new therapies, including clinical trials, and enhance diversity within these trials. The COVID-19 pandemic further underscored the urgent need for rapid and effective clinical innovation.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in the CRO or STEM fields? 

— Like many women, I’ve faced several challenges in my career, but each one has been an opportunity for growth and learning. Overcoming stereotypes and biases has been a significant hurdle, especially since women, particularly young ones, are often underestimated. I’ve had to work harder than my male counterparts, often without realising it, to consistently prove my expertise and maintain confidence in my abilities. Even though the healthcare sector is predominantly female, gaining visibility and leadership roles in a male-dominated leadership landscape can be tough. Fortunately, I’ve been lucky to have mentors and managers who believed in me even before I believed in myself. They played a crucial role in my professional development, acting as allies who supported and advocated for me, and I am deeply grateful for their support!

— I would like to emphasise that disparities in leadership opportunities should not be influenced by any form of discrimination, whether it be based on gender, ethnicity, age, or any other characteristic. While today we celebrate Women’s Day and the achievements of women, it’s crucial to recognise that everyone deserves equal opportunities to succeed. I hope my journey inspires not only women but also individuals from all backgrounds to chase their dreams and break through any barriers they may face.

How do you navigate the challenges that come with leadership, especially as a woman in the workplace? 

— Navigating leadership challenges as a woman requires resilience, empathy, and strategic vision. Embracing change, taking calculated risks, and knowing when to say “no” are crucial. Continuous learning and self-improvement are also essential in our ever-evolving world. I try to stay ahead of industry trends and encourage my team to pursue excellence with purpose and integrity.

— Last but not least, staying true to my values is fundamental! By being authentic and principled, I build trust and foster a culture of transparency and respect. This ensures my decisions are consistent, equitable and ethical, driving long-term success. Encouraging my team to uphold their values creates a cohesive and motivated workforce, fuelling both personal and organisational growth.

As a manager, what values guide your approach to management?

— My management style is deeply people-focused, guided by values of trust, integrity and collaboration. Inspired by James MacGregor Burns’ quote, “True leadership only exists if people follow when they have the freedom not to,” I strive to lead by example, encouraging open communication and empowering team members to take initiative and share their unique perspectives. In my current role, I have the privilege of managing thousands of clinical experts in a dotted line structure. I encourage them to step out of their comfort zones and collaborate with professionals from diverse backgrounds, such as tech engineers.

I am committed to creating an environment where people are motivated to contribute their best because they feel respected and inspired, not compelled. Additionally, I prioritise promoting a healthy work-life balance by respecting personal time and highly encourage continuous learning through professional development opportunities, including workshops, conferences, and learning programs.

What advice would you give to young women looking to enter the CRO or STEM industries? 

— To young women, confidence is key! believe in your abilities and never undervalue yourself. It took me years to realise that my contributions often exceeded those of my male counterparts.

Be visible! speak up, speak loudly, and seize every opportunity to showcase your skills. Hard work without visibility doesn’t serve its full purpose, so ensure your efforts are recognised and your voice is heard! Seek mentors who can guide you through the industry’s codes; I had many at almost every step of my career, and I’m so thankful for their guidance and continuous support!

Be ambitious, dream big and don’t fear failure; each setback is a learning opportunity. My best experiences are my failures. They might be difficult at the moment, but you’ll realise how insightful they were! Step out of your comfort zone regularly !! as growth happens when you push your boundaries.

Networking is crucial. Building strong professional connections, joining professional organisations, and connecting with peers are essential steps. It’s a small world, and these relationships can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations!

Last but certainly not least, let’s support each other! Lift other women up, share opportunities, and celebrate each other’s successes. Together, we have the power to create a more inclusive and supportive environment.