Nominated by Linette Casey.

What is the best advice someone has ever given you?

Give yourself permission to say yes.

This advice reminded me that opportunities don’t always come at the perfect time, and waiting to feel 100% ready can mean missing out on incredible experiences. Saying yes to something new often feels daunting, but it’s also where growth happens. It’s about trusting yourself to figure things out along the way and embracing the unknown as part of the journey. Some of my best decisions started with a hesitant “yes,” and they taught me that courage isn’t the absence of fear – it’s moving forward despite it.

What advice would you give us?

Give yourself the permission to say yes!

Also, how you approach your career matters just as much as the skills you bring to it. Technical expertise is important, but the way you build relationships, solve problems, and approach challenges, will truly set you apart.

Further, think beyond the roles or paths you’ve heard about, because there’s more to science than science. The most fulfilling opportunities often come from exploring how your unique strengths and passions intersect in unexpected ways.

An essential quality to lead…

The ability to lead starts with self-awareness – knowing your core values, your strengths, and where you have room to grow.

When you lead with authenticity and empathy, people see that you genuinely care, not just about the work, but about them. This builds trust, creates connection, and inspires others to bring their best selves forward.

A great leader doesn’t just guide a team; they show through their actions, what it means to stay true to your core values, even when the path is challenging. That authenticity is what encourages others to do the same.

What book, podcast, YouTube channel or any other type of content do you recommend us…

I read Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist at least once a year, usually at the start of the year. It’s a powerful reminder that every choice we make—whether we realize it or not—shapes our journey and the opportunities we create for ourselves. The story challenges us to stay intentional and aligned with our purpose, even when the path forward isn’t clear.

I also recommend Simon Sinek’s TED Talk, “Why Good Leaders Make You Feel Safe”. His statement, “Because they would have done it for me,” highlights the impact of deliberate choices in fostering trust and creating environments where people can thrive. It’s an inspiring take on leadership that resonates deeply with how we approach work and careers.

What historical figure would you like to have on your team?

Katherine Johnson. I didn’t learn about her or the “human calculators” at NASA until I was an adult, through Hidden Figures. That realization—that such incredible contributions could go untold – stayed with me.

Her brilliance and determination, paired with her quiet strength, are truly inspiring. She showed that every role, no matter how behind-the-scenes, is critical to the bigger picture. I’d be honored to have her on my team, not just for her intellect, but for the integrity and purpose she brought to everything she did.

Have you always been clear about your professional objective?

Not always, and I think that’s part of the beauty of it. Early in my career, I often felt unsure about what the “right” next step was. Over time, I learned that clarity doesn’t always come from planning – it comes from doing. By staying open to opportunities that aligned with my core values, even if they didn’t follow a traditional route, I discovered new strengths and ways to make an impact.

The excitement of tackling new challenges and stepping into the unknown has shaped my journey in ways I never expected. Saying yes to experiences – even when I wasn’t sure where they would lead – has allowed me to grow, explore, and contribute in meaningful ways. Now, I encourage others to embrace their curiosity and give themselves permission to take chances, because those moments of uncertainty often lead to the most meaningful growth.

What is the bravest decision you have made in our life?

Professionally – leaving an established, well-known global company for what was essentially a start-up with brand-new technology. At the time, I had only been in my role for a short while and genuinely enjoyed the work and the team. But when a former boss and mentor reached out, offering me the chance to build a Quality Control organization from the ground up, I knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t ignore. My boss told me at the time that as my manager, she could map out the career path for me there; but as a friend, she said I’d be stupid not to take the opportunity, if I wanted it. That leap of faith led me to be part of the first-to-market RNAi company, contributing to five commercially available drugs for rare genetic diseases and supporting an incredible pipeline. It reinforced my belief that real growth comes from taking risks and saying yes to challenges that align with your values and passions.

What is the most curious app you have on your mobile?

I have a plant identification app that I love using when I’m out in nature, gardening, or foraging. It’s fun to snap a picture and instantly learn more about the plants around me. It’s a small way to stay curious and connected to the world, and it always adds a bit of discovery to my outdoor adventures.

What do people assume about you, and that isn’t true?

People often assume I’m extroverted and naturally at ease with public speaking or presenting. The truth is, I am an energetic introvert and it’s my passion for a topic that gives me the energy to step forward and share it. It’s less about being comfortable and more about being deeply connected to what I’m talking about.

What do you think will be the next revolution in your sector/industry?

The next revolution in pharmaceuticals will be reimagining drug manufacturing through the lens of sustainability. Modular facilities powered by renewable energy, waste-minimizing processes, and sustainable supply chain models could fundamentally reshape how we provide cutting-edge therapies.

What do you admire and do not tolerate in a person?

I admire self-awareness – the ability to reflect, adapt, and continuously grow. It’s inspiring to work with people who are thoughtful about their actions and the impact they have on others.

What I don’t tolerate is a disregard for others, whether it’s through dismissiveness, lack of empathy, or failing to truly listen and be present. Respect and genuine engagement are essential for meaningful and effective connectivity and teamwork.

Which three top managers would you like to nominate?

Swati Patel, Managing Director at Clarkston Consulting & Chief Member.

Lindsey Daniel, PE, Product Operations Strategy and Business Lead at Takeda.

Vivienne Arencibia, Vice President, Global Quality Systems and Compliance at Moderna Therapeutics.