Innovatia

A legitimate question has been asked and not infrequently. With all of its financial backing and talent, why has Silicon Valley not produced more sweeping advances

senior female leader in science and technology in Australia, who was recently appointed Vice Presi- dent of Pfizer Europe’s Hospital Business Unit. My own path to leadership has helped me understand why diversity in thought and ap- proaches is important to solving challenges and fostering innovation. I am proud to work for a company whose purpose is breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. In order to deliver on this bold purpose we need the very best of our col- leagues and our partners. From my personal and professional experience I have learnt that diversity in all its forms, be it gender, race, reli- gion, sexual orientation, education or economic status, ensures we hear all voices and have the best ideas, as this also represents the very com- munity we serve. My advice to young women considering a ca- reer in science is to choose science because you are genuinely interested in it. Career paths into research and academia are well known, but I also encourage exploring the many industries that value foundations in science and technology. An understanding of science will open up an array of career options, including in biotechnology, medtech, manufacturing, en- vironmental science, climate change, food sci- ence, engineering, technology, artificial intelli- gence, mathematics or psychology. I emphasise the need to be your authentic self in your engagement with others, rather than feel the need to change yourself to fit into an organ- isation or industry. There is no one type of lead- er, no one view of the world, and no one person alone with the best ideas. We should all learn from our experiences in order to grow in our out- look and abilities. The challenge is to grow into the best version of ourselves – not anybody else.

The best ideas come from our ability to under- stand the people and groups in our community, appreciate our differences and collaborate with a diversity of minds. This will bring the best solu- tions to the biggest health, economic and envi- ronmental challenges of our time, all of which will need science to solve them. Anne Harris is the Australia and New Zealand Managing Director of global biopharmaceutical company Pfizer, one of the largest in the world. Her career path started in microbiology re- search, moving to sales, human resources, and then, eventually, senior leadership. “An understanding of science is the key that unlocks many career doors and op- portunities to contribute to some of our world’s most important conversations.”

in the Medical and Health Care fields?

HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/W1YRW8MNL- FY?SI=U9GXEYKB4GOYCWGR

Video: Providing support for women to tap into career opportunities – and succeed – is one of the most important things any organisation can do in pursuit of gender equality. Here’s one organisation doing it right.

INNOVATIA

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INNOVATIA

| Science

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