The first 90 days in a new leadership position are critical for understanding an organisation, building trust within the team and defining a strategic direction. PharmaVoice asked executives from Organon, Editas Medicine, Ardelyx and Immunocore to reflect on the most important lessons they learned after taking on new roles.
Dr. Juan Camilo Arjona Ferreira, chief medical officer at Organon, said the challenges affecting women’s health were more complex and deeply rooted than he had initially expected. In his view, meaningful progress requires collaboration between healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, patient advocacy organisations and industry partners.
Amy Parison, chief financial officer at Editas Medicine, highlighted the importance of resilience and financial discipline during periods of uncertainty. Leaders must remain calm, set clear priorities and demonstrate consistency when difficult decisions are required. The way leaders respond to pressure can strongly influence the confidence and behaviour of the entire team.
Dr. Laura Williams, chief patient officer at Ardelyx, emphasised that patient-centricity cannot be assigned to a single department. The needs and experiences of patients should be integrated into the organisation’s strategy, daily decisions and definition of success.
Travis Coy, chief financial officer and head of corporate development at Immunocore, identified prioritisation and clear communication as essential capabilities in a fast-moving biotechnology company. Limited resources must be directed towards the most promising opportunities, while decisions should be communicated clearly to keep teams aligned.
These experiences demonstrate that successful leadership in the pharmaceutical industry involves more than professional expertise. Resilience, collaboration, patient-focused thinking, effective prioritisation and transparent communication are all essential for sustainable organisational growth.
Source: PharmaVoice
