What’s your remit as Chief Medical Officer in a global diagnostics company?
I would summarize my role as aligning Agilent’s corporate strategy with the needs of patients and the medical community. I contribute medical and clinical inputs at all stages of product development, with the guiding principle being safety and benefit for the patient and the labs.
The only way to achieve that is to work cross-functionally with many groups in the company, as well as consulting external collaborators and end users. It’s a very collaborative role.
Did you always have leadership aspirations?
In my early career I was driven by my interests: science, molecular diagnostics, and translational medicine. I was lucky to secure roles that allowed me to grow and develop in the field, but I also had great mentors.
Whilst I didn’t aspire to particular career titles, with time and maturity I came to realize that titles give you the ability to influence. At this point in my career I appreciate having a position that allows me to influence strategy and outcomes. So, in that respect, leadership feels like a natural fit.
How would you describe your leadership style?
Strategic, visionary, and collaborative. I say visionary because I think it’s important for leaders to focus on the big picture, not just short-term deliverables, and to think aspirationally.
But, at the same time, aspirations must be aligned with corporate priorities. And they need to be pragmatic, because we have to be able to execute on the vision. That’s where the strategic element comes in.
My other guiding principle is “Nothing can be achieved in isolation.” The way I work is always cross-functional and collaborative.
How do you maintain self-development as a leader?
Keeping up to date with molecular diagnostic innovation is key. It’s a challenge, but I try to carve out dedicated reading time. I'm always amazed how much new information and inspiration one can extract from just 30 minutes focused reading from published literature.
Listening is also important. Attending conferences and other events allows me to interact with colleagues from both the academic research community and industry in person. I also connect with patient advocacy groups to stay abreast of their needs.
What advice would you give to women aspiring to leadership roles in science and technology?
I would advise women in science to acknowledge the interests and passions that motivate them. Success is more likely if it’s linked to internal drivers, so women should be true to themselves and pursue roles aligned with their scientific interests.
I have found it’s also important to have a degree of assertiveness if you want to progress and influence others. Don’t wait to be invited to the table, so to speak, but walk up, take a seat, and share your ideas.
The other thing that helped me progress has been having role models to inspire me. We are navigating increasingly complex career paths and transitions, and juggling multiple functions in work and family life – it’s inspiring to see other women doing that successfully.
Having great mentors from whom to seek advice is also crucial. I have noticed that women are seeking mentorship very proactively now. Early-career women seem to be more sophisticated in career navigation than I was at their stage. That gives me hope that there will be more women in industry leadership in the future.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
I’m genuinely motivated by making tangible progress against my goals – by checking things off the to-do list. I also love working with my team at Agilent. They are brilliant people and I learn from them every day.
Newsletters
Receive the latest pathologist news, personalities, education, and career development – weekly to your inbox.
