europabio-logoeuropabio-logoeuropabio-logoeuropabio-logo
  • About us
    • Who we are
      • Governance
      • Staff
      • Vacancies
    • What we do
  • Members
    • EuropaBio Members
    • About Membership
  • How we work
    • Healthcare Biotechnology Council
      • Cell & Gene Therapies
      • Medicines For Rare Diseases And Children
      • Regulatory Efficiency
      • Biosimilars & Public Procurement
      • Data & Digital
      • Patient Bio-Forum
    • Industrial Biotechnology Council
      • Food, Feed & Nutrition
      • Circular Bioeconomy
    • National Associations Council
    • SME Platform
    • Biomanufacturing Platform
  • Activities
    • 25 Years of Innovation
    • EFIB 2022
    • European Biotech Week
  • Events
  • Newsroom
    • News & Publications
    • Newsletter
    • Library
Become a member
✕

Do your best and do not forget, there will always be a next time!

17/02/2023

On the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science

by Luana Banu, Head of Public Policy, Communications and Patient Advocacy | Takeda

“I was expecting a team of men in suits!” That was the preconception of a university student who came and worked with us at Takeda as an intern. She was pleasantly surprised by our diverse team - led by a woman, too! - and realized that “you can be successful professionally AND have a family”.

These observations got me thinking about preconceived ideas and stereotypes, and how these can often have a profound impact on whether we take a next step in our professional lives, or not.

I also realized how gender roles are still questioned today. For many young women, the dilemma remains: can I really have it all? I think you can be and achieve what you desire, but no one can be or have it all, this is not the right question.

I believe that you do not need to be a “man in a suit”, or a scientist, to work in the pharmaceutical industry. Its complex ecosystem requires different educational backgrounds and capabilities. There is room for many talents. As an expert in Public Policy, not a scientist, I am the living example.

For me it all started with my passion for reading the classics, which led me to study Political Sciences. This reinforced my interest in the world’s toughest problems. I wanted to be part of solving them. Public policy has a significant influence on our freedoms, human rights and socio-economic progress. I appreciated its impact firsthand, when working in the US within a center providing healthcare for uninsured and homeless people.

My husband, a physician working in Research & Development, introduced me to the Pharma industry. When I started to work in Switzerland, I was inspired by the purpose of improving lives with medical innovations, combined with the intellectual stimulation provided by science, people, and business.

I see my job as an ambassador that brings business needs to society and society’s needs to the business. I also see the importance of sharing my story as a female leader to encourage other women to follow their professional passions. To them I offer three personal observations:

1 – Find your sponsor: the turning point in my career was a manager who believed in and trusted me. Under her leadership, I gained confidence and flourished.

2 – Get all the help you can: as a mother and a professional, I rely on a great support network at home, and on a fantastic team at work.

3 – Choose impact over perfection: understand what matters to you and set your own rules accordingly. Be curious, give yourself permission to make mistakes and learn.

As an optimist at heart, my motto is: do your best and do not forget, there will always be a next time!

Share
Alexandra Simionca
Alexandra Simionca

Related posts

23/03/2023

Unlocking the Potential of Biotechnology Innovation for Patients


Read more
16/03/2023

Vision, clarity and enabling – the drivers for Europe’s biomanufacturing future


Read more
07/03/2023

Disc Medicine joins EuropaBio: life-changing medicines for patients with hematologic disorders


Read more
06/03/2023

Can the Pharmaceutical Strategy Deliver for Europe?


Read more

Important links

  • Unlocking the Potential of Biotechnology Innovation for Patients
  • Vision, clarity and enabling – the drivers for Europe’s biomanufacturing future

Categories in our Newsroom

Subscribe for our newsletter

Subscribe to the EuropaBio newsletter to receive the latest news and developments in the Biotech sector!


Subscribe
EuropaBio-Logo-White

EuropaBio represents corporate and associate members across sectors, plus national and regional biotechnology associations which, in turn, represent over 2600 biotech companies, 2300 out of them are SMEs.

Contact us

Extra links

Members
Staff
Privacy policy
Legal & cookies
Events
Newsroom

Become a member

Media pack

© 2023 Europabio. All Rights Reserved. Designed by EYAS
Become a member