Meet Pharma IQ’s advisory board: Anca Ciobanu

Anca Ciobanu is a Strategic Theme Lead and Consultant for the Pistoia Alliance, a not-for-profit, global organization established in 2009 by AstraZeneca, GSK, Novartis and Pfizer. It has since grown to include more than 200 members from the life sciences community who together aim to lower barriers to R&D innovation.

Among the projects Ciobanu leads is Pistoia Alliance’s Diversity & Inclusion in STEM Leadership program, which sees executives from 16 large pharmaceutical companies in 12 countries working together to develop leadership skills and promote diversity in the sector. Here we find out a bit more about what Ciobanu does and why she joined Pharma IQ’s advisory board.

Pharma IQ: How has the life sciences sector changed over the course of your career?

Anca Ciobanu: I have seen the industry from different perspectives. I worked in the corporate sector for seven years, at a country affiliate but also at a regional HQ. I also worked in a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) and I then became a consultant for not-for-profit organizations. I never said “no” to a career challenge, to a role expansion or even to a completely new role.

The biggest change has been the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. Even though remote working started to gain more acceptance and people interacted less in-person and more through teleconferences, organizations have truly understood the power of collaboration and have looked for common challenges that they can address together.

Pharma IQ: What is the most exciting thing about working for the Pistoia Alliance?

AC: With the support of more than 200 member organizations, I am involved in projects that have an impact at the industry level and that is so exciting. I am constantly meeting with thought leaders from different companies, and I can see how many challenges they have in common. I enjoy bringing them together and brainstorming ideas on what other projects would be impactful and relevant for the industry that could help solve their challenges.

Pharma IQ: What characteristics do you think people in leadership in your industry must have?

AC: People in leadership positions need to have strong, reliable and passionate teams. Diversity is a key aspect here and supporting different perspectives and cultures can help the long-term development of organizations.

Pharma IQ: What advice would you give to leaders who wish to make an impact?

AC: There is a growing expectation from leaders to be more inclusive, to support team diversity and to show their vulnerabilities. The best leaders are not afraid to be vulnerable because they understand that nobody is perfect, and we can never reach a level where the development process can stop. Only through acknowledging this, we can learn from mistakes, be more efficient as leaders and better serve our teams and organizations.

Pharma IQ: What are the biggest challenges leaders face in the pharma sector?

AC: Leaders face different and new types of challenges, having had to adapt after the Covid-19 pandemic and the conflicts that quickly escalated in Europe. They have had to do this by building or maintaining the right culture for remote teams, investing in the wellbeing of employees, and strategies to overcome the great resignation waves.

Pharma IQ: Why did you join Pharma IQ’s advisory board and what you would like to achieve as a board member?

AC: I want to be in contact with thought leaders and raise awareness about some of the challenges that the industry is facing. I wish to encourage different companies to work together in a non-competitive way to improve efficiency and effectiveness across our industry.

Pharma IQ: How do you enjoy spending time outside of work?

AC: I like meeting new people and understanding their lifestyle, passions and goals in life. I am fascinated by the different emerging technologies and their impact on our lives. I am now writing a book on how technology will continue to make an impact on people’s lives.

Quick links:

• Send us your nominations for Pharma IQ’s Power List 2022
• How the Covid-19 pandemic has changed pharma logistics
• Why diversity in pharma leadership matters

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