Jennifer Meldrum

What is the biggest challenge facing women leaders in our industry today and how do you overcome it?

From my perspective, the most significant challenge we face as women leaders is the unspoken expectation that women should lead the same way as men. Many of us may be the first woman in our senior leadership position, and as such our predecessors are often men. We have learned the role from men, we have seen the successes with male leadership…so it is understandable that we would expect ourselves to lead in the same way as our successful predecessors. I think this is a challenge for us as we need to recognize that female leadership can be and perhaps should be different. It can be executed in a different way than those before us, and it can be very successful. Overcoming this challenge comes from understanding yourself and what brought you to the place of leadership you now occupy. Recognize your unique skill set that often crosses over from professional to personal and back again, and don’t be afraid to bring all of who you are to your leadership role. What makes us unique as women will be what brings a new way of executing excellence at the leadership level.

What is the leadership/business framework you use most often to help you lead effectively?

I’m not sure if I would call it a leadership or business framework, but I strongly believe in consistency across the board. Regardless of whether we are leading a group of talented colleagues/employees or leading our families, the skill set we bring should be consistent. This breeds authenticity…we are the same person no matter who we are influencing and guiding. I have found leading with authenticity, transparency, accountability, and grace to be effective. Authenticity so they know who you are, and what you consistently represent. Transparency to ensure nothing is left in the dark for people to create their own assumptions (which are often negative). Being as transparent as possible breeds trust among the team. Accountability is key and it goes both ways. I hold my team accountable to the clear expectations that are communicated, and I hold myself accountable as well. Am I leading in the way I know to be best?  Lastly, I include grace in my leadership style. Demonstrating and providing grace to those you work with brings about an opportunity for growth in a supportive environment. We all make mistakes, some requiring more response than others, but no matter what result is required, grace can be provided and more often than not, the receiver is appreciative and again this continuously supports a trusting, accountable environment.

What’s a trend going on in the pharmaceutical and life sciences industry that doesn’t get enough attention?

Working on the commercial side of our industry, what I have been encountering for the last few years, and significantly over the last few months is the changing role of the sales/marketing mix. There has always been some “dabbling” in digital, tele-sales, patient portals, etc. But now, the need for an upgrade has come abundantly clear and urgent. The way in which we market and communicate with our customers and patients is changing. The role of multichannel marketing, and how the pharmaceutical sales representative fits into that multi-channel mix is being redefined. I believe this is starting to get more attention now but is in its introductory/pilot phase. Soon, a new model will emerge that results in personalized promotional approach for each of the customers we target.

How do you maintain your own growth and development?

Owning my own organization leaves little room for the traditional development model, such as what you may find in a pharmaceutical organization. But, growth and development is just as important and potentially even more important as a company owner. I find that listening to podcasts, reviewing relevant articles, and reading books that highlight successful leadership, and organizational excellence is key for me to stay abreast of what successful leaders and entrepreneurs are doing to stay relevant and on the forefront of their business success. I am also a big believer in the power of the network. I strongly believe that aligning myself with other industry professionals fosters organic growth, ideas, competencies, etc. Overall, I am always looking to learn more and there are so many excellent resources out there….it’s often a matter of carving out focused time to achieve additional learning and growth that is the challenge. Scheduling time for this is highly recommended.

What healthy habits do you employ to maintain your mental health and wellbeing?

This is a great question and I have to admit I haven’t always mastered this balance in my life. As many women can attest, we often work extremely hard to achieve levels of success in order to obtain leadership positions. In addition to that work, there is the balance of a home life which we never want to compromise. What often is compromised in this situation is our own health and well-being. I have learned that for me exercise, no matter how strenuous or easy, provides a great release of stress and of course initiates physical and mental wellness. Similarly, I have learned my internal stress triggers and recognize when I may need to step away and regroup or focus on something else for a while. I think understanding yourself and being able to act on what you personally need to ensure a balanced life that maintains your physical and mental wellbeing is key. Of course, working for an organization that supports this type of physical and mental health in the workplace is ideal. Similarly, a home life that supports your personal physical and mental health is just as important. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need. When you feel better, you do better!

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