Marija Cotic

Marija's path into pharma didn't start in marketing, it started in a lab, where she earned her PhD in biomedical engineering studying brain rhythms in patients with epilepsy alongside neurologists, neurosurgeons, and fellow engineers. Today, as VP, Medical Strategy and Regulatory at NFA Health, she brings that scientific depth to the regulatory and medical insights that shape brand strategy. She's skilled at translating complex science into clear, compelling, and compliant communications. Outside of work, she's a passionate traveler who's visited 20+ countries, and an even more passionate soccer fan who's followed the sport to major tournaments across three continents.

What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess?

One characteristic that stands out to me is curiosity. It's easy to assume everyone should see a problem the way you do, on your timeline, with your priorities, and that assumption is usually where bad decisions start. Understanding someone’s perspective doesn't come from a meeting or an org chart, it comes from asking questions and from paying attention when someone explains their reasoning instead of moving past it to get to your own point. The leaders I respect most aren't the best networkers in the room, they're the ones who've taken the time to understand what another person or team is up against, and it shows in how they negotiate, review, or make a call that affects more than just themselves.

What is the greatest piece of business advice you have received from a mentor/sponsor?

A mentor shared this with me, and it's stuck with me ever since: building a strong team isn't just about stacking up talented individuals, it's about how well they'll work together too. My mentor made a habit of paying attention to that fit and it made an impression on me. Now, whenever I'm building or joining a team, I find myself paying attention to the same thing, not just what someone brings on their own, but how they show up with the group.

What are you currently working on to complement your main job or enhance your skillset?

AI is moving fast across this industry, and a lot of people and companies are still figuring out how to use it well. I've been thinking about where it fits in the regulatory review of healthcare advertising specifically, because a lot of that work comes down to judgment calls, and judgment calls are naturally a little subjective. The rules themselves, things like policies and guidances, are sound. But applying those rules isn't always consistent, and that inconsistency is part of what an AI model currently learns from. So, I've been deliberate about how I bring it in right now: using it to support the process, not to make the calls. That's part of why I've been leaning into it, not to replace my judgment, but to sharpen it: a faster flag, a more objective second read, and a place to challenge my own thinking.