Sandra Tomassini

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

Ensuring we keep a good balance between our Emotional and Adaptability Quotient. The critical piece here is how to ensure we are not viewed as emotional when we are being “authentic”. One of the strategies that worked for me is to declare, up front, your intentions, and your feelings. Ensure that the person understands that you are not being emotional but that you are truly passionate about the topic in hand. Stick to the facts as opposed to making things personal.

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

A good friend of mine once told me, always apply the 4 main principles in leadership:

• Nothing is Personal

• Don’t Assume

• Deliver and follow up on commitments

• Every word can make or break a leader so Listen to Understand

What trend in the pharmaceutical and life sciences industry doesn't get enough attention?

Work life balance and self care – Especially during the pandemic, I believe it has impacted our ability to draw the line between work and home. As the majority of our workforce has shifted to working from home, we have blurred the lines and need to further focus on the mental break required to shift our focus from work to home life. This is a critical point that has major impact on mental health that we can’t lose track of.

How do you allocate your professional time and energy?

I have a strategic mindset with strong executional drive. I enjoy cross-functional collaboration, and ensuring we have an execution plan to address the issue on hand. Problem solving is energizing; I enjoy working with my team on projects and providing guidance, direction, and opportunities for continuous learning and development.

What is your favourite leadership book and why?

I don’t have a favourite leadership book per se but I do enjoy listening to Ted Talks by Brené Brown – I find them very inspiring, motivating and on point. I also follow Michelle Obama – I enjoy her positivity and ability to maintain professionalism in her messaging. My favourite Michelle Obama Quote: “when they go low, we go high”.