Saria Chowdhury

What is a trend going on in the pharmaceutical industry that doesn’t get enough attention?
One trend that deserves more attention is the growing connection between precision medicine and longevity. Advances in CRISPR, biomarkers, and AI-driven drug discovery are moving us closer to treating the root causes of aging rather than tackling one disease at a time. Today, drug development often takes over a decade and focuses on single conditions, with success measured only after years of waiting. In the future, tools like biological aging clocks and precision biomarkers could allow us to track whether a therapy is working within months, cutting timelines and shifting the focus from reacting to illness to preserving health. This change from managing disease to extending the years people spend in good health has the potential to redefine patient care.

What motivated you to become a leader within your organization/community?
What has motivated me most to step into leadership is the chance to unite people around a shared goal. In cross-functional settings, authority often matters less than the ability to listen, influence, and build alignment. I have seen how creating space for diverse perspectives not only sparks innovation but also builds trust, and those moments of collective success continue to inspire me as a leader.

How can women best empower and support other women in their organizations?
The most powerful way we can empower each other is through active advocacy: making introductions, sharing networks, and celebrating one another’s wins. Pairing that with kindness and compassion creates an environment where women feel supported to take on new opportunities and grow. I have seen this in action through communities like WLP, where collaboration and shared purpose amplify individual strengths. Empowerment is strongest when we succeed together, not only as colleagues but as a community.

How do you define or manage your career progression?
I see my career as a squiggly path shaped by opportunities to learn, contribute, and grow in new directions. It has been important for me to understand different areas of pharma such as operations, science and technology, and IT, and how they fit into the larger picture. Guidance from mentors and coaches has helped me reflect and set goals, while encouraging me to take on projects that build targeted domain experience that is valuable in any market. Reflection and goal setting guide me at each stage, with healthcare remaining at the heart of my journey. For me, progression is not only about moving up but about moving with purpose and creating impact in patient care.