Virginia Fairbank

1)     How has your experience in the pharmaceutical industry shaped the way you navigate change and growth in your career?

The pharmaceutical industry has always evolved, but in recent years the pace of change has accelerated in a way that’s impossible to ignore. When I first entered the industry, things felt steady and predictable with roles that were clearly defined, processes were consistent, and change happened in manageable increments.

That’s simply not the reality anymore. We’ve seen organizations undergo major restructuring, regulatory and compliance grow more complex, and our own roles transformed in ways we couldn’t have anticipated. And now, with AI reshaping nearly every corner of the industry, we’re stepping into yet another era of transformation, one that’s exciting, unfamiliar, and full of uncharted possibilities.

Earlier in my career, these shifts felt destabilizing when losing colleagues, losing structure, and losing the familiar. Over time, I’ve learned that the only way to move forward is to stay curious and adaptable. When you approach change with a willingness to explore, to ask questions, and to learn something new, it becomes less intimidating. Adaptability follows naturally when you allow yourself to stay open rather than hold on tightly to what used to be.

The real growth happens in those small moments: picking up a new skill, leaning into a stretch opportunity, or re-evaluating what truly matters to you. Staying curious and adaptable isn’t just helpful in times of change, it is essential. It’s what turns uncertainty into possibility.

The good news is that we have more resources than ever to support that growth. Organizations like Women Leaders in Pharma (WLP) offer accessible learning opportunities that make it easier to keep evolving alongside the industry.

And through all of this, one thing has proven wonderfully true: meaningful friendships carry on long after your time working together is over!

2.     What strategies have you seen work well to promote inclusion and belonging in the workplace?

Today, most companies have some form of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and they can be powerful spaces for shaping organizational culture while deepening your own sense of belonging. Feeling aligned with my workplace culture is a big part of why I’ve stayed with my company for so many years. ERGs create space for purpose, and connection while also giving you the chance to help build the culture you want to experience.

For me, the most impactful way I’ve strengthened my own belonging and contributed to an inclusive environment was through our DE&I Council. Stepping into a leadership role showed me the profound impact passionate, engaged employees can have when they come together to create meaningful initiatives that deepen belonging and strengthen organizational DE&I outcomes. It’s inspiring to watch ERG members channel their enthusiasm into initiatives that benefit the entire organization.

Beyond creating psychologically safe communities, ERGs also offer tremendous opportunities for growth. They’re a great place to stretch a skill you want to develop, whether that’s presentation skills, project management, or simply trying something new in a supportive environment. As you build those competencies, make sure your contributions are reflected in your professional development plan so your growth through ERG involvement is recognized and applied.

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

A few years ago, I was looking for resources that could help demystify the challenge of work-life balance. I found an article that introduced Lauren Bacon’s Balance Matrix The Balance Matrix: My Answer to the “Work-Life Balance” Question | Lauren Bacon's Curiosity Labs and it really stuck with me. The idea from this Vancouver business coach is simple: it sorts your daily activities into four quadrants based on whether they’re energizing or draining. From there you try to minimize the drudgery events or life hack your way through them (ie get outside support for house cleaning or use a scheduling AI tool to organize personal appointments). You identify what really brings you joy, and purpose and you lean into these activities more.

Ever since, I’ve tried to be intentional about keeping the “rewarding” things in steady rotation. Those are the activities that refill my cup, especially when my work and personal life simultaneously get hectic. Most weeks, that looks like meeting up with friends for dinner, experimenting with a new recipe with my family, or cheering from the sidelines at my kids’ games.

Since so many of us live in a world where work and life blend together, I try to bring that same mindset into my job. Focusing on tasks that spark purpose and directly support improved patient outcomes, and creating space for more of them, makes a real difference. So, basically the opposite of doing expense reports!