Let’s Make It Happen, by Daniele Thibodeau

We sat down with Daniele Thibodeau – the newly appointed Vice President at Women Leaders in Pharma – and here’s what inspired us.

When you listen to Daniele’s story, you can’t help but be inspired. After 28 years at Apotex – spanning roles from the lab to regulatory affairs to product launches – Daniele retired in 2022. But to hear her speak, you’d never think of her as ‘retired.’ If anything, it feels like she’s just getting started.

She first discovered Women Leaders in Pharma (WLP) through a LinkedIn post about a Toronto event. At the time, she admits, she felt ‘stuck’ and unsure what was next. Walking into that first meeting, she was struck by the intelligence and generosity in the room – and by a wave of imposter syndrome. “Until I slapped myself a little bit,” she laughed. “You’re a woman, you’re a leader, you’re in pharma. Just relax and enjoy it.”

That night proved to be a turning point. She volunteered on the membership committee, then mentorship, where she found her true passion and her ‘tribe.’ Mentorship, she says, is about creating meaningful relationships and reminding women they don’t have to go it alone: “We all deserve our own board of directors – mentors, coaches, peers, family.”

Now, as Vice President of WLP, Daniele leans on her mantra: “Let’s make it happen.” For her, those words mean listening first, creating safe spaces, moving people toward solutions, and turning conflict into collaboration. Or as she calls it, ‘harmony management’ – like music, she says, different notes can still create a beautiful song.

Her story is proof that leadership doesn’t stop at retirement; it evolves. And WLP is where that evolution thrives.

If you’re searching for your own tribe of inspiring women, mentors, and leaders, join us at Women Leaders in Pharma. Together, let’s make it happen.