CPhI North America will again host its third annual Women in Leadership Forum, which will take place on Thursday, May 2, from 8 to 11 a.m. at McCormick Place, Lakeside Center, Chicago. As in previous years, the event once again seeks to address key issues head-on through constructive dialogue from industry experts who will share experiences and strategies helpful in establishing equality for everyone. The central theme for this year’s forum, “From Manager to Leader,” invites senior men and women from the pharmaceutical industry to share a defining moment in their leadership journey, the goal being to provide learning around strategies for success, connection to a wider community, and key pointers on sharpening leadership skills.
 
The panel will again be moderated by Alise Cortez, a Purpose and Engagement Catalyst and host of the Working on Purpose radio show. “The Women in Leadership Forum is really a class act and I’m very happy to be part of it,” said Cortez. “It’s less than a hundred people, it’s an enclosed space, it’s inviting, it’s warm. Right out of the gate, we’re talking about connection and learning from each other; men learning from women, women learning from men, and all of us being connected.”
 
The program for this year’s Forum is as follows:
 
8-8:30 a.m. – Breakfast and networking
8:30-8:35 a.m. – Welcome and Introduction from the Chair – Alise Cortez, Working on Purpose radio show host.
8:35-9:25 a.m. – From Manager to Leader – Pharma leaders share lessons learned in their journey ‘From Manager to Leader’ and how such defining moments can be used in our career development. Specific focus in this session will cover a wide range of subjects, such as:
• Effective communication strategies: How does the delivery of both verbal and non-verbal cues affect our ability to communicate & influence?
• Authentic leadership: How life experience affects leadership style? Why women don’t have to act like a man to be taken seriously!
• Building a future fit workforce: What structures are in place and what needs to be removed to ensure everyone can fulfil their full potential?
• Creating allies, acknowledging privilege and advocating others. How can women learn to navigate their careers like men?
• Preparing yourself to be in a male-dominated environment. What does it mean to be one of the only women in the room?
9:30-10:15 a.m. – Campfire session with Alise – Join speakers on the sofa with Alise to delve deeper into their stories and ask questions about career challenges.
10:15-11 a.m. – Build your Personal Brand – In this speed networking session, attendees will be challenged to think about what they need this year to help build their “personal brand.” Attendees are asked to be prepared to ask for three things they need and to share ten intentions to help others achieve theirs!
 
Confirmed Speakers for the Forum include:
 
Shen Chen, Ph.D., Sr. Director, Analytical R&D, Alcami Corporation
Hong Cheng, Ph.D. MBA, Head of Research Strategy & Effectiveness for Global Research, Sanofi.
Hope Mueller, Vice President, Quality, Horizon Pharma
Amy Peck, CEO/Founder, EndeavorVR
Hugh Welsh, General Counsel, Secretary & President DSM North America
 
Last year’s Women in Leadership Forum was one of the highlights of CPhI North America. The forum was centered around an inspired and highly personal keynote address by Lynn Taylor, senior vice president, head of healthcare global government and public affairs at EMD Serono, head of corporate and government relations USA at Merck KGaA.
 
Speaking ahead of this year’s forum, Taylor said, “We are all responsible for creating equitable workplaces. All public and private organizations have a role to play in creating equitable work environments where talented women and men can thrive and rise, without sacrificing their health. The Women in Leadership Forum provides a platform for leaders from public and private sectors to come together and continue having conversations about these issues by reviewing progress and finding tangible solutions to drive change in our workplaces and beyond. The event brings together bright and inspiring women and men at all levels and roles within industry, and, hence, provides an excellent forum for idea and insight exchange.”
 
“The 2019 edition of the CPhI North America Women in Leadership Forum promises to be dynamic, providing diverse experiences around individual journeys,” said Joseph Marks, brand director, CPhI North America. “The forum continues to grow and inspire, and we are proud to be front and center in supporting equal opportunities and inclusivity in the life science industries.”
 
For more on this year’s Women in Leadership Forum, click here.