Conversations with women in leadership – International Women’s Day 2023

What is your role as CMO at Lunaphore?

As a founder, my role has evolved over the years, managing departments around commercial activities and operations. Currently, as CMO, I lead four departments: Product Management, Marketing, Communications, and Translational Strategy. My mission is to ensure product-market fit as well as company and product awareness.

Why did you choose to pursue a career in the life sciences industry?

I have always been interested in science and engineering, mainly applied to the human body. I was also eager to be in a multi-disciplinary field, which I could well find in my Life Sciences and Bioengineering studies. These experiences naturally led me into the position I am in today at Lunaphore.

What are the most significant challenges you have overcome to fulfill your role?

Lunaphore has been growing fast, and every stage of its development has required different leadership skills. Adaptation is always key, and getting the right expertise and people was and still is absolutely crucial to evolving at the right pace.

In your opinion, why is it essential that more women take up different roles in science?

Diversity is vital in so many aspects. Having more women, or should I say, having diversity in gender, the same way as having diversity in race, age, and others, will bring different points of view to the table and allow discussions to be more constructive in the end.

At your level, what actions do you take to work toward gender equality?

Within the company, I am proud to see that we have a great balance of gender all the way to C-level. Lunaphore has consistently been approximately 50 percent male and 50 percent female. The company’s culture and the 50-50 balance just by always hiring the best people for the job have certainly played a role in attracting employees of both genders. Outside of Lunaphore, I still see the need for more female role models in science and entrepreneurship in hopes of inspiring more women to consider those paths. This is where I tend to be more active, encouraging young women to step up.

On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?

Just because we see more men in science and entrepreneurship does not mean that these sectors are not made for us women. On the contrary, stepping up in such an environment makes you more likely to shine.

What is your role as VP of Assay Development at Lunaphore?

Within the R&D department, I lead an incredible team developing the assays and the reagents for our instruments. For this purpose, I am defining the strategies the budget needs, giving direction, setting up the product development processes and improving them for a harmonious working environment, negotiating partnerships, as well as sponsoring projects.

Why did you choose to pursue a career in the life sciences industry?

This field constantly offers new challenges as it evolves very fast. After my Ph.D., I worked for a big multinational company, which I left to join Lunaphore 8 years ago when the start-up began. When the founders presented me with the technology, I immediately fell in love with it as it is a revolutionary product that could make the life of researchers easier. Since then, my passion and truly believing in what I do define my career path. I feel fortunate to be part of this adventure and grow with the company.

What are the most significant challenges you have overcome to fulfill your role?

I remember several big technical challenges that looked initially impossible to solve but have been overcome, and we even respected the deadlines!

In your opinion, why is it essential that more women take up different roles in science/biotech?

Women and men can bring complementary thinking, different approaches, and leadership style. Complementary is a source of richness and benefits everyone to reach their objectives.

At your level, what actions do you take to work toward gender equality?

In our fast-evolving work environment, I am particularly careful that extended absences such as maternity leaves do not cut career growth opportunities and that career growth is done by merit, regardless of gender. At the leadership level, I ensure that meritocracy is accompanied by gender equality. In my private life, my partner and I share the same ideals and equally support each other in the daily family organization.

On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?

I would suggest to every woman what my grandmother advised me: with a degree in hand, you must work hard to become independent. A good diploma will give you the opportunity to find a job you enjoy. Along these words, I would advise women to follow their passion and apply to job positions even when their profile does not match 100%.

What is your role as VP of HR at Lunaphore?

My mission is to oversee Lunaphore’s recruitment, people operations, learning & development, culture, and employee experience to make culture and people strategy a competitive advantage as we grow globally. Every day, I have the same purpose in mind, which is, “How can I make our people feel good? How do I make a safe space for our people? How can we create the best environment so that people at Lunaphore can grow by revealing the greatness that resides within them?”

Why did you choose to pursue a career in the life sciences industry?

Lunaphore’s mission is appealing and has a real purpose, thanks to the nature of what we create every day. We also have a phenomenal team and culture that really walks the talk regarding gender diversity and a people-first environment.

What are the most significant challenges you have overcome to fulfill your role?

Given my role, in most cases, people come to me when facing problems, difficulties, or human challenges. Developing and sharing my emotional optimism has been the most significant challenge in helping others over the years, i.e., the awareness that we have the capacity to influence how we think and feel.

In your opinion, why is it essential that more women take up different roles in science/biotech?

Women usually take the role of caregiver and decision-maker when it comes to important healthcare decisions on behalf of family members. So, it makes no sense to shy away from these voices so integrated into the world of healthcare. Without women in high-profile decision-making roles, organizations are missing out on a new, incredibly informed perspective. As such, they limit their ability to operate in the best way possible.

At your level, what actions do you take to work toward gender equality?

We are still in the process of improving gender equality; however, I am so proud to work for a company that is already ahead. Everyone receives equal opportunities and appreciation,  flexible work hours, and similar training and learning opportunities within the company, irrespective of gender.

On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?

Dare to step up and embrace a positive mindset, always. You are what you think. So, visualize where you want to go and work hard in this direction. The combination of your assertiveness, business acumen, capacity to think big, and humility will make you reach any summit you wish to conquer.