Article

Insights from Pharma 2025: Leadership in pharma – Empowering change through innovative thinking

At the Pharma 2025 conference in Barcelona, global industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers gathered to explore the evolving landscape of pharmaceuticals and healthcare. Through a series of in-depth interviews with experts from across the sector, Cencora uncovered valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future. These include accelerating access to innovation, enhancing patient-centricity, and harnessing the power of data and digital transformation.

 

These conversations reflect the pulse of an industry in motion, committed to driving smarter, more sustainable healthcare solutions in an increasingly complex world. Whether focusing on regulatory evolution, market access, technological breakthroughs, or cross-sector collaboration, each expert offered a unique perspective on how pharma is adapting to meet the needs of tomorrow.

One standout speaker, Justine Rochon, Senior Vice President of Global Biostatistics and Data Science at Boehringer Ingelheim, recognized as one of Reuters’ Top 10 Trailblazing Women in Pharma 2025, shared her perspective on effective leadership practices and how to foster an environment of trust and experimentation, with Poka Cui, Director at Vintura, part of Cencora.

Defining modern leadership

Rochon defined leadership as "taking people with you," emphasizing the importance of having a team that believes in a shared vision and purpose. She articulated that true leadership involves not just telling people what to do but guiding them to understand and embrace the "why" behind their work. This approach fosters a collaborative atmosphere where team members can figure out how to achieve goals independently.

Key attributes of effective leadership

Rochon highlighted three critical aspects of modern leadership:

  1. Intent-based leadership: This concept focuses on establishing a clear purpose and narrative that engages the team. Leaders should involve team members in discussions, allowing them to understand the goals and determine their own paths to success.
  2. Adaptability: In today’s rapidly changing environment, leaders must remain flexible and responsive to both internal and external changes. Proactively anticipating future challenges is essential for sustained success.
  3. Encouragement of experimentation: Rochon emphasized the importance of creating a culture where experimentation is welcomed. "Everything is a draft," she stated, noting that providing room for mistakes encourages innovation and ultimately leads to greater success.

Creating a trusting environment

Central to Rochon's leadership philosophy is the idea of psychological safety. She explained that leaders must cultivate an environment where team members feel empowered to make decisions without fear of negative consequences. This fosters trust and encourages open communication.

Inspiring future leaders

Rochon's recognition as one of Reuters' Top 10 Trailblazing Women in Pharma 2025 is a testament to her impactful leadership style. She passionately advocates for women and the younger generation to embrace their potential. “Don’t try to fix yourself; try to influence the system,” she advised, encouraging individuals to find supportive networks and believe in themselves.

"Don't try to fix yourself; try to influence the system"

Justine Rochon, Boehringer Ingelheim

A call for systemic change

Rochon also addressed the broader societal context, urging transformation in the systems that shape the pharmaceutical industry. “We need to find ways to influence the system, team up, and find allies who gravitate to each other because of purpose,” she stated, emphasizing the need for purpose-led leadership to foster meaningful change.

Measuring change and success

When asked how to gauge whether change is happening, Rochon distinguished between traditional KPIs and more nuanced indicators of progress. She stressed the importance of assessing factors such as employee satisfaction and psychological safety, which can significantly impact overall business performance and culture.

Bridging leadership and technology

In a field increasingly driven by data and technology, Rochon highlighted the necessity of integrating human elements with technological advancements. “We need to use this more in our everyday life and not be afraid of experiment with it,” she encouraged, underscoring the interconnectedness of leadership and innovation in the pharmaceutical industry.

As the pharmaceutical landscape continues to evolve, the insights shared by leaders like Justine Rochon serve as guiding lights for fostering effective leadership practices. By prioritizing collaboration, adaptability, and a culture of experimentation, leaders can not only drive innovation but also empower their teams to navigate the complexities of the industry successfully.

Cencora is committed to connecting with and supporting powerful leaders in the pharma industry, paving the way for a future defined by purpose-driven leadership and transformative change.

Pharma EU 2025 coffee break

Watch the full conversation

Watch the full discussion to gain deeper insights into Justine Rochon’s leadership philosophy and how it can inspire the next generation of leaders in the pharmaceutical industry.

 

The contents of this piece contain marketing statements and do not include legal advice. 

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