How I Serve Patients Through a Culture of Learning

One of my most inspiring managers valued everybody's perspective and stepped out of the way to let others lead. That's the kind of leader I strive to be.

Inclusive Leadership

Promoting a culture of ongoing learning in which we can continuously hone our crafts is vital at Daiichi Sankyo. Learning keeps us sharp, curious and ready to innovate. 

As Head of U.S. Health Economics Outcomes Research (HEOR), I use my curiosity and passion for learning in leading a phenomenal group of individuals. Our research results in real-time data that keeps everyone informed. Our articulation of that research helps decision makers compare and choose the best, personalized available healthcare options for those they serve.  

To accomplish this, an important part of my job is understanding my team and their perspectives. I believe that everybody has a voice, but that voice surfaces in different ways for individuals. To be an inclusive leader, I need to understand how members of my team prefer to operate and create an environment where they feel safe to contribute their ideas. 

Writing is one of my creative outlets. Several years ago, I published a book and the proceeds go to a blood cancer non-profit organization to honor my mom.

Driven by Curiosity

Embracing diverse perspectives is an extension of my craft, my curiosity and leadership through learning. I may lead a team of professionals dedicated to helping improve patient lives, but to accomplish the life-changing work we do at Daiichi Sankyo, we need to challenge each other to think differently. For that reason, I always strive to hire individuals who are smarter and have different perspectives than me.  

Outside of work, I nurture my curiosity as an adjunct instructor of biostatistics at Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions. I have taught for almost 20 years and enjoy the reciprocal relationship—I share my knowledge and expertise, and in return learn from my students.  

Every day, I learn from my husband. He was born in a different country, with a different language, political background and faith, and yet we make it work. With openness, respect and commitment to learning, anything is possible.

A Shared Responsibility

Many contributions, competencies, or even cures may have been lost throughout history because certain voices were not heard. It’s only when we consider diverse perspectives that we can make a difference for our patients. If we can operate with dignity and respect, we sow the seeds of a future where each contribution is accepted as valuable.   

When we are all invited to meet our full potential, I predict more ideas, medicines and technologies will be discovered and made available to patients. A culture of learning is an important step forward in making that vision our reality.