Laura Child on passion, career challenges, and advice for young women in life sciences
Her journey in life sciences began with a deep childhood curiosity about the natural world, leading to a career in drug development and clinical trials. Laura's experience spans from working as a clinical research associate to becoming a program director, and eventually transitioning into the marketing side of life sciences. Along the way, she has faced and overcome numerous challenges, including balancing a demanding career with raising a family. Laura's passion for science and commitment to empowering young women in the field shines through her work and personal experiences.
Could you give us an overview of your work?
As a strategic brand consultant at ramarketing, I am passionate about working within the life science industry. I have the privilege of partnering with a diverse range of organizations, from innovative startups to established multinational companies across the sector. I am dedicated to harnessing the power of data and market insights to create and deliver strategic branding projects that not only navigate the ever-changing landscape, but also transform challenges into exciting opportunities. From naming brands and developing a whole new identity for their next chapter, to understanding the DNA of a company and building out the fundamental brand elements they need to remain relevant in the industry. My ultimate goal is to help build strong, impactful brands that thrive in this dynamic environment.
When did you realize you were interested in science - as a young child, teen, or older?
From a young age, my passion for science was undeniable, a spark I now recognize in my own children. There was something about the natural world that piqued my curiosity, and I found myself wanting to look deeper into it. As a teenager, I considered a career in medicine, ultimately choosing to study Medical Sciences at university to delve deeper into the scientific world and explore new opportunities. An engaging module on drug development, clinical trials, and toxicology, presented by AstraZeneca at the University of Leeds, ignited a fascination that naturally led me toward a career in drug development.
Could you describe your personal journey bringing us to where you are now?
My journey in the life sciences began as a Clinical Research Associate with Quintiles (now IQVIA), where I was fortunate to work on large and complex oncology studies. Over the following 15 years, my career progressed at Quintiles and PRA Health Sciences (now ICON), culminating in my role as Program Director for multinational therapeutic asset programs. This experience provided valuable insights into the diverse landscape of clinical trials and allowed me to collaborate with an inspiring network of talent in the industry.
Five years ago, I transitioned into the marketing side of life sciences, initially leveraging my clinical research expertise. While I feel at home in clinical research, I was eager to unlock opportunities to work more strategically, at both a brand and business level. Since then, my role has evolved as I've integrated my scientific background with an ever-growing aptitude for strategic leadership and creative expression. My natural curiosity drives me to ask questions that provide actionable insight, ultimately to help clients get their stories straight.
What challenges did you face - as a woman or otherwise - along the way and what is the most valuable lesson you have learned?
Early in my clinical research career, I was encouraged by the strong representation of women in the field. However, I've become aware of a persistent challenge: self-doubt when considering job opportunities. Reports from Forbes and Harvard Business Review suggest women often feel compelled to meet 100% of qualifications before applying, while men may apply meeting only 60%. In my experience, this rings true across various industries.
On a personal note, I'm fortunate to be raising three spirited children, and our family has embraced living in diverse locations worldwide. While this has presented career limitations, it has enriched our lives immensely. I've found working from home essential to balance career and family, yet I deeply value face-to-face interactions with colleagues and clients.
Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of collaborating with exceptionally talented and inspirational women in the life sciences. As I look to my daughter's generation, I'm hopeful that a greater sense of parity in self-perception will emerge, empowering women to confidently pursue their ambitions.
What ignites your passion in your current role?
In the early days of my career when I was monitoring oncology studies in the UK, I remember being truly affected by the personal stories of the patients, and surprised at how close I felt to them just through their medical records. The experience brought into sharp focus the fact that for many patients, the therapies they received offered a beacon of hope amidst difficult circumstances. It was an absolute honor to collaborate with the dedicated medical teams who provided direct care to these patients, and it certainly ignited my passion to further my career in life sciences.
On a personal level, my passion for this work remains as strong as ever, fueled in part by a close family member's current journey with advanced cancer. It's a stark reminder of the urgency in our field. While I'm encouraged to see nearly 250 active studies listed on clinicaltrials.gov for their specific diagnosis, the reality is that cancer doesn't wait for regulatory approvals. This underscores the critical need for continued research and accelerated drug development timelines.
What is your current work ethos/style?
My leadership style is best described as transformational, with a strong emphasis on empowering team members to reach their full potential and thrive in a collaborative, cross-functional environment. I believe in fostering a warm and collegial atmosphere, built on strong relationships and trust. I am fortunate to work with an incredibly talented team, and I strive to create a safe space where open dialogue is encouraged and everyone's contributions are valued. We work at a fast pace while remaining adaptable and resilient. I believe challenges are opportunities for growth, and I maintain a positive outlook to inspire hope and perseverance within the team.
Could you share some advice for young women starting to develop an interest in science or wanting to pursue a career like yours?
The life sciences field holds immense potential for aspiring young women. As a budding scientist, embrace your curiosity - science is all about asking questions and seeking answers. With diverse disciplines from biotechnology and microbiology to patient advocacy and pharmaceutical marketing, explore your passions and find your niche.
Seek out female mentors and role models already working in science – their guidance and shadowing opportunities can be invaluable. Hone your critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, and cultivate resilience. Remember, setbacks are learning experiences, even the most accomplished scientists have faced challenges.
Participate in events and classes that expose you to life science skills and networks. Be confident in your abilities and the positive impact you can make – you belong in science.
Embrace diversity and inclusivity; different perspectives, backgrounds, and ideas fuel groundbreaking discoveries and innovative solutions. Our goal is to bring new therapies to all of humankind, so representation at every step is crucial.
Remember, there are multiple paths within science. Scientific knowledge can be applied to various roles, such as towards helping patients directly. Ultimately, science is about learning, exploring, and discovering. With passion, determination, and support, the future of science is yours to shape.
