Event report
Empowering Life Science Ventures: Shared Experiences from Remarkable International Leaders
On Tuesday, April 4, 2025, nearly 40 people braved the rain to come to Biolabs Tufts Launchpad in Boston, to hear from hear from inspiring cross-cultural leaders and entrepreneurs in the life sciences industry.
Together with FACCNE's Life Science Forum (FABS), FACCNE's Women in Business Network, and La French Tech Boston, we hosted an engaging panel discussion titled "Empowering Life Science Ventures: Shared Experiences from Remarkable International Leaders." The event brought together an exceptional group of women leaders from across the life sciences industry to share insights on leadership, global expansion, and navigating cultural complexity.
The panel was broadcast live, and the recording is available on our webinar recording page.
A big thank you to our speakers:
🎤 Katie Ellias – Investor, Independent Director, FACCNE Board Member
🎤 Monique Verrier Mulkern – Head, Global Patient Insights & Solutions (GPIS), Patient Experience Team, Global Medical Affairs, Alexion Pharmaceuticals
🎤 Catherine Mazzacco – Board Director, Formerly CEO of LEO Pharma
🎤 Aurore Marie – Director, Cilcare USA & Head of Operational Excellence
🎤 Moderator: Gigi Shafai – Vice-President, Medical Affairs & Digital Transformation at TransPerfect Life Sciences; FABS Co-Chair and Board Member at FACCNE.
This panel offered a unique, cross-cultural perspective on leadership in life sciences, with practical guidance for entrepreneurs, executives, and investors alike. From understanding the nuances of international expansion to building value-driven boards, the conversation was a valuable resource for anyone operating in or entering the global life sciences arena.
Key takeaways:
✅ International Expansion Requires Local Insight: Success abroad depends on cultural adaptability, local talent, and building strong networks early. Understanding local healthcare systems and decision-making processes is essential.
✅ Boards as Strategic Partners: A well-structured board brings complementary expertise and shared values. Founders should look for long-term partners—both investors and independent directors—who align with their vision and can guide the company through its next stages.
✅ Culture Matters: Empathy, openness, and curiosity are critical when navigating cross-cultural business environments. Understanding what success means in each culture helps build stronger, more authentic relationships.
We extend our gratitude to all the panelists and attendees for making this discussion a success.
Stay tuned for more events from FACCNE and our partners, see the event page here, and continue the conversation on LinkedIn.
