Pakhi Rusia works at Sanofi via Real. She is a Global Regulatory lead within the immunology and inflammation division (part of the Speciality Care Business Unit). She represents the regulatory function in the global team, where she has an instrumental role in leading the regulatory strategy development program. “Working in the pharmaceutical industry enables me to work for a bigger purpose and gives me a sense of fulfilment.”
Pakhi has been working in Regulatory affairs for the past 19 years and is a true expert in her field. “Being in regulatory has been stimulating, challenging, and satisfying. My development journey has been very well supported through the years. I was and still am very secure in the function, and I really love what I do.”
The day-to-day of a Global Regulatory lead
But what does a Global Regulatory lead do? “In this role, I am accountable for leading the development and execution of innovative and value-added global regulatory strategies including the Global Submission Strategy. Everything we do follows the target product profile. That is our bigger aim, and, in this journey, I ensure alignment and communication internally and externally as ‘one GRA voice’. If you look at the overall picture, 70% of my work is planning and strategizing. We consistently work on creating mitigation plans for identified risks and creating plans with a solution. A quite big part of any regulatory role also involves external engagement. Which means speaking with the health authorities, trade associations and industry counterparts...”
“What I really like about my role, is that there is a lot of self-development involved, learning through colleagues, and various platforms, and then implementing the learnings in the current program.”
From India to Singapore, and to the Netherlands together with Real
Pakhi made some great steps during her career as a Regulatory professional "Real has been a steppingstone for me during my career. This year marks 11 years of my association with Real. Our first collaboration was in Singapore with Mark O’ Halloran, back in 2012. Mark not only influenced the hiring manager to take my interview; but he also prepped me for it. This was my first experience where a consultant went above and beyond to help a candidate prepare for a role. Mark has helped me to highlight my strengths. I really owe my career growth in Singapore during that time to Real.”
From Pharma to consumer healthcare to biopharmaceuticals
"When I moved from India to Singapore, Real helped me find a job at Nestle. They also helped me balance the transition from pharmaceutical to consumer healthcare. And similarly, this time they have helped me transition from the pharmaceutical industry to biopharmaceuticals, which I was extremely keen in getting some experience in. Using their connections and network, Real created a bridge for me to cross into that world more easily.
The chapter in Amsterdam
"When I arrived in Amsterdam in 2022, my aspiration was to be part of the European Regulatory Team. However, because of my 11-year work experience in Singapore, I really struggled making clear to hiring managers that my expertise does not only lie in the Asia Pacific region, despite being associated with the Global Regulatory Team throughout most of my career. I had a limited professional network in the EU and particularly in the Netherlands.
"I needed somebody who was able to communicate that I am a global resource, and that my expertise lies in European regulation, requirements and knowhows. I think Real helped me break that glass wall. And they helped me carry my voice to hiring managers. This time in the Netherlands, Real helped me break an even bigger barrier. This is because I had the ambition to move to biologicals and I wasn’t getting a chance to make that move through my own efforts, so Real made it possible.”
"Throughout this process, Real has taught me the importance of communication skills, and it gave me confidence to be myself. I learned how you conduct yourself and how you connect with hiring managers.”
“I think these are things that give your life and professional journey a meaning. It is like your ‘IKIGAI”, - Pakhi
Making Covid medication accessible
We asked Pakhi what the proudest or biggest achievement of her career is. “Something that I am proud of is being part of the APAC team during COVID time and enabling the supply of Covid medication to Asian countries within a short span of time.
The experience of doing something worthwhile like this brings a lot of inner peace and sense of value.
What does the future look like?
"At the moment I am content with the role and associated learnings. My current role is aligned to my career goals and future aspirations, which is being part of the Global Regulatory Team and the Support Development Program for biopharmaceutical products – improving lives as a result. Consistent improvement in my professional and personal journey along with acknowledging and embracing what had been achieved is what I am practicing at the moment. I’m learning to be ready for the future whatever it holds for me.”
Make your growth possible with Real Life Sciences
Are you also looking for new career opportunities within the life sciences industry? With a Dutch database of more than 200 top employers, we always find the perfect match for you.
Curious about what we can do for you as a staffing partner? Share your details below and we will contact you as soon as possible!