International Women’s Day highlights a commitment that guides Servier year-round: championing equality and advancing the contributions of women at all levels of our organization and in leadership, science and healthcare. At Servier, we’re proud to join others in the biotech and pharmaceutical community who are taking the opportunity to spotlight the women advancing innovation in STEM. This year’s theme, Give to Gain, reflects a belief that progress accelerates through generosity, collaboration, reciprocity, and support. 

That belief resonates across our organization and is woven throughout the lessons and advice featured here—insights from women at Servier who are helping shape the future of science and are committed to shaping the next generation of leaders in biotech and pharma. 

Invest in Your Professional Network  

Irene Blat, Head of External Innovation, North America

Strong careers are built through strong relationships. That’s true across industries, but it’s especially relevant for women entering STEM fields where women have been historically underrepresented. “Find mentors in your organization—or even outside your organization—who can champion you even when you’re not in the room,” advises Irene Blat, Head of External Innovation, North America. 

It’s never too early to begin this work. The network you begin building early in your career can sustain you through its many phases. “You never know where life will take you,” Irene notes. Whether starting a family or preparing for the next career advancement, chances are you’ll find people in your network who have been where you are and can offer valuable support.  

More than 16 years into her career, Irene now provides that support to others, mentoring founders and innovators through programs driven by LabCentraland BioLabs. To her, the work is deeply rewarding and mutually beneficial; it keeps her professional network strong and allows her to continue learning and growing.  

Lean on Mentors for Support  

Prapti Patel, Senior Medical Director, Hematology/Oncology

When Prapti Patel, Senior Medical Director, Hematology/Oncology, transitioned to Servier after working as a practicing oncologist, she sought out women within the organization who had made similar moves from clinic to industry. Those connections became a critical source of perspective and support. Her advice is straightforward: find people who have followed a similar trajectory to yours, and be open to their feedback. 

“Knowing my mentors had walked a similar path and understood the challenges I was facing made their feedback incredibly valuable to me. I would hear what they said and think, ‘that’s what they did, and I want to be like them,’” Prapti says.  

Prapti’s mentors also encouraged her to participate in Servier’s formal mentorship program, where she developed new skills that were directly relevant to her role. She advises women at all stages of their careers to actively pursue mentorship opportunities when they are available.  

Learn Through Experience   

Nitza Thomasson, Global Head of R&D Neurology

Nitza Thomasson, Global Head of R&D Neurology, has a bold perspective on what it takes to succeed in highly innovative careers. “Failure is a necessary—and even healthy—part of the innovation process,” she says, “as long as it contributes to continuous improvement.” 

At Servier, this mindset encourages teams to “dare to innovate,” a core value that supports smart risk-taking in service of delivering the next breakthrough treatments. “When you work in an innovative field, you have to enjoy what you do, be willing to work hard, take initiative, share ideas, and adapt when needed,” Nitza explains. When we’re willing to take bold risks for patients, we open the door to new opportunities and big ideas that have the power to improve lives. Learning through experience can and should be ongoing, regardless of where you are in your career. 

Supporting the People Behind the Science  

At Servier, advancing women is not symbolic, it is a strategic priority clearly reflected in our team structure and embedded in our efforts to build an equitable and capable future. Our talent development programs are intentionally designed to strengthen our leadership pipeline, accelerate readiness for critical roles, and ensure talented women are equipped not only with the skills, but the sponsorship and visibility needed to lead.  

Championing diverse perspectives benefits performance and patients, varied expertise enhances innovation, sound judgement and decision-making, but just as importantly, it sends a clear signal within our organization: advancement is achievable for all.  

Creating the conditions for people to thrive enables them to contribute fully and improve the lives of the patients. The spirit of this year’s International Women’s Day—grounded in generosity, collaboration, reciprocity, and support—is a powerful reminder of what makes that work possible.