International Women's Day Special: How Dr Lana Burrell Reached the Top of Pharma

No one climbs Everest alone – It is undoubtedly safer to climb with a team. A buddy keeps an eye on you as you climb higher, understands emergency signals, and creates a better environment.

The same can be said for the pharma industry. Knowing where your path lies ahead in the supply chain is not possible without a mentor. To offer advice, provide direction and to pick you up when you feel like you are losing oxygen.

For someone like Dr Lana Burrell, mentorship was crucial to her rise to the top of the supply chain world, particularly when she envisioned a life in a lab instead. Years later, she is a couple of years into her second overseas role as a Global Supply Chain Network Strategy VP at Roche reflecting on her three biggest mentors in her impressive career.

International Women's Day (March 8th) serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality. In the pharmaceutical packaging sector, a crucial but often under-recognised field, women play a vital role. However, their presence at the highest levels of leadership remains concerningly low. In fact, in 2023 the number of women in similar c-suite level supply chain roles still sits at just 26%.

This lack of diversity is a missed opportunity. Studies consistently show that companies with more balanced leadership teams outperform their less-diverse counterparts. It's time to leverage the full potential of the talent pool and address this critical disparity.

That’s why this episode is so important. It showcases an authentic, inspirational conversation with one of the industry’s top trailblazers about resilience and determination.

Lana joined WBR Insights’ own Megan Smith live in the WBR London office to sit down for a chat on a lovely Friday in November. Their candid discussion takes listeners on the remarkable journey Lana has been on to the top at Roche. They discuss the challenges Lana has faced along the way, the lessons she lives by, and everything in between.

The conversation doesn't stop there. Dr. Burrell also acknowledges the mentors who have played a pivotal role in her success, recognised with numerous awards throughout her career. She dives deep into her own mission to champion diversity within the global supply chain, a cause that is close to both her heart and critical for the industry's future.

This episode was had a particular impact on Megan who was inspired by the seemingly endless wisdom. She found Lana’s story, optimistic outlook on work and her unwavering desire to uplift and celebrate others incredibly empowering.

We are confident that you'll find this episode of the LogiPharma Podcast not only informative, but also deeply inspiring. Don't miss out!

Join us in celebrating the achievements of remarkable women like Dr. Lana Burrell and listen here!