Powerful Launch for the Healthcare Businesswomen's Assocation (HBA) in Europe
February 20, 2006 - Novartis is a major sponsor of the Healthcare Businesswomen's Assocation (HBA), a US association dedicated to advancing the role and impact of women in the healthcare industry. On the occasion of the launch its first European chapter, a number of high-level executives representing Novartis companies participated in the event.
The kick-off meeting, which generated a palpable energy and enthusiasm, attracted over 120 women from 42 companies and 7 countries. A number of high-level executives and associates representing Novartis companies, a major sponsor of the association, attended the event.
“Are you ready to power up your career?” asked Debra Newton, the current US President of the HBA, in her introductory remarks in Lucerne. “Because that is what the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association can do for you in terms of increased recognition, expertise and support. The 11 chapters and almost 3,000 members in the US know the concrete benefits of the HBA. Now, so can you in Europe. I am thrilled to see such a high turnout at this launch event!”
The HBA, established in 1979, has built its reputation in the United States on a multi-track approach that includes professional networking, training and development workshops, educational offerings, and mentoring programs designed to leverage insights and experience among female managers (for more information, see www.hbanet.org).
“It all started with a small group of American women in the 1970s, who realized the power of sharing ideas at a time when there were few female managers in any industry,” explained Lynn Vos O’Connor, HBA Woman of the Year 2005. “With the challenges facing the pharma industry today, especially the lack of public trust, we need the special leadership qualities of women more than ever.”
Amy Rojas, President of HBA Europe and Head of New Marketing Initiatives at Novartis Pharma AG, welcomed participants and explained what had motivated her and the other members of the Board of Directors to make the launch event a reality.
“We want to build on the strong legacy of the US organization and offer women in the healthcare industry in Europe a valuable forum to advance both their professional and personal lives,” she emphasized. “Our goal is to mobilize a whole continent of women.”
Unleashing professional and personal potential
Kurt Graves, Chief Marketing Officer of Novartis Pharma AG, explained that the company’s support for the European launch of the HBA was part of a deep commitment to further Diversity and Inclusion. He introduced the keynote speaker, explaining how much of an impact the world-renowned author and executive coach had already made on his professional and personal life: “For me, two key take-home messages are ‘know who you are’ and ‘don’t be afraid to be you’ – that is the way to build a powerful personal brand and touch other people’s lives.”
An evening of insights and opportunities
The gala dinner in the Palace Hotel in Lucerne gave HBA Europe participants additional time to network with colleagues from other companies and countries. In his opening remarks, the CEO of Novartis Pharma AG, Thomas Ebeling, underlined his commitment to the HBA and to Diversity. He explained that only a company that reflected changing patient and customer bases could be innovative in adopting successful new business models.
"Diversity is important for an industry that is truly global, serves a diverse patient population, and needs to continuously innovate,” he said. “HBA Europe provides a great context for high-potential female leaders to continue skill building and networking as well as offering opportunities to learn from the challenges and experiences that other women have successfully managed.”
Sahar Hashemi, keynote speaker for the evening, told a fascinating and amusing entrepreneurial story of how she and her brother had created the UK franchise Coffee Republic. After her first “skinny latte” in a coffee shop in New York, she became convinced a similar business model could even succeed in a nation of tea drinkers. Not deterred by multiple rejections for a loan, difficulties in finding suitable employees or losing money during the first months, she persevered, building Coffee Republic into a business with GBP 30 million in annual sales.
“Find a job that energizes you and uses all of your talents. Anyone can do it,” she said, echoing the title of her best-selling business book. “Don’t be content with work that doesn’t fulfill you. Take the leap, and the safety net will appear.”