It’s early March, and as spring begins, we celebrate a special day that is even a public holiday in Berlin: International Women’s Day. This day not only reminds us of women’s achievements and rights but also of how important their role is in various industries—including at SCIRENT. I spoke with Angelika Gaufer, who is responsible for SCIRENT’s marketing.
How did you come to SCIRENT? Was there a specific moment or experience that sparked your interest?
I joined SCIRENT about one year ago, coming from 20 years in big pharma. A career path that started in my rural area in Bavaria as a sales rep called to Berlin for a role in marketing for a blockbuster product for Sanofi, followed by key account management and 2.5 years working very closely with Charité across all therapeutic areas my then-employer Novartis offered. That’s where I met SCIRENT’s founders, Elvis and Hans-Dirk, 15 years ago. We’ve conducted our MBA studies together, and after 10 more years, then in communications in national and regional responsibilities for Novartis, I left big pharma, started my own business, and now work with part of my time for SCIRENT, which is great.
You are responsible for marketing. What challenges have you experienced along the way, especially as a woman in a leadership position?
I was lucky. I had mentors and sponsors, both male and female, who recognized the effort, the talent, and the success that resulted. Working in teams with wonderful, talented, well-qualified, and ambitious colleagues who really understand themselves as part of a team makes it fun and easy. The vibes play an important role. Now, I am lucky to work for and with longtime friends and great colleagues in an agile, multinational company while also running my own business projects aside.
In business, asserting oneself and sometimes making uncomfortable decisions is often necessary. How have you learned to assert yourself in challenging situations? Are there strategies that help you?
Oftentimes, the question mark is more important than the exclamation mark. To deeply listen to customers, colleagues, and leaders and to take their thoughts and needs well into account. Clinical research and healthcare are internationally influenced, especially in cooperation with sponsors and teams from different cultures. What experiences have you had in intercultural collaboration, and what have you learned from them? First of all it is precious to work in diverse, multinational, vivid teams. So are our markets, so are our customers. Sometimes, a well-structured planning ahead German has to jump over her shadow, which is good training.
Anything you want to add?
Speaking of National Women’s Day, it is key to encourage one another, to focus on similarities and develop strengths, to support. As there is still some way to go for women in many aspects – Mar 7th was equal pay day – it is important to keep driving change. I want to thank my role models who helped me guide my way, Henriette, Heidi, Anja, Esther, Sidonie, Andrea – just to name some of them, and hope to pass the torch accordingly.
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International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to focus on women’s careers – not as an exception, but as a natural part of an industry that thrives on diversity and competence.
