The magazine International Clinical Trials once again conducted interviews with women in the pharmaceutical industry as part of its "Women in Pharma 2023" issue. This included an interview with Ursula Türcke, Senior Director Clinical Operations at FGK Clinical Research. Ursula talks here about her experiences of cooperation at a management level, the importance of maintaining a strong work-life balance and guidance for those just starting in the industry.
Ursula highlights the unique opportunities and challenges for women in clinical research. She emphasizes that FGK fosters collaboration, inclusivity, and equal opportunities. Approximately 70% of FGK's workforce is female, and the number of women in leadership roles has grown significantly. She is particularly committed to empowering ambitious employees of all genders who are willing to take on responsibilities and drive positive change.
For those just starting their careers, Ursula advises developing a strong professional network, pursuing additional training, and embracing challenges with a positive mindset. She underscores the value of learning from setbacks, advocating for fair compensation and career progression, and continuously seeking growth opportunities.
Maintaining work-life balance is a critical element of her approach to leadership. Ursula shares how her family and supportive teamwork helped her manage the demands of her career alongside parenting. She encourages women to stand up for their interests, whether they pursue full-time work or a part-time role, and to see career setbacks as temporary hurdles.
Key themes in her leadership include promoting ethical collaboration, fostering inclusivity, and building a culture where employees are motivated to take initiative. Ursula sees challenges in clinical research as opportunities for personal and professional development.
Read the full article to learn more about her career journey, leadership strategies and practical advice for balancing personal and professional commitments: Modern Approaches to Management with Ursula Türcke.