GSK leader reveals how the future of work will transform leadership

Leadership & Management: Welcome to Health Industry Hub’s Women in Leadership Series – connecting, engaging and empowering women in the Pharma, MedTech and Biotech sectors by celebrating and sharing the journey of inspirational and passionate women leaders in the industry.

In an interview with Health Industry Hub, Christi Kelsey*, VP & General Manager of GSK Australia and New Zealand, discussed what the future of work and the workforce will look like in the pharma industry and how this will transform leadership.

She also reflected on how organisations and employees can bridge the gap between current and future leadership to ensure business and personal success. Christi shared her advice with aspiring leaders in embracing the changes in leadership and finding the right path and support on their journey.

“Throw out any assumptions you had about how to lead. There’s no rulebook. Leaders need to adjust. The biggest thing a leader needs to do is figure out what do I need to do with my team to create connections and a nurturing environment in a virtual world? And the best way to do that is to talk to your team,” said Christi.

“I’m quite optimistic about the future of the workforce. What this [COVID-19 pandemic and remote working] has proven is that you need to hire the right people and get out of their way – doesn’t matter where they’re doing their job from. This has enabled us tremendous flexibility,” she added.

*Since this interview was conducted, Christi has been appointed SVP, Global Vaccines Commercial at GSK. Patrick Desbiens, currently leading the GSK Global Vaccines Commercial organisation, has been appointed SVP and General Manager, Australia and New Zealand to take over from Christi. Christi and Patrick have been transitioning into their new roles in the past few weeks and both will be fully in role by 1 December.