Picture yourself standing at a crossroads, staring at a signpost pointing in two directions. One path is familiar – it’s lined with the skills, routines, and expertise you’ve built over the years. The other? Uncharted territory, full of unknowns, challenges, and opportunities for growth. It’s a tough choice, and if you’re in life sciences or pharma, chances are you’ll face this moment at least once in your career.
For me, it started with being a cardiologist – helping patients, mastering the intricacies of the human heart. Yet, my desire to explore broader questions, challenge existing models, and contribute to a deeper understanding of medicine beyond the bedside pulled me toward academia. And after nearly 20 years, three countries, four universities, and over 40 papers, I jumped again – this time into industry, where ideas turn into action. Every move brought doubt and uncertainty, with obstacles appearing at every turn. But those same challenges created incredible opportunities – and honestly? No regrets.
I’m not alone in this experience. Career transitions – whether stepping into entrepreneurship, moving from clinical practice into industry, or pivoting into a completely new space – are filled with challenges and self-doubt. That’s why hearing the perspectives of others who’ve walked similar paths is invaluable. But here’s the thing about career transitions – they’re never a straight line. And the best way to navigate them? Learn from those who’ve been there.
In December 2024, CONEXEN Cambridge hosted a panel at the Gonville Hotels Ltd, where panellists Zahra Jawad(CREASALLIS), Dr Roxanne Ferdinand(Ipsen), and Jagtar Singh Nijjar(Weatherden), moderated by Victoria Higgins(The Science Leaders Brilliance Coach), shared with more than 70 Conexers, how transitions have shaped both their careers and their outlooks on life. They offered unique insights, blending wisdom, humour, and personal reflections on navigating change.
What Really Pushes Us to Take the Leap?
For Zahra the turning point came in the form of a deeply personal moment. She recalled the day she accompanied a colleague undergoing antibody therapy for stage four lymphoma. Watching firsthand the painful reality of the treatments she had spent years designing was a wake-up call. “I couldn’t believe that what I had been creating might not be helping patients the way I’d hoped.” That realisation set her on a new path. She founded CREASALLIS, stepping into entrepreneurship with equal parts conviction and curiosity.
Life loves a plot twist, and Roxy’s journey is full of them. What started as a clear plan to follow in her father’s footsteps as a doctor somehow led her to pharma, proving that the best-laid plans often take unexpected (and exhilarating) detours.
Leaving clinical practice wasn’t easy – walking away from patient care, stepping into an unfamiliar corporate world, and facing the family expectations that envisioned her wearing a stethoscope forever. But Roxy has a knack for saying “yes” to opportunities, even when they feel terrifying. Networking played a key role, opening doors she never knew existed.
Motherhood became a catalyst for reflection – stepping off the rigorous treadmill of medical training allowed Roxy to reassess what she truly wanted from her career. When an unexpected opportunity presented itself, she took the leap, proving that sometimes, the most unplanned decisions lead to the most rewarding experiences.
And when things went sideways? Like when the drug she was meant to launch was pulled from the U.S. market two weeks after starting her new role? She adapted. Fast forward years later, she’s built a brilliant career, proving that saying yes and figuring it out as you go can be a pretty solid strategy.
Her advice is as simple as it is profound: believe in yourself, take risks, and find great mentors. She lives by her own words – just nine days before this panel, she resigned from Pfizer to take on an enterprise role at Ipsen she once thought unimaginable.
Her story is proof that career transitions aren’t just about escaping the past – they’re about running toward the right things. And sometimes, the best decisions are the ones that make absolutely no sense at first.
Overcoming Fear And Taking Action
A key theme during the discussion was the fear of making the wrong decision. How did the panellists manage their riskiest transitions?
Jag warned about the dangers of overplanning. His advice? Stop trying to map out the whole journey – just take the first step and trust that the path will unfold naturally.
Feeling shaky about making a major move? Zahra put it plainly:
“Feeling wobbly is perfectly normal – it comes with the territory of making a big career change.” — Zahra Jawad
Victoria’s advice was simple yet powerful: “It’ll be okay.” She emphasized trusting one’s instincts and making decisions true to oneself rather than succumbing to external pressures.
At the end of the day, Jag believes the real mistake isn’t making the wrong choice – it’s avoiding a choice altogether. Every decision shape personal growth, he noted, and the lessons learned from those choices are invaluable.
Zahra encouraged self-reflection and addressing negativity in one’s current circumstances: “If you find yourself stuck in that mindset, it’s time to make a move.” I couldn’t agree more – negativity can slowly erode your confidence and well-being. Roxy added that the real challenge isn’t just change, but running toward the right things.
“When I’ve made decisions, I later regretted, it was usually because I was running away rather than pursuing something exciting that aligned with my values.” — Dr Roxanne Ferdinand
Moreover, Zahra championed the idea of viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth. “I don’t see failures as failures; I view them as inconveniences or stumbling blocks that push me towards Plan B. You’re always learning – if something doesn’t work out, you simply pivot to another approach.”
The Power of Role Models and Networking
One of the hardest parts of navigating career shifts? Doing it alone. Jag learned this firsthand when transitioning from academia to industry without a mentor to guide him.
“Without that point of reference, you’re left hearing second-hand anecdotes – often the negative ones.” — Jagtar Singh Nijjar
Now, he mentors others in the same position, helping them see that career pivots don’t have to be terrifying.
Roxy returned to highlight the importance of networking – not only during transitions but throughout one’s career.
“I realized all those LinkedIn requests I had ignored, the drinks I skipped at conferences, or the times I didn’t bother to meet people had become missed opportunities.” — Dr Roxanne Ferdinand
She likened networking to depositing social capital, noting that these efforts often pay dividends at unexpected moments. Building relationships can open doors and alleviate feelings of isolation when embarking on major career changes.
And let’s be honest – networking can feel awkward. You walk into a room full of people, clutching your drink like a lifeline while scanning for a friendly face – trying, of course, not to look like you’re scanning for a friendly face. But here’s the thing: everyone feels that way at some point. The best conversations often start with someone else feeling just as unsure as you.
That’s why events like CONEXEN are golden opportunities to connect with peers, swap stories, and maybe even meet someone who transforms your career in ways you never expected. Whether you’re navigating a transition or simply looking to expand your professional circle, show up, say hello, and embrace the magic of the unexpected connection.
Besides, worst case? You get a beer and snacks. Best case? You walk away with insights, opportunities, and a few new LinkedIn connections who might just become pivotal in your next career or entrepreneurial move. Sounds like a win-win, right?
Final Thoughts
The stories shared by Zahra, Jagtar, Roxy, and Victoria underscore the courage, adaptability, and self-reflection necessary to navigate career transitions. From facing failure to embracing opportunity, each panellist demonstrated the transformative power of stepping out of comfort zones and saying yes to the unknown. Their insights inspire us to stay curious, build connections, and trust that even the most daunting changes can lead to growth and fulfilment. Whether in life sciences, pharma, or beyond.
Join us at the next CONEXEN London community event on June 4th 2025 to continue this vital conversation. We’ll be exploring industry changes that might prompt even more career transitions. Join us for “Taking Control: Navigating Life Sciences Journeys During Times of Change” where James Suares (Sanofi) will lead a conversation with Sav Solanki, PhD (GSK) and Miriam Kenrick (Xcite Ignite and Women in Pharma (WiP)) industry leaders and founders who’ve navigated big transitions in life sciences. If you’re considering a transition, don’t let fear hold you back – stay curious, build connections, and take the leap!
About Sasha
Is a Conexer in London born and raised in Ukraine, Dr. Sasha Vince pursued medical studies before relocating to Europe, where she established herself as a distinguished expert in cardiovascular research within academia. Now, as part of the Boston Scientific Structural Heart team, Sasha brings her scientific expertise and analytical approach to advancing patient care, striving to make a meaningful impact in the field.
