Women in Pharma with Marinela Cebic, VP Global Regulatory Affairs, Ensera

What career path led you to your current role, and what have been the pivotal moments along the way?

My career path began in high school, where many of my friends, both male and female, discovered the importance of subjects like biochemistry, math, physics, and biology. These subjects not only shaped our understanding of the world but also played a vital role in how we saw ourselves during those formative years. I can trace my journey of self-development, pursuit of knowledge, and building confidence back to that period of my life. It was pivotal in revealing the undeniable power and advantage of knowledge for later in my career.

I initially set my career path toward economics. However, after the death of a close friend, I discovered that what truly fulfills me is helping others and contributing to a lasting positive impact on people’s lives. One of my first compliance positions opened the door to the fascinating world of proteomics, where I had the opportunity to learn from some of the industry’s top experts.

Working alongside engineers, scientists, and marketing experts, I realized that the convergence of different fields and knowledge is impossible without highly effective Quality and Regulatory strategies.

And this is how I entered the world of Quality and Regulatory Compliance.

What has been your greatest accomplishment, and what made it particularly meaningful to you?

Growing up in a small town steeped in tradition, I learned the importance of earning my parents’ recognition. My proudest achievement is that they have seen my professional growth firsthand, as I strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others along my journey.

In addition to this personal motivation, my sense of professional accomplishment has most often come following various significant inspections and audits. I take immense pride in being able to perform my job effectively while meeting and exceeding the expectations of customers, business partners, and regulators.

Some of this accomplishment has stemmed from the ability to say “no” when needed – not something that’s always easy, but essential when safety, performance and compliance are at stake. Staying true to that unwavering principle is made easier by being able to build relationships and collaborate with team members with diverse cultural backgrounds – ensuring we achieve remarkable outcomes together.

Who inspired you early in your career, and what advice would you give to young women aspiring to follow in your footsteps?

I have had the privilege of working and collaborating with remarkable women throughout my career. Not long after 9/11 I had a role based in New York City. Many of my colleagues were grappling with personal losses from that day, including my boss who had lost her brother. Her incredible resilience, unwavering professionalism, and optimistic, solution-focused mindset were not only inspiring then but continue to motivate me today.

Growing up in the 1990s, in a region scarred by long-lasting wars, I envisioned a better world. One in which hard work and knowledge earn the respect and rewards they deserve. My mother was a big inspiration in that. She taught me the power of strength and determination in the face of the challenges around us. The fear was palpable, and studying by candlelight in a cold home became my reality. But I refused to accept this as my fate. I was determined to make a better world a reality, not just for myself, but to make my mother proud of the life I would build.

My advice to young women aspiring to follow in my footsteps is the following: be unapologetically yourself; refuse to compromise your values for the sake of fitting in; commit to lifelong learning; boldly step outside your comfort zone; establish a compelling vision and set ambitious goals; stand firm and never allow anyone to disrespect you; own your success and exude confidence; uplift and champion other women; share your knowledge generously; take risks; and keep an “attagirl” list to remind you of your incredible achievements during moments of self-doubt, because we all have it.

Have you observed any barriers to career progression in the pharmaceutical field, particularly around leadership roles or international exposure?

We all have unique aspirations, and it’s essential to recognize the specific nature of each individual’s drive and ambition for career advancement. Not all high achievers are eager to take on leadership or line management roles, share the same work ethic, or align on every issue, especially in positions that involve international engagement. Understanding these differences can help harness diverse talents more effectively, and we can foster an environment where everyone feels empowered to strive for the next step in their careers.

I firmly believe that the barriers we face in advancing our careers, particularly in leadership roles and gaining international exposure, often originate from our own self-doubts and fears. These feelings are partly influenced by the environment we operate in and the experiences we encounter. By recognizing and addressing both internal and external obstacles, we can unlock our full potential and seize opportunities for growth.

In today’s digital age, embracing our human connections, strengths and vulnerabilities is more crucial to achieving success for ourselves and the businesses we are part of than ever before. These fundamental softer skills define us, allowing us to connect on a deeper level and navigate the complexities of the modern workplace more effectively.

How has your experience been with diversity, equity, and inclusion at your workplace, especially regarding women in leadership?

Recognizing differences amongst our team members in the Ensera business and partners within the industry more widely is very important. I’ve always rooted for people around me based on their intellect, willingness to step up, tackle things that are outside of their comfort zone, their professionalism, and getting the job over the finish line, while inspiring others to do the same, or even better. I believe that this is what diversity, equity and inclusion is.

I am delighted to work with exceptional women leading in strategically important areas of the business right across the Ensera Group, including in marketing, our design and product development operations in the UK, senior sales roles in Malaysia and Poland, and quality and regulatory in the US. Their unique strengths and diverse skills are instrumental in fostering a richer, more gender-representative workforce that enhances our overall success. Together, we can leverage these talents to create an even greater impact within our industry.

What role have male allies played in your advancement, and how can more men contribute meaningfully to equity in the field?

It is some of the male allies alongside the women I’ve met in my career who have encouraged me to push my boundaries and explore new opportunities. By actively trusting and supporting women, and recognizing the diverse skills they bring, men can play a crucial role in building an inclusive environment where women feel empowered to take on tasks or roles that have historically been dominated by men.

When male allies champion opportunities for women, it opens the door for them to deliver exceptional results. Establishing mutual respect and trust among colleagues, regardless of gender roles, is essential. We should encourage one another to improve, think innovatively, and work together towards better solutions and outcomes for all. This collaborative mindset fosters stronger teamwork and leads to greater success for everyone involved.

Do you believe networking among women in pharma is essential for both career growth and open conversations about gender-specific challenges?

Women have a remarkable talent for networking, often without even being aware of it. Networking is essential for career advancement, and for women the ability to forge connections with one another is particularly vital.

These relationships create a rich environment of understanding, support, and mentorship, which can be invaluable in navigating the complexities of their careers. By cultivating these connections, we can empower each other to achieve greater success.

For example, I’m looking forward to being part of the panel at CPHI’s leadership summit event in Frankfurt. And I had the privilege of being the opening speaker at the Association of Malaysian Medical Industries annual summit earlier this month. I’ve met so many incredible women leaders from the industry that came from Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, and the UK.

The instant connections we formed and the strong bonds we created are a testament to the power of collaboration in our industry.

In your opinion, what practical steps can we take to increase female participation and retention in the pharmaceutical industry?

We must broaden our perspective on talent beyond the conventional career path. Relying solely on a candidate’s education and career history limits our options. Instead, we should embrace individuals who have a blend of soft and hard skills, and who demonstrate potential and a strong willingness to learn.

Hiring those from non-traditional backgrounds should be viewed as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. I firmly believe that candidates with the right mindset—those eager to be mentored, willing to step outside their comfort zones, and ready to implement feedback—can bring immense value to organizations in our industry. Their drive and adaptability are key attributes that can lead to success.