In honor of the International Day of Women & Girls in Science and International Women’s Day 2024, we present our third EmpowHER article featuring Noelia Ortega, Business Unit Head of Strategic Resourcing Solutions at TFS. From her early days shaping clinical research activities to her current role steering a business unit, Noelia shares insights into pivotal moments, effective strategies, and the influence of inspiring women in her career. 

Interested in reading our other EmpowHER spotlights? Learn more about Bin Pan, Executive Director, Program Strategy, Oncology & Hematology and Marcia Swank, Vice President of Ophthalmology.  

 

Navigating Leadership and Innovation in Life Sciences with Noelia Ortega

 

1. What defining moment in your career propelled you into a leadership role, and how has it shaped your approach to leading your business unit?

When I joined TFS I started working for one of our largest partners, where I played a pivotal role in training and mentoring other peers in the execution of clinical research activities. Soon, I was promoted to Line Manager, leading and overseeing the work of CRAs. I had the ambition of reaching high quality standards and helping others to not only accomplish the study deliverables on time, but also to develop their soft skills to become “first-in-class” professionals. Even today, I keep the same approach when leading my business unit, by creating a trustworthy environment and working together with operational excellence towards common goals.

 

2. In navigating challenges specific to your industry, what strategies have you found most effective in ensuring sustained success for your business unit?

Sustained success for my business unit revolves around the ability to foster profitable growth continuously. This entails building trust with our partners, leveraging our extensive knowledge and experience, consistently surpassing expectations, going the extra mile, providing adaptable solutions, and approaching challenges with a positive mindset.

 

3. What woman has inspired you most to pursue your career in life sciences/research, and how has her influence shaped your professional journey?

From an early age, I was innately curious and quickly developed a passion for biology and science. However, Margarita Salas stands out as an inspiring figure. Margarita Salas was a pioneering Spanish scientist known for her groundbreaking work in molecular genetics and biotechnology. Her influence on the scientific community, particularly in Spain and beyond, has been profound. Her dedication to scientific inquiry and her commitment to excellence has served as inspiration for me, fostering a culture of innovation and discovery.

 

4. As a champion for diversity and inclusion, how have you actively fostered an inclusive culture within your team, and what impact has it had on your unit’s dynamics?

I strive to promote diversity and inclusion by ensuring fairness and equality within my team and unit. Additionally, I prioritize respectful and inclusive communication, avoiding language that could perpetuate stereotypes. By promoting diverse perspectives and fostering an inclusive environment, I aim to contribute to a more equitable and respectful discourse, ultimately supporting positive interactions and collaboration among team members from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

 

5. Can you share an example of a time when you felt particularly supported or empowered in your role at TFS?

One example that comes to mind is during the opening of our legal entity in Portugal. Thanks to the exceptional partnership and operational excellence delivered in Spain across the years for one of our biggest FSPs in the history of TFS, combined with a good strategy implemented during the RFP process, we were able to scale-up and win a new FSP in Portugal in 2022, where TFS did not have any presence. It was challenging to build-up the Portuguese entity, look for a new office and succeed during the ramp-up phase of the resources, as all needed to be done within very tight timelines. However, during this journey we had the invaluable support and engagement of the top management, Legal, HR, IT, Facilities, Talent Acquisition and Finance teams, and we did it! It was an excellent team effort, and I enjoyed it a lot during the process. 

Read our case study here! 

 

6. In the face of technological advancements and remote work trends, how do you ensure your business unit remains agile and innovative, staying ahead in the competitive landscape of your industry?

We have implemented several strategies in my unit:

• We foster cross-functional collaboration to leverage diverse perspectives and expertise
• Encourage a culture of risk-taking, where our teams feel empowered to explore new ideas
• Create a safe environment where failure is seen as a learning opportunity
• Stay focused on the needs of our customers by regularly gathering feedback and insights to ensure that our organization remains competitive in the marketplace
• Last but not least, we try to be agile in the management of our projects to enable flexibility in response to changing market conditions.

 

7. As a woman in leadership, what advice do you have for aspiring female professionals looking to advance their careers and break through barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields?

My main advice would be to believe in yourself, have confidence in your abilities and value yourself as a professional. Recognize your strengths and expertise, and don’t be afraid to assert yourself and take on leadership roles.

 

8. What advice would you give to allies who want to support women in science and research but aren’t sure how to be most effective?

In my opinion, it is important to take the time to listen to the experiences of women, and to educate ones self about the challenges and barriers women face, both within the workplace and in broader society, and to actively amplify the voices and contributions of women in science by recognizing and promoting their achievements.

 

9. What are your hopes for the future of women in science and research and what changes do you think are necessary to make those hopes a reality?

My hopes are for greater representation, recognition, and opportunities for women across all fields and at all levels in life sciences and beyond. To make these hopes a reality, it will require concerted efforts from individuals and organizations to address systemic barriers and promote gender equality. This includes implementing practices that support women’s career advancement, fostering inclusive work environments to promote diversity and work-life balance.

 

10. Looking ahead, what are your visions and goals for the future of your business unit, and how do you plan to lead your team towards continued success and growth?

To continue creating strategic partnerships and collaborations with both existing & new customers to expand market reach and drive innovation, to invest in the development and growth of my team members by providing opportunities for learning, skill development and career progression, and to maintain a strong focus on understanding and meeting the needs of our customers. Leadership plays here a crucial role in setting the vision, fostering a positive work environment, and empowering my team members to achieve their goals. 

 

Connect with Noelia on LinkedIn! 

 

TFS’ Commitment to Inclusive Innovation 

At TFS HealthScience, we are committed to fostering innovation through inclusion. Our goal is to create a professional work environment where every employee feels respected and valued, no matter gender, race, culture, or belief. Inclusion is not a one-time effort, it’s an ongoing journey. We strive to constantly communicate and organize initiatives to integrate inclusion as a core sustainable value of the business. 

Our EmpowHER campaign invites you to be part of this transformative journey. Connect with us, engage with our stories, and join the conversation! 

Contact a team member today or connect with us on LinkedIn!