As a seasoned professional in pharmaceutical research, Barbara Maglione spearheads innovation as the Head of Research and Development at Farmaceutici Damor S.p.A., a renowned Italian pharmaceutical company founded in 1943. With a strong foundation in molecular biology, she has conducted pivotal research on the potential benefits of bioarginine for COVID-19 patients. Her work has been published in esteemed scientific journals, underscoring her expertise and dedication to advancing medical science.
Barbara’s Journey: From Tragedy to Triumph
A personal tragedy at the age of 10 sparked Barbara’s passion for pharmaceutical research. After losing a friend to brain cancer, she dedicated herself to making a difference in the field. Barbara pursued a degree in molecular biology, focusing on cancer research, and later joined Farmaceutici Damor as a sales representative. Her experience in sales ignited a passion for direct interaction with physicians, and she eventually transitioned to the scientific department. Presently, as the Head of R&D, Barbara oversees the scientific areas, driving innovation and discovery at Farmaceutici Damor.
The Core Values in Leadership: Guiding Principles
As a leader in the scientific and impact-driven field of pharmaceutical research, Barbara is guided by key values that inform her decision-making. Vision is paramount, with a focus on long-term goals and the company’s reputation. Foresight and adaptability are essential in planning for obstacles and updating the vision as needed. Effective communication, driven by empathy and positive reinforcement, is the foundation of decision-making. Barbara also prioritizes continuous learning from her team and colleagues, fostering a culture of passion and commitment to shared goals.
Balancing Innovation, Compliance, and Integrity
Barbara navigates the delicate balance between driving innovation and upholding scientific integrity at Farmaceutici Damor. Recognizing the tension between rapid growth and ethical considerations, she emphasizes the importance of finding a middle ground. Through open communication and collaboration between R&D and compliance teams, Barbara implements a win-win strategy that fosters breakthroughs while maintaining trust and integrity. By prioritizing company values and responsible decision-making, she ensures that innovation and ethics go hand-in-hand.
Barbara’s Distinctive Leadership Style
As the Head of R&D, Barbara’s leadership style is centered on inspiring her team and fostering a collaborative work environment. She prioritizes building strong relationships, empowering members to take ownership of their work, and providing the necessary tools and resources for success. By promoting open communication and transparency, Barbara encourages her team to share ideas and feedback, driving collective progress towards shared goals. She encourages her team to share ideas and feedback, driving collective progress toward shared goals. Her approach is designed to bring out the best in her team every day.
Balancing Creativity and Science
Barbara fosters both creativity and rigorous scientific thinking by striking a balance between exploration and evidence-based principles. By cultivating curiosity, promoting collaborative brainstorming, and integrating project-based learning, she creates a culture of innovation where novel ideas thrive alongside scientific rigor.
The Valuable Leadership Lessons
In her role at Farmaceutici Damor, Barbara learned valuable leadership lessons that shaped her approach. She emphasizes prioritizing trust and integrity, fostering a collaborative environment, and developing the skills of adaptability and continuous learning. By embracing these lessons, Barbara drives positive change and inspires her team to strive for excellence.
A Career of Impact: Notable Milestones
Barbara’s journey in the pharmaceutical segment has evolved through a combination of her environment, colleagues, and inquisitive curiosity. A defining milestone came during the COVID pandemic when research on bioarginina® demonstrated its potential in supporting COVID patients hospitalized in sub-intensive therapy. This breakthrough led to a published, randomized, double-blind clinical trial in a prestigious scientific journal. The success of this project marked a turning point, paving the way for further scientific trials and cementing Barbara’s confidence in her contributions to the company.
Breaking Barriers: Barbara’s Experience as a Woman Leader
As a woman leader in pharmaceutical science, Barbara views her gender as an opportunity rather than a challenge. However, she faced intense competition, which drove her to seek a competitive advantage. During university, Barbara proactively applied for internships and jobs, reaching out to hundreds of professors and securing a few opportunities that provided valuable experience and exposure. This strategic approach gave her an edge in her career, enabling her to stand out in a crowded field and ultimately achieve her goals.
Guidance for Aspiring R&D Leaders
Barbara advises young researchers to prioritize effective time management, creating a realistic schedule that balances research, analysis, writing, and relaxation. She emphasizes the importance of a well-rested mind for productivity and creativity. Barbara also stresses the value of mentorship, encouraging young scientists to seek out supportive environments that foster growth and development. If such opportunities are not available, she advises them to be productive and seek change, as it will be a great defining move.
Honouring Heritage, Driving Innovation
Farmaceutici Damor balances its rich heritage with innovation by creating a culture that values both tradition and creativity. Through collaboration and strategic investments in new technologies and research avenues, the company seamlessly integrates its legacy with forward thinking approaches, driving growth while staying true to its roots.
Damor’s Distinctive R&D Approach
Farmaceutici Damor’s R&D approach stands out in comparison to their larger counterparts due to its agility, focus, and streamlined decision-making. It tends to be more agile and responsive to new ideas, and its decision making processes are often less bureaucratic, allowing for quicker adoption of innovative strategies. Additionally, the company is focused on early-stage drug discovery, while larger companies may lean towards clinical trials and post approval research.
Addressing Unmet Needs
Barbara identifies significant unmet needs where Damor can make a meaningful impact in the next five to ten years. To prepare for the shift towards personalized and precision medicine, her team is undergoing a fundamental transformation, reimagining every aspect of the business. By embracing this change, Damor aims to thrive in a landscape dominated by precision therapies, reckoning that adaptability is key to future success.
Barbara’s Vision for the Future of R&D Leadership
Barbara foresees a future marked by balancing technological investment and innovation with strategic priorities. Future leaders will need to be adaptable, inclusive, and adept at integrating AI and managing remote teams and prioritizing employee well-being and purpose. By cultivating a compelling vision, they will drive motivation and success in an increasingly complex and dynamic R&D landscape.