Purpose, precision and progress: Jenny’s advice on building a career that delivers

With more than 30 years of cross-functional experience spanning manufacturing, R&D, supply chain and commercial strategy, Jenny Gattari brings a rare depth of insight to her role as Global Business Development Lead at Pfizer CentreOne.

In this Discover Pharma Q&A, she reflects on the key turning points in her career, the evolving role of women in science, and what excites her most about the future of sterile injectables. Passionate about people, purpose-driven, and deeply attuned to the patient impact behind every project, Jenny shares her thoughts on leadership, innovation—and the power of saying yes to the unexpected.

When did you first realize you had an interest in pharma or science more broadly?

My interest in science and healthcare was shaped early on by my parents. My father worked as an engineer in the pharmaceutical industry and my mother was a nurse, so I grew up with a strong understanding of how science has the power to directly and positively impact people’s lives.

From the beginning of my career in manufacturing through to R&D, marketing and commercial leadership, one thing has remained constant: a deep belief that the work we do only matters if it makes a difference for patients. Whether it’s developing technologies, improving supply chains or accelerating tech transfers, I’ve always been driven by the idea that behind every project is a person waiting for treatment. That focus is what continues to motivate me every day.

“Behind every project is a person waiting for treatment.”

Can you tell us a bit about your journey into the pharmaceutical industry — was it planned or unexpected?

My path into the pharmaceutical industry was more of an evolution than a set plan. I began with a strong foundation in industrial engineering, drawn to the challenge of improving operational efficiency. Early in my career, I took on roles in manufacturing and supply chain, where I was exposed to the precision and discipline required to produce high-quality medicines at scale.

What started as a focus on operations quickly grew into something deeper. As I progressed through different roles across R&D, marketing and commercial leadership, I developed a strong appreciation for the strategy and purpose that drive this industry. The transition into business development felt like a natural next step, where I could bring together all of that experience to help clients bring their therapies to market.

“Some of the most meaningful steps in my journey came from saying yes to roles that were outside my comfort zone.”

What does your current role involve, and what excites you most about it?

As Global Business Development Lead at Pfizer CentreOne, my role is focused on identifying the right strategic opportunities that align with our capabilities and capacity. It’s about finding those customers whose goals and values align with ours and working closely with them to support the commercial supply of their therapies.

The work is highly cross-functional, which means collaborating across technical, operational and commercial teams to ensure we deliver exactly what our customers need, reliably and at the highest quality. What excites me most is the complexity. No two projects are ever the same. Each customer brings a unique set of challenges, whether it’s a technical transfer with tight timelines or a product that requires specific manufacturing expertise.

“There’s something incredibly rewarding about playing a part in helping a therapy reach the patients who are depending on it.”

Have you faced any particular challenges as a woman in the science or pharma space? How did you overcome them?

Like many women in this industry, I’ve experienced moments where I had to work a little harder to be heard or taken seriously, especially early in my career. At times, I was the only woman in the room, and while that’s slowly changing, it still happens.

What helped me most was finding mentors and champions, both male and female, who encouraged me to step into leadership roles and trust my voice. I’ve also learned the value of mentoring others, helping people see the strengths in themselves that they might not recognize yet.

“My goal now is to help create space for the next generation of women leaders to thrive.”

Is there a mentor, colleague or experience that has significantly shaped your career path?

One experience that had a lasting impact was leading the launch of a diagnostic platform used to detect chronic and infectious diseases. I was responsible for managing the project budget and critical path, coordinating a large, cross-functional team of around 250 people.

It was the first time I truly saw how science, operations and strategy come together to bring something to market. I loved the challenge, but also recognized areas where I wanted to strengthen my skill set—especially on the commercial side. That realization led me to pursue my MBA, which then opened the door to new roles across marketing and business development.

How do you see the role of women evolving in pharma, particularly in leadership or technical roles?

The role of women in pharma is evolving in a really positive way. We’re seeing more women take on leadership and technical positions. That shift is long overdue, and it’s encouraging to see organisations recognising the value of inclusive leadership.

Still, there’s work to be done. It’s not only about opening doors, it’s about making sure women are supported once they’re through them. That means creating space for different leadership styles, encouraging mentorship and fostering cultures where diverse voices are heard and respected.

“When people feel empowered to lead as themselves, they do their best work.”

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in science or the pharmaceutical industry?

One piece of advice I always share is to stay open to new opportunities. Your career won’t always follow a straight line, and that’s OK. The key is to stay curious, be willing to learn and trust that every experience will add something to your perspective.

“Adaptability is just as important as expertise.”

What’s a scientific development or trend you’re particularly excited about right now?
There’s a real wave of innovation happening in sterile injectables (SIs) right now. GLP-1 receptor agonists for diabetes and obesity are having a huge impact, and the demand is driving rapid expansion in manufacturing. At the same time, we’re seeing growth in self-administered formats like prefilled syringes, auto-injectors and long-acting injectables.

Those demands are pushing the industry to improve how we manage tech transfer, scale-up and operational readiness. I’m seeing more companies take a proactive approach, investing earlier in technical planning, asking the right questions and prioritizing right-first-time execution.

How do you balance the technical and strategic sides of your role, especially in a global business development position?

Balancing the technical and strategic sides starts with understanding how they inform each other. In global business development, I need to assess opportunities not just by the numbers, but by how feasible they are from a technical standpoint.

My experience across the industry gives me a holistic understanding of the drug life cycle, enabling me to bridge those conversations effectively. It’s not about doing everything myself. It’s about connecting the right people early, asking the right questions and staying focused on delivering high-quality therapies to patients.

What’s one achievement you’re especially proud of — either professional or personal?

One of the things I’m most proud of is helping to create The Collective, a leadership development program for women in middle management. Since its launch, it has supported nearly 200 women, with 94% taking active steps to grow their careers and 30% going on to mentor others.

“Leadership is not just about what you accomplish, but how you help others see what they’re capable of achieving.” 

How do you stay motivated and maintain a sense of purpose in an industry that can be both high-stakes and high-pressure?

What keeps me motivated is remembering who we are doing this for. In this industry, the stakes are high because the outcomes matter — someone, somewhere, is waiting for a treatment that could change their life.

I also draw motivation from the people I work with. Whether it’s mentoring my team or collaborating with a customer to solve a complex challenge, those connections bring energy and meaning to the work.

Outside of work, do you have any passions or hobbies that recharge or inspire you?
Outside of work, I find a lot of energy and clarity through cycling. I’ve completed a few century rides, often tied to fundraising efforts for causes like juvenile diabetes. I also love spending time outdoors and staying active, whether it’s hiking, exploring new places or just being with family. Those moments help me recharge and come back to work with a fresh perspective and renewed focus.