Get to know Patrick!

Patrick’s pharma journey began with a co-op role in a Canadian pharmaceutical company, sparking an interest that shaped his career. Discover his insights on the power of networking, the impact of community support, and the importance of allyship to create inclusive environments for Black talent in Pharma and Life Sciences.

What motivated and/or inspired you to pursue a career in the Pharma and Life Sciences space?

I became interested in pursuing a career in Pharma after working for a Canadian pharmaceutical company during my undergraduate co-op degree. Although the nature of the work was very different from what I’m doing now (lab work vs. desk work), it exposed me to some of the possible career paths within the industry.

What advice would you give to Black talent aspiring to enter or advance in this field?
Network, network, network! Make it a habit: start today, be deliberate, and do it often. There are many people out there who are ready and eager to help you grow and / or succeed. I’d also recommend finding mentors and coaches. They are great resources. Having someone who will help you navigate your career journey increases your likelihood of achieving your goals.

How has being part of a supportive community influenced your career in Pharma/Life Sciences?
Being a part of a supportive community of allies and Black talent has given me the chance to be connected with coaches and mentors along my journey. These opportunities have helped me make informed, deliberate decisions about my career. They have also shaped my desire to support, encourage and inspire others who are embarking on their own journeys.

How can the industry better engage with Black talent to support their career development and create more inclusive environments?
To support the career development of Black talent, allyship is key. Mentors, coaches and champions within the industry that are allies are able to use their power and privilege to create sustainable change. Overall, I believe that the smaller the level of representation of a given community, the more deliberate industry needs to be if it wishes to achieve any meaningful gains. In addition to this, it’s important to create a safe environment that focuses on DEIB and to use ERGs (or ABTiP) to build strong communities.

If you weren’t in Pharma/Life Sciences, what career path would you have chosen?
If I hadn’t chosen to pursue a career in Pharma, I probably would have landed in a computer science-related field, given that it overlaps with some of my other interests.

Closing thoughts…

What is your vision for the future of Black talent in the Pharma and Life Sciences industry?
I’m hopeful that we’ll arrive at a place in the Canadian Pharma / Life Sciences sector where we’ll see many more Black leaders. We need those role models to inspire and motivate Black talent if we truly want increased engagement within the industry.