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Tackling the existing gender gap in the biotech sector

Published

2 years ago

on

Skilling women researchers and nurturing women CEOs

Today’s society is very advanced – in so many ways.

From the cars people drive, to the way they communicate with one another, to the places people can travel to – and how they can get there.

But unfortunately, gender disparity is still evident for female CEOs, particularly in the Biotech sector.

Most people know that gender inequality still exists in some form, but often no action is taken to change it. With women being underrepresented, it might be having a negative impact on the overall outcomes.

“In order to run a company, one has to be worth more than just their research capabilities, there’s lots of more skills that are necessary,” Dr. Zeenia Kaul from Reheva Biosciences reveals. “During my training as a researcher, I was not necessarily offered an opportunity to learn those skills.

“I had to learn them on job.

“Some of the skills necessary to run a successful biotech startup or business are very different.

“As a scientist, I should be able to read a balance sheet and understand what it means for my business.

“I was very fortunate to have business education that allowed me to get the skillset and have a co-founder who had started companies and expanded them.”

Image: file

Cure Brain Cancer Foundation CEO Lance Kawaguchi reveals a similar tale of not many females being – or becoming CEOs – in the sector.

“When I joined the not-for-profit sector two years ago, I didn’t really see any women CEOs,” Kawaguchi adds. “That’s why I wanted to make sure that all the funds that we raised, are going to be dispersed based off merit, not on gender.”

So, how can change be facilitated, not only in the sector but across the board?

“I want to create an ecosystem, so that the biotechs are provided with the commercial experience of how to do intellectual property (IP) law; how to read a balance sheet when you’re doing a debt deal,” Kawaguchi asserts.

“I find many of the researchers, brilliant as they are, don’t have the finance or the business acumen.

“And that’s one thing I’m trying to provide – not only the funding, but also the support to fill in the gaps, to help them progress through each phase,” he says.

Another major obstacle that Kawaguchi points out is the lack of funding given to some companies at Phase zero, especially those startups that don’t have a track record of successful venture capital raises.

“How do you get a track record if you’re not given an opportunity?” he posits. “The more we can support that Phase zero phase or Phase one research, the more shots on goal.

“And this is how we get more from the bench to the bedside – by supporting the front end of the pipeline.”

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Leaders

AI transforms retail: Aussie shoppers embrace smarter ways to buy

Published

6 days ago

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June 12, 2025

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Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how Australians shop, with a sharp rise in consumers using AI-powered tools to personalise their retail experience. From tailored recommendations to voice-assisted purchases, shoppers are seeking convenience and connection like never before. Hayley Fisher from Adyen says businesses must act now to stay relevant by investing in AI and offering seamless, multi-channel customer journeys.

Yet while consumers are moving quickly, many retailers are falling behind. Adyen’s latest Retail Report reveals that only 26% of retailers plan to invest in AI this year, raising questions about who may be left behind as the sector evolves.

Hayley Fisher from Adyen joined us to unpack the findings. She says AI is not just a passing trend – it is becoming central to how people discover, decide, and buy. “Retailers need to meet customers where they are,” she explains, “and that means delivering a seamless journey across both online and in-store touchpoints.”

With shoppers demanding more tailored experiences, Fisher warns that failing to act could cost retailers not only customers, but their long-term relevance.

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TikTok enhances parental controls for children’s safety

TikTok enhances safety with new parental controls, enabling better monitoring of children’s online activity and content access.

Published

1 week ago

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June 10, 2025

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TikTok enhances safety with new parental controls, enabling better monitoring of children’s online activity and content access.

In Short:
TikTok is enhancing parental controls to help families manage children’s online safety and screen time. Experts believe that while these measures are positive, ongoing communication and education are essential for true safety in the digital environment.

Social media platforms like TikTok are strengthening safety measures amid growing concern over children’s exposure to inappropriate content online. New parental controls now allow families to manage screen time, filter content, and set safety alerts, including a 10 p.m. curfew.

Parents can link their accounts to their child’s, gaining visibility over followers, blocked users, and flagged content. This encourages open discussions about online experiences and promotes cyber awareness. Craig Ford from Cyber Unicorns outlines the latest tools being introduced to help protect young users in the digital space.

While these changes are a step in the right direction, some experts warn they may not go far enough. There is scepticism about proposed bans for under-16s, with many arguing that education and honest conversations are more effective long-term solutions. Building trust and keeping communication open, they say, is key to keeping children safe online.

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Radical transparency and resilience in leadership essentials

Leaders must embrace radical transparency and resilience to navigate organisational changes effectively this financial year.

Published

1 week ago

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June 10, 2025

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Leaders must embrace radical transparency and resilience to navigate organisational changes effectively this financial year.

In Short:
Effective leadership during financial challenges requires clear communication and team engagement, according to Beth Hope. She recommends three strategies: being present, continuous learning, and maximising energy to foster resilience and achieve micro growth.

As organisations navigate redundancies, hiring freezes, and restructures, effective leadership and team engagement become essential in the new financial year.

Beth Hope from &Hope Coaching discusses radical transparency in leadership, which is crucial during challenging times. This approach involves clear and honest communication to prevent damaging rumours and ensure team engagement.

Leaders can build resilience through three main strategies. First, being present is vital, as it’s easy to dwell on past mistakes or future worries. Asking what is going well and identifying areas for improvement is key.

Second, continuous learning supports resilience, whether through micro-learning or additional courses to enhance skills.

Third, maximising energy is important. Simple actions like taking short walks can boost mental clarity. Leaders should schedule strategic meetings early in the day when mental capacity is at its highest.

Beth also highlights the importance of setting achievable goals, suggesting that focusing on micro growth can create momentum. By encouraging small wins, team members remain engaged rather than distracted by long-term strategies.

Human-centred restructuring can further enhance outcomes. When employees feel involved in decision-making, they are more likely to commit to changes. Co-creating with teams fosters engagement and collaboration during challenging transitions.

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