Real Time with WLP

This month’s Real Time with WLP podcast focuses on UniquePaths to Leadership. Kristina Fusella, a leader who has held multiple leadership roles at Novo Nordisk U.S. (and most recently National Director, Cardiometabolic Education Program - Commercial Execution and Sales) shares her perspective on the benefits of non-linear paths to leadership and tips to communicate your unique value in pursuing opportunities.In conversation with WLP Volunteer and DEI Chair atLundbeck, Virginia Fairbank, Kristina speaks to inspirational vs. authoritative leadership, the learning from and how to leverage ERG experience as a sandbox for futureleadership; and to drive innovation and employee engagement.As you look at how to communicate your own value whenpursuing your own professional milestones, take a few minutes and listen to this informative conversation.

Welcome to a new year of Real Time with WLP.  We are excited for our January podcast release as we invite you to listen to two powerful conversations on Paying it Forward as Leaders:  Allyship and Gender Equity in Action.  Michael Casia, President and Managing Director of Organon Canada, shares his perspective on allyship and gender equity in health.  His perspective on the role of a leader and his personal approach to paying it forward is one that cannot be missed.  Michael Casia serves as the President and Managing Director of Organon Canada, a global healthcare company dedicated to advancing gender equity through its focus on women’s health and strengthening the Canadian healthcare system with cost-saving solutions provided by its biosimilar portfolio. Under Michael’s leadership, Organon Canada has rapidly evolved into a key player in the Canadian healthcare environment, with active involvement in critical areas such as contraception, fertility, menopause, osteoporosis, and women’s cancers. Additionally, the company has emerged as a market leader in biosimilars, with Michael serving as a vocal advocate for their adoption through his role as Vice-Chair of Biosimilars Canada Industry Association.

Bienvenue à une nouvelle année de Tête-à-tête avec FLP. Nous avons très hâte au lancement de notre balado en français et nous vous invitons à écouter la conversation inspirant sur le thème: Payez au suivant en tant que leaders : la solidarité et l'équité de genre en action. Litsa Spiridonakos, directrice des ressources humaines chez Organon Canada, nous présente sa vision sur le fait de se sentir valorisée au sein de son organisation et sur la défense de l’égalité en santé. À titre de directrice des ressources humaines d’Organon Canada, Litsa est responsable de fournir des orientations stratégiques et d’assurer un leadership pour tous les aspects de la fonction des ressources humaines, et d’établir une vision et une orientation pour l’ensemble des programmes, des politiques et des services de ressources humaines qui appuient la mission et les valeurs d’Organon. Litsa possède plus de 15 ans d’expérience dans la promotion de stratégies organisationnelles en matière de gestion des talents, de perfectionnement, de culture et de transformation, qu’elle a acquise en travaillant dans diverses industries, notamment les télécommunications, les services professionnels et, plus récemment, l’industrie pharmaceutique.

Episode 38 features some of our thought provoking past guests: Lida Citroёn, Melissa Leichter, Domenico Benevento, Dyisha Reliford, Kim Ferris, and Julia Brown. In this final podcast of the year, they share their tips on how women and allies can raise up the importance of equity to help close the gender pay gap.

This month’s Real Time with WLP podcast is with Julia Brown, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Oncology, for Janssen Canada.  In conversation with WLP Board Member Thea Discepola, Julia speaks about her experience with global roles and navigating through cultural diversity and norms. In our 37th Episode ‘Global Leadership: Mastering Career Pivots and Cross-Cultural Success’, she explores how to prepare for these opportunities and challenges and then apply them to future leadership growth. Julia has been with J&J Innovative Medicines for 21 years and is now the Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Oncology, for Janssen Canada.  Previous roles include General Manager of Janssen Commercial Puerto Rico, Business Unit Director for Rheumatology and Dermatology and Vice President of Government Affairs and Market Access.  Julia has a passion for diversity and inclusion and has acted as an Executive Sponsor for DE&I across the J&J Family of Companies in Canada.  Julia served as the President of the Canadian Association for Healthcare Reimbursement (CAHR) for four years and sat on the CAHR Board of Directors for 15 years

As World Menopause month comes to a close, we are pleased to share our 36th episode of Real Time with WLP. Menopause Matters: From Struggles to Strength – Owning Your Menopause Journey – the third of our three-part series – wraps up our conversation with Janet Ko, President and Co-Founder of The Menopause Foundation of Canada, a national non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to breaking the silence and stigma of menopause. In this final episode, Janet shares her personal journey with Joanna Wilson and offers inspiring advice about preparing for menopause and the importance of support for women both in and outside of the workforce. Janet’s insights remind us all of the importance of education, empowering ourselves, and advocating for change.

For World Menopause Day on October 18th,  our 35th episode of Real Time with WLP is the second of our three-part series.   Menopause Matters: It’s Time to Change “The Change”  continues our conversation with Janet Ko, President and Co-Founder of The Menopause Foundation of Canada, a national non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to breaking the silence and the stigma of menopause.  In this episode, we explore the Menopause at Work Report and the push for greater inclusivity and access to menopause care in Canada. The conversation with Joanna Wilson explores why employers must embrace menopause inclusivity, the importance of preparing for menopause, and how both individuals and organizations can help drive change.

In advance of World Menopause Month in October, our 34th episode of Real Time with WLP features Janet Ko, President and Co-Founder of The Menopause Foundation of Canada, a national non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to breaking the silence and the stigma of menopause. In conversation with Joanna Wilson, EVP, Edelman, Janet reveals just how menopause may impact women and their professional journey. Our first in a three-part series, we kick off with Menopause Matters: Navigating Myths, Symptoms & Stigma. In this episode, we tackle menopause as a health equity issue, highlighting The Foundation’s 2022 report The Silence and the Stigma. Join us for this much-needed conversation where we cover how to talk to your healthcare provider, debunk common myths, and explore key symptoms – and hear more about Janet’s goal to close the menopause knowledge gap and empower women in their prime to approach this life stage with confidence. Janet Ko is President and Co-Founder of The Menopause Foundation of Canada, a national non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to breaking the silence and the stigma of menopause. Janet has held numerous leadership roles including Senior Vice President, Communications in the global life sciences and senior care sectors. She is dedicated to helping women thrive through their menopausal years and is a passionate speaker and menopause advocate. Janet is honoured to be one of the top 25 Women of Influence Award recipients for 2023. 

This month’s Real Time with WLP podcast episode is with Melissa Leichter, US Vice President & Commercial Lead, Rare Diseases at Novo Nordisk Inc. In conversation with TJ Geddis, Director Patient Programs & Advocacy at Acadia Pharmaceuticals, Melissa explores the importance of relatable female role models.  Gaining Inspiration and Connection from Relatable Women Leaders is the topic of Episode 33 and highlights the value of meaningful connections for professional growth.  

Real Time with WLP's 32nd episode features Lida Citroën who is an award-winning executive coach and personal branding expert who helps global leaders manage their reputations. She has guided thousands across 30 countries and her work is featured in top media outlets like Forbes and Harvard Business Review. Author of six award-winning books and a recognized keynote speaker, Lida also volunteers to help veterans transition to civilian careers. Her clients include industry giants such as Google, HP, and LinkedIn.