Her Story
About Alexandra
Alexandra Gunchenko serves as Vice President of Global Clinical Development at Bristol Myers Squibb, where she leads enterprise initiatives to establish early clinical development frameworks in China and to integrate AI tools for greater efficiency in drug development. Beginning her career as an oncology nurse, she transitioned to the pharmaceutical industry in 2001 and has since directed clinical trials, engaged with hospitals and physicians, authored protocols, analyzed safety and efficacy data, and prepared regulatory submissions for hematology and oncology medicines. Her contributions include nine submissions resulting in seven medicines approved worldwide. In 2017, she obtained an Executive Leadership Coaching Certificate from Georgetown University to enhance her ability to mentor teams and foster psychological safety in the workplace.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Alexandra
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Looking back, it's almost like a covenant. Encourage them to just keep trying to do it. It's okay not to be sure of what you're doing, but as long as you keep moving forward. Don't compare yourself to other people. We each have different roads, different starting points. Don't be afraid to speak, to articulate. Share your voice with others.
02What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The field is very broad with many opportunities in scientific track, operations, medical affairs, safety, commercial, sales, regulatory affairs. Companies have a permission problem - they don't allow challenging assumptions or true leadership. Need cultures that foster psychological safety to speak up and challenge assumptions.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Relationships are key - invest time, build trust, integrity, stay true to who you are. Psychological safety and vulnerability are important. Listening to really hear what people need. Family is significantly important.
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