Carla Rideaux
Carla Rideaux is the Director of Strategic Accounts at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, where she oversees a diverse pharmaceutical portfolio spanning oncology, immunology, and neuroscience therapeutic areas. With over 24 years of experience in healthcare and pharmaceuticals, Carla brings a patient-centered, purpose-driven approach to her work. She is recognized for her strategic account management skills, innovative thinking, and ability to identify and address unmet clinical needs, all while fostering authentic and collaborative relationships with healthcare providers and teams.
Throughout her career, Carla has held progressive roles across major pharmaceutical companies, including Janssen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Genentech. She has consistently been recognized for her achievements, earning President’s Club and Special Achievement Awards, and is known for her ability to combine strong analytical skills with business acumen to drive meaningful outcomes for patients and providers alike. Her professional philosophy emphasizes passion, purpose, and adaptability, reflecting her commitment to improving patient care and advocating for those she serves.
Outside of her professional life, Carla is deeply engaged in her community. She volunteers with the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation and supports the AIDS Foundation, while also cherishing time with her family and her dog, Blitz. She enjoys hosting friends and loved ones, crafting personalized gifts, and mentoring the next generation of professionals—demonstrating the same integrity, authenticity, and care in her personal life as she does in her career.
• Iowa State University- B.S.
• Crohn's Colitis Foundation
• AIDS Foundation
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of resilience, purpose, and adaptability. Immigrating to the U.S. at six and navigating school as a non-English speaker taught me to overcome barriers, embrace diverse perspectives, and pursue my passion for leadership and business. Today, my work in pharmaceuticals allows me to advocate for patients, identify unmet needs, and elevate the teams I lead—all with authenticity, strategic focus, and a deep commitment to making a meaningful impact.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to lead with purpose and advocacy, focusing on making a meaningful impact for others. I’ve been inspired by leaders like Nicole Jean Pierre, who champion patients and women in the industry while driving change with integrity and dedication. Their example has shown me the importance of combining professional excellence with authenticity, mentorship, and a commitment to improving lives.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to show up authentically and unapologetically, never be afraid to challenge yourself or the status quo, and remain adaptable to diverse environments. Dedicate yourself to causes you truly believe in and use your voice to advocate for others, especially those who may not have one. Staying true to your passion and purpose will guide your path and create meaningful impact.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field include addressing diseases without cures and navigating gaps in clinical guidelines, such as lung cancer screening criteria that can lead to late-stage diagnoses. At the same time, there are significant opportunities to advocate for policy and guideline changes, elevate unmet patient needs, and drive meaningful improvements in patient care. For those entering the industry, these challenges are also chances to make a real impact by using their voice and expertise to champion change.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are passion, purpose, authenticity, advocacy, and adaptability. I am deeply committed to raising awareness and supporting communities, whether through volunteering with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, advocating for diseases without cures like HIV/AIDS, or promoting animal adoption and welfare. These values guide how I show up professionally and personally, ensuring I use my voice and actions to make a meaningful impact for others.