Wendy Stewart’s career trajectory at IQVIA is a compelling narrative of growth, opportunity, and leadership. Spanning over two decades, Wendy’s journey from a Project Management Assistant to President of Clinical Operations, R&DS, showcases the power of career exploration and embracing diverse experiences. This article delves into Wendy’s pivotal career moments, transformative experiences, and the valuable lessons she has learned along the way, offering insights for those navigating their own professional paths.
A Diverse Career Path Within IQVIA
Wendy’s career path at IQVIA is a testament to the value of exploring different roles and embracing new challenges. Starting in project management in 1997, Wendy’s career quickly expanded. She ventured into business development, took on international assignments in Singapore and Scotland, and even contributed to IQVIA’s Lab business, initially returning to project management.
A significant turning point in Wendy’s career occurred when she was presented with an unexpected opportunity. Despite lacking direct experience in technology, lean processing, or change management, a leader recognized her potential and offered her a role in North Carolina. This role involved developing IQVIA’s project planning and resource management system. Wendy emphasizes the importance of trusting in the judgment of others who see potential you may not yet recognize in yourself. This pivotal decision propelled her career forward into new and challenging territories.
From this technology-focused role, Wendy’s career continued to evolve. She led the Global Site Activation team, transitioned into Clinical Project Management, heading up the Central Nervous System and Oncology divisions. Her leadership capabilities led to her appointment as the Global Head of Project Leadership, culminating in her current position as Global Head of Clinical Operations, R&DS. In this leadership role, Wendy oversees a large global team of over 16,000 employees. She expresses immense pride in the daily contributions of her team to the development of new medicines and their support for customers, highlighting the impactful nature of their work.
Key Career Milestones and Learning Experiences
Reflecting on her career, Wendy identifies several key milestones and learning experiences that have shaped her leadership style and professional philosophy.
One of Wendy’s proudest professional moments was leading teams to deliver some of the largest COVID vaccine programs. This period demanded rapid adaptation and innovative approaches to work, all while navigating the personal challenges of the pandemic. This experience underscored the importance of agility, resilience, and teamwork in the face of unprecedented global health crises.
Mentorship has been a crucial element in Wendy’s career development. She emphasizes the evolving nature of mentorship needs throughout one’s career. Wendy advises individuals to honestly assess their weaknesses and seek mentors who can provide support and guidance in those specific areas. She also advocates for proactively evolving mentor relationships to align with current developmental goals, ensuring continuous growth and learning.
Wendy also recommends utilizing “360 feedback programs” as valuable resources for professional development. She highlights the importance of actively using feedback to identify areas for adaptation and improvement. Furthermore, Wendy emphasizes the significance of on-the-job learning and observational learning, drawing insights from the approaches and behaviors of successful colleagues to refine her own leadership and problem-solving skills.
Overcoming Professional Roadblocks
Wendy acknowledges the inevitable roadblocks encountered in any career journey. Her approach to overcoming these challenges is rooted in structured problem-solving and leveraging networks. When faced with a daunting task or goal, Wendy advocates for breaking it down into smaller, manageable components. She stresses the importance of connecting with individuals within your network who possess relevant knowledge or shared experiences. By tapping into collective expertise and adopting a systematic approach, Wendy believes that any barrier can be overcome. Her core advice is to plan, connect, and compartmentalize complex challenges into smaller, achievable steps.
Advice for Career Balance and Stress Management
Balancing professional responsibilities and personal commitments is a common challenge, particularly in demanding leadership roles. Wendy’s advice centers on organization, compartmentalization, and a positive mindset. She describes a technique of mentally “boxing” the day’s events at the end of the workday. This involves reflecting on lessons learned and areas for improvement but consciously setting them aside to achieve mental separation from work. Wendy only revisits these “boxes” when applicable lessons can be applied to future situations, preventing dwelling on past events and promoting forward-thinking.
Wendy’s final piece of advice for stress management is to shift focus towards accomplishments rather than dwelling on unfinished tasks. This positive reframing encourages a sense of progress and achievement, mitigating stress and fostering a more balanced perspective.
The Distinctive Appeal of IQVIA
For Wendy, the people and the shared passion for making a global impact are what truly distinguish IQVIA. She is energized by the collective drive to accelerate innovation for a healthier world and improve patient lives. This sense of purpose, combined with a collaborative and passionate workforce, makes IQVIA a uniquely rewarding place to build a career.
For individuals seeking a career with a profound sense of purpose and opportunities for growth, Wendy Stewart’s career journey provides valuable inspiration. Exploring job opportunities at IQVIA or joining the Global Talent Network can be the first step towards a fulfilling and impactful career path.
