HBA Member Spotlight: Rebecca Vermeulen, VP Global Patient Networks, Product Development Medical Affairs, Roche
When you first joined an HBA Chapter, what did your involvement mean or represent for you at first? How did the meaning or the reasons behind your involvement with HBA evolve over time?
I first joined HBA in Indiana when I was working at Eli Lilly. This was when the Indiana chapter was just getting started. I joined because I was interested in connecting with other women in the area. I wanted to make connections in the healthcare sector outside of the walls of my company. I enjoyed it and got more involved. The more I volunteered, the more time I spent getting to know other people, and this felt really nice. When I started working at Genentech, I reached out to the chapter so I could make connections in the area. I also got involved and took on more leadership responsibilities. Leading the Indiana and SF chapters was really fulfilling. The SF chapter was recognized as Chapter of the Year, which was really exciting. When I moved to Basel, I reached out to the chapter and started mentoring the EU region. I really enjoy the connections and friendships I have built within HBA.
I also want to recognize that being involved in HBA is a personal commitment. I grew up in a culture that was really male dominated, and when I started working in the industry, there were expectations for women and leadership that didn't match my style. I had to learn over time how to be comfortable leading in a way that felt good for me and where I could help others be their best. HBA has given me the space to grow, be myself, and learn.
What fuels your commitment to volunteer for organizations like HBA?
The connection! Being involved has given me lots of good experiences to grow as a leader and learn how to work with other people. What I have enjoyed the most is getting to know so many people across the industry and healthcare. It's a safe and welcoming space.
Would you share an amazing moment you've had while serving as a volunteer (in various roles like chair emeritus corporate board of director for HBA)?
It's hard to choose one. I would say a few. Chairing the Global Board of Directors when Covid came. I worked very closely with HBA leadership to pivot the organization into a virtual world and ensure its success. It was a really challenging time, and I wasn't sure how we were going to survive - we did and grew! I learned a lot about leading non-profit organizations and how to make a pivot change in times of crisis. I also served as the Chair of the nomination committee for the CEO search. It was hard to find the next CEO after Laurie Cook - I am really pleased Mary Stutts was a good match.
What career and life advice do you give to those in the early stages of their professional journey in the business of healthcare?
Be yourself! Believe in yourself! And seek opportunities to get involved and grow your network.
If you were to hop into a time machine and give your former self 3 bits of advice (can be personal or professional), what would that advice look like?
- Be more comfortable and confident in myself and be vulnerable - we think we have to be perfect to make a good impression. I put a lot of pressure on myself.
- Don't take work so seriously - work defined my self-worth in many ways.
- Ask for help when you need it. Don't wait for things to get so bad that you feel stuck.
How has your leadership changed over time?
I have learned how to be more authentic and vulnerable. For people to see and experience the real me. To balance caring with delivering results. My mantra is Lifting Others Up. Empowering people to be their best. You can only do this if you are willing to be open and vulnerable with others - so they can open themselves.
As a seasoned executive and leader whose community involvement spans multiple organizations, what advice do you have for HBA members and prospective members in terms of living with intentionality and getting the most out of your involvement with organizations like HBA?
Intention is important to me. We give our time to the things and people we believe in. I am a purpose-driven person. Whatever I give time to, it's because I believe in it and it connects to my purpose. Building communities and organizations has allowed me to do this. I think about my horizon and what I want to give to others along the way. Knowing the direction I want to take my life and the purpose I want to fulfill, which will hopefully have a positive impact on other people.