In an exclusive interview, Vicky shares insights on her career, the challenges she faced, and her passion for inspiring the next generation of women in science.
Facing challenges head on, problem solving, and determination led her to become head of statistics at Phastar.
She shares how statistics helped her see the real-life applications of mathematics and why she believes leading with empathy and understanding is crucial to successful management.
Could you give us an overview of your work?
As Head of Statistics at Phastar, I oversee a global group of approximately 100 statisticians and I’m accountable for the statistical activities across the company.
It’s my responsibility to ensure the team have the appropriate skill sets and that we stay up to date with the latest methodologies and innovations. I determine hiring needs, process requirements, department objectives and goals, and monitor quality metrics to ensure we deliver excellence.
I work closely with the Chief Operating Officer and other function heads to ensure alignment and collaboration across operations. We work together to achieve client satisfaction and to help secure a strong pipeline of new work, whilst also supporting the development and wellbeing of our staff.
When did you realize you were interested in science- as a young child, teen or older?
I always enjoyed maths at school. I liked working through the puzzle of a question and having a clear right answer. When I started learning statistics, I could see the real-life application. I could see how complex questions could be addressed through analysis of data; how we could quickly make sense of a large amount of information and aid decision-making. Having an older sister and twin sister who chose different subjects at school, I also liked having a subject that was just mine.
Could you describe your personal journey bringing us to where you are now?
I studied mathematics at the University of Sheffield which included a real mix of modules, including lots of statistics. Towards the end of the three years, I knew I wanted to study statistics at MSc level, but I was also ready to start work.
I secured a graduate statistician position at a large contract research organization (CRO) which sponsored me to do a three-year distance-learning MSc through the University of Sheffield. Balancing work and study was difficult, but it allowed me to start learning outside of academia. I like a challenge and I’m determined, so it worked well.
After four years at the CRO, I moved to a pharmaceutical company. This allowed me to experience new parts of the clinical trial process – from early design discussions to study pipelining and a big FDA submission. I took part in an FDA advisory meeting in Washington and saw the drug approved which was a great experience.
Since then, my love of mentoring and supporting others has gradually led me into management. I headed up a small group of statisticians for a CRO which I loved, before taking on the challenge of the much bigger group at Phastar.
What challenges did you face – as a woman or otherwise – along the way and what is the most valuable lesson you have learned?
As a fairly young manager, I often felt I had to prove myself. I had to overcome the initial assumption that I was inexperienced or wasn’t going to be able to add as much value as others.
I gradually realized that I had strengths and skills to offer that weren’t dependent on years of experience. I’m extremely organized which meant I could drive initiatives through to completion. I’m pragmatic in finding solutions, and I work hard to understand the strengths of the people around me. I realized it was ok to ask questions and not know everything. I could coordinate a team so that we all contributed and made the best use of our skills.
In terms of the challenges I faced as a woman, I think I often doubted myself and assumed I wasn’t qualified enough for the next step. I even thought my experience level had been misunderstood when I was approached about this role.
I could easily have fallen into a more comfortable role after both of my maternity leaves, but my ever-supportive husband challenged me and pointed out that the male candidates applying for roles wouldn’t be so self-critical.
I also had a preconception that you needed to be loud and demanding to lead, which isn’t my natural state. I’ve since found that leading with empathy and understanding can often be far more inspiring to the people around you.
What ignites your passion in your current role?
I love working with an engaged and inspired team. Supporting people to find their strengths and to use them in a way that benefits the project, department or company is rewarding. I also enjoy resolving issues – picking apart a problem and finding a solution or making improvements so the team is set up for success.
Beyond Phastar, I feel part of a wider community by supporting PSI (Statisticians in the Pharmaceutical Industry). I supported the careers committee and was on the board of directors earlier on in my career. It was a great way to develop skills and experience outside of my day job. I’m now the conference vice-chair and part of the scientific committee which is a great way to stay connected and put my organization skills to the test. I also volunteered in their mentoring program which was a rewarding way to support a junior statistician finding her place in the industry.
At Phastar 63% of our global statistics team are women but unfortunately, we are not seeing that sort of representation across the data industry. Women are hugely underrepresented across all STEM fields and in 2023 men outnumbered their female colleagues in data by more than 4 to 11. That is why I’m so passionate about inspiring the next generation of women in statistics.
What is your current work ethos/style?
I’m proactive and organized and I know collaboration is the key to success. I need to listen to those around me and tap into their expertise and experience. I’m also a firm believer that a team that feels supported and valued will be far stronger and more productive.
I hope I’m visible and approachable, and that I’m setting a supportive tone that the rest of the group follow.
Could you share some advice for young women starting to develop an interest in science or wanting to pursue a career like yours?
Aim high and don’t doubt yourself. Acknowledge what you don’t know, ask questions and learn from those around you. Be open to new roles and challenges, whether that is joining a committee or taking on something that is new and unknown.
It’s also important to learn the art of saying no. Success is not measured by how many hours you work or how many things you say yes to. Quality is better than quantity, and you’ll be more successful if you find a way to manage your time, see things through to completion and avoid burning out.
