In Conversation with Helen Moore

In this article series titled 'My role at Radical Departures', we're exploring the #MedComms journey of all our team members. In this latest instalment we hear from our Managing Director Helen Moore , interviewed by our Account Executive Annika Hanson !

What is your current role at Radical Departures?

I am the owner and Managing Director.

How did you get involved in medical communications?

I left university knowing that both research and graduate schemes were not for me and that I wanted to try out living in London. So, I went home, got a temporary job in drug safety at AstraZeneca and was, for a short time, working at the company with my mum, dad and brother – strange times! I bought a cheap and hideously scratchy suit and applied for lots of jobs in science communications, as it seemed to be a good way of using my degree without having to do too much pipetting. My first job at TVF Communications was creative, fun and led to some lifelong (well, to date anyway) friendships.

Favourite aspect of your role?

I find growing a business and being responsible for starting others out in their careers very rewarding. It’s incredibly gratifying having colleagues who have chosen to stay for many years, but also to know that we’ve given others the training and support to go out and take their careers in new directions with skills and experience. I also fundamentally enjoy the detail of what we do. Being responsible for materials supporting patients newly diagnosed with a rare condition or helping to upskill healthcare professionals is important and I enjoy that we get to craft these projects with care and flair.

Most challenging aspect of your role?

We are a small business and I like that, but I have to wear a lot of hats, not all of which are the perfect fit you’d look for in the mirror. Running an agency ultimately means being responsible for lots of different things and it can sometimes be hard to balance all of these. I also want a good work-life balance for myself and my team, but there are occasions when I could do with a work version of me and a home version of me.

Favourite part of working at Radical Departures?

First and foremost are the people at Radical Departures – those who have been here for over 10 years and those who are newer. We have an office culture that is a supportive and ego-free zone. I love the varied interests and hobbies that everyone has and firmly believe that having the time and headspace outside of work to pursue them makes for better work. Secondly is the opportunity to shape what we do as an agency with autonomy – I do like being in charge…