One Year of ‘The Agency Advantage’ and Reflections on My Role

As 2024 wraps up, I’ve been reflecting on what’s stood out over the past year, and let’s just say, it’s been full of surprises. This year has been about growth, stepping out of comfort zones, and sometimes laughing at what unexpectedly captures people’s attention (hello, purple hair!).

Highlights from ‘The Agency Advantage’

When I started The Agency Advantage newsletter, I had no idea how much it would resonate with people. Sharing thoughts, experiences, and a bit of sass has been a joy, and some posts really struck a chord:

1. Things I Learned About Having Purple Hair in Corporate/Pharma Who knew a hair dye decision would lead to my most popular post: not just on LinkedIn but on TikTok too, where it had 4,000 plays! It turns out, people love hearing how a bold choice like purple hair can spark conversations, make you memorable at conferences, and remind everyone that being authentic is your best professional brand.
2. You’re Not Burned Out, You Just Have No Meaning On the flip side, this article tackled burnout and finding purpose, a topic that resonated deeply with readers. Sharing my experience of leaving a toxic job in my 30s reminded many that career success isn’t about a high salary, it’s about finding work that resonates.
3. Controversial Take: Don’t Get Emotionally Attached to Your Company This one stirred the pot a bit. But let’s face it, remembering that companies aren’t our best friends is liberating. It encouraged readers to focus on their own growth, set boundaries, and not let their identity be defined by a job title.

Lessons from One Year at GSK

One year in as a Medical Director at GSK, and if I had to sum up the experience in one word, it would be discomfort—but in the best possible way. Moving from a role that was so familiar it no longer felt challenging to one where everything was new was a true test of resilience and flexibility.

It wasn’t just the shift in data, disease area, or processes that tested me—it was everything, right down to moving from Google to Microsoft after a decade away! Even figuring out where to find the simplest tools felt daunting at times. But that discomfort forced me to learn, adapt, and grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

This year has taught me to embrace the unfamiliar, lean into the learning curve, and find growth in the moments where things felt most uncertain. It’s reminded me that stepping outside your comfort zone isn’t just important; it’s essential for real progress.

Looking Ahead

This year has solidified my belief in the importance of flexibility, innovation, and authenticity—whether it’s sharing insights (or purple hair stories) through The Agency Advantage or making an impact in the pharmaceutical world.

As I step into 2025, I’m excited to keep growing The Agency Advantage with new ideas and services, and to deepen my impact in medical affairs. To everyone who has read, liked, shared, or even just smiled at my posts this year: thank you for being part of the journey.

Here’s to a new year of growth, authenticity, and maybe even a new hair colour. Cheers!