Journeys of Women Leaders Pushing Boundaries in Asia and Healthcare

This book brings together a collective of Women Leaders in Healthcare to share their real-life leadership journey in the Asian continent, from a personal angle (heart) and grounded on science (data). They are connected by a strong passion to help improve patient lives and advance women’s leadership in this dynamic, emerging region of Asia, still swaying between tradition and modernity. This is not an academic book but a compendium of inspirational stories meant to provide authentic and pragmatic guidance for women who want to advance their careers in healthcare in Asia, to reduce gender inequality and give a new meaning to the leadership of tomorrow, truly inclusive and diverse.

Beyond gender, aspiring leaders can find inspiration from this compendium to succeed in the Asia context, from Japan to India, South East Asia and the Middle East. Although the challenges shared were experienced by the women-authors from diverse backgrounds and leadership, women and men alike can relate to many of the topics covered in the book. The resulting reflections can help the readers more efficiently climb the corporate ladder and become better leaders, to shape a more equitable future. This book provides insights for organizations in their diversity, equity and inclusion endeavors, to develop policies that foster talents in Asia and provide better support to women in leadership positions. It is also a useful read for students and researchers of leadership and gender studies.

Seasoned Global Healthcare Leader, Anh Bourcet (Nguyen) has a track record of driving excellence and transformation in Market Access for pharmaceuticals, medical devices and diagnostics. Known for establishing strategic multi-stakeholder partnerships, Anh has shaped access policies, built the Market Access function from the ground up, transforming clinical practices, for optimised patient access to innovations. Her various roles in Medical Affairs, Health Economics & Market Access and Regulatory Policy, enable her to have a broad perspective on different levers of patient access to life-changing innovations.

Anh held leadership positions in Abbott and Johnson & Johnson in Asia-Pacific, and at the French Health Safety Agency (ANSM). She was the Founding Chair of the Asia-Pacific Medical Technology Industry Association (APACMed) Digital Health Committee Reimbursement Workgroup. Her contributions to the field have been widely recognized, and she has been a regular speaker at major international conferences, providing valuable insights on topics such as digital health, health data, access and reimbursement.

However, her biggest pride has been to nurture new talents. Grateful to the Fondation Georges Besse who supported her STEM studies in a time of hardship, Anh is keen to Pay It Forward. She used her management expertise in the J&J Global Community Impact Secondment Program (＂Talent for Good＂) to help SOS Children’s Villages raise public health care in Senegal. Anh has been particularly active in driving initiatives for talent development via Women Leadership Initiatives in Abbott and J&J, Women Leaders in Healthcare Asia, and regularly mentors young leaders & start-ups.

Marion Neubronner is a Harvard-trained psychologist, Woman leader, longevity specialist and leadership coach who has contributed immensely to the healthcare ecosystem and skill building. She is currently an Assistant Director - NUS Medicine International Council and was part of the groundbreaking Covid-19 Updates from Singapore where international experts share real-time updates that shape best practices to contain and overcome the pandemic.

As an experienced psychologist and leadership coach, she has participated in training the Singapore Air Force in mental resilience and training of senior-level leaders and C-suites in coaching skills and business development. She has also worked with HIV-affected communities in India to develop leadership and self-coaching strategies.