In this Lift Up Live, host Louise Williams interviews Aditi Singh Ulvskjold, Vice President, Global Marketing Urology, Ambu A/S, Heather Moses, Global Commercial Director Oncology, AstraZeneca, and Kelly Beck, Chief Executive Officer, Trench Therapeutics.
This broadcast explores how pharmaceutical and biotech leaders turn clarity into action to advance their careers. The panel shares insights on building confidence when stepping into uncomfortable territory, making courageous power moves from VP to C-suite roles, and leading with decisiveness through uncertainty.
With perspectives spanning global marketing, commercial oncology, and biotech CEO experience across Roche, Novartis, AstraZeneca, and Novo Nordisk, this episode delivers practical strategies for life science executives seeking to accelerate their leadership impact in 2026.
Click or tap the play button to watch the broadcast recording or watch it on YouTube.
Key Takeaways
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Learn how to turn intentions into consistent action by grounding yourself in your core strengths and accepting that apprehension is normal in new pharmaceutical roles.
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Discover confidence-building strategies, including reframing uncertainty from not knowing to openly assessing new problems collaboratively rather than relying on past knowledge.
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Understand how to leverage your professional network when transitioning into unfamiliar functional areas by identifying mentors who will provide guidance through major career moves.
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Apply Heather Moses’s career progression framework, where taking one step back or sideways to gain diverse experience often positions you two steps forward toward C-suite goals.
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Take away Aditi Singh Ulvskjold’s courageous decision-making approach by analysing the upside and downside of opportunities, recognising that curiosity builds courage to take the next step.
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Gain practical approaches to leading through uncertainty by creating safe spaces for teams, being transparent about what you can control, and helping members become comfortable with discomfort.
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Uncover Kelly Beck’s insight that success shifts from climbing the ladder to focusing on joy, contribution, and fulfillment, with the courage to walk away from toxic cultures.
Snippets
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“Think beyond just what that traditional ladder looks like. Make sure you feel like you’re using your strengths and that you’re learning as you go along.” (2026, Kelly Beck)
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“Apprehension is normal. That little bit of nervousness is normal. Learning to accept it and acting despite it.” (2026, Aditi Ulvskjold)
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“Your career is a marathon, not a sprint. And if you’re running straight up, you’re going to hit a ceiling potentially.” (2026, Heather Moses)
Timestamps & Topics
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13:46 — Intro: Power moves for 2026 with confidence, courage, and clarity
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16:44 — Guest Introductions: Pharmaceutical leaders share career journeys to C-suite
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33:50 — Building Confidence: Grounding in strengths and leveraging networks
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44:00 — Choosing Courage: Curiosity-driven decisions and career pivots
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52:03 — Leading with Clarity: Transparent communication and values-based goals
Resources
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Follow Aditi Singh Ulvskjold on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aditiulvskjold/
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Follow Heather Moses on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-moses-101/
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Follow Kelly Beck on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellybeck1/
- Follow Louise Williams on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lifesciencesexecutivesearchretainedstaffingtalentsolutionsmanagingdirector/
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Join Lift Up: https://fraserdove.com/lift-up-women-life-sciences/
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