In her own words, Rosemary describes herself as a hardworking, enthusiastic, talkative, social and accommodative individual. She is a young mother, a dedicated professional, and a leader in the pharmaceutical industry.
Her story is one of inspiration, proving that, with determination, hard work and a clear vision, women can break barriers and rise to leadership roles in any industry. Rosemary’s journey encourages young women to embrace opportunities, seek mentorship, and never limit their aspirations – because, as she puts it, “the sky is the limit”.
In the male-dominated pharmaceutical industry, where leadership roles have traditionally been occupied by men, Rosemary stands out as a trailblazer. Her journey from a Medical Representative to a Key Accounts Leader is a testament to resilience, hard work, and a relentless drive to succeed.
When Rosemary began her career nearly two decades ago, she never envisioned herself as a leader. “I never imagined that I’d be a leader. I think out of pure hard work, push, and being enthusiastic, that’s what put me here,” she says. Her success story is an inspiring example of what dedication and determination can achieve, even in industries where women are underrepresented.
Facing Challenges Head-On
Despite the challenges of the job, Rosemary has never let fear hold her back. She exudes confidence in her role, emphasizing that fear has never been a factor in her professional journey.
Reflecting on her career, she wishes she had known the importance of mentorship earlier. “Running a mentorship program when somebody’s starting their career is very important because someone doesn’t always know what tomorrow holds,” she explains. Had she been mentored early on, she believes she would have learned how to navigate certain obstacles more effectively. This realization has strengthened her belief in the power of mentorship for young professionals entering the field.
Leadership Without Resistance
Despite working in a male-dominated space, Rosemary has found her male colleagues to be cooperative. “No, they are very cooperative,” she says, dispelling the notion that women in leadership roles always face resistance from men.
She also advocates for a more inclusive perspective on gender roles in the workplace. “Women are as equal and as smart as men. When it comes to jobs, there shouldn’t be labels of a lady’s job or a man’s job – both can perform the same.” Her leadership style fosters a culture of collaboration and equality, reinforcing the idea that competence is not gender-based.
Advice for Women Entering the Pharma Industry
For women looking to break into and thrive in the pharmaceutical business, Rosemary’s advice is simple yet powerful: “They should always focus, be more hardworking. The sky is the limit. They should not be limited to the positions they start with but should always urge for more”. She encourages aspiring female professionals to set ambitious goals and work tirelessly towards achieving them.
Balancing Motherhood and Career
As a mother of three, juggling a demanding career and personal life is no easy feat. “Honestly, it’s not easy,” Rosemary admits. However, she has found a rhythm that works for her: dedicating work hours from eight to five – sometimes stretching to seven – and setting aside quality time with her children in the evenings and on weekends. Her ability to balance both roles is a testament to her discipline and commitment to both her family and her career.
Looking Ahead: A Future Without Limits
After nearly 20 years in the industry and 13 years at Harley’s, Rosemary is still aiming higher. “Currently, having grown to a key accounts role, I would say yes, there is more room for growth. I’m sure that’s not the limit. I aim to go higher – maybe to Eastern and Central Africa managerial role or even a regional big manager.” Her journey is far from over, and she remains ambitious about her future in the industry.
