By Business & Finance 
Jane Lyons is Country Manager for PharmLex, a company providing specialised services to pharmaceutical, biotech and medical devices firms.
What was your first job?
I worked as a telephonist/receptionist for a business centre in Kensington, London, which I loved. It gave me great insights into small businesses as we had 30 offices let to budding entrepreneurs who became great friends.
I am a huge admirer of anyone who starts a business as it takes courage, determination, creativity and significant work to get a business off the ground and then to sustain and grow the business – all of which requires huge personal growth and resilience
What pushed you to pursue a career in this field?
Like most people, my family has been impacted by life changing illnesses. When I joined PharmaLex I instantly felt a connection to our service offering. It is incredibly rewarding to work in a sector that is constantly evolving and developing new methods and therapeutic treatments to manage and cure life limiting illness.
I honestly feel privileged to play a very small part in this dynamic sector.
What would you regard as your greatest achievement to date?
Becoming Country Manager in 2019. I left school at 18 and went to London on the boat to find work. I came through the ‘University of Life’ and only commenced my third level education at 39 when I had three young children and two part time jobs. I have continued my education over the years and am hoping to commence a Degree in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Operations in September 2023 when my youngest is finished school.
Career wise, would you do anything differently?
No, I believe every experience has led me to where I am today and I am extremely happy with my career. I have no regrets.
In one sentence, how would you define success?
To me success is seeing the enthusiasm and development of my team – their growth signifies success.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Be kind – my father, who was a GP, was a great advocate of being kind to people as you never truly know what is happening in people’s personal lives and this empathy opens up communication and very often resolves any issues. People will always remember how you treat them and take this with them throughout their lives.
How do you motivate yourself and your staff?
We have a common goal – to make a difference to people’s lives by supporting clients to provide medicines that have been developed, manufactured and delivered in a compliant manner so that patients can be confident in the efficacy of the medications they are taking to treat their ailments.
How do you handle adversity?
When I was younger I panicked and was reactionary, but life has a habit of teaching you lessons! Now I take time to weigh up the situation, look at all perspectives to get an understanding of the true situation and then decide a course of action. I break things down into manageable steps to see a way forward.
How do you relax?
I love walking and playing golf – although there are many days when golf does not relax me!
What are your aspirations for the future of the business?
As we have recently become part of AmerisourceBergen, our opportunities are vast and our aspiration to become the preferred partner of our clients providing a truly end-to-end seamless service across their entire product lifecycle is coming to light.
READ MORE 60 SECONDS
Íde O’Brien of Samsung Electronics Ireland
