In this interview series, we celebrate some of the extraordinary women that are an important part of the Austell Pharmaceuticals family. They share their experiences in the industry, reveal the secrets to their success and discuss their aspirations for the future.
Responsible Pharmacist and Head of Regulatory Affairs at Austell Pharmaceuticals, Shehnaz Mahomed has spent 13 years growing through the ranks at Austell, where she first started out as a Junior Regulatory Affairs Pharmacist. We spoke to Shehnaz about why she attributes the success in her career to the ability to always be innovative and to embrace change.
Tell us a little bit about your career path up to this point?
I graduated from the University of Witwatersrand with a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy. I joined Austell in 2010, as a Junior Regulatory Affairs Pharmacist. Austell provided me with the opportunity to expand my knowledge and skills, leading to my promotion to Head of Regulatory Affairs in 2017. Throughout my tenure at Austell, I not only enhanced my technical abilities, but also evolved into a leadership position. Austell values the growth and advancement of its employees, offering opportunities for promotion within the organisation.
What do you believe is the most important aspect of any job?
I believe that continuous learning is the minimum requirement for success in any field. At Austell the environment is one of continual learning, innovation and embracing change, which has also contributed to my success and growth within the organisation. Anyone who stops learning is old, whether this happens at 20-years-old or 80-years-old. Austell keeps us young because we are continuously learning.
As a woman in the pharmaceutical industry, what makes Austell a great company to work for?
In recent years, there has been a significant shift towards recognising and embracing the invaluable contributions of women in the workplace. This positive transformation has brought about numerous opportunities for women to thrive and excel in various professional fields.
Austell acknowledges the importance of gender equality and is active towards creating an inclusive environment where women are treated with fairness and respect. Here, we understand that gender diversity fosters innovation, enhances decision-making, and ultimately leads to better business outcomes. Austell values the unique perspectives and talents that women bring, in unlocking our full potential in the workforce.
As women at Austell, we are given equal opportunities within the organisation by actively promoting our growth and development, and by nurturing talent thereby providing a supportive framework, enabling us to succeed.
What would you say to any young woman looking to get into a career in the pharmaceutical industry?
IAs we celebrate the progress made by women, it is essential to acknowledge the importance of companies that prioritise fairness, equal treatment, and inclusivity. These organisations serve as beacons of inspiration for others, demonstrating that it is not only possible, but also highly beneficial to create workplaces where women are respected, heard, and given equal opportunities to grow and excel.
With each passing day, women continue to make significant strides in the workplace, proving that their contributions are vital, their voices are powerful, and their potential knows no bounds. Look for an organisation that applauds the achievements of women in the professional world and that stands for a future where equality, respect, and limitless opportunities are the norm.
