Herve, our CEO, shares his career journey and offers invaluable advice for excelling in life sciences market access consulting while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Discover his secrets to success!
Can you tell us about your journey and how it led you to your current role as CEO of Inbeeo?
My journey to becoming the CEO of this company has been a diverse and enriching path. I began my career in a boutique firm and swiftly transitioned into the pharmaceutical industry. This experience took me to five countries, across two continents but I always had a strong desire to return to consulting. However, the timing was never quite right for me to establish my own firm. A significant change both professionally and personally provided the catalyst I needed. When my partner secured a job opportunity in the UK, it presented a fresh start for us. During this transition, I freelanced for two years, which served as an ideal bridge into my current era. With confidence drawn from my extensive background and skills, I took the leap and I founded Inbeeo in 2018 with just two team members. Since then, I have been immensely proud of the growth and success we have achieved with Inbeeo as well as for our clients.
What inspired you to focus on life sciences market access as a career path?
The life sciences market access field has always been my unwavering passion and career focus. From an early age, I was drawn to this industry, initially aspiring to study medicine. However, due to circumstances, I chose a different path that still allowed me to leverage my background in data science and Health Economics. As my career progressed, I continually applied my expertise in these areas within the life sciences domain. The idea of establishing my own company was a constant consideration—it was never a matter of “if,” but rather “when.”
As a CEO with previous in-house pharmaceutical consulting experience, how has that background influenced your current role leading a healthcare consulting firm?
My prior experience of in-house pharmaceutical consulting has significantly shaped my approach to leading Inbeeo and I’m proud to say that my colleagues here share similar backgrounds. This collective experience equips us to make recommendations that not only align with our clients’ internal work but also resonate deeply with their strategic goals. Understanding the importance of this alignment, we excel at crafting recommendations that fit into our clients’ strategies and priorities. We know precisely which information is crucial and how it should be presented to inform strategic and impactful decision-making.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance can be challenging, especially in a leadership role. How do you prioritize your well-being while also effectively leading a company?
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial. I prioritize certain non-negotiables, with family time being paramount. I’m very strict about the time I spend with my children; being present for them is essential to me.
I also believe that in our industry, efficiency is key. At Inbeeo, we implement a model called “rock setting” where employees prioritize tasks on an annual, quarterly, monthly, or even weekly basis. I apply this approach in my personal life as well, focusing on moving the most significant “rock” efficiently while balancing work and life demands.
Additionally, I strongly advocate for the connection between physical and mental health. I believe that a healthy body contributes to a healthy mind. You’ll often find me cycling to work, picking up my children, or joining friends for a run.
What advice would you give to aspiring leaders in the life sciences industry who are striving to maintain a healthy work-life balance while pursuing their career goals?
My advice will be centred on setting clear goals and leading by example. Rather than micromanaging, trust your team and empower them to excel. Remember, you’re not buying your employees’ time but their curiosity, dedication, and passion. At Inbeeo, we implement this mindset alongside flexible working schedules tailored to each individual’s lifestyle. Additionally, we prioritize our employees’ physical and mental well-being by offering benefits such as free mental health support. This approach fosters a healthier work-life balance and drives sustainable success in an organization.
Lastly, what advice would you give to someone aspiring to a leadership role in the life sciences market access field?
Market access is a dynamic field requiring a diverse skill set—evidence-based analysis, commercial acumen, and strategic thinking. The broad scope attracts a diverse range of talents, which is what drew me to this area. If you have a growth mindset and aim to drive organizational success, market access is an ideal fit for your skills. Be proud of your role; you facilitate quicker patient access to innovation and help companies target those most in need of treatment.
Could you share a quote that has significantly inspired or influenced you in your life or career journey?
In Atlanta, where I used to live, there is a popular saying that goes, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!’ This wisdom, attributed to a Georgia farmer, can be a helpful reminder to avoid perfectionism.