Working Life: Ali Ross
pharmafile | September 25, 2008 | Feature | Medical Communications, Sales and Marketing |Â Â Europe, Otsuka, communicationsÂ
How did you find your way into this role?
Having completed a degree in English and Drama it was a natural progression into the pharmaceutical industry! After university I spent one and a half years in Japan on a cultural exchange, followed by a stint as a volunteer in India before returning to the UK to start working in PR/communications for Ajinomoto, a Japanese food and pharmaceutical company. Otsuka then offered me the opportunity to work in Japan again and since not many western women get that opportunity I thought it would be an interesting challenge. I've been with Otsuka for fifteen years and I'm now an honorary 'salaryman'.
How is your field changing?
Despite the fact that we are an industry that enables people to lead better lives, we get a lot of bad press. It is clear that we need to improve our reputation but getting across a positive message in a rather negative environment can be very challenging. We also need to guard against internal policies becoming more restrictive than the external environment and ensure that we use our creative capabilities to produce effective programmes with clear, informative messages that benefit both the industry and our key stakeholders.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
Working in a job where you can actually see the benefits to people's lives. I also love working in a multicultural environment, although in terms of communication this can be both rewarding and challenging. The Japanese approach to business is very different from the Western approach and since Otsuka is a privately owned company this makes our working culture even more unique.
Japanese companies have a tradition of care and concern for their staff and Otsuka manages to blend this with European elements such as clear accountability and a focus on results. Otsuka is ranked 25th globally but still has a family run feel to it and because life-time employment is still common in Japan I have been working with many colleagues for 15 years so you get to know them very well.
And what do you enjoy least?
Having a blackberry.
What are the common misconceptions about your field and the people in it?
That we are all blonde, go out to lunch everyday, drink champagne and wear Prada – partially true, we are actually more Primark. Communications is often perceived to be a soft skill that most people can master however, effective communication is essential to any organisation and a skill that not everyone possesses in abundance.
Is there an individual in your field who has inspired you?
I work within a European Communications team who are a constant source of inspiration. Most of them are new to the Communications field so come to the table without preconceptions and bring fresh eyes to any issues. The owner of our company, Mr Akihiko Otsuka is a genuinely very inspiring and charismatic leader, he believes in developing products in areas of unmet medical need that big pharmaceutical companies would not necessarily explore.
I have also been lucky to have some great bosses, both Japanese and non-Japanese who have allowed me to develop the communications role in Otsuka. Of course I could not survive without my brilliant assistant Clare who keeps me laughing and is an attractive version of Mike Yarwood.
And what about outside your field?
My grandmother was one of the most positive and well-loved people I have ever met and my family are very supportive. I went trekking in Bhutan with my Dad for his 70th Birthday and struggled to keep up with him.
My best friend is also an inspiration, she does masses of charity work and uses her position as an equity partner in a law firm to do seminars at Cadbury's, thus ensuring that I can regularly eat my body weight in Crunchies.
What is the secret to a happy working life?
Believing that what you do makes a difference and surrounding yourself with professional, motivated people who enjoy their work and have a sense of humour.
If you had advice for anyone starting out in your field now, what would it be?
Choose a company with a clear vision and set of values whose products you believe can make a difference to people's lives. Spend time with the sales force, they are at the front line of our business and understand the needs of our customers.
How do you relax and forget about work?
I would love to say that I read poetry and listen to classical music whilst doing Pilates but the reality is family, friends, chocolate and TV.
In an alternate life, what would you do for a living?
I would be the next Nancy …
Ali Ross is associate director in EU communications at Otsuka where she has worked for fifteen years in PR and communications. During her time at the company she has been based in Japan, the US and the UK.
Prior to working at Otsuka Ali worked at Ajinomoto, a Japanese food and pharma company, in PR.
If you would like to contribute to a future Working Life, please contact Martin Maynard via e-mail at: mmaynard@wiley.com
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