Elena Cant 

VP, global head of vaccine commercial, Takeda Vaccine Business Unit, Takeda

What would you do if you didn’t work in healthcare?

I would work in education. My childhood dream was to become a teacher. Educators, like healthcare practitioners, can make a tremendous impact on the lives of others. It just takes longer to see the results of their impact.
How long ago was the last time you recharged your batteries? 

Last weekend. I love gardening and am always re-energized in spring when the gardening season begins. Building new garden beds and planting new seeds for the season takes my thoughts away from everyday activities and refocuses me on nature and its magic of creating fruits and vegetables out of tiny seeds. 
What do you find frustrating about working in healthcare marketing?

The questionable reputation the healthcare industry developed over the years in the eyes of consumers. 
To ensure pay parity and career advancement for women, I will…

Recruit people for new roles focusing on what value they bring to the company and how well they fit our culture.
What are your words to live by?

Enjoy. This is one simple word, but it says a lot. If we enjoy what we do, we do it in a better way, with more energy, more desire to do good, and more consideration about others and the world around us. Happy people share their happiness with others.
What is one thing you would tell young women starting their careers in healthcare marketing?

Diversify your experiences, try new things, make yourself available for new projects, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Giving yourself a chance to see and experience earlier in your career will help you become more impactful as you grow.
Favorite drink?

Watermelon juice. I discovered it during my travels to Asia and since then am looking for it everywhere. I find it extremely refreshing.
What three people, alive or dead, would you like to host at a dinner party and why?

My grandfather Victor, who passed away when I was 10. He was very active in healthcare and contributed a lot to healthcare education back in our country of Moldova. Growing up and later in life I’ve heard a lot of stories about him from family and strangers. It sounds like he was an amazing person and a great professional. I wish I could meet him and know him better. 
Arnold Schwarzenegger was a role model for me in Moldova when I was thinking about my future and what I wanted to become. He managed to take control of his destiny at a very early age as well as become a motivator for others. I would love to have a chance to talk to him about his experiences and reflections.
Girl Scouts of America has an amazing opportunity to influence the future generation of girls and how they are seen by others. I’d like to talk to CEO Sylvia Acevedo about the need to achieve a different position for women in our society.