Neera Chaudhary
president of healthcare, Golin


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

Anything at the intersection of science, business, and art.
 
Talk about the last time you experienced a fist-pumping victory moment.

When my amazing healthcare team won a massive new business pitch with a unanimous decision, and I finished one of the world’s hardest jigsaw puzzles with my brother (both on the same day).
 
When was the last time you endured an “agony of defeat” moment? What did you learn from it?

When one of my pharma client’s drugs that treats a devastating disease received a complete response letter from the FDA, following which patient activists took to media and social media to help overturn the decision. A continued reminder to never underestimate the power of the patient.
 
How long ago was the last time you recharged your batteries? What did you do?

One year ago. I went on a meditation road trip through the Nevada and Arizona deserts stopping at The Integratron (check it out!), Joshua Tree National Park, Palm Springs, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon.
 
What do you find frustrating about working in healthcare marketing?

The industry’s risk aversion toward doing brave creative work and the lack of female creatives.
 
To ensure pay parity and career advancement for women, I will…

Bring wider public attention to the many forms of the gender financial gap – pay, investing, funding, pricing, debt – by championing calls for voluntary gender gap reporting.
 
What are your words to live by?

“Be the change you want to see in the world” – Mahatma Gandhi.
 
What is one thing you would tell young women starting their careers in healthcare marketing?
Trust yourself. You know more than you think.
 
Favorite drink?
Wine – as evident on my Instagram.
 
What three people, alive or dead, would you like to host at a dinner party and why?
My late mother. She has been my greatest source of empowerment, encouragement, and wisdom.
Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel. She was ahead of her time and the epitome of feminist progress through fashion and entrepreneurship.
Stephen Hawking. He defied the odds and contributed so many teachings from theoretical physics to disability to spirituality.