To celebrate the 2025 International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we have followed the “Her Voice in Science” theme and invited Nebu~Flow CEO Andrea Cusack to share her insights on gender influence in the Life Sciences sector.

Precision BioSearch placed Andrea in her CEO role at Nebu~Flow in 2024, following a career that progressed from GSK Sales and Marketing through various Business Development roles, including consultancy, while raising a family. In her current position, she leads a next-generation nebulizer device company focused on advanced therapies.

In your experience, how have men and women played different roles in shaping your career?

In my experience, both men and women have played pivotal roles in shaping my career. The strong influence of matriarchal figures, particularly my mother and grandmother has been profound. They were decisive, resilient, and creative, which greatly impacted my outlook, but above all they always encouraged and proclaimed anything and everything was possible!

During my school years, I was lucky to have had a mixed gender science teaching team, and one very cool, if not a little unorthodox chemistry teacher who brought science to life with what would be deemed risky today!

Being the first generation in my family to attend university, I had no preconceived notions and focused on being the best version of myself while of course having fun. Although there were no female lecturers at that time, I was inspired by some remarkable male lecturers, particularly Professor Heller, an organic chemist. His lab, filled with kevlar skis, silicone implants, and prosthetics, marked my entry into the world of healthcare and travel.

Throughout my career, I’ve been privileged to collaborate with and learn from truly wonderful people from both genders who share my values and mutual respect.

How has the sector evolved throughout your career, and do you think tangible progress has been made toward gender equality?

The sector has definitely evolved. When I started out, women were generally found in sales, HR, supply chain, marketing departments, and as lab technicians. Now, I see and meet many women in leading positions across a much more diverse selection of roles. While we still have some way to go, I am encouraged by the progress we’ve made.

What influence has your gender had on your career trajectory?

My gender has played a nuanced role in shaping my career trajectory. On one hand, it has fostered qualities like compassion and empathy, which have been invaluable in my professional interactions and leadership roles. These traits have allowed me to connect deeply with colleagues and clients, creating a supportive and collaborative work environment.

On the other hand, being a minority in many of the roles I’ve held has presented both challenges and opportunities. It has sometimes meant facing biases or being underestimated, but it has also driven me to excel and prove my capabilities. This duality has ultimately strengthened my resilience and adaptability!

There is a notable imbalance of women in C-suite roles in biotech. How did you take the first step into a leadership position?

Taking the first step into a leadership position in the biotech industry, where there’s a notable imbalance of women in C-suite roles, was a journey shaped by the support and encouragement of key individuals and my own belief in myself and others.

I was fortunate to be mentored by a handful of key individuals who provided invaluable guidance and coaching. Additionally, the unwavering support of my friends and family played a crucial role in my journey, offering encouragement and a strong foundation.

What challenges have you personally faced as a female leader in a male-dominated sector?

As a female leader in a male-dominated sector, I’ve faced several challenges, often finding myself outnumbered and feeling like the odd one out. There were times when I was the only woman in management meetings, on the board, or among shareholders, which could be quite isolating.

During these times, I turned to a few key sources of support. Mentorship played a crucial role; having a mentor who understood the unique challenges I faced provided guidance and encouragement. Additionally, I found strength in the concept of “girl power” – connecting with other women in similar positions.

What concrete actions can science companies take to be most effective in closing the gender gap?

I am proud to have led and to lead companies in different geographical locations with cultural diversity, language and gender mixes. Here at Nebu-Flow we have eight nationalities, eight languages and are moving the dial to close the gender gap. I do believe, science companies can take several concrete actions:

Trust and Inclusivity: Recognize and celebrate remarkable role models of all genders. Engage the best candidate for each position without pigeonholing based on gender or network influence.

Mentorship Programs: Establish mentorship programs that connect experienced professionals with emerging talent, fostering growth and development for all.

Flexible Work Policies: Offer flexible work arrangements to accommodate diverse needs, supporting work-life balance for all employees.

Transparent Hiring Practices: Ensure hiring processes are transparent and based on merit, with clear criteria to evaluate candidates fairly.

Diversify Leadership: Change the composition mix at the highest levels of the organization. This will take time but is essential for long-term progress.

Close Pay Gaps: Ensure that salaries are based on the role, not gender. Everyone deserves the fair market rate, irrespective of gender.

By taking these steps, science companies can create a more equitable and inclusive environment for everyone.

On reflection, what advice would you give your younger self?

On reflection, the advice I would give my younger self is to embrace opportunities with confidence and determination. While it may sound cliché, the mantra “Just do it” holds a lot of truth. Taking bold steps and seizing opportunities without hesitation can take you on an incredible personal journey.

Second cliché, “Never gonna give you up” isn’t just a song title; it’s also ironically the official French kennel club title of my slightly unruly but lovable English Cocker Spaniel, Archie! This phrase serves as a reminder to stay persistent and never give up, no matter the challenges!

Effective communication is vital. Many misunderstandings and missed opportunities occur due to being “lost in translation” and becomes more complex with increase in languages.  It’s important to be clear and precise.

Lastly, if you find yourself no longer enjoying what you do, don’t be afraid to seek new paths and opportunities that reignite your passion and enthusiasm.

What career advice would you give to young women today?

Choose a career you are passionate about, as your enthusiasm will inspire others. Trust your instincts, have fun, and go for it!

Would you encourage more young women to pursue careers in STEM?  How? Absolutely! To achieve this, we should focus on increasing support networks and providing mentors, both male and female. This will help create a nurturing environment where young women can thrive and succeed in STEM fields.

Jemma and Malcolm would like to thank Andrea for her authentic insights, highlighting how gender remains a defining factor in our industry today. “Her Voice in Science” serves as a powerful initiative—raising awareness of the gender gap, inspiring future generations of women by demonstrating what is possible, and, most importantly, driving meaningful change.