Olivier Bernard

Back in college, I dreamt of working in the pharmaceutical industry. I pictured myself inventing new molecules, operating gigantic mixers, developing clinical trial protocols, designing marketing campaigns and engaging physicians… ideally all at the same time! When I finally joined pharma, I discovered all of its wonderful sides… as well as its many frustrations. Both in scientific- and business-oriented roles, I strived to change the perceptions of our industry through better dialogue, transparency and work ethics… but it wasn’t easy. When I met Jill Donahue and started learning from her, everything changed for me. I gained not only confidence in myself to pursue these objectives, but first and foremost I was able to do it through better trust from my clients.

I should also mention that I’m a pharmacist by training, a job that I’ve always practiced part-time to this day. It turns out that educating patients is not that different from what pharma does: influencing behaviour in order to improve lives. All the great techniques I learned in pharma and from Jill, I also apply with my patients, with incredible results!

Nowadays, I dedicate myself to public awareness in healthcare and sciences, simultaneously as a blogger, speaker, author and mass media spokesperson.