Dr. Cheryl Beal Anderson is Senior Vice President, Global Regulatory Affairs at Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC, a manufacturer of specialty drug products. Since assuming leadership of Global Regulatory Affairs in 2015, Dr. Anderson and her team have transformed Upsher’s regulatory affairs and quality capabilities to support anticipated growth in new and generic drug development, interactions with regulatory health authorities, and accelerate approval by the US Food and Drug Administration. Dr. Anderson was promoted to Upsher’s Executive Team in 2021. Before joining Upsher, Anderson had roles of increasing responsibility at Lundbeck, Inc., Eli Lilly & Company, Pfizer Global Research and Development, and Alcon Laboratories. 

How did you become an executive in the health care industry? Did you always have an interest in health care?

I have always had an interest in science and healthcare. My initial step was pursuing a BS degree in Pharmacy, after getting a BS degree in Biomedical Science. My first professional role was as a clinical pharmacy faculty member, which involved research on psychiatric disorders and a pharmacist-led ambulatory medication management clinic. 

Fast forward, I gained a deeper knowledge of the extensive work it took to bring new treatments to patients under U.S. FDA regulations and moved toward regulatory affairs. My business acumen grew and my strategy for international and/or complex issues for pharma did as well. In sum, it has been a career of education, exposure, and my drive to help meet patient drug treatment needs. I am fortunate to have been shaped by great supervisors, mentors, and sponsors who saw my potential and encouraged me to bring my unique point of view to decisions.

With an inherent international focus to your work, how do you ensure your leadership style is impactful cross-culturally?

I have learned that whether you are an individual contributor, middle manager, or executive leader, you must be self-aware and culturally competent. This can make a difference in your ability to build relationships or business.

My first professional international business trip was to Beijing, China. I was a member of a delegation that was selected to instruct China’s equivalent to the U.S. FDA review staff on when and how drug product sponsors have interactions with FDA employees. The company’s Asian Employee Resource Group was brought in to explain Chinese culture, principles, and communication norms. This orientation helped us have a mutually beneficial interaction and calibrate expectations and behaviors. My preparations to show respect and understanding of cultural differences helped me think through interactions, communications, and customs while meeting with the Chinese delegation. I am ever grateful for the many experiences that helped me become self-aware of cultural differences and the value that they bring.

You moved from a vice president to a senior vice president role earlier this year – congratulations! What skills did you develop as a VP that help you in your current roles?

I joined Upsher-Smith in 2015 and it was my first role at the VP executive level. I had a lot I wanted to give and even more to learn. My progression to Senior Vice President was after demonstrating skills that I use today. Here are my top four skills:

• Build relationships. Peers, reports, and external partners must know they can trust you and find your word and deeds credible. When Upsher-Smith was acquired by Sawai Pharmaceuticals, we had to lead our organization through M&A and post-merger integration by building strong relationships with Sawai and working together in the U.S.
• Meet company objectives. COVID-19 changed how we work in pharma, which for my area meant going 100% remote. During this same time, the murder of George Floyd awakened our country’s attention to social and racial injustice. How do you maintain focus when there are so many concerns affecting people, their families, and ultimately their work? How do we engage in uncomfortable conversations on diversity, equity, and inclusion? I am very proud that my leadership team and I focused on being clear in our objectives (which we met and exceeded), checked in regularly with our employees on a personal level, and got very creative. I also influenced decisions on the intentional actions the company would take regarding DE&I objectives.
• Build a pipeline. I have witnessed and experienced the benefits of senior leaders committing to the development of people in their organizations. I prioritize mentoring, coaching, and sponsorship to improve our people and prepare for succession planning.
• Learn from your mistakes. How a leader handles mistakes/missteps is a measure of their character and perseverance, setting the tone for how their team handles the same. If you are innovative, you will make mistakes. You learn from them. What is not okay is to make mistakes or missteps and then not learn what to do differently.

What is the biggest personal risk you’ve taken in your career?

Over my career, I have had an insatiable curiosity for new things, raising my hand for new assignments and relocating to expand my experience. In my early roles, it was Regulatory Affairs, then later I took a risky move to lead areas new to me: Drug Safety and Quality (QA & QC). As a leader, you have a responsibility to listen, assess, and make decisions with the information you have, some unpopular. I can’t get preoccupied with the fear of failing or the fear of succeeding. Rather, I stay steady towards the vision that was informed by my experience, gap analyses, peer advice, HR support, hiring or reorganizing staff, and keeping communications open.

Personally or professionally, what might the WBL network be surprised to know about you?

My very first trip to Disney World was in August 2021 with my husband. We spent an entire day at Disney World Animal Kingdom Park. We both became kids and enjoyed so many rides, shows, and food! I wore Minnie Mouse ears with a matching backpack and t-shirt. The best part of the day was Pandora — The World of Avatar and taking the Avatar Flight of Passage. Being a fan of the movie Avatar, it was exhilarating to go on a simulated Navi hunt and battle. We were so glad our two adult children did not see us having so much fun without them. It was simply amazing!