Curiosity at Work: Dr. Andrew Robertson on Fostering Curiosity and Innovation in the Pharmaceutical Industry
In this episode of Curiosity at Work, Dr. Julie Pham talks with Dr. Andrew Robertson, Vice President and Head of Global Regulatory Policy and Innovation at Takeda Pharmaceuticals. With a career spanning science, law, and health policy, Andrew shares how curiosity has driven his success at leading pharmaceutical companies like Merck, Sanofi, and Takeda.
Building a Diverse Global Team at Takeda
At Takeda, Andrew built a diverse, global team from scratch, now spanning eight countries. His team focuses on shaping drug development policy and accelerating innovation. Andrew explains how curiosity plays a central role in driving both short-term problem-solving and long-term transformation in patient access. From regulatory strategies to cloud-based solutions for faster drug approvals, he reveals how curiosity powers progress in the pharmaceutical industry.
Cultivating a Culture of Curiosity in a Complex Industry
One key theme of the conversation is Andrew’s commitment to fostering a culture of curiosity within a highly regulated and complex industry. He empowers his team, which includes scientists, lawyers, and policy experts, to challenge the status quo and ask bold questions. Together, they explore better ways to deliver life-saving therapies. Additionally, Andrew carves out time for “innovative improvements,” encouraging his team to rethink systems like cloud-based regulatory submissions and new biomarkers. His approach integrates practicality with passion, ensuring that policy work directly impacts real-world patient outcomes.
Leadership with Empathy, Innovation, and Strategic Foresight
Andrew’s leadership style is deeply rooted in empathy, innovation, and strategic foresight. Drawing from his experiences as a Gates Cambridge Scholar, a JD/PhD with biochemistry roots, and a father inspired by his children’s curiosity, Andrew’s perspective is shaped by both his professional and personal journey. Whether mentoring future leaders or advocating for regulatory reform, Andrew is driven by one goal: improving patient lives.
This episode offers valuable insights into how curiosity thrives in highly structured environments and how leaders can foster purpose-driven innovation across global teams. Andrew’s story demonstrates how curiosity can be a powerful force for change in the pharmaceutical industry.
Connect with Dr. Julie Pham:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepham2/
- Website: https://curiositybased.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliephamphd/
Connect with Dr. Andrew Robertson:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asrobertson/
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