As we celebrate women driving innovation in Life Sciences technology, we shine a light on Susan Chavez, a Supply Chain Business Analyst who has navigated a dynamic career across industries before making her mark in pharmaceuticals. From mastering SAP to re-entering the workforce after career breaks and embracing freelancing, Susan’s journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of tech in healthcare.

In this interview, she shares pivotal moments, challenges, and insights on thriving in Life Sciences tech—offering inspiration for women looking to break into the field.

1. Can you share your journey into Life Sciences and how your career has evolved?

I began my career as an IT/Business Analyst for supply chain and logistics over 15 years ago, gaining experience across various industries such as fashion retail, electrical equipment & energy management, outdoor power equipment, transportation, and logistics. Throughout my journey, I developed expertise in business process analysis, translating business needs into technical requirements, and supporting SAP ERP implementations.

Joining a global pharmaceutical company as a Supply Chain Business Analyst marked my transition into the Life Sciences industry — an area I had a strong wish to be part of. I find the pharmaceutical sector both fascinating and deeply meaningful, as it contributes directly to human well-being. Being able to support this mission through business process improvements and technology is incredibly rewarding.

While the core principles of supply chain remain the same, Life Sciences introduces additional layers of complexity due to strict regulatory requirements and the critical nature of pharmaceutical products. This role has allowed me to apply my skills in process improvement and data analysis in a high-impact environment, specifically through KPI development to enhance supply chain efficiency

2. What pivotal decision or moment shaped your career path?

I am originally from Peru, where I graduated as an Informatics Engineer. A key turning point in my career was my introduction to SAP. My first role as an IT Analyst involved designing and developing reports for logistics and sales modules, sparking my interest in both technology and business processes.

A truly life-changing moment came when I took an internship in Sweden, joining a Purchasing team as an IT Business Analyst. The team was transitioning to SAP’s MM module, and my prior experience with SAP played a key role in my selection. During this time, I realised my passion for both SAP and Supply Chain. From then on, I was determined to build my Business Analyst expertise in these areas by gaining experience across different industries. This drive led me to work in various sectors mentioned above, continuously expanding my knowledge and adaptability.

Later, another defining moment was taking on a dual role as Scrum Master and Business Analyst during a major transformation in ways of working. It pushed me beyond my comfort zone, strengthening my communication skills while deepening my understanding of Agile methodologies. Sweden became my second home, where I lived for 12 years, built my career, and started my family.

More recently, moving to Spain meant seeking new career opportunities, which led me to take two significant steps in my professional journey: transitioning into the pharmaceutical sector and embracing freelancing. While I have supply chain experience, Life Sciences introduced new challenges, such as regulatory compliance, cold chain logistics, and product traceability requirements. At the same time, I had long aspired to enter the freelance world, drawn by the opportunity to work on diverse projects, expand my skills, gain international exposure, and balance work with family needs more freely. By coincidence—or perhaps perfect timing—Red Global crossed my path just as I was looking for my next move. Their approach not only opened the door to the Life Sciences industry but also enabled me to take the leap into freelancing, something I had been considering for a long time. Through them, I joined a leading pharmaceutical company as a freelance Supply Chain Business Analyst, marking a defining moment in my career. This step has been incredibly fulfilling, aligning with both my professional ambitions and personal priorities.

3. You took a career break due to motherhood. What was the toughest part of re-entering the workforce, and how did you navigate it?

I took two career breaks of one year each due to motherhood. After my second break, I realised just how rapidly the landscape for Business Analysts had evolved. The rise of AI and the increasing demand for advanced data analytics skills had shifted expectations. Technologies that were once the domain of Data Engineers—such as cloud-based platforms, data warehousing tools like Snowflake, and visualisation tools like Power BI—had become either desirable or essential for Business Analysts. At the same time, the supply chain sector itself was undergoing significant changes, requiring continuous adaptation.

The biggest challenge was regaining confidence and ensuring my skills remained relevant in such a fast-moving industry. To bridge the gap, I focused on upskilling through targeted courses and actively networking with professionals in my field. Additionally, I had to redefine my approach to work-life balance, finding ways to contribute effectively while managing family responsibilities. Ultimately, this experience reinforced my adaptability and commitment to continuous learning, both of which have been key to my professional growth.

4. What support, whether from an employer, mentor, or network, made the biggest difference in your return?

Having a professional network made a difference. Connecting with former colleagues and mentors provided guidance, tips, advice and reassurance. Additionally, my employer played a crucial role by promoting an inclusive culture that valued my experience and capabilities rather than focusing on the gap in my résumé. Flexible working arrangements and a supportive team also helped ease my transition.

5. How has your view on work-life balance evolved since returning to your career?

Work-life balance has always been important to me, especially with small children. However, achieving it depends not only on personal choices but also on the work culture and environment. In my previous experience, I worked in a setting where work-life balance was highly valued, which I truly appreciated. Now that I’ve returned to my career, I see balance as the ability to adapt and stay flexible. Rather than striving for perfect balance every day, I focus on adjusting my priorities based on different phases of my career and personal life. I make effort to set boundaries, like dedicating “focus hours” for deep work, while also blocking time for personal matters. Open and transparent communication with those I work with has also been key to maintaining a healthy balance.

6. How do you stay motivated and resilient when setbacks hit?

I remind myself that setbacks are part of the process. Instead of viewing them as failures, I see them as learning opportunities. I also maintain a strong support system—whether through mentors, colleagues, my husband or personal connections—who provide perspective when challenges arise. Lastly, I focus on incremental progress. Even small wins can build momentum and keep me motivated.

7. What’s the best networking advice you've ever received and how has it helped you?

One of the best pieces of advice I received was: "Networking is key and it’s about relationships”. Instead of reaching out only when I needed something, I tried to stay engaged with my network. This has made networking feel more natural and has led to opportunities that I wouldn’t have actively pursued otherwise.

8. How has digital networking (LinkedIn, virtual events) shifted how you build connections?

Digital networking has made it easier to connect with professionals beyond geographic limitations. I’ve found that following industry discussions on LinkedIn and attending virtual webinars organised by some entities in LinkedIn allows me to stay updated on trends while building relationships. It also provides visibility, making it easier for recruiters and industry peers to reach out for collaborations or opportunities.

9. What’s the key to building a meaningful, successful career in Life Sciences?

Continuous learning is crucial—whether through formal training, self-study, or industry engagement. Life Sciences is a highly regulated and evolving field, so staying informed about new technologies, regulations, and best practices is essential. Additionally, collaboration is key. The industry is deeply interconnected, requiring strong cross-functional relationships to drive impactful solutions.

10. What excites you most about the future of Life Sciences tech?

The integration of advanced technologies like AI, heavy data analytics, and automation is transforming Life Sciences. In supply chain specifically, predictive analytics and digital twins are enhancing efficiency and resilience. I'm particularly excited about how data-driven decision-making is improving business processes modelling within Life Sciences. For example, real-time tracking and predictive analytics are helping anticipate supply chain disruptions, preventing shortages of essential drugs. AI-driven demand forecasting is allowing pharmaceutical companies to better align production with patient needs, reducing both waste and costs. Additionally, advancements in blockchain technology are enhancing traceability and security in the distribution of medications, minimising the risk of counterfeit drugs entering the supply chain. The integration of IoT sensors in cold chain logistics is also ensuring that temperature-sensitive medications, such as vaccines and biologics, maintain their efficacy from manufacturing to patient delivery. These innovations are not only making operations more efficient but also directly impacting patient care by ensuring life-saving treatments reach those who need them most, when they need them.

11. What advice would you give to women looking to pivot into Life Sciences tech from other fields?

I would advise the following: "Don’t let industry barriers discourage you”, many skills from other sectors are highly transferable to Life Sciences. As a Supply Chain Business Analyst, key competencies like end-to end process mapping, logistics optimisation, data analysis, stakeholder management, cross-functional communication, problem-solving, and digital transformation remain essential across industries. The ability to analyse performance, identify inefficiencies, and drive improvements is just as valuable in pharmaceuticals, where efficiency and compliance are critical.

To pivot successfully, focus on bridging the gap between your expertise and industry-specific requirements. Life Sciences brings added complexity with strict regulations, cold chain logistics, and product traceability. Learning industry standards (GMP, GDP, FDA, EMA) and staying updated on emerging technologies like serialisation and advanced analytics will help ease the transition. It will also help to have proficiency in an ERP system like SAP, data visualisation tools and advanced analytics.

Breaking into the field takes a step-by-step approach—leverage your transferable skills, build knowledge through courses and/or certifications, and expand your network through industry events and mentorship. I’ve made this transition thanks to my transferable skills, but I’m still learning. Life Sciences is constantly evolving, and continuous learning is key to long-term success. 

Susan’s journey is a powerful reminder that resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning are key to thriving in Life Sciences technology. Whether transitioning from another industry, re-entering the workforce, or taking on new challenges, women in tech have the skills and potential to drive meaningful change in this evolving field.

For those looking to break into Life Sciences tech, stay curious, invest in your knowledge, and build a strong network. The industry is complex, but transferable skills, a willingness to learn, and the right support system can open doors. Most importantly, believe in your ability to make an impact—because the future of Life Sciences needs diverse perspectives and innovative thinkers.

At RED Global, we know that diversity in tech isn’t just about fairness, it’s about results. Companies that hire more women in technology roles benefit from greater innovation, stronger problem-solving, and better business performance. Yet, women remain underrepresented in the industry. That’s why we’re committed to bridging the gap, helping businesses connect with skilled female professionals, and empowering more women to thrive in Life Sciences technology. Read more about the value of diverse teams and why hiring more women in tech drives real returns in our blog here.

If you're a tech professional looking for your next opportunity in Life Sciences, register with RED Global today. We’re here to support your career journey and connect you with roles where you can make an impact. Get in touch! We’d love to hear from you