In the dynamic realm of pharmaceuticals, leadership often distinguishes the ordinary from the extraordinary. Fabiana Lacerca-Allen, the Chief Compliance Officer at Cipla USA, embodies this exceptionalism. With over three decades of experience, she has not only navigated the complexities of the industry but has also left an indelible mark through her integrity-driven approach and unwavering commitment to making a difference.
The Journey to Chief Compliance Officer
Fabiana defines success not by conventional measures of wealth or status, but by more personal and impactful metrics. “Success to me is doing what you want to do with who you want to do it with,” she states, emphasizing the importance of passion, helping others, and witnessing her children grow into happy, strong, and ethical individuals.
Reflecting on her journey, Fabiana acknowledges the evolution of her definition of success as she advanced in her career. “I grew up in Argentina during the dictatorship,” she recalls. “It was times of fear, times of upheaval. People were afraid of doing and saying what they thought, however there were a few who demonstrated incredible heroism and courage to do what is right among them was my father who was the first State Secretary of industry in Argentina’s first democratic government post-dictatorship, instilled in her the values of courage, integrity, and resilience.
In her early career, Fabiana’s objectives were more immediate. “In the beginning, my objectives were short-termed because I had my whole career in front of me,” she explains. However, as she gained experience, she realized the importance of surrounding herself with supportive, value-aligned individuals. “You need to surround yourself with people that want to see you succeed. You want to have your tribe, cultivate your tribe,” she insists.
Courage, integrity, loyalty, transparency, and a strong work ethic are qualities that Fabiana holds dear, seeking them in her colleagues and collaborators. “Making a difference is very important to me,” she emphasizes, which led her to Cipla USA, whose mission and vision closely align with her values.
As she matured in her career, Fabiana’s priorities shifted. In her 30s, she was preoccupied with others’ perceptions. “You’re so concerned about what people are going to say. Do they like me?” she reflects. But with time, she learned to prioritize respect over likability. “You don’t have to like me. You have to respect me, and you’ll get respect from me,” she asserts, understanding that not everyone will appreciate her role as Chief Compliance Officer.
Throughout her career, Fabiana’s objectives and definition of success have evolved. “In the beginning, success was being promoted, being invited to that meeting, being asked for my opinion,” she shares. Today, she takes these achievements for granted, focusing instead on making a meaningful impact.
Her career has predominantly been in the pharmaceutical industry, driven by a desire to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. “If we live long enough, we’re going to get sick. People we love are going to get sick,” she says, noting the dramatic evolution of medicine, especially since COVID-19. The development of therapies for previously untreatable diseases fuels her passion and motivation. “Seeing that and being part of that really motivates me, really makes me passionate.”
Fabiana’s journey from a tumultuous childhood in Argentina to a leadership role in the pharmaceutical industry exemplifies resilience, integrity, and a profound commitment to making a difference.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities and Thriving as a Leader
Fabiana tends to reframe challenges as opportunities. “Not everything is easy. I can tell you the most difficult jobs I had were the ones that taught me the most,” she shares. While technical skills were a given, it was her leadership skills and values that set her apart.
Relocating from Argentina to the United States 32 years ago presented significant hurdles. “It was so different culturally because it was a world apart,” she recalls. In an era before social media and affordable international communication, adapting to a new language, food, and culture was a formidable task. “Calling on the phone was so expensive that I was spending as much on my phone bill as on my rent,” she adds. Yet, she views this difficulty as a blessing. “I bring the best of both worlds,” she says, appreciating the unique perspectives her diverse background offers.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Fabiana acknowledges how her challenges turned into strengths. “I can see things that others don’t because I grew up there,” she explains. This ability to appreciate multiple viewpoints has been invaluable in her professional life. “You understand that there’s not only one way that’s right, there’s more than one way that’s right.”
When asked about thriving as a woman leader in the industry, Fabiana attributes her success to her upbringing. “I never thought there was an issue about being a woman. I thought there was a great advantage about being a woman because that’s how I was raised,” she explains. Her parents instilled in her the belief that there was nothing she couldn’t achieve. “The stars are the limit. Put your mind to it and your hard work and you’ll succeed,” they told her.
This mindset propelled her forward, even when faced with gender biases. “It took me a while to understand that somebody would not like me because I was a female,” she notes. Instead of being deterred, she used it as motivation. “Oh really? Watch me and watch me closely because you’re about to see greatness,” she would think.
Fabiana’s diverse experiences and cultural background have given her a unique resilience. “One time my boss told me, ‘I love working with you because you remain so calm, because in crisis you remain so calm.’ And I looked at him and said, ‘Well, they’re not shooting at me. I’m having a good day.'” This perspective, forged from her challenging journey, makes her a formidable leader.
For Fabiana, being a woman, and a Latina woman at that, has never been a hindrance. “I always felt it was a strength,” she concludes, embodying the power of resilience, diverse perspectives, and unwavering determination in her corporate journey.
Joining Forces with a Global Giant: From Big Pharma to Cipla USA
Driven by a mission to provide affordable medicine worldwide and by Fabiana’s decision to make a difference she transitioned from Big Pharma to Cipla USA to make a global impact. Cipla, one of the largest generic pharmaceutical companies globally, originated from India. Fabiana praised the company’s mission and vision, emphasizing their commitment to helping people around the globe. “They’re an amazing company,” she noted. “Their mission, our mission, and our vision aim to help so many people around the world.”
Having long been aware of Cipla, especially during the HIV crisis, Fabiana was intrigued by their impact. There’s also a very important space for generics because people around the world need to be able to afford medicines and have a dignified life with access to basic needs.”
Cipla’s role in reducing the price of HIV medications globally resonated deeply with her. “They were instrumental in lowering the price of HIV drugs and made a difference for so many people around the world,” Fabiana reflects. This mission aligned with her values, especially as someone who grew up in a country where access to medicine was not universal. “People that don’t have access die or have very poor outcomes because of that lack of access,” she observes.
Fabiana’s move to Cipla USA reflects her enduring commitment to making a positive impact. “It’s always been important to me, but it’s extremely important as you grow older and understand the global impact,” she explained, illustrating her shift from focusing solely on innovative therapies to embracing the broader mission of making medicine affordable for all.
Evolving Industry Dynamics and Personal Triumphs
Fabiana reflects on the profound changes she has witnessed over her 30-year career, such as navigating increased regulation, embracing AI advancements, and highlighting the importance of mentorship and legacy. “I think that it’s more heavily regulated,” she notes, emphasizing the pressure on drug pricing and access, especially post-COVID. “The world has become smaller if that’s possible. Everybody understands that access to medicine is a must.”
Discussing the significance of technology, she acknowledges the growing impact of AI. “There’s going to be a big, big, big use of AI in our industry,” she predicts. However, Fabiana highlights the irreplaceable human element in navigating ethical and regulatory complexities. “It’s the Gray navigating the Gray. That’s going to be done by humans. It’s going to be done by chief compliance officers like me,” she states.
Reflecting on her greatest achievements, Fabiana proudly speaks of helping others reach their potential. “The biggest success in my career is having helped so many people reach their potential, and be the best they can be,” she says. She also considers her children’s accomplishments as part of her legacy. “My oldest one is already a lawyer working in compliance in the pharmaceutical industry. My second one is applying to law school. My third one is a courageous daughter willing to do what’s right.”
Fabiana’s upcoming book, “Crisis Capable,” published by Forbes, encapsulates her experiences and insights and will become available in October 2024.
Leading with Integrity and Purpose
Fabiana, Chief Compliance Officer at Cipla USA, describes her role as enhancing the company’s already strong compliance program. “My role as a chief compliance officer is to design, implement, execute a compliance program enhancing what we already have very strong, which is high integrity tone at the top,” she explains.
Her motivation stems from seeing the impact of accessible medicine. “Again, seeing a patient that didn’t have access, that now can have access to life-saving medicine,” she says. This, coupled with the joy of seeing her children grow and be happy, drives her dedication to making a difference every day.
Balancing her personal and professional life is challenging but rewarding. “You bring yourself to work. There’s only one of me,” she says. Fabiana finds joy in blending her personal and professional worlds, emphasizing the importance of enjoying life and being mindful of one’s capabilities as they change over time.
Looking to the future, Fabiana aims to continue her work in compliance while also seeking opportunities to give back. “Professionally, I want to be doing this for a long, long time,” she says. Additionally, she plans to focus on enjoying time with her family, friends, and community, seeking out opportunities that align with her passions and values.
Leadership Insights: Integrity, Service, and Long-Term Impact
Fabiana offers insightful advice to aspiring leaders, emphasizing the enduring value of integrity and authenticity. “Be strong in staying true to yourself,” she advises, “and always act with integrity because that is something that will define your reputation.”
When discussing her leadership approach, Fabiana portrays herself as a leader who sets the tone through her actions. “Each day presents an opportunity to lead and make a meaningful impact,” she asserts, highlighting the importance of consistent, exemplary behavior.
Reflecting on her professional journey, Fabiana expresses profound gratitude for the experiences that have shaped her. “I feel truly blessed and fortunate for the opportunities that have come my way,” she shares. “These experiences have not only strengthened me but also taught me invaluable lessons.”
In conclusion, Fabiana underscores the significance of a supportive network. “Surround yourself with individuals who genuinely wish to see you succeed,” she advises. “Strive to be the kind of leader who leaves a lasting impression, even long after you’ve moved on.”
Conclusion
Fabiana Lacerca-Allen’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of leadership rooted in integrity and service. Her profound impact extends beyond the confines of Cipla USA, inspiring emerging leaders to lead with authenticity and purpose. As she continues to champion compliance and ethical practices in the pharmaceutical industry, her legacy serves as a guiding light for all those who aspire to lead with integrity and make a lasting impact.
