Expert’s Insights: Shining a Light on Mentorship

With Libette Luce

Mentorship is a crucial part of career development. We’ve had teachers throughout our lives; it’s understandable that having a mentor to guide us through our career can help us achieve greater success, faster.

One of our Lift Up Ambassadors, Katy Barber, recently met with Libette Luce to discuss the subject further.

Who is Libette Luce?

Libette is a regulatory professional, with over 20 years in the regulatory space. Libette didn’t graduate with a science degree, but rather one in International Relations, which made her initial involvement in the industry challenging. She didn’t let this deter her, however, and is now a prominent mind in the Regulatory space.

Libette is a fantastic example that you don’t need a science degree to make an impact in the Life Sciences industry.

Of course, Libette attributes part of her success to the incredible mentorship she experienced throughout her career. This guidance gave her the tools to navigate the waters of such a diverse industry.

The assistance that mentorship provided Libette meant that as she developed, she wanted to give back by becoming a mentor herself. It was during her time at Bausch that she got the opportunity. Libette was responsible for coaching several women, which involved sharing her experiences and challenges, and helping them achieve their life science goals.

Bringing Transferable Skills to the Market

Libette’s first mentor was instrumental in the first stages of her career, not only in guiding her, but also in advocating for her to other high-level figures. Libette recalls he would say things like, “Libette has an International Studies degree, but she can articulate and digest our scientific knowledge, and she’s able to speak to the regulators in a very succinct, poignant way.”

By offering another perspective and showcasing the skills she already has, Libette’s mentor was able to highlight specifically what made her a valuable asset to the company.

Since then, Libette has noticed considerable growth in the industry. In terms of both gender diversity and educational diversity, the Regulatory industry has become far more accepting and understanding. Libette notes that she has coached many people with English degrees, who are successful due to their communication and writing skills.

Key Benefits of Having a Mentor

There are several key benefits to having a mentor. While the most well-known ones are already well-documented, Libette notes a few lesser-known benefits that are equally important.

Providing a Safe Space

One understated benefit of having a mentor is that it provides the mentee a safe space to speak candidly, and ask any questions they may feel are ‘silly’. The mentee may have questions they feel they should already know, which stops them from asking a colleague or manager.

Being able to ask a mentor for their guidance, experience, and knowledge so you can successfully navigate your own challenges is a crucial benefit.

Libette’s first mentor wasn’t her Line Manager. It was someone she worked alongside during various projects.

By building a connection with someone who wasn’t in her chain of command, it gave her the security to fully engage, without feeling like it could reflect badly on her.

Reassurance in Your Pace

It’s human to compare ourselves to those around us. We might look at someone progressing quickly, and ask, “what am I doing wrong?”.

Having a mentor can help negate those thoughts, and remind us that everyone is running their own race. You don’t need to tick every box by a certain date. It’s okay to go at your own pace, and find the success that’s right for you.

Libette’s Experience with Mentorship

When it comes to being a mentor herself, Libette doesn’t always mentor people in her own organisation, but rather focuses on people across the Life Sciences.

Her efforts even continue on LinkedIn. With a wide network, and connected with several recruiters, Libette is frequently asked for her recommendations for certain roles. By recommending and endorsing individuals with potential, she is assisting the development of their careers, and providing them opportunities to continue developing.

In her own words, “it helps the Life Sciences community flourish, it doesn’t need to be just within your company”.

Grow through your Network

Developing your network is a fantastic way to develop your career. Leveraging your connections to find new roles is essential for those looking to progress. In fact, Libette found her latest role through a recommendation by a mutual connection.

Highlighting your work ethic in your day-to-day, and helping out your colleagues and connections where possible can bring that success back to you. Now that she has progressed, Libette is constantly helping the newest generation of women in Life Sciences progress their careers, and develop their skills.

Learn from Libette

If you want to learn more about Libette’s career, or you’re a woman in the Life Sciences who wants help progressing your career, connect with Libette!

She is an incredible woman who has achieved great things, and is dedicated to helping others do the same.