Embracing uniqueness: how Charlotte and Nicola found leadership success through the BIA’s Women in Biotech mentoring programme

Mentorship has the power to transform careers, and Charlotte Fieldhouse and Nicola Bramwell’s experience in the BIA’s Women in

Biotech mentoring programme is a testament to that. As part of our second cohort, Charlotte, a rising leader in medicinal chemistry, was paired with Nicola, an experienced biotech professional with a background in commercial leadership and a passion for people development. Over the course of the programme, their mentoring relationship became a source of confidence, insight, and mutual growth.  

In this blog, they share their journey—how trust and authenticity shaped their dynamic, the pivotal moments that defined their experience, and the lasting impact of mentoring on their careers. 

Tell us a bit about your background

Charlotte: I completed my undergraduate MSc in Chemistry at the University of York (with a short Process R&D internship at AZ, and a year Synthetic Chemistry internship at GSK). My career started as a Synthetic Medicinal Chemist within the Neurology Centre of Excellence of Drug Discovery at GSK. I then spent 8 brilliant years at Takeda, working within a talented team, growing both my synthetic & medicinal chemistry knowledge. In 2016, I moved to Nxera Pharma (previously Sosei Heptares) joining as a Senior Scientist and growing to Senior Director Medicinal Chemistry, where I am today. 

Whilst my passion for Drug Discovery is a constant, early on in career, my motivations & successes were about achieving personal scientific and technical goals directly impacting projects, now, my focus has shifted towards strategy, vision and achieving successes alongside & through a strong, cohesive team.  

Nicola: I began my post-university career working in a lab but decided to spread my wings and moved into commercial roles in industry. I loved the application of science in the biotech world and as biotech grew, I grew and became passionate about not only what companies do within the scientific ecosystem, but more so on how they achieve success through people. Hence my focus now on people and leadership.

Looking back, how have you changed throughout the mentoring program?  

Charlotte: My mentorship sessions have been a fantastic platform for personal growth within my industry. My mentor has been inspiring and confidence building. I came into the mentorship course at the start of 2024, feeling excited but apprehensive about leading a large team within the Chemistry department at Nxera Pharma. Now at the start of 2025, I have accepted a promotion into this role. My mentorship journey has undoubted positively contributed to this success. I am now only a little bit apprehensive!  

Nicola: As mentor, I always smile throughout a program such as this. I smile when I get to know a great person, learn about another company and share someone else’s journey. Seeing Charlotte opening up and growing also challenges me on how I keep supporting others and how I keep up to date. Mentoring needs to be routed in the real world which means I have to understand her challenges. It also means I am constantly reminded about the fun and the pressure of labs to keep discovering and applying knowledge. 

Can you share a pivotal moment in your mentoring journey?   

Charlotte: Accepting that ‘What makes you different, is what makes you a good leader. Ensure to bring your authentic self to the table’.  
Nicola: For me it was when I observed Charlotte shift from needing to be prepared for every eventuality to her believing in her own strengths and experience to adapt and work in a more confident, collaborative and engaging manner.    

How has your relationship with your mentor/mentee evolved over time?  

Charlotte:  When I first met my mentor, I must admit that I was a little intimated - a strong, career driven and successful woman. However, it wasn’t long before we understood each other. I was quickly able to openly discuss my feelings, concerns, successes and failures as a leader within my group. One might even say her strong leadership qualities have now rubbed off on me slightly!    

Nicola: It always gets more open, warm and invested. I am proud of Charlotte and want to see her continue to shine. 

In what ways has this program influenced the way you approach your career?  

Charlotte: Throughout this journey, I have learnt many new tools which have improved my leadership style & skillset, but the most important tool is encouraging continued mutual sharing of our experiences. Just talking your thoughts & experiences through with your close network can help validate our actions or provide invaluable ideas to enhance our working relationships across our teams. Leadership should not feel lonely – drawing on your close network for support is important.  

Nicola: Mentoring always reminds me of the power of support. It reminds me to also ask for help too. 

If you could go back to the start of this journey, what advice would you give yourself?  

Charlotte: Feel comfortable taking time out of your busy working schedule to plan, actively participate and importantly, reflect on your learnings from your mentorship meetings. Your personal growth is valuable for you, your team and the company.  

Nicola: Slow down and don’t be too scary!