Inspirational Women in STEM and Tech: Samantha Du of Zai Lab On The 5 Leadership Lessons She Learned From Her Experience
An Interview With Candice Georgiadis
Have endurance and be tenacious, never giving up through the inevitable ups and downs in entrepreneurship.
As a part of my series about “Lessons From Inspirational Women in STEM and Tech”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Samantha Du.
Driven by her passion for drug development and entrepreneurship, Samantha Du, Ph.D. founded Zai Lab in 2014 with the goal of bringing innovative, transformative medicines to patients around the globe. Prior to founding Zai Lab, Samantha spent two years at Sequoia Capital China where she led four healthcare investments and served on the boards. From 2001 to 2011, Samantha co-founded Hutchison MediPharma and Hutchison China MediTech and served as their Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer, respectively, since their inception. Samantha began her research career with Pfizer in the United States from 1994 till 2001 after receiving her Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Cincinnati.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
My career has always been driven by a need to help others. From developing multiple early and late-stage products that treat a variety of bacterial infections to working on myriad innovative medicines at some of the world’s leading biopharmaceutical companies, I have always been driven by the need to strengthen access to treatments for the patients who need them the most. China is the largest population in the world and accounts for nearly 24% of newly diagnosed cancer cases globally. When I founded Zai Lab, I was inspired by the opportunity to close the healthcare innovation gap between the U.S. and China. It’s something that should be available to all and should not be limited by where you live or what you’re able to pay.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began at your company?
As a “drug hunter”, I’ve been called the “Godmother of China’s Biotech Industry,” which has always been interesting to me because what I want, first and foremost, is to advocate for patients in need to bring them innovative therapies that make a difference in their lives. Since co-founding Hutchison Medipharma, I’ve learned so much about how the biopharmaceutical industry can be more collaborative and nimbler in its approach to innovation. I took that with me when I established Zai Lab in 2014, and I’m so proud of how we’re living that approach and the progress our global teams have made in accelerating global innovation.
What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?
Zai Lab has built a very innovative pipeline which can serve patients not only in China, but also potentially globally who have significant unmet medical need.
Are you working on any exciting new projects now? How do you think that will help people?
Zai Lab is in a unique position as a fully integrated global biopharmaceutical company. Our mission has always been to bring transformative medicines that address unmet medical need. Our open innovation model has attracted the biopharmaceutical companies to partner with Zai Lab to advance clinical stage product candidates and bring them to market. We’re excited to be working on a number of new collaborations within oncology, autoimmune diseases and neuroscience.
Ok super. Thank you for all that. Let’s now shift to the main focus of our interview. Are you currently satisfied with the status quo regarding women in STEM? What specific changes do you think are needed to change the status quo?
One of the things I have always loved about research is that scientists are — and always should be — recognized in this industry and by society by virtue of their research contributions rather than their gender.
We also need to “forget” gender roles and encourage others to be curious, to be problem-solvers and explorers, to wonder “what if.” Explore the sciences and become creators. The opportunities are limitless along the journey of exploration when we are supported and encouraged by those around us.
When I look at the biotech industry, I see so many opportunities for change. Within Zai Lab, women represent 57% of the workforce, with 53.8% of women in key management positions, including the Chief Compliance Officer, Head of Operations for Oncology, Head of Global Corporate Affairs, Deputy Chief Financial Officer and more.
I also encourage women entrepreneurship. I encourage everyone in STEM to dream, regardless of gender — then plan, execute, review, adjust and, ultimately, you will achieve.
What are the “myths” that you would like to dispel about being a woman in STEM or Tech. Can you explain what you mean?
I think everyone has equal potential for STEM, regardless of gender. People should be recognized by their talent and contribution, regardless of their gender.
What are your “5 Leadership Lessons I Learned from My Experience as a Woman in STEM or Tech” and why. (Please share a story or example for each.)
Have a clear vision in what you want to do and what you are passionate about
Have the courage to start with limited resources
Have endurance and be tenacious, never giving up through the inevitable ups and downs in entrepreneurship
Be confident in your ability to achieve great things and don’t let anyone stand in your way.
The higher your responsibility is, the bigger pain you must be able to take
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
My father was my greatest advocate and guide. From the time I was very young, he instilled in me the confidence, drive and compassion to go out into the world and to make a difference. For this, I cannot thank him enough.
As I was leaving China for the U.S. to study, my father gave me two plates with ancient Chinese quotes. The first one says, “The fragrance of plum blossoms come from the bitter cold,” which always reminded me that you need to earn your respect and success. The second plate says, “Always be noble and act with integrity” which reminds me how important integrity and ethics are and how they will guide you along the way.
How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?
For my almost 30 years of experience in the biopharma industry, I was able to serve patients with unmet medical needs by the innovative medicines we developed.
Also served as a role model to inspire male and female scientific entrepreneurs. I take mentorship seriously and feel a responsibility to invest in the next generation of scientists and leaders.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
We’ve made significant strides at Zai Lab to accelerate the access of innovative drug to patients in China and worldwide. I will continue to do this at Zai Lab and encourage everyone in biotech to drive innovation forward to save more lives around the world.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“Leadership defines your own position.”
When I first joined Pfizer, one of the R&D leaders said to me, “Leadership defines your own position.” He asked me not to limit myself by my gender, title, my position on the team or my background.
As I grew in my career, I came to realize that more and more, the only limitations you have are set by yourself, not others. Although it perhaps will take longer as a female executive, continue to aim high and do not impose limitations on yourself.
We are very blessed that very prominent leaders read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them 🙂
There are two leaders I greatly admire — Michael Jordan and Elon Musk.
I’m a huge basketball fan and when I came to the US in the 80s Michael Jordan’s game was truly inspirational to watch. I love his competitive spirit and his perseverance. He inspired his teammates to push forward when faced with obstacles and he made those around him better at what they do. That’s what successful leaders strive to do.
Elon Musk is a transformational leader who pushes the boundaries of what’s possible. He’s constantly innovating and improving. His work has purpose. He sets a bold vision and he inspires others to join him. Watching his vision come to life is both inspirational and motivational.
Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.
Inspirational Women in STEM and Tech: Samantha Du of Zai Lab On The 5 Leadership Lessons She… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.