From Africa’s AIDS Crisis to Global Pharma Leadership | Dr. Eslie Dennis

What shapes a great leader? For Dr. Eslie Dennis, it began on the frontlines of Africa’s AIDS epidemic.

In this powerful episode of the Pharmaverse Podcast, Michael Pietrack sits down with Dr. Eslie Dennis, Global Head of Medical Affairs at Kyowa Kirin, to explore a journey spanning medicine, leadership, resilience, and purpose.

Dr. Dennis shares unforgettable stories from treating AIDS patients in Zimbabwe during the HIV/AIDS crisis, including the heartbreaking reality of caring for abandoned infants and how those experiences shaped her leadership philosophy in the pharmaceutical industry.

You’ll also hear her candid advice on:

• Leading with patients at the center
• Why “No is a complete sentence”
• Hiring beyond the résumé in the AI era
• Women in leadership and career advancement
• Building meaningful careers through mentorship and curiosity
• Turning hardship into purpose-driven leadership