From ballet to business: my MBA journey to leadership

Coral Robinson, MBA (International Leadership & Women in Leadership)

Where it all started

The year is 1988, and I just completed high school in South Africa. I studied a performance certificate in dance and became a professional ballet dancer. However, longevity in the industry became uncertain and I had to leave the world of performing arts. I decided to begin a new career path in the field of science and went on to do a Bachelor of Science majoring in both Microbiology and Animal and Human Biochemistry. I didn't work in a scientific role after I graduated but instead became a pharmaceutical sales rep upon listening to a friend's advice. 

After a few years in pharmaceutical sales, I moved to a research company purely for the better company benefits and I’ve been working in this industry ever since. I continue to do what I do because of the benefits to the patients. I’ve been involved in some incredible clinical trials – one drug was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S for Stage 2 Melanoma because of our trial and the work that we did. That was a great feeling. 

In 2005, I moved to Australia and worked in different pharmaceutical companies starting as a Clinical Research Associate and progressing to management roles.

At the Natal Performing Arts Council Dance Company, 1990, ready to go on stage in the Nutcracker.

Working as a Clinical Research Associate / Clinical Compliance Specialist, presenting at the 2014 NZACRES conference on risk migitation in clinical trials.

The next step

For a few years, my career path came to a standstill, so I decided to study an MBA. I was referred to Kaplan Business School (KBS) by my partner who studied there previously. The option to attend online workshops with engaging facilitators appealed to me. 

I selected two specialisations: International Leadership and Women in Leadership. My choices were quite intentional. Having worked with international companies and desiring to move further up in the organisation, I wanted to have a better understanding of the mechanics of international business and to ensure I was equipping myself with relevant knowledge to keep growing. 

My Women in Leadership choice was a personal one. I am passionate about helping young women succeed and there are so many talented women who fall by the wayside because they do not have the knowledge, wisdom and guidance to achieve their dreams. I was in that same situation - I spent around 14 years at the same level within the industry because I didn’t know what I wanted, how to ask for it, or have the guidance on how to work it out. 

My lecturers at KBS were personable and engaging and made the time to explain concepts and discuss viewpoints. They inspired me to believe in myself and I'm eternally grateful for their insight and guidance. 

During my studies, I learned a valuable lesson - you get as much out of each workshop as you are prepared to put in. My advice for other students would be to read the content before the workshops, read the journal articles, listen to the prescribed podcasts, watch the YouTube videos made available, and have discussions with your facilitators. Always ask questions, answer questions, and learn. I never just sat silently during a lecture; I interacted, which helped me grow more confident in my abilities.

My Women in Leadership choice [specialisation] was a personal one. I am passionate about helping young women succeed and there are so many talented women who fall by the wayside because they do not have the knowledge, wisdom and guidance to achieve their dreams. I was in that same situation - I spent around 14 years at the same level within the industry because I didn’t know what I wanted, how to ask for it, or have the guidance on how to work it out.

Balancing work and study

When I started studying again, I was concerned how I was going to balance all my responsibilities. It was important that I had the support of my family especially for those nights or weekends when I was working on assignments and was not available at all. 

Planning was key. I started assignments early and aimed to finish them ahead of deadline, understanding that unexpected work or personal commitments could arise. During one course subject, a family member passed away, and I had to travel internationally for work. Because I planned ahead, I could still submit my assignments on time. 

It took time to adjust to studying again, and at first, I was worried I wouldn’t pass. I focused on one course subject at a time, and once I started achieving High Distinctions for my assignments, it motivated me to keep going. I finished my MBA with High Distinctions for most of my subjects (Distinctions for two of them), and I couldn't have done it without the support I had at home. 

When I started my MBA, I was working for a drug development company - and the impact on my career came quickly. My manager knew I was investing in my professional growth, and within just six months, I received two promotions!

The reality of working in pharmaceutical research

Pharmaceutical research is incredibly rewarding, but it demands time and energy. Learn from those around you, understand the bigger picture beyond your role, and put your hand up for new opportunities. 

Build strong relationships with your colleagues and other industry professionals and protect your reputation - pharmaceutical research is a big industry, but a small world. Always act with integrity and never stop learning. With new therapeutic indications, protocols, guidance and legislation constantly emerging, there’s always an opportunity to grow.

Learn from those around you, understand the bigger picture beyond your role, and put your hand up for new opportunities.

The lessons I've learned

One of the most important lessons I've learned is to find a mentor, a friend, or a sponsor who will ensure you develop and grow according to your needs. 

Surround yourself with positive people. If you start negative conversations with colleagues about how bad work is, you’ll end up talking yourselves into a death spiral. Engage in positive discussions. 

Understand that change is inevitable. The sun doesn’t sit still in the sky, and neither should you or the company you work for. Embrace change - learn and grow through it.

My future 

I graduated from my MBA with a better understanding of the business side of pharmaceutical research. My personal goal is now to "Grow with purpose within clinical delivery, thrive through change, and empower others to do the same”. 

I was offered a redundancy from Fortrea last December and while the timing was not what I expected, it has offered me a perfect opportunity to start my own consultancy business, which is now in operation and have named it Endpointe. During my MBA, I had a career goal to become a CEO in 5 years - I just never thought it would be of my own company. 

Besides setting up my new business, I want to increase networking activities within the industry, offer consulting services focused on the management of clinical research units, work with women leaders, and help organisations lead through change. 

Want to connect with Coral? 

Coral Robinson MBA BSc | LinkedIn

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