A Journey from Medicine to Medical Innovation | PaceCast with Bruce Charlesworth, CMO of Reckitt

🎙️ In this episode, Anita is joined by Bruce Charlesworth, the Chief Medical Officer at Reckitt.

Bruce shares his fascinating career journey, starting from his early days as an anaesthesiologist to his leadership roles in healthcare.

He talks about how his unique experiences and entrepreneurship helped him transition into the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, working for major companies like AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and now Reckitt. Bruce discusses his commitment to innovation at Reckitt, especially during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and his role in managing claims for well-known brands like Gaviscon and Dettol.

We hope you enjoy this wonderful episode!

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0:00 – Welcome & Introduction
0:53 – Bruce shares his object
1:44 – Childhood and influences from parents
2:51 – School experiences and early entrepreneurial tendencies
3:36 – University and early jobs at Smith & Nephew
4:33 – Medical training
5:38 – Transition from medicine to the pharmaceutical industry
6:56 – First role at AstraZeneca as commercial medical advisor
9:09 – Private equity diagnostics role and lessons learned
10:29 – Move to a beer company for strategy work
12:26 – Joining the agency world and running Adelfi/Boston office
13:38 – Joining Reckitt and reasons for staying 10 years
15:24 – Role of Chief Medical Officer at Reckitt
17:01 – Impact of COVID-19 on Reckitt products and human behavior
18:59 – Overview of brands and bestsellers
20:37 – Relocation back to East Yorkshire and local engagement
22:04 – Adjusting to corporate culture vs entrepreneurial settings
24:14 – Favourite aspects of current role: innovation and evidence-based work
26:05 – Leadership style
27:19 – Challenges in the industry
28:25 – Personality, style, and authenticity
31:18 – Thoughts on the future and potential opportunities
33:03 – Personal reflections
35:43 – Advice to young Bruce
36:46 – Closing thoughts, contributions to the Hull area, and Reckitt’s heritage
38:42 – Investments in local innovation and education

#Reckitt #Pacecast #Pfizer #Gaviscon #Dettol #CMO