Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | October 26, 2020 | Worcester Business Journal 15 O U T S T A N D I N G W O M E N I N B U S I N E S S F O C U S Kalk helps spread her love of science BY GRANT WELKER Worcester Business Journal News Editor S usan Kalk was passionate about science growing up in South Africa, but opportunities in the field in her native country weren't plentiful. "I was born a scientist because I would do experiments from when I was quite small," Kalk said. A career, however, would have to take place elsewhere. She wanted to be part of more forward-thinking pharma- ceutical teams, so she and her husband moved to Toronto in 1994. "Sometimes I think, 'What was I thinking?'" she said of moving across the Atlantic Ocean. "But I wanted to be part of something innovative and grow- ing, and wanted my family to experience a different culture and environment." Kalk later worked for Amgen, a biomanufacturing laboratory in Rhode Island, before joining the pharmaceuti- cal company Sunovion in Marlborough in 2015. Today, she's one of Sunovion's senior vice presidents and its chief qual- ity and technical operations officer. Her job entails a lot of meetings: with the ex- ecutive team, with her own department, and one-on-one sit-downs with staff. More broadly, Kalk helped devel- op Sunovion's Leadership Essentials Program, a mentorship program for employees eyeing leadership roles. It's a long way from a girl with a love for science and a dream for a career. "I worked in a very male-centric environment when I first started," Kalk said. "What's changed is that companies, especially here in Massachusetts, are open-minded and value women." Not only has Kalk risen to Sunovion's upper ranks, but her male colleagues aren't shy about making it clear what a role model she's become. "'I like to tell my daughters about you,' I hear that a lot," Kalk said. "I'm very encouraged by how many women are in the field today." Her two daughters, born in Canada, are in the industry. More and more women entering the field is bound to lead to more leadership roles, she said. Linda Arsenault, Sunovion's chief human resources officer, sees Kalk as more than simply belonging in the group. Arsenault describes Kalk as having deep expertise and a thoughtful and detail-oriented approach to leading a department whose work spans the arc of a drug's developmentt. "at work is so critically important," Arsenault said. Kalk is an active member of Women in Bio and Healthcare Businesswomen's Association, two industry advocacy groups, and her outside volunteer work includes the nonprofit Girls Inc. "is next generation will make such a big difference," Kalk said. "If they have an interest in leadership, I think they'll find it less challenging." Arsenault said Kalk always says yes to an opportunity to speak to women in the company or girls in school. "She always takes advantage of giving back to the community, and knows that responsibility, that a woman in the field, that it's an obligation," Arsenault said. "She lives the values of our organization each and every day." Susan Kalk Senior vice president, chief quality & technical operations officer Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc., in Marlborough Residence: Worcester County College: University of Witwatersrand, South Africa What are the keys to success? I de- fine success through my demonstration of integrity, respect, and ability to make a difference. When people I've worked with tell me I've been the best leader to work for, it is an honor, humbling and a great testament to my success. Japanese connection: My favorite item in my office is my bonsai tree, which I cultivate. To me, it is a symbol of growth and energy aligned with Sunovion's vision to lead the way to a healthier world. It also represents to me a cultural connection with our parent company based in Japan. What is your advice for women in business? Integrity, respect and the ability to make a difference are powerful traits of being an influential leader. Be authentic. Focus on what you can control, and anticipate and plan, but have the flexibility and agility to react to circumstances. W

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