After 40 years in pharmaceuticals - from a medical rep at Roche to global leadership across mergers, acquisitions, and his own ventures — Sanjeev Pooni retired. Then he came back, driven by something personal: his mother's battle with Parkinson's, and the chance to work in precision neuroscience where that experience means something. He calls this chapter his "last shabam."

Steven Fuller AfCGI sits down with Sanjeev to discuss how pharma shifted from product-centric to patient-centric, why blockbusters gave way to biomarkers, and how AI and real-world evidence are rewriting the industry's playbook. 

Sanjeev also shares what real mentorship looks like (not just sitting next to someone watching them work), his advice for retired professionals considering a return — be clear on the value you bring, reconnect with old colleagues, don't come back for the money — and why working under younger leaders isn't a demotion but an opportunity to shift from being the most senior in the room to the most valuable.

Part of The IN Group Communities, Race in STEM a safe, judgement-free space to share one another’s experiences and ideas. Together, we can challenge the status quo and showcase the excellence of the underrepresented in STEM.

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