On International Women’s Day, Commercial Eyes is proud to shine a spotlight on the incredible accomplishments and contributions of women within the life sciences sector and beyond.
At Commercial Eyes, we are steadfast in our dedication to celebrating the pivotal role women play in driving innovation, progress, and leadership within our business.
From its inception, Commercial Eyes has been guided by a 23-year long commitment to inclusivity and flexibility. Established in 2001 by CEO Andrew Carter, the company embraced a unique business model centred on flexible working arrangements—a model far ahead of its time. Carter prioritised delivering excellence over rigid schedules or office confines.
Reflecting on the challenges faced in implementing this innovative approach, Carter, notes, “At the time, the pharmaceutical industry generally wasn’t receptive to part-timers, wasn’t very family-friendly, or keen to embrace the flexible work model.”
However, this approach resonated deeply with women, particularly those looking to return to the workforce after maternity leave. The business model offered an opportunity to balance their professional aspirations and motherhood, along with other aspects of their personal lives. “The women who joined Commercial Eyes embraced the business model and told their friends, many of whom were also women. Before long, I was being introduced to lots of highly qualified women who wanted to work in the business,” Carter explains
As a mother of a young child and being very career focused, juggling professional responsibilities while being present for my child requires effective time management and a supporting work environment. Commercial Eyes has always provided that flexible environment. The flexibility allows me to navigate unexpected parenting demands while still meeting work commitments. Proud to be a part of the CE family” – Rinky Bhattacharjee, Patient Safety Manager
At Commercial Eyes, we recognise the immense value that women bring to our industry and our workplace.
Cindy Yan has been with Commercial Eyes since 2011, reflecting on her tenure with the company, she acknowledges the positive impacts of a workplace compromised of mostly women in leadership positions;
“I am glad to work at Commercial Eyes where women are in leadership roles, they have deeper understanding of the challenges faced by women in the workforce. As a working mother with a little child, the flexible work model allows me to balance my professional and personal responsibilities more effectively and promotes my well-being, improve job satisfaction and retention, and create a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture.”
– Cindy Yan, Finance Manager
Violeta Kudra joined Commercial Eyes in 2022 as our People & Learning Advisor, and presently in the role of People & Learning Manager. Reflecting on her experience at Commercial Eyes, Violeta says
– Violeta Kudra Pasic, People & Learning Manager “One of the most inspiring aspects of being part of Commercial Eyes is the significant representation of women in leadership positions. This isn’t just about breaking glass ceilings; it’s about creating role models for the next generation of aspiring leaders, regardless of gender. I’ve had the privilege of learning from and being mentored by women who are pioneers in their own field. Their guidance and encouragement have not only shaped my career trajectory but have also instilled in me a deep sense of confidence in my own abilities.“
Almost 23 years later, Commercial Eyes continues to invest in women by providing avenues for professional development, career advancement and leadership opportunities.
At present, nearly 80 percent of Commercial Eyes staff are women, with a significant majority holding leadership and managerial positions. Notably, 83% of our Senior Management roles are occupied by women. In addition to this, our Company’s Local Director is female, which is particularly noteworthy considering that women constitute only 33% of board members in Australia. These statistics underscore our commitment to gender diversity and inclusivity, making it a cause for celebration on International Women’s Day.
At Commercial Eyes, we’re valued team members, aspiring leaders, and above all, individuals who are supported and empowered to thrive, both personally and professionally “ – Violeta Kudra Pasic, People & Learning Manager
On International Women’s Day 2024, Commercial Eyes wishes to recognise the remarkable women who have contributed to the advancement of our company. As we reflect on the IWD 2024 theme “Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress”, we recognise the importance of economic and educational empowerment in achieving gender equality.
“I would say, the single biggest enabler of accelerating progress for women including me has been investing in systems that make flexible work possible and sustainable. I am particularly proud of our strong flexibility policy at Commercial Eyes and the investment we make to ensure that all our professionals can find ways to integrate the many aspects of their lives, including work, parenting and caring responsibilities and other community involvement. I am positive the investment in these policies pays off, with the highest number of women first-time managers promoted this year.”- Tanya Van der Wall, General Manager – Consulting
By investing in women’s education, employment opportunities, and leadership development, we not only empower individuals but also uplift entire communities. Let us continue to support and empower women today and every day.