Shabnam Raja

”Diversity of experience strengthens leadership and helps create more inclusive workplaces for future generations”

Part of the Tech Women Celebration 50 – a curated list of some of the most inspirational women working at all levels of tech

Shabnam Raja - I lead enterprise transformation and growth across global Life Sciences organisations, with over 12 years' experience spanning global pharma, consumer health, and post-divestment environments.

At Haleon (following its separation from GSK), I have operated as a senior enterprise client lead, working across the organisation to shape and deliver transformation at scale bridging strategy, technology, and commercial execution in a newly independent global business,

Prior to this, I spent 7 years at GSK, leading transformation programmes initiatives including within the GSK/Pfizer Consumer Health Joint Ventur, operating model design.

Alongside my core role, I am an industry speaker on AI adoption, Life Sciences.

Tell us about your biggest achievement to date

One of my most significant achievements has been leading enterprise-wide AI and Data transformation initiatives for global healthcare organisations, helping drive adoption of emerging technologies at scale.

In 2024, I helped lead an AI and Data Literacy programme reaching approximately 28,000 employees globally, enabling teams to build the skills needed to embrace AI responsibly and effectively. I have also been instrumental in securing and delivering strategic technology partnerships involving cloud, data and AI platforms that have supported innovation across research, commercial and consumer health functions.

Alongside my corporate role, I was recently appointed as a Non-Executive Director for National Life Sciences Week, helping bring together industry, academia and government to advance innovation across the UK Life Sciences sector.

I am passionate about creating visibility for women in technology and have spoken at industry events on AI, digital transformation and leadership. My career demonstrates how commercial leadership, technology expertise and a commitment to inclusion can be combined to create meaningful impact across both business and society.

What is the most significant challenge you have overcome?

I lost my older sister during my teenage years and more recently lost my mother, who was my closest family member and greatest source of support. Navigating grief while maintaining leadership responsibilities, managing major client relationships and supporting teams required resilience, determination and emotional strength.

Throughout these experiences, I remained committed to delivering for clients, mentoring colleagues and continuing my own professional development. I have also spent much of my career working in environments where senior leadership roles were predominantly held by men.

Rather than allowing this to become a barrier, I focused on building credibility through results, developing expertise in emerging technologies and creating opportunities for other women entering the industry.

These experiences have shaped my leadership style. I lead with empathy, authenticity and resilience, demonstrating that success is possible even when facing significant personal and professional challenges.

My journey has reinforced my belief that diversity of experience strengthens leadership and helps create more inclusive workplaces for future generations.

Tell us something about the nominee people would find surprising

I am entirely self-made. Despite losing my older sister as a teenager and more recently losing my mother, I continued to build a successful career in technology and leadership.

Today I lead major transformation programmes for global organisations, serve as a Non-Executive Director for National Life Sciences Week, and actively champion women in technology.

Outside of work, I am passionate about lifelong learning and have completed executive programmes with Oxford and Wharton while working full-time. I have also travelled independently to 47 countries, which has helped me develop a global perspective and confidence in navigating unfamiliar environments.

What surprises many people is that while my role is highly commercial and technology-focused, I am equally passionate about mentoring, personal development and helping others realise their potential. I believe curiosity, resilience and continuous learning are just as important as technical expertise in building a successful career.