Knowing me, knowing you

Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your current role?

I am Sarah Haywood. I am Managing Director of Advanced Oxford, a science and technology-focused business leadership group, working across Oxfordshire. 

How did your career path lead you to the industry?

I have not had a typical career path. Having studied biology at university, I joined the NHS and was fortunate enough to join the NHS management training scheme. I went on to run hospital services before moving first into the pharma industry, then into government as a policy maker. Over the last decade, I have set up and run two not-for-profit companies, both of which focused on science and developing innovation ecosystems. Health, life sciences, relationship building, building teams – these have been common themes throughout. I also really enjoy supporting young companies as a mentor. 

The ups and downs

What has been the most impactful project you’ve worked on or the project you’re most proud of?

Well, there are probably two. When I was in government, I led work to design and legislate for the shared parental leave system – I feel incredibly proud of that work, and when I meet someone who is using the leave, I know that we made a real difference to families. Getting both MedCity and Advanced Oxford off the ground has been a real privilege. Creating something new and bringing an idea to life is always exciting. 

What’s been the biggest challenge you have faced in your career and how did you overcome it?

I have to be honest, combining being a Mum with my career has been challenging at times, especially when my children were young. I know I paid a career penalty because I couldn’t spend as much time as I would have liked on career development activities and networking. My approach has been to be honest with myself about what I could and could not do. At the end of the day, there are lots of ways to develop your career and it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Trend setter

What do you see as the current trends shaping life science, especially in terms of real estate?

In terms of current trends in life sciences, I expect to see a continued focus on genomics and advanced therapies. AI will be ubiquitous as a tool in life sciences.  From a real estate perspective, this means more clean rooms, GMP facilities, potentially more manufacturing facilities close to major treatment centres and the need for data and high-speed computing capability. 

What are the biggest challenges you feel the sector is facing?

That’s simple – funding, funding, funding. We need larger pools of capital – larger and deeper pools within the U.K. particularly to support companies going through later-stage clinical trials activity. 

Crystal ball gazing 

What are your predictions for the sector over the next decade?

Hopefully, a greater focus on prevention. More personalisation of medicine.  We will also see a continued burden of comorbidity as the population ages.  We are going to need ways of keeping these people out of hospital and as independent as possible. 

Are there any emerging markets, technologies, or trends we should all be aware of?

Outside life sciences, I am very focused on quantum technologies; there is a massive growth in demand for high-speed computing and I think defence tech will be another growth area. 

Cultural highlights

One film/television series you like and why.

The film I always go back to – I’ve probably watched it over 30 times – is Strictly Ballroom. Great music, comedy, romance, fabulous costumes, dancing…what’s not to love?

Your number one travel destination and why.

It has to be the French alps – I love to ski and I love France. The Alps are wonderful in winter, but maybe even better in summer – beautiful days, amazing walking and star filled nights. The food and wine are pretty good too…

Passing the baton 

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to move into a role like yours?

Our careers are shaped as much by the jobs we don’t get as those that we do; a closed door means another will be there to open. My career is as much about serendipity as it has been about planning.

Don’t stay in a job you don’t like – it’s not worth it. Be nice to people – you never know who you will bump into again. Finally, I still meet up with my friends I trained with at the very beginning of my career. They are a key part of my support network and I can always go to them for trusted and honest advice.