Hester Larkin, Founder & Managing Director, Hester Larkin Associates

Thursday, 01 August 2019

After 22 years in the Pharmaceutical and Medical Imaging industry, Hester saw an opportunity to set up her own consultancy offering support to US and European companies in the diagnostic imaging arena. Hester started as a graduate in Northern Ireland with DuPont Pharmaceuticals and had various roles ranging from commercial, strategic marketing & business development in the UK & Europe.  She was appointed as the first non-American female Managing Director of Dupont Pharmaceuticals UK in her mid-30's. 

Following the acquisition of the business by Bristol Myers Squibb, (BMS) Hester was Managing Director for EMEA (Europe Middle East & Africa) for the Medical Imaging business, specialising in nuclear medicine. focusing on Nuclear Cardiology & Nuclear Neurology.

With 12 years’ experience of being a Managing Director, along with a science & legal background, Hester consults for small to medium companies who wish to establish or expand in Europe.  Hester is a qualified leadership coach. She sits on several boards and is a Trustee of several charities. She lives in London with her husband and two sons.

Hester's Top Tips:

• Follow your passion - find your genius

• Ask someone who you know you can learn from to be your mentor. They never refuse.

• Stay humble.

Best piece of advice I've been given

Each of us are unique - be proud of that and what you can bring to the world.

What I wish I knew early in my career
That in the world of work, change is the only constant. Learn to embrace it, not to be afraid of it. Think of it as an opportunity to build on your strengths and work on your weaknesses.

Key advice for someone looking to progress
Bring your authentic self to work every day. Be professional, be curious, ask for advice, learn as much as you can and put yourself out of your comfort zone. Get a mentor!

The most memorable thing someone said to me
The most influential advice someone said to me was to embrace change as an opportunity to grow. Try it, it’s liberating!

I love this quote
"Be yourself, everyone else is taken " Oscar Wilde