Women in Biotech mentoring programme: Charlotte and Nicola on the power of support
Stepping into a new leadership role can be as daunting as it is exciting, but with the right support, it can be transformational. Charlotte Fieldhouse, Senior Director of Medicinal Chemistry at Nxera, and her mentor Nicola Bramwell, Director of Insight Creation and Non-Executive Director, share how the BIA’s Women in Biotech mentoring programme helped Charlotte grow in confidence, embrace her leadership style and navigate career challenges, while highlighting the power of peer support.
Tell us a bit about your background
Charlotte: I completed my undergraduate MSc in Chemistry at the University of York (with a short Process R&D internship at AZ, and a year Synthetic Chemistry internship at GSK). My career started as a Synthetic Medicinal Chemist within the Neurology Centre of Excellence of Drug Discovery at GSK. I then spent eight brilliant years at Takeda, working within a talented team, growing both my synthetic & medicinal chemistry knowledge. In 2016, I moved to Nxera Pharma (previously Sosei Heptares), joining as a Senior Scientist and growing to Senior Director Medicinal Chemistry, where I am today. Whilst my passion for Drug Discovery is a constant, early on in my career, my motivations & successes were about achieving personal scientific and technical goals directly impacting projects, now, my focus has shifted towards strategy, vision and achieving successes through a strong, cohesive team.
Nicola: I began my post-university career working in a lab but decided to spread my wings and moved into commercial roles in industry. I loved the application of science in the biotech world and as biotech grew, I grew and became passionate about not only what companies do within the scientific ecosystem, but more so on how they achieve success through people. Hence my focus now on people and leadership.
Looking back, how have you changed throughout the mentoring program?
Charlotte: My mentorship sessions have been a fantastic platform for personal growth within my industry. My mentor has been inspiring and confidence-building. I came into the mentorship course at the start of 2024, feeling excited but apprehensive about leading a large team within the Chemistry department at Nxera Pharma. Now, in 2025, I have accepted a promotion into this role. My mentorship journey has undoubtedly positively contributed to this success. I am now only a little bit apprehensive!
Nicola: As a mentor, I always smile throughout a program such as this. I smile when I get to know a great person, learn about another company and share someone else’s journey. Seeing Charlotte opening up and growing also challenges me on how I keep supporting others and how I keep up to date. Mentoring needs to be rooted in the real world, which means I have to understand her challenges. It also means I am constantly reminded about the fun and the pressure of labs to keep discovering and applying knowledge.
Can you share a pivotal moment in your mentoring journey?
Charlotte: Accepting that ‘What makes you different, is what makes you a good leader. Ensure to bring your authentic self to the table.
Nicola: For me, it was when I observed Charlotte shift from needing to be prepared for every eventuality to her believing in her own strengths and experience to adapt and work in a more confident, collaborative and engaging manner.
How has your relationship with your mentor/mentee evolved over time?
Charlotte: When I first met my mentor, I must admit that I was a little intimidated - a strong, career-driven driven and successful woman. However, it wasn’t long before we understood each other. I was quickly able to openly discuss my feelings, concerns, successes and failures as a leader within my group. One might even say her strong leadership qualities have now rubbed off on me slightly!
Nicola: It always gets more open, warm and invested. I am proud of Charlotte and want to see her continue to shine.
In what ways has this program influenced the way you approach your career?
Nicola: Mentoring always reminds me of the power of support. It reminds me to also ask for help too.
If you could go back to the start of this journey, what advice would you give yourself?
Charlotte: Feel comfortable taking time out of your busy working schedule to plan, actively participate and importantly, reflect on your learnings from your mentorship meetings. Your personal growth is valuable for you, your team and the company.
Nicola: Slow down and don’t be too scary!
Applications for the next round of the Women in Biotech mentoring programme open in September. If you'd like to be notified, email [email protected] to join the expression of interest list.
