Inspirational Women in Life Sciences Series – Efi Gkika, Baxter International

Back for its fourth year running, our Life Sciences blog – Cortex, is celebrating International Women’s Day with our Inspirational Women in Life Sciences series.

This March, join us as we spotlight remarkable women in the sector, sharing stories of inspiring journeys, challenges, and visions for the future. Through these interviews, we aim to highlight the importance of inclusion and the incredible contribution of women in this vital field.

For our first interview, Irina Macovei is joined by Efi Gkika, Deputy General Counsel and Global Chief Privacy Officer at Baxter International.

With nearly three decades of legal expertise spanning multiple countries, Efi's journey is a testament to drive and resilience. In a male dominated field mentorship is crucial.

Efi shares her insights on the challenges of moving from a law firm to in-house counsel and establishing herself as a female leader. Working in the life sciences sector she believes digitalisation and AI will be the most important disruptors. This will result in faster, more efficient, and better-quality healthcare, improving the journey for both the caregiver and patient.  

Efi's message to women is to “chase your dreams and not be intimidated by anyone”. While recognising that there may be barriers, and sacrifices, sometimes you need to take a risk and step out of your comfort zone. She emphasises that family and education are key in raising dynamic women.

“We need to promote women, not because they are women, because they are good in their job. And when we take the role as women, we need to carry it out with the responsibility that we carry towards the other women and the society.”

*All participants are speaking in their personal capacity and not as representatives of their organisation.