Editor’s note: This story is part of our 2022 PharmaVoice 100 feature.
CorEvitas has undergone major growth since Jennifer Kelly came on board as its third employee in 2015. Today, the data intelligence and clinical insights company has around 70 on staff and a global footprint that spans from North and Latin America to Europe and Asia.
During this period of rapid growth, Kelly, CorEvitas’ president of patient experience, has helped turn the company’s “patient first” mantra into real-world solutions. In 2015, she was instrumental in the rollout of the HealthiPerspectives Trial Participant Experience Surveys platform.
“The robust poll captures the patient experience during the conduct of the trial — a feat that, at the time, seemed impossible due to both technical hurdles and privacy concerns,” her nominator says.
Kelly found a way to bring together all the needed teams for the solution’s launch, including regulatory, operations and IT. According to her nominator, the solution has now been implemented in “over 200 studies, 100 languages and 60 countries — enabling the collection and reporting of real-time feedback from patients and caregivers about their trial experience, helping to improve the trials themselves, and the design and operation of future trials.”
“I've always had an interest in community and public health. I was eager to be a part of life sciences to help individuals gain access to medical resources and treatments to improve their quality of life.”
Jennifer Kelly
President, patient experience, CorEvitas
The platform is one of several developed by CorEvitas, which says it hosts the “world’s largest social network for health.” Its position in the market has helped propel Kelly to the forefront of the industry’s push to understand the patient experience for better trial design and outcomes.
Here, she discusses why some call her “Zen Jen” and the book she believes every leader should read.
PharmaVoice: If you were a brand, what would it be?
Jennifer Kelly: This year a colleague referred to me as Zen Jen. I bring calm, reassurance, and a voice of reason to those around me. Being a leader without making others feel they are being led is a great feeling. Leading from the front while feeling a part of the whole is a unique leadership style.
What is your blue ocean?
Growing up in West Virginia, I see how the Appalachian region continues to struggle with obtaining access to medical care and clinical trials. Working to bring awareness and opportunities to participate in trials for residents in rural areas would make a tremendous difference in the healthcare of the country.
What is your leadership style?
My leadership style is transformational. I strive to harbor an environment where team members feel empowered, inspired and see the value in our mission. My ability to motivate individuals to grow and develop both personally and professionally is one of my favorite parts of my role.
What is your key piece of leadership advice?
Read ‘The Four Agreements,’ by Don Miguel Ruiz. If you live and lead with the four agreements, then you will become a strong leader. Be impeccable with your words. Don't take anything personally. Don't make assumptions. Always do your best.
What keeps you up at night?
The days of worrying and thoughts keeping me up at night have passed. I can only focus on tomorrow.
