“Leadership is not about managing people; it’s about being the kind of person others are inspired to follow.” – Angi Calkins

In the fast-evolving pharmaceutical industry, fostering a strong talent pool and driving sustainability initiatives are critical to long-term success. Angi Calkins, Chief People and Sustainability Officer at PCI Pharma Services, embodies this philosophy through her leadership approach, which centers on authenticity, teamwork, and strategic vision.

With nearly three decades of experience in talent acquisition, people operations, and corporate communications, Calkins has played a pivotal role in shaping high-growth organizations. Her journey, spanning start-ups, public companies, and the life sciences sector, reflects her passion for building dynamic workplace cultures and driving impactful change.

In this conversation, she shares insights into her career, leadership philosophy, and future goals for PCI Pharma Services—focusing on empowering people, fostering sustainability, and ensuring the company’s continued leadership in the CDMO space.

Career Journey and Path to PCI Pharma Services

Angi’s career has always been rooted in Talent and People Operations, with a strong foundation in Corporate Communications. Her journey in Talent Acquisition began nearly 30 years ago and has remained a core aspect of her professional path ever since. She firmly believes that “People are the most valuable resource for any business and I consider it a privilege to work every day focusing on a company’s talent—the true engine of success.”

Her experience includes working for two startup companies in the HR outsourcing space, both of which successfully executed their strategic plans and were acquired by industry leaders or private equity firms. Additionally, she has spent significant time in large, fast-growing public companies, where she gained a deep understanding of organizational structure and long-term strategy.

In 2015, she joined Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, where she found the perfect blend of her passion for people operations and the life sciences industry’s impact. This experience solidified her commitment to working for organizations with a patient-centric mission that positively impacts lives globally.

Her journey at PCI Pharma Services began in 2018, and in 2020, her role expanded to include Global Sustainability, aligning with her passion for making a positive impact on the world. Throughout her career, she has thrived in high-growth, fast-paced environments and considers PCI a prime example of both.

Key Responsibilities and Challenges

As Chief People and Sustainability Officer, Calkins is responsible for ensuring that PCI’s business goals are achieved through the hiring, development, engagement, and retention of its leaders and employees. Her primary objective is to help employees realize their full potential and create a meaningful impact within the organization—a win-win for both individuals and the company.

With nearly 7,000 employees globally, she maintains a focus on three key areas: Talent, Culture, and Operational Effectiveness. On the Sustainability front, she oversees environmental and social impact initiatives, along with internal governance to drive PCI’s sustainability progress.

One of the key challenges in her role is balancing the fast pace of high growth with the need for strategic stability and a well-planned evolution of talent and business operations. Additionally, ensuring that PCI maintains a strong company culture throughout organic and inorganic growth remains a critical focus.

Approach to Leadership and Essential Leadership Qualities

For Angi, leadership is about creating an environment where others can excel. She believes that effective leaders inspire followership by leading by example, setting clear expectations, and demonstrating unwavering ethics and integrity.

“Strong leadership requires a combination of subject matter expertise and the ability to build high-performing, cohesive teams that achieve optimal results. Confidence without ego, a commitment to continuous learning, decisiveness, and the ability to set a clear and inspiring vision are all essential qualities of great leaders.” She firmly believes that a company’s culture is a direct reflection of its leadership.

Maintaining Work-Life Balance in a Demanding Role

A attributes her ability to maintain work-life balance to her skill in compartmentalization. She is fully engaged in whatever she is doing—whether at work, with family and friends, or enjoying personal hobbies. For her, sleep, fun, and strong relationships serve as essential anchors that keep her balanced amidst a busy and demanding career.

Strategies for Staying Ahead in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Staying ahead in the rapidly evolving pharmaceutical industry requires a broad network beyond HR and across different industries and countries. Calkins actively engages with diverse perspectives, recognizing that the industry is influenced by science, politics, healthcare landscapes, global events, and societal shifts.

“I continuously feed myself with knowledge by learning from various sources and maintain a global mindset by intentionally experiencing different cultures and perspectives.” For her, staying informed and adaptable is key to navigating the complexities of the pharmaceutical industry.

Advice for Aspiring Leaders

According to Angi, leadership is not about managing people—it is about becoming the kind of person others are inspired to follow. For those aspiring to reach leadership positions, she emphasizes the importance of authenticity, self-awareness, and continuous improvement. Angi advises individuals to acknowledge their flaws, work on their weaknesses, and leverage their strengths effectively.

She also highlights the significance of teamwork, encouraging leaders to adopt a team-first mindset. “I believe that true leadership is nearly impossible without passion and commitment. Therefore, I advise aspiring leaders to choose a career, company, and role that align with their personal values—one that energizes them and allows them to grow while contributing to the success of others and the organization.”

Future Goals for PCI Pharma Services in People and Sustainability Initiatives

Calkins sees a bright future for PCI Pharma Services, particularly in its role within the Life Sciences and Manufacturing industries. She is committed to shaping PCI’s culture and business in a way that strengthens its competitive edge, driven by top talent, operational excellence, outstanding service, and a results-oriented strategy.

Her goals include advancing PCI’s investment in people and sustainability, ensuring that these commitments position the company as a leader in the evolving CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) space. She believes that by continuously fostering a progressive, high-performance environment, PCI will remain at the forefront of industry innovation and impact.

Legacy at PCI Pharma Services

Angi aspires to leave a legacy of positive and inspiring leadership—one that drives meaningful change for both business and people. She hopes to be remembered as a leader who made a lasting impact, not just through strategies and initiatives but by empowering teams and creating structures that enable PCI to stay ahead of industry trends. Her vision is for PCI to remain a leader in its field, driven by a culture of excellence, innovation, and sustained growth.