Dr Azzedine Dabo, Investigator at global biopharma company GSK, provides insights into his career journey and how he is proactively encouraging more diversity and inclusion in the pharmaceutical industry.
The finalist of this year’s Black British Business Awards also shares how he is engaging young Black and ethnic minority professionals to pursue a career in biopharma in his role as the company’s EMBRACE UK employee resource group (ERG) lead, and mentor.
Fair Play Talks: Can you briefly tell us about your career journey to date?
Dr Azzedine Dabo: After completing my bachelor’s in Biological Chemistry, I went on to pursue a master’s and PhD in Analytical Chemistry. I secured the role of Analytical Scientist at Johnson Matthey. I am currently an Investigator at GSK, focusing on in-silico chromatography modelling and method transfers. Three of my projects are being implemented over 140 instruments in the UK, US and Asia. In just two years at GSK, I was awarded 12 bronze, three silver and two gold awards (including two exceptional analytical awards) for scientific and diversity, equity and inclusion contributions. I was also awarded the GSK Ahead Together/CEO Award 2022 and the GSK EMBRACE Rising Star 2022 awards.
Fair Play Talks: What specific challenges did you encounter along the way to the top?
Dr Azzedine Dabo: The first hurdle was not getting into my chosen university and having to go through clearing. I had to apply to several master’s programmes before being accepted and whilst job hunting had to rewrite some of my PhD thesis. However, every time I faced an obstacle, resilience was key. I am extremely lucky to have a supportive family and wife to support me throughout the bad and good times. I feel extremely lucky to be in a job I now love and enjoy. But I always remember the hard times I went through. This inspires me to try and give others opportunities to progress.
Fair Play Talks: In your opinion, are there any specific challenges that Black professionals face on their journey to the top that White/other groups do not face in your industry?
Dr Azzedine Dabo: I believe there is a combination of unconscious bias and prejudice towards Black professionals. I experienced this firsthand whilst working in retail alongside my studies. This year, GSK has published the 2022 UK gender and ethnicity pay gap. I strongly believe that every company within our industry should publicly share such reports, to make sure we are fairly paid based on our expertise.
Fair Play Talks: Are you involved in promoting Black talent, race equality or other diversity initiatives?
Dr Azzedine Dabo: I am the EMBRACE UK ERG co-lead. I developed the ‘Future Scientists: Diversifying Pharma’ programme. It enabled 19 students from ethnic minority backgrounds to get laboratory experience at GSK and complete a workshop at the University of Oxford. I’m also supporting the Broadening Horizon Programme (235 ethnic minority students) led by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). Additionally, I hired two summer students from the 10,000 Black interns initiatives and I mentor a student from Destination Stem. Also, I represent GSK R&D in collaboration with Kingston University for various events and was invited as a guest speaker to RSC and Black Pharma cultivate events.
Fair Play Talks: In your opinion, are companies doing enough to stamp out discrimination and what more could they be doing to promote racial equity in the workplace?
Dr Azzedine Dabo: Although many companies have started this journey I feel a lot still needs to be done. Initiatives like EMBRACE are crucial in ensuring minority groups have a voice. Similarly, programmes like Diverse Reverse Mentoring are essential in ensuring leaders have a better understanding of the challenges faced and how best to support all of their team members. I think opportunities for open conversation like this are very important. We shouldn’t be afraid to tackle these issues and need to be proactive.
Fair Play Talks: Given the focus on diverse talent, what more can organisations do to attract Black/minority talent, as well as retain them?
Dr Azzedine Dabo: Having employee resource groups (ERGs) are fundamental to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. Initiatives, events and programmes that promote DEI – such as diverse reverse mentoring, sponsorship programmes, guest speakers and outreach opportunities – are vital. More importantly, it’s important for companies to share some of these initiatives externally to attract future talent.
Fair Play Talks: Can the Black and other minority communities be doing more to promote race equity?
Dr Azzedine Dabo: I think it’s important that we raise awareness of all these amazing initiatives and programmes that are available for ethnic minority students looking to pursue a career in the STEM industry. It is crucial that we celebrate inspiring leaders in this space.
Fair Play Talks: What was your reaction when you heard that you’re one of the 2023 Black British Business Awards (BBBAwards) finalists?
Dr Azzedine Dabo: Over the moon. I had to close my eyes and open them again just to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. I have been very fortunate to be recognised internally for my scientific impact and contribution within the DEI space. It feels very special to be a finalist of the BBBAwards and being part of the finalist announcement reception in London was sensational. I can’t wait for the award ceremony in October.
Fair Play Talks: How important are awards and organisations like The BBBAwards in the UK to promote Black/minority talent and Black role models?
Dr Azzedine Dabo: It’s essential. Growing up, I never heard of such awards. The only awards I watched as a kid where Black role models were recognised were either related to sports or music. Awards such as the BBBAwards are incredibly inspiring and motivating for future generations.
Fair Play Talks: What advice would you give to young Black/minority youth to encourage them to pursue their dream job or business venture?
Dr Azzedine Dabo: Believe in yourself. You will most likely face several barriers, so resilience is key to success. I strongly believe that any individual should follow an educational or professional career path that they are passionate about. That by itself will set you up for success. My family is heavily business-orientated, but I took a chance to study STEM mainly because I wanted to challenge myself. I feel extremely lucky to have a role that I truly enjoy.
Fair Play Talks: Who is your inspiration/role model in the DE&I space?
Dr Azzedine Dabo: My true inspiration is my daughter. Since having my daughter in 2020 I feel responsible for making sure I do my utmost to ensure our pharmaceutical industry is more inclusive and diverse so that by the time she is an adult, she and her peers will hopefully not have to face the challenges that I did during my education and professional career. She drives me to be the best person I can be on a daily basis.
Fair Play Talks: What podcast/vlog/book would you recommend to help other Black professionals get ahead?
Dr Azzedine Dabo: I really enjoyed reading the book Getting Things Done. It helped me to become more productive and organised, both professionally and personally. Looking back I wish I understood the power of networking earlier in my career. Using social platforms such as LinkedIn is amazing for sharing success stories, and learning about initiatives and career opportunities that are out there.
Check out another of this year’s BBBAwards finalists here:
Reformation’s MD Alexis Cepeda Maule shares why companies need to do more to address discrimination and promote racial equity in the workplace, to create that real sense of belonging and inclusion that benefits all employees.
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