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“Saying my ambition out loud, in a room of accomplished peers, was a turning point.”
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Termeh Ahmadraji, PhD
Women in Leadership Participant | Head of Operations, eXmoor Pharma Concepts Ltd.
I was raised in a small, beautiful town by the Caspian Sea in northern Iran. I grew up in a home where ambition was encouraged, and I was always supported. From a young age, I knew I wanted to make a difference.
That sense of purpose shaped my path into leadership. I was drawn to operations because it sits at the intersection of people, systems, and strategy, where real change can happen. Since relocating to the UK in my mid-twenties, I’ve been fortunate to have a partner who has consistently championed my ambitions. His unwavering encouragement and belief in my potential have been instrumental in helping me navigate new challenges and pursue opportunities with confidence. His support has been a powerful force behind my professional growth.
Becoming a mother added a new dimension to my journey. My son has been a source of joy, perspective, and strength. His presence has reminded me of the importance of leading with empathy and clarity, not just in the workplace, but in life. Balancing motherhood with a demanding career has taught me to be more intentional, resilient, and focused on what truly matters.
The journey with Women in Leadership helped me reconnect with my purpose and redefine leadership beyond mere performance. Now equipped with defining confidence, I can articulate my long-term vision and values, leading with authenticity and clarity. This involves stepping back to focus on the bigger picture, becoming more strategic with long-term goals while empowering my team for day-to-day leadership. As eXmoor expands within the biotech sector, my contributions in key strategic discussions—both internally and with clients—are marked by confidence and clarity. Leading with empathy, emotional intelligence, and collaboration, these qualities are recognised not as soft skills, but as core strengths driving influence and impact.
I discovered that my ability to adapt across cultures and functions, and to lead with emotional intelligence, is a distinctive strength. In a growing organisation, I had underestimated how vital empathy, active listening, and flexibility are at the senior level. The programme helped me recognise that these qualities aren’t just supportive, they’re critical to building trust, driving alignment, and leading with impact.
As I progressed in my career, I became committed to growing as a leader. After consulting with the team at London Business School, I saw how the Women in Leadership programme could help me lead more effectively at a senior level, with greater strategic clarity, confidence, and influence. I applied for the scholarship to make this possible and was honoured to be selected. It gave me access to a transformative experience I wouldn’t have had otherwise.
As the leader of a newly established Operations team navigating growth and transformation, my focus has been on aligning operational strategy with broader commercial goals, strengthening cross-functional collaboration, and increasing my influence at the executive level. My aim has been to move beyond efficiency — to lead with vision, shaping the culture and direction of a growing organisation.
The most lasting shift has been recognising that feeling nervous or uncertain doesn’t mean I shouldn’t speak up, it means I care. I used to let that tension hold me back, but now I step into the room, contribute with confidence, and take ownership of the space. I’ve learned to trust my voice, even when the stakes are high, or the butterflies are there. That mindset has helped me lead with clarity and presence.
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