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In a recent Trailblazers interview, Cindy Henderson, Chief Strategy Officer at Veristat, shared her inspiring career journey from the mailroom to the executive team. Her story is packed with insights for anyone working in clinical research—from clinical operations to commercial teams—about how strategy, innovation, and purpose come together to drive meaningful change.
Here are five key takeaways from her conversation, each anchored by a quote that speaks to the heart of what makes the life sciences industry so impactful.
1. ❤️ Patients Are the Reason We Do This Work
“Each clinical trial or program is just as important to us as it is to the client. This is about helping patients—and that’s what we want to bring forward every day.”
Whether you're designing a protocol, managing data, or supporting regulatory submissions, Cindy reminds us that the ultimate goal is improving patient lives. Keeping that focus front and center helps teams stay motivated and aligned.
2. 🧠 Great Strategy Starts with Great Questions
“I don’t always have the answer, but I hope I can ask the smart questions that challenge everyone in the room to think differently.”
In an ever-changing regulated industry, no one has all the answers. But asking thoughtful, challenging questions can spark better decisions and stronger collaboration—whether you're in a project meeting or a cross-functional workshop.
3. 💻 AI Should Enhance, Not Replace, Human Expertise
“AI will never replace the human element. It’s here to support decision-making—not replace it.”
Cindy is leading Veristat’s efforts to integrate AI across operations and business functions. But she’s clear: technology is a tool, not a substitute. For biopharma professionals, this means embracing innovation while staying grounded in scientific and regulatory rigor.
4. 🚀 Career Growth Comes from Curiosity and Courage
“Be adventurous. If it doesn’t work out, you can always try something else. But you’ll grow either way.”
Cindy’s path—from data management to sales to strategy—shows that growth often comes from stepping outside one's comfort zone. Her advice is simple for those early in their careers or considering a new direction: stay curious and be willing to try.
5. 🤝 True Partnership Means Challenging the Status Quo
“We don’t want to be just a vendor. We want to be a thought partner—asking why, challenging assumptions, and helping our clients get what they truly need.”
Whether you work directly with patients, clinical trial vendors/CROs, or internal stakeholders, Cindy’s approach to partnership is a powerful model: don’t just deliver—collaborate, challenge, and co-create better outcomes.
🎥 Watch the Full Interview:
Cindy Henderson’s story reminds us that leadership, innovation, and impact aren’t reserved for the boardroom—they’re built every day by people across the biopharma ecosystem.
Reach out today to discuss how Veristat can help:
Cindy Henderson
Chief Strategy Officer
Cindy Henderson is Chief Strategy Officer at Veristat, bringing over 30 years of industry experience, including more than 15 years with the company. Leveraging her commercial and operational experience, she leads company strategy, drives customer-centric growth initiatives, and oversees AI/ML integration to enhance operational efficiency, communication, and deliver better clinical trials to sponsors.
Before joining Veristat in 2007, Cindy held leadership roles at Averion International Corporation, leading process improvement, technology implementation, and acquisition integration initiatives. Earlier in her career at Parexel International Corporation, she managed global clinical trials and contributed to SOP development, training, and technology validation efforts. Cindy is passionate about building strong partnerships and delivering solutions that help bring life-changing therapies to patients faster.
Before joining Veristat in 2007, Cindy held leadership roles at Averion International Corporation, leading process improvement, technology implementation, and acquisition integration initiatives. Earlier in her career at Parexel International Corporation, she managed global clinical trials and contributed to SOP development, training, and technology validation efforts. Cindy is passionate about building strong partnerships and delivering solutions that help bring life-changing therapies to patients faster.