Hi. I’m Angela.
I built my career at the intersection of science, strategy, and leadership.
Now, I coach senior biotech leaders to do the same—to operate at a higher level, shape what’s next, and drive outcomes that actually stick.
I Didn’t Set Out to Be a Coach.
But looking back, every move I made was shaping me into one.
I started in neuroscience—researching dopamine, motivation, and the brain’s reward system. I wanted to understand what drives people. But by the end of my PhD, I knew academia wasn’t for me.
So I joined McKinsey. I learned to think in systems, solve complex problems, and see the bigger picture. But I also saw a pattern I couldn’t unsee: beautiful strategies falling apart in implementation—almost always on the people side.
That insight drove my next move.
I joined the National MS Society—one of my former clients—to bring strategy to life. It was the first time I operationalized change instead of just recommending it. From there, I moved into biotech. First as a Medical Science Liaison. Then leading MSLs. Then building and leading Global Medical Training at Biogen.
That’s when the CHRO tapped me on the shoulder and asked:
“Can you make learning a competitive advantage across the company?”
I said yes—on one condition: I wanted to learn HR. I joined the HR leadership team, volunteered for every project, and made it my business to understand how companies actually grow leaders.
That pivot launched a new chapter. I served as CHRO in multiple organizations, and in my final corporate role, I was both Chief People Officer and Head of Medical Affairs. It brought everything full circle: science, strategy, people, performance.
Today, I coach senior biotech leaders navigating complexity, scale, and visibility.
The ones who’ve earned their seat—but know that how they lead next will define their impact.
Want a glimpse of how I think?
You’ll find my latest thinking in my blog, monthly newsletter, LinkedIn newsletter, and my regular columns for BioSpace.
Angela Justice, PhD
Executive Coach & Strategic Partner to Biopharma and HR Leaders
25+ years of navigating science, strategy, and senior leadership.
Former Chief People Officer and Head of Medical Affairs.
McKinsey alum. PhD neuroscientist.
I coach senior leaders who want to think more broadly, lead more strategically, and move with intention.
If that’s the kind of leadership you’re building, we should talk.
A S F E A T U R E D I N
Coaching Through Content
I’m a regular BioSpace columnist on leadership in biopharma—writing about the hidden rules of influence, career strategy, and what it takes to succeed in complex organizations.
I expand on these themes in my blog and my newsletter, Practical Perspectives.
“Angela is my go-to for insights on leadership, organizational challenges, and personal growth.”
— AK, VP of Medical Affairs
A L S O F E A T U R E D I N
Whether you’re looking for a guest, speaker, or contributor—I’d love to connect.
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Certifications and Recognitions
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