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STRATEGIST FOR LIFE SCIENCES LEADERS

Meet Julien Willard

Willard is a former senior intelligence officer, a health economist and strategy executive. He works directly with your executive team to navigate complexity, drive growth, and make confident decisions.

Julien Willard, M.D. M.P.H. is a Russian-born American strategist and economist in the life sciences sector. He spent over a decade as a health economist and intelligence operative before moving into private-sector strategy consulting. Most recently, Dr Willard was a head of strategy in the IBM’s life sciences group. He focuses on finding breakthrough innovation and helping capture value with biopharma clients.

Dr. Willard has held several leadership roles in global institutions. He was a head of health policy at Oxfam GB and a senior economist at the World Bank. Later, he served as chief of staff at PwC’s Public Sector group. Before IBM, he led a technology strategy group at Accenture serving top pharmaceutical clients.

During his global career, Dr. Willard helped countries improve their healthcare systems. He worked with country leaders to support their journey to universal healthcare. Those leaders were from the US, UK, Germany, Africa, Middle East and Asia regions. He assisted health ministries in creating drug policies, public health programs, and addressing national drug challenges. He worked with the South Africa leaders to ensure a stable drug supply chain. He took part in aiding a public-private dialogue on HIV medicines in Africa.

Dr. Willard has written for Harvard Business Review, World Economic Forum, and World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund proceedings, and research journals like the Journal of Comparative Policy Analysis: Research and Practice.

Julien Willard received the World Bank President’s Excellence Award. He serves as a visiting professor at George Washington and Harvard Universities. He earlier represented Oxfam at G20 and the United Nations General Assembly. In 2024, he was a U.S. Ambassador to the World Business Angels’ forum on biotech investments.

Dr. Willard is a member of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research, the American Economic Association. Due to the nature of his previous work, Dr. Willard is trained in behavioral profiling.

Journey

A Journey Through My Career Milestones

Explore the significant milestones in my career within the pharmaceutical industry. Each step reflects my commitment to excellence and innovation.

2010

Focus on numbers over outcomes

Founded my consulting firm specializing in strategic insights for the pharmaceutical sector. This marked the beginning of a rewarding journey helping clients navigate complex challenges.

2015

Major Project Launch

Successfully led a pivotal project that transformed client operations. This initiative resulted in a 30% increase in efficiency across their product lines.

2020

Industry Recognition Award

Honored with an award recognizing my contributions to the pharmaceutical industry. This accolade underscores my dedication to advancing strategic solutions.

2023

Podcast Series Launch

Launched a podcast series discussing key trends and insights in the pharmaceutical industry. This platform allows me to share knowledge and connect with a broader audience.

My core values.

My experience as a clinician and diplomat shaped these values that now guide which clients I work with and problems I solve.
Speak truth

I won't sugarcoat problems or dance around tough issues. I call on bullshit because if we are talking, we got here for a reason. Clear, direct communication builds trust faster than comfortable lies ever will.

Maintain focus

I ruthlessly eliminate distractions that don't serve your goals. When everyone else chases shiny objects, we'll stay locked on what actually moves the needle.

Follow evidence

I am an economist, I respect data and analysis. Opinions are interesting, data is compelling, results are everything. I ground every recommendation in facts, not wishful thinking or industry trends.

Embrace complexity

I recognize that your problem may have occurred before in your or other industry. But it is a valid and a complex problem.

Lead with humility

The loudest voice rarely has the best answer. I listen first, speak second, and change course when evidence demands it. When I don't know something, you will be the first to hear it from me.

Honor commitments

When I say I'll deliver something, consider it done. No excuses, no missed deadlines, no diminished quality under pressure.

Respect what came before

Innovation doesn't mean throwing away what works. I build on your existing strengths while strategically challenging what needs to change.

Subscribe to "Minds at the Top"

To be launched soon… My notes on strategy, business, and life sciences industry from the the lens of a former intelligence professional.