Event

PSI Careers Coaching Series: Peer Support Initiative

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Date: February 2027 - October 2027
Location: Online via Zoom

Who is this event intended for? This programme is aimed at experienced statisticians, programmers and data scientists who work in the pharmaceutical industry, typically with five or more years’ experience, who are seeking structured peer support, accountability, and development as they progress into more senior stages of their careers.

What is the benefit of attending? Through a combination of coach-led sessions, practical discussion, and ongoing accountability, participants can strengthen their confidence and benefit from sustained support from a trusted peer group over time.

Overview

This peer support initiative is designed for professionals with at least five years of experience who are looking for peer connection, practical support and structured development, as they progress in their careers. The programme will bring together participants at a similar career stage in a consistent small-group format, creating a trusted environment for reflection, discussion, and shared learning.

Participants will attend coach-led sessions every two months, with each session designed to deliver a clear and tangible goal or outcome. Sessions will be led by a coach and include breakout discussions in small groups. Each coach-led session will also include an opportunity to review progress since the previous meeting and reflect on actions taken. Coach-led sessions will cover goal setting, personal brand, feedback, influencing and more.

Between formal sessions, participants will be encouraged to use their breakout groups as accountability and peer support circles, meeting independently to discuss learning from the previous session and, where helpful, to explore additional topics relevant to their own development or current challenges. This flexible structure is intended to support both personal growth and practical problem-solving in a supportive peer setting.

By combining expert input, peer discussion, and ongoing accountability, the programme aims to strengthen confidence, connection, and sustained professional growth.

The 5 coach-led sessions are as follows (specific dates are to be confirmed):

Session 1 – Feb 2027

Coach: Lucy Rowell

Title: Goal setting

Abstract: Where Next? Setting Goals That Create Meaningful Momentum

As our careers develop, the next step isn't always obvious and success doesn't necessarily mean moving up the next rung of a career ladder.

This interactive session creates space to step away from the day-to-day and think about what you want from the next chapter of your career and life. Through short reflections, practical exercises and conversations with peers, we'll explore where you want to have greater impact, how you want to grow, and what you want your working life to feel like.

Participants will leave with a clearer sense of direction, one meaningful goal to focus on, and a practical 90-day action to start creating momentum.

Expect less presentation and more participation: time to think, share ideas, learn from others and use the PSI peer group to challenge and support your thinking.

Session 2 – April 2027

Coach: Sophie Cliff (The Joyful Coach)

Title: Building your brand

Abstract: The aim of this workshop is to help you get clear on what you want your authentic brand to be, and to create a plan to build that brand. You will be walked through a framework to help you consider your definition of career success and develop an authentic brand that aligns with this.

Following the session, you will have more clarity over how your brand impacts your career outcomes, how your beliefs and values feed into your brand, and how to effectively influence your reputation.

Session 3 – June 2027

Coach: Zoe Kefford

Title: The art of giving and receiving feedback

Abstract: In this interactive workshop, Zoe will guide participants in developing the confidence and skills to give constructive feedback with clarity and integrity, whilst also receiving feedback with curiosity and openness. Through practical discussion, reflection, and coaching techniques, participants will explore how meaningful conversations, active listening, and a focus on progress can strengthen relationships, improve performance, and create a culture where feedback becomes a catalyst for learning and growth.

Session 4 – Aug 2027

Coach: Emma May (The Career Habit)

Title: Influencing for impact

Abstract: This workshop will help analytical professionals move from being right to being persuasive, translating strong analysis into recommendations that land, get adopted, and build long-term credibility. This session builds on an understanding of emotional intelligence and skills used to navigate difficult conversations to become dynamically influential.

Learning Objectives

  • Distinguish influence from authority and identify
  • Diagnose a stakeholder's decision-making style and adapt communication accordingly
  • Structure a recommendation using a clear, persuasive narrative
  • Read real-time signals of resistance or buy-in and adjust approach mid-conversation
  • Identify actions to build long-term proactive influence

Session 5 – Oct 2027

Coach: Jess Davenport (Pepper Coaching)

Title: Unlocking Authentic Confidence: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in a Changing Workplace

Abstract: In an era of constant change, rapid innovation, and AI integration, feeling out of your depth or questioning your value is increasingly common. Imposter syndrome (the persistent feeling that you aren’t as capable as others perceive you to be) can hold talented professionals back from taking bold career steps, sharing ideas, and celebrating their achievements.

This 60-minute workshop provides practical tools and fresh perspectives to help attendees redefine success, reframe self-doubt, and show up with authentic confidence.

Registration

Registration is open from 9th September - 30th November.

PSI Members: £120+VAT
Non-PSI Members: £230 +VAT
*Please note: Non-Member rates include PSI membership until 31 Dec. 2027.

Spaces are limited - click here to register now!

Speaker details

SpeakerBiography

Lucy Rowell, Impactful Authenticity

Lucy thrives on developing human-centred approaches to organisational transformation. With almost 25 years in the pharmaceutical industry, 20 of those in Roche. She’s led everything from large organisation-wide change programs to coaching start-ups as they scale, through her company Impactful Authenticity.

She has a diverse background spanning both drug development and Software as a Medical Device and has experience in data science, real-world evidence, medical marketing, and commercialisation, and has worked both in global and affiliate roles across multiple therapeutic areas.

Passionate about creating environments where people can show up authentically and do their best work, Lucy brings energy, focus, and fun to complex, high-stakes challenges. She has also championed the role of statisticians in healthcare, serving as Chair and Board Member for PSI.

 

Sophie Cliff, The Joyful Coach

Sophie Cliff (aka The Joyful Coach) is a coach and positive psychology practitioner who uses her expertise to help people flourish and thrive by finding more joy. She is also the author of Choose Joy and The Hustle Cure.

Zoe Kefford, Veramed

Zoe Kefford is a passionate people developer and qualified coach who combines genuine kindness with action, creating meaningful connections that help others grow. Through her role at Veramed, a biometrics CRO, Zoe has coached members of the PSI community and colleagues across the organisation, helping individuals build confidence, develop their skills, and achieve meaningful progress. Known for balancing high standards with a practical, people-focused approach, Zoe brings clarity to complexity, champions learning, and is driven by creating opportunities that make a lasting impact.

 

Emma May, The Career Habit

After 25 years in Biostatistics, Emma is the founder of The Career Habit, offering leadership training based on a framework for intentional career growth through small consistent actions that build habits and behaviour change.

Emma develops and delivers professional development workshops, offering technical SMEs interactive opportunities to learn and improve leadership competencies. She also mentors analytical scientists to develop their understanding and engage in practical strategies to improve professional development skills and become effective leaders.

She uses her experience of building cross-functional teams, developing collaborative client-sponsor relationships, leading individual statisticians, and cross-company governance, to provide relevancy for Biostatisticians of all levels.

Jess Davenport, Pepper Coaching

Jess is the founder of Pepper Coaching and an ex-corporate senior leader. With a background spanning 15 years across a range of complex, fast-paced teams, Jess helps ambitious professionals navigate career challenges, build authentic confidence, and overcome self-doubt. By combining practical strategies with down-to-earth support, Jess empowers people to recognise their value, speak up, and own their expertise.

 

 

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