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Wipada: How Motherhood Accelerated My Career

Bangkok-based Wipada Kitiratanatrakarn, Brand Lead for Polio, Pertussis, and Hib Vaccines across Southeast Asia and India at Sanofi, reveals how becoming a mother transformed her approach to leadership and opened doors she never thought possible.

I used to think having children would derail my career. For years after getting married, I hesitated to become a parent, convinced that motherhood and a professional ambition couldn't coexist. Then I had my son, Marwin, who is now three, and that changed everything. Not just my perspective on what's possible, but my entire approach to leadership.

My relationship with Sanofi began in 2013 as a medical representative for Vaccines, fresh out of pharmacy school. Then, after exploring other pharmaceutical companies to broaden my experience, I returned to Sanofi in 2023 as Senior Product Manager for the Diabetes portfolio in Thailand.

Today, as Brand Lead for PPH (Polio, Pertussis and Hib) Vaccines across a Multi-Country Organization (MCO) of six countries in Southeast Asia and India – my dream job – I realize that becoming a mother didn't limit my career at Sanofi. It enhanced it.

Fast-tracking across functions and borders

Coming back to Sanofi felt like coming home, but with fresh perspectives shaped by my experiences across the pharmaceutical industry. Within two years of returning, I'd progressed from managing Diabetes products in Thailand to leading Vaccines brand strategies across six countries. That kind of rapid cross-functional mobility shows something special about Sanofi's approach to talent development.

The transition from Diabetes to Vaccines, from national to regional responsibilities, felt natural rather than dramatic. When the opportunity arose, I remembered a piece of advice: "If someone offers you an amazing opportunity and you're not sure you can do it, say yes, then learn how to do it later."

That philosophy has served me well. Sometimes the best career moves are the ones that make you slightly uncomfortable, where you know enough to be valuable but not so much that you stop learning.

Managing brand strategy across multiple countries involves navigating distinct healthcare landscapes, regulatory environments, and cultural contexts. The biggest challenge isn't language; it's aligning diverse local needs with a cohesive regional strategy.

Leading without direct authority has taught me to influence through relationships rather than hierarchy, fostering trust across cultures while working primarily through video conferences.

Meaningful impact beyond business objectives

Having my child transformed how I approach work with Pediatric Vaccines. Before Marwin, I understood the science and business objectives. Now, I feel the emotional weight of what we're trying to accomplish, and want to make a better life for children.

Every successful market expansion means more families gain access to protection. Every new partnership with national programs helps ease the burden on families, offering broader access and reassurance in their healthcare choices, and having Marwin made this personal mission even stronger.

That connection also deepened my commitment to other child-health projects, like KiDS (Kids & Diabetes in School), which I helped bring to Thailand. This global Sanofi initiative, developed in collaboration with the International Diabetes Federation, creates supportive school environments for children with Type 1 diabetes while educating others about the prevention of diabetes.

Redefining possibilities for working mothers

My perspective on combining motherhood and career ambition shifted when I observed successful women leaders at Sanofi who were also mothers. My line manager and regional general manager showed me that having a family and achieving career success aren't mutually exclusive.

Sanofi's support for working parents goes beyond policies. Through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) like Gender+, we offer programs such as Parental Transition Coaching that emphasize success in both family and professional life. Work-life integration is genuinely supported here at Sanofi. It's reflected in policies and in how people work together on a day-to-day basis.

When I told my managers about my pregnancy, there was no hesitation or concern, only genuine support to help me manage the transition with confidence.

Such diversity of experiences, perspectives, and life stages makes our company stronger. At Sanofi, we push ourselves to achieve ambitious targets while showing empathy and understanding for the different circumstances each person navigates.

To young women navigating career and family, my advice is simple: don't be too hard on yourself. Balance looks different for everyone, and that's perfectly fine. Be open about your needs and seek support where you can – from your managers, peers, or your professional network.

For me, motherhood didn't slow my career. It brought depth, urgency, and a sense of purpose. It became a source of strength I never expected.

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