Healthcare has gained attention recently, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is important to remember that diseases like Hepatitis C, tuberculosis, and HIV as well as non-communicable diseases still affect many people worldwide. While individuals in high-income countries may have better access to advanced treatments, those in low- and middle-income countries face challenges in addressing these health issues. However, some leaders are committed to addressing these ongoing health challenges in the healthcare sector and are determined to find ways so that everyone can get the care they need.
Charles Gore, the Executive Director of the Medicines Patent Pool, is one such well-known leader in the healthcare sector. He was named as one of The Most Influential People in 2024 in Health by Time Magazine. His leadership style demonstrates a commitment to addressing global health challenges and driving positive change through compassion, innovation, and strategic leadership.
A Determined Beginning
Charles had a journey full of surprises and big moments. He was determined to make the world healthier. He graduated with a degree in law and economics and was ready to start working in finance. He worked in banking, brokering, and hedge funds, hoping to succeed financially. However, life had different plans for him.
Charles experienced an unexpected and severe illness when he was diagnosed with cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C. During this hard time, he noticed a lack of support and reliable information for individuals in the UK facing similar challenges with hepatitis C. This inspired him to take action and bring about a positive change. In 2000, Charles, with three other individuals facing similar challenges, founded The Hepatitis C Trust.
Charles experienced his first ‘aha moment’ during the developing stages of The Hepatitis C Trust. Although uncertain and lacking experience in non-profit work, he led the Trust for almost eighteen years. He acquired knowledge through experience, facing challenges, and making mistakes, but his determination helped the Trust grow and make a big impact.
A couple of years later, another significant moment occurred. Charles realized he loved advocating for those whose voices frequently went unheard, sharing their stories, and effecting meaningful change. He discovered that helping others brought him more happiness than chasing wealth, revealing a significant shift in his priorities.
In 2004, Charles played a part in setting up a European association for hepatitis patients, showing his strong commitment to the cause. Then in 2007 Charles founded the World Hepatitis Alliance after realizing its global significance, yet it was not receiving sufficient attention in health discussions. As the President, he worked tirelessly to advocate for more recognition, resources, and action, which changed how the world saw health issues.
Then in 2018, Charles was offered the job of running the Medicines Patent Pool, a Geneva-based international organization that aims to provide the latest and best health products to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) at affordable prices through voluntary licensing and patent pooling.
Shaping the Future of Healthcare: Medicines Patent Pool
The Medicines Patent Pool, established in 2010, provides an alternative access mechanism for originator pharmaceutical companies. The organization’s goal is to acquire licenses for newly patented health products from these companies. These licenses are then given to generic companies, allowing them to produce high-quality but affordable versions of these products for sale in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
At first, the Medicines Patent Pool concentrated on HIV medications. It has since broadened the scope to include multiples disease areas and vaccines. The organization and the World Health Organization (WHO) are collaborating to co-lead the mRNA Technology Transfer Programme.
This project aims to assist countries with limited resources in producing more vaccines due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program focuses on developing an mRNA vaccine platform applicable to various mRNA vaccines. Subsequently, the technology will be provided to companies in 15 LMICs, aiding them in producing mRNA vaccines not only for future pandemics but also for addressing prevalent diseases in their regions.
Competitive Advantage
Under Charles’ leadership the Medicines Patent Pool focuses on public health-driven licensing and patent pooling. It focuses on finding solutions that benefit major pharmaceutical patent holders, generic manufacturers, and global public health. The organization’s mRNA Technology Transfer Programme, co-led with WHO, takes a multilateral approach and aims to improve international public health and health security.
Managing Tasks and Responsibilities
As an NGO CEO, Charles has a set of roles and responsibilities similar to those of a company CEO. He is responsible for putting the Board’s strategic vision into action, supervising different areas such as organizational structure and human resources, coordinating workstreams, managing partnerships, developing policies, handling communications, growing the business, and managing contracts.
In addition, Charles is responsible for securing enough resources for the organization. He does this by working with funders, like national governments, who give money to support the organization’s work. Charles collaborates with national governments to smooth access to medicines in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). He works on global public health issues, including during pandemics, and supports LMICs in their efforts for industrial development.
Evolution of Business Leadership
“Finding a balance between delegation and oversight and being open to learning from failure and making necessary adjustments.”
Charles
Charles believes that business leadership has changed, becoming more strategic and efficient over time. As the leader of a non-governmental organization (NGO), he notes the growing similarities in approach between NGOs and for-profit businesses, stressing the importance of clear goals and targets in both sectors. Charles, along with many other NGO leaders, applies the expertise gained from the business world to make a meaningful impact in the social sector.
Charles believes that effective leadership requires strategic foresight and adaptability. He values collaboration and input from his executive team while making decisive decisions when necessary. Charles believes in motivating and inspiring his staff to believe in the organization’s mission leading to success.
The Path to Success
As a successful business leader, Charles has learned to approach failures and setbacks with a different mindset. Initially, he struggled with failures, which led to self-doubt and sometimes giving up. However, Charles now sees setbacks as valuable learning opportunities that provide essential lessons. Instead of focusing on the negatives, he uses setbacks as chances to rethink, adjust strategies, or use resources differently. While he may not be thankful for setbacks, he understands their role in building resilience and personal growth, which has helped him to accomplish his achievements.
Spotlight on Career Achievements
Charles has achieved significant milestones in his career, including his contribution to raising awareness about viral hepatitis, a disease that claims the lives of 1.3 million people annually. His efforts in advocating for World Hepatitis Day and working towards eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030 are commendable.
Charles has also played a crucial role in licensing HIV medicines for 24 million individuals in low- and middle-income countries. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he collaborated with pharmaceutical companies to ensure access to essential treatments. Also, his partnership with the World Health Organization is establishing mRNA vaccine manufacturing capabilities in 15 countries, enhancing global vaccine access and preparation for future health emergencies. Charles’ achievements showcase his commitment to improving global public health through overcoming challenges.
Predicting the Path
Charles has identified four major challenges:
- He points out how events like COVID-19, Ukraine, and Gaza can cause unexpected problems that are difficult to predict at first.
- He mentions that the increase in isolationist ideas puts at risk working together on global problems like trade, protecting the environment, and healthcare.
- Charles expresses concern about how divided national politics are becoming, as it could make it hard for governments to make important decisions about changing laws and allocating resources.
- Lastly, he mentions how misinformation is spreading and people are losing trust in science, making these challenges even worse.
Inspirational Figures
Inspiration helps leaders tackle challenges by giving them motivation and determination to succeed. Charles considers Dame Anita Roddick as his role model. He respects her for her entrepreneurial success with The Body Shop, which she started in her kitchen in 1976 and sold for over $1 billion. In addition to her business achievements, Roddick was known for her ethical business practices and commitment to sustainability. Charles became familiar with Roddick through her advocacy for hepatitis C, and her passion, dedication, and strong values inspired him. She prioritized doing what was right and approached challenges with a determined mindset, which influenced Charles’s career.
Beyond the Cabin
“I find it challenging to maintain an ideal work-life balance, but I view my role more as a mission than simply a job.”
Charles
Charles acknowledges that considering his age, this position may likely be his final career opportunity. Hence, it becomes crucial for him to make a lasting impression. His goal is straightforward: he wants pharmaceutical companies to ensure that when they launch new health products in the US and Europe, they also have a clear plan to make them available worldwide within a year, helping everyone who needs them.
Nurturing Ambition
Charles says that being big does not always mean you will do well in business. Adaptability and quick decision-making are crucial in a rapidly changing world. It is also essential to have confidence in what you are doing. If not, considering alternative approaches is advisable.
