Every year, use of harmful medicines harms millions of people and costs the world billions—an issue we can no longer afford to ignore. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that medication errors cost $42 billion annually. This growing concern underscores the urgent need for safe, effective, and ethical medicines—making the role of pharmaceutical professionals more critical than ever. That’s where visionary healthcare pioneers come in, driving innovation, ensuring regulatory excellence, and turning complex healthcare challenges into life-changing solutions. With a strong commitment to public health, sustainability, and forward-thinking strategies, they’re not just responding to today’s issues but leading the charge to create a safer, healthier tomorrow.
One such leader is Teresa Saragoça, Technical Manager & Regulatory Affairs Director at Italfarmaco Group in Portugal, who has been, together with a whole team, a driving force behind the company’s continuous growth and strategic direction. From her early inspiration—watching her godmother serve as a respected pharmacist in their community—to leading regulatory and technical initiatives in one of the industry’s most respected pharmaceutical groups, Teresa’s journey has been one of passion, resilience, and purpose. Her ability to navigate complex regulations with creativity and foresight has positioned her as a key figure in shaping any company’s future.
With over two decades of experience, she has built and led a values-driven team, spearheaded critical projects aligned with public health and sustainability, and embraced innovation through the integration of AI. Teresa’s leadership is rooted in empathy, continuous learning, and long-term thinking—qualities that reinforce Italfarmaco’s commitment to quality and safety and embody the kind of heart-led decision-making needed to make a meaningful, lasting impact in today’s healthcare landscape.
Early Career Path
Teresa Saragoça began her professional journey after graduating with a degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Her first role was in a community pharmacy, where she immersed herself in the day-to-day realities of patient care, medication management, and pharmacy operations. This hands-on experience was part of her initial plan—to understand the field from the ground up with the long-term goal of eventually owning and running a pharmacy. During this time, she developed a deeper appreciation for the impact pharmacists have on public health, which ultimately shaped the direction of her career and opened the door to new opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry.
Bold Transition Into the Pharmaceutical World
For Teresa, the journey toward a more fulfilling career began with a simple realization—she wanted something more. While she valued her experience in community pharmacy, she felt a growing desire for new challenges and a broader impact. Curious about the possibilities, she began exploring the pharmaceutical industry—a field that seemed full of potential for growth and innovation.
However, with no direct experience in the sector, Teresa knew she needed to bridge the gap. After speaking with peers and researching her options, she enrolled in a respected postgraduate program designed to help pharmacists explore alternative career paths. It proved to be a pivotal decision. Just two months into the course, she landed an interview with a generic marketing company—and was hired on the spot.
That opportunity marked a defining turning point. It opened the door to a new professional world and reinforced her belief in the value of continuous learning. During her three years at the company, Teresa Saragoça expanded her scientific expertise, sharpened her ethical perspective, and developed strong collaborative skills—laying a solid foundation for what came next.
These experiences ultimately led her to Italfarmaco, where she continues to grow, innovate, and make a lasting impact in the pharmaceutical industry.
Teresa is grateful for all these experiences, which allowed her to build and strengthen her self-determination and desire for fulfillment. During this journey, Teresa completed one master’s in Regulatory and Evaluation of Medicines and Health Care Products, one program in Pharmaceutical Medicine and Clinical Research, and one postgraduate program in Intellectual Law. Teresa is now taking her final steps to achieve one degree in law and has already started the path toward one Ph.D. focused on Global Financial and Economic Law.
20+ Years of Meaningful Work
Teresa Saragoça shares her experience with deep appreciation, noting that working at Italfarmaco has been a transformative journey—one that has shaped her professional path and her personal growth. She credits the company’s leadership and values for providing a clear sense of direction, helping her become more focused, purpose-driven, and well-rounded in every aspect of life.
This sense of alignment and purpose is reflected in her current role. Teresa feels privileged to lead projects that are key to Italfarmaco’s future strategy. She considers the company her second home—a place where a deep respect for human dignity and public health is not just a mission statement, but a daily practice. For Teresa, being part of a company that shares her values isn’t just important—it’s non-negotiable. After more than 20 years with the organization, she takes pride in having built a team that embodies.
Thinking Beyond Today
Maintaining a long-term, interdisciplinary approach requires consistency and focus. Teresa stays grounded by looking at the long-term effects of her decisions rather than being swayed by short-term outcomes. To do this, she actively seeks tools, insights, and methods from a variety of fields—even those not directly related to her day-to-day work. She believes that stepping outside of one’s comfort zone and embracing knowledge from different areas is essential to making a meaningful impact. Since the results of her work often take time to show, it can sometimes be misunderstood or underestimated by those on the outside. While this can be challenging, she finds the process just as rewarding as the outcome.
Fresh Take on Regulatory Affairs
Teresa’s work in regulatory affairs is often misunderstood. While many perceive it as bureaucratic or dull, Teresa sees it as a space full of purpose and possibility—when driven by passion.
She believes strong regulatory professionals should be:
- Imaginative thinkers who look beyond the obvious
- Strategic minds who understand the broader business picture
- Solution-focused individuals who can balance current needs with future challenges
While regulatory roles are sometimes seen as strictly office-based, Teresa Saragoça emphasizes that the skill set required goes far beyond paperwork. It demands critical thinking, creativity, and the courage to face difficult scenarios head-on. For businesses that aim to achieve multiple goals, regulatory professionals bring immense value—especially when they push boundaries and think outside the box. To Teresa, it’s not just about following rules; it’s about understanding them deeply and using that knowledge to drive meaningful change.
Respect, Trust, and Growth
Teresa’s leadership philosophy is built on empathy, empowerment, and integrity. She fosters a culture where individuals are encouraged to grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel genuinely appreciated. Teresa views leadership not as command, but as collaboration—a balance of guidance and trust.
Her approach includes:
- Active listening: Staying fully present and attentive to others’ ideas and concerns
- Mentorship: Guiding and uplifting younger professionals through support and shared knowledge
Mutual respect: Creating a culture of trust, openness, and collaborative spirit - Balanced leadership: Blending decisiveness with inclusivity to build strong, unified teams
Balanced Perspective on AI in the Workplace
Teresa has a strong interest in artificial intelligence and actively looks for ways to apply it in her daily work. She believes that if professionals can build a balanced relationship with AI—one focused on enhancing rather than replacing their roles—the potential benefits will be remarkable. Teresa Saragoça sees AI as one of the key trends shaping the future of the pharmaceutical industry in 2025 and beyond. She also values Italfarmaco’s openness to progress and hopes to continue learning and growing alongside the company as it embraces innovation.
Respecting People and the Planet
One of Teresa’s key priorities is embracing sustainability. Like many professionals today, she believes that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility. For her, it makes sense to consider the environmental impact at every stage of the decision-making process. At Italfarmaco, Teresa sees sustainability, global responsibility, and respect for others as values that go hand in hand. She strongly feels that every decision made by the company reflects these principles, aiming to be as green and respectful as possible.
Growth with Grace
Looking ahead, Teresa Saragoça hopes to continue growing— personally and professionally—while holding on to the childlike innocence that keeps her grounded. For her, growth is only meaningful when it happens honestly, with humility, respect, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Her greatest success, she says, would be to see her son proud of the person she is, and to raise him with values that would make her proud in return.
Finding a healthy balance between family and career has been essential, though not always easy—especially as a single mother. Through it all, she’s learned that when faced with difficult decisions, the heart often knows the right answer. Choosing from the heart has brought her peace and clarity, and it’s a big reason why she has no regrets. Every choice she’s made has shaped who she is today. While she can imagine how things might have turned out differently, she knows that by staying true to herself, she’s followed the path that was right for her—and perhaps, that’s why she’s here sharing her story now.
Humanity Comes Before Profession
Teresa believes that young professionals should make decisions from the heart and always consider the long-term impact of their choices. She emphasizes the importance of staying grounded—never forgetting one’s dignity or the value of family. Above all, she reminds them that being human comes before being a professional.
She also highlights the importance of continuous learning. Teresa has never stopped studying and imagines herself, even at 70, still going to college to explore new subjects—whether or not they relate to her career.
Work Hard, Live Well
Teresa Saragoça emphasizes the importance of not losing sight of what brings joy on a personal level. She believes that hobbies and personal interests are not just pastimes—they’re essential to maintaining mental well-being. While being competent and committed at work is crucial, she sees nurturing one’s personal life as equally important. Holding on to core values and showing respect for the planet and society matters deeply to her, because, as she puts it, “we are not alone.”
But life isn’t without its challenges. Teresa acknowledges that everyone goes through difficult moments—times that disrupt sleep, peace of mind, and emotional balance. During such periods, she’s learned the value of giving herself permission to pause, breathe, and reset. These simple moments of stillness, she believes, are what keep us grounded. Without them, it becomes all too easy to lose direction, burn out, or forget what truly matters.
A Life in Balance
Teresa Saragoça believes one of the most important lessons she has learned throughout her journey is the ability to embrace all sides of herself. Today, she sees herself as a mother, a professional, a student, and a little girl.
- She is a mother when she cares for and supports her son—and even her team.
- She is a professional when she works hard and fights for her company’s success.
- She is a student with every new degree and milestone she achieves.
- And she is a little girl when she enjoys her hobbies and bravely takes on challenges that seem intimidating at first.
In the end, Teresa believes we are shaped by the paths we choose and the memories we create along the way.
5 Powerful Business Mantras from Teresa Saragoça
- Lead with Empathy: Leadership means trust, respect, and collaboration—empower through listening and mentorship.
- Innovate with Purpose: See regulation as opportunity. Use strategy and creativity to solve real-world health challenges.
- Never Stop Learning: Growth requires curiosity. Stay open, adaptable, and always seek broader perspectives.
- Elevate with AI: Adopt AI ethically—to enhance, not replace—human roles and decisions.
- Grow with Grace: Let values, family, and balance guide success. True growth is grounded in humanity.
