In 2011, a young pharmaceutical professional stepped into her first leadership role. She was the quintessential outsider: younger than her team, new to the environment, and lacking the shield of long-term tenure. In that high-stakes arena, she realized that hierarchy and titles were hollow tools for earning trust. Instead, she turned to a different force: intentional communication. By listening deeply and leading with transparency, she didn’t just manage a team; she elevated them.
That leader was Hana Brellah, and that moment sparked a career-long conviction that would eventually transform how executives across the globe approach the podium. Today, as a PharmD, Senior International Pharma Leader, and CEO & Founder of Find Your Voice, Hana bridges the gap between clinical precision and the art of human connection.
The Bedrock of Multicultural Intelligence
Hana’s journey began with a rigorous academic foundation in healthcare, earning her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from the Université d’Alger. Her early career in Algeria saw her navigating diverse roles, from Medical Representative to Group Product Manager at Mepha/Teva Switzerland. This period was more than a professional introduction; it was the bedrock of her multicultural intelligence.
Fluency in Arabic, French, English, and German allowed Hana to operate with a global perspective from the start. Her thirst for excellence led her to the Harvard Business School Leadership Excellence Program and Stanford Graduate School of Business, where she refined the strategic mindset required for the world’s most prestigious pharmaceutical firms. She learned early on a truth that now guides her coaching:
“People do not experience leadership the same way across cultures. Each region sharpened a different part of my leadership journey.”
Navigating Borders and Crisis
Over the last two decades, Hana’s career has been a masterclass in professional growth. From Novo Nordisk and Merck to AbbVie, she consistently delivered results that earned her international acclaim, including multiple Marketing Excellence Awards.
Her leadership was truly tested on the international stage, leading teams across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. At Mundipharma, she served as Director and Head of Commercial Excellence for Germany, before moving to Merz Aesthetics as Senior Director, Head of Strategic Projects EMEA. Two critical milestones during this period solidified her belief in the power of the voice:
- The International Stage: Leading across borders taught her that alignment depends on clarity, not assumptions.
- The Global Pandemic: Leading remotely during COVID-19 forced her to guide teams through uncertainty with “even more clarity and humanity,” making the role of communication in crisis unmistakably clear.
Hana recognized that communication wasn’t a “soft skill” but the core of leadership. As colleague John S. M. observed:
“I was instantly blown away by the energy and enthusiasm she brings to the stage. Every single one of her speeches is a well-crafted masterpiece, designed to play with emotions.”
Empowering the Executive Voice
Hana’s impact is now felt far beyond the pharmaceutical boardroom. Through Find Your Voice, she empowers executives to move past the “stereotyped perfect speaker” and find their authentic style. She tackles the “three beasts” of fear: failure, judgment, and the weight of the spotlight, helping leaders transform nervous adrenaline into a powerful “presence.”
Her mentorship has proven transformative for many. Dalton Hoffman, who worked with Hana at Merz Aesthetics, noted:
“Thanks to Hana’s thoughtful mentorship and constructive feedback, I was able to strengthen both my verbal and presentation communication skills, ultimately gaining the confidence to present to executive-level leadership.”
Beyond coaching, Hana is a prolific Keynote Speaker represented by A-Speakers and Premium Speakers Agency, and she serves as an Executive Contributor for Brainz Magazine.
She is a firm believer that “public speaking isn’t just performance, it’s the power to move hearts and minds.”
A Legacy of Influence and MI
Looking toward the future, Hana is championing a new framework: Multicultural Intelligence (MI). In an era shaped by AI and intensifying globalization, she views MI as a vital capability for navigating differences and building consensus. Her goal is to make MI a global leadership standard, a framework that leaders can learn, teach, and apply to drive organizational success.
Hana’s message to leaders who are still holding back is clear:
“There is a difference between speaking and speaking up. Speaking is sharing information. Speaking up is sharing your truth. And it is your truth, your lived experience, and your identity that makes you memorable.”
For Hana, a leader’s voice is an asset that directly impacts the business, the people, and the industry at large. Her legacy is one of amplification, ensuring that every leader she touches is equipped to lead with a voice that demands to be heard at its full strength.
EDITORIAL NOTE
Hana Brellah’s journey from a young team lead in Algeria to a global authority on leadership communication serves as a powerful reminder that our greatest tool is our voice. Her story challenges us to stop seeking perfection and start seeking presence. Let this be an inspiration to take the time to invest in your own voice, not because you have to, but because your leadership deserves to be heard.
