This year has been transformative for Cytel, marked by growth, innovation, and a renewed commitment to our values and mission. The 2024 launch of the East Horizon™ platform alongside a refreshed brand underscore our dedication to advancing drug development and improving patient outcomes. Among these achievements, we also welcomed incredible new talent from around the globe. Their fresh perspectives and energy have enriched our community and contributed to our shared success. As we look back, let’s hear from our 2024 new starters about their experiences and the milestones that defined their first year at Cytel.

Welcome to Cytel

One of the first things our new hires discover is that flexibility is central to how we work — whether remote, hybrid, or with adaptable hours, our employees have the freedom to balance work with their unique needs. Yet, with a culture of flexible work, fostering team spirit and connection is vital. Let’s hear how our 2024 starters were welcomed into the Cytel team.

For many, the warmth and support of their teammates made all the difference. “Having such wonderful managers and teammates is a true gift,” shared Nina Hofle, Associate Director, Software Sales. “Every single one of them is amazing and has made my time here a joy. Having a buddy to help me navigate is fantastic, but all my other colleagues have been wonderful and very supportive.” Project Manager Christine Cocker echoed a similar sentiment: “The most memorable moment for me was my first team meeting. I was made to feel so welcome.”

This sense of belonging extended beyond just day-to-day work interactions. Dmitrii Fedorychev, Manager, Statistical Programming, reflected on his in-person team meeting to discuss the company’s future, saying, “I felt truly honored to be invited and to participate — it felt like being welcomed into a family rather than just a team. What really surprised me was the kindness and warmth in the room. Despite being surrounded by exceptional specialists, there was no ego, just a genuine willingness to help and share knowledge. It was inspiring to see such a collaborative atmosphere where everyone lifts each other up — and hey, it’s not every day you meet brilliant minds who also happen to be fantastic people!” Similarly, Amelia Scheepers, Clinical Insights Analyst, described her onboarding experience: “Starting on November 11th and being warmly welcomed by the FSP client team made me feel immediately part of the Cytel family. The onboarding experience and the support from my team have been incredibly encouraging.”

Even in unexpected ways, connections flourished. “One of the most memorable moments for me was the shocking but pleasant surprise that I was going to be working in the same group with a colleague I used to work with over 15 years ago … in academia!” shared Cralen Davis, Principal Biostatistician. Meanwhile, Anna Nilsson, Associate Director, Business Development, highlighted how bonding with her team brought joy: “What has been one of the most fun memories for me this year is getting to know the amazing team Cytel Sweden has!”

For a company where many of us work remotely, meeting colleagues face-to-face can feel even more special. “One of my most memorable moments this year was attending the PHUSE conference in Strasbourg,” shared Hayley Dale, Manager, Market & Business Development. “It was so lovely to meet 14 of my colleagues from across Europe.” Sue Kim, Director, Executive Operations, added, “It’s not just one moment but multiple ones — when I finally meet people in real life and can put a face to a name or find out they’re taller than I expected!” Scrum Master Keerthana M expressed similar excitement, saying, “Meeting my colleagues in person for the first time at the Pune office was my most memorable moment; I was so happy and excited to meet everyone.”

Words to live by: Advice that stuck with our starters

Starting a new role can feel overwhelming — that’s why it is not only crucial to feel welcome in your team, but also to receive help and guidance. We asked them to share the advice that helped them the most this year.

For Project Associate Stuti Sharma, the practical guidance from her team made a lasting impact: “The team is very supportive. I ask a lot of questions, and they give instant answers. The best advice I have gotten is about taking meeting notes and active listening, which will help me through the year.”

For others, the advice they received offered not just practical solutions but a deeper sense of purpose. Vikas Jangra, Research Consultant, Comparative Effectiveness, reflected on a key piece of mentorship: “A piece of advice that made a significant impact on me was from a mentor who emphasized, ‘Focus on understanding the why behind every analysis, not just the how.’ This perspective encouraged me to approach problems with a deeper sense of purpose and clarity, ensuring that my work aligns with broader objectives. Additionally, their unwavering support and availability to guide me during challenging moments boosted my confidence and taught me the value of collaboration and trust within a team.”

Sometimes, it’s the attitude toward work that sticks the most. Dmitrii Fedorychev shared how the encouragement he received shaped his mindset: “While it’s hard to single out one piece of advice, the constant encouragement and willingness to help from the team have made all the difference. The best advice I’ve received so far is to truly enjoy what I’m doing, stay open to new technologies, and leverage them to drive the company forward. This simple yet powerful approach inspires me to foster innovation and share this mindset with my team and colleagues.”

For Digital Marketing Director Sam Claeys, one piece of advice became a guiding principle for teamwork: “One piece of advice that I’ve gotten from one of my team members was ‘just get things done!’ Just that element of trying to get things across the line with the entire team and helping each other do that. No egos, just people trusting each other to ‘get things done!’”

The most valuable advice can also be about navigating challenges head-on. Data Analyst Shreya Tiwari shared this simple but impactful wisdom: “Even if it’s a small issue and not your fault, speak up. Say it politely, but don’t let it slide just because it feels minor — if you’re right, people should know. Simple advice, but it stuck with me.”

A culture of trust, accountability, and continuous learning

Alongside our values of trust, accountability, and support, continuous learning is central to our culture — it’s how we stay innovative and ahead of the curve. For our 2024 new starters, these principles have been key to their experiences this year.

“One of my most memorable moments at Cytel was when my senior entrusted me with the opportunity to present a slide deck to a client, even though I was a new joiner,” shared Vikas Jangra. “Their trust in my abilities was incredibly encouraging and demonstrated the supportive and growth-oriented culture within our team. Their guidance not only helped me prepare effectively but also allowed me to develop a new skill quickly. Knowing they were always there to support and back me gave me the confidence to step up to the challenge and perform well. This experience has had a lasting impact on my professional growth and confidence.”

This emphasis on growth is tied closely to a commitment to lifelong learning. Keerthana M reflected: “One piece of advice that made a significant difference for me was from a mentor who emphasized the importance of continuous learning. He encouraged me to always stay up to date and never stop seeking new knowledge, regardless of how much you know.”

For Sam Claeys, trust and creative freedom have been essential to his role: “One of the elements that excites me the most about my job is the creative freedom and trust I’m receiving as I build the digital marketing strategy at Cytel with my teammates. There is a strong level of trust between us.”

This culture of learning extends beyond personal growth to understanding the cutting-edge developments that drive our industry. “The continual opportunities to learn about new treatments and therapeutic landscapes is what excites me most about my job,” said Sally Neath, Senior Medical Writer.

Looking ahead to 2025

As 2024 comes to a close, we celebrate the achievements of our incredible team while also looking toward the future. The new year inspires us to reflect on how we want to grow, contribute, and challenge ourselves. And while our aspirations for the future drive us forward, it’s also important to remember why we do what we do. Melissa Spann, Senior Director, Innovative Statistics, summed this up beautifully: “I am energized by the knowledge that my efforts contribute to the development of potentially life-changing medicines.”

As we look toward 2025, we’re filled with optimism and excitement for the goals our team has set and the contributions they’ll continue to make. To everyone who joined Cytel in 2024 — thank you for your trust, your energy, and your dedication. We’re proud to have you with us and look forward to growing together in the year ahead.

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