DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION SERIES - The power of people in pharma
At Cheemia, my purpose is to unleash human potential to create a healthier world. Over the last three years, we’ve tackled the challenges of digital transformation in healthcare, but now I want to take this series even further—to spark connections, inspire change, and drive meaningful transformation that improves outcomes for healthcare professionals (HCPs) and, more importantly, for patients.
I'm really passionate about helping pharma professionals feel confident using technology to improve omnichannel HCP engagement, and that’s why I’ve been interviewing inspiring leaders -to learn from their experiences and give them a platform to share their insights with you.
Today, I’m delighted to welcome Nyambe Sumbwanyambe otherwise known as Yam, host of The Black Sherpa - to join us for this conversation.
Yam is the founder of Black Sherpa, a platform dedicated to helping underrepresented talent thrive in the corporate world. He has nearly twenty years of pharmaceutical industry experience, with a focus on people-driven transformation.
He has led award-winning career development programmes, shaped inclusive workplace cultures, and delivered solutions that turn big ideas into meaningful actions.
Yam’s mission is simple but powerful: To create a world where diverse leadership is the norm, and everyone has the opportunity to shine.
Switching Roles: From Interviewer to Interviewee
Mehrnaz: Yam, it must be really strange for you to be on the other side of the table, since you're usually the one doing the interviews!
Yam: Yes, it’s strange! I was actually on a podcast for the first time last week, and that was an interesting experience. It really focused on social mobility, which is a topic close to my heart. I went in with a few key points in mind, but the conversation went where it needed to go. It felt like therapy!
Social mobility is personal to me. I came in with a few key points, but the best conversations take on a life of their own. It reminded me why I do this work. Real change starts with honest conversations!
The Power of People in Pharma
Mehrnaz: You have a strong background in pharma. Could you share some insights about your career journey and your new venture?
Yam: I spent nearly twenty years at MSD (Merck) and feel privileged to have had that opportunity. I started in sales, which was not the most typical route into Pharma any more, but it taught me valuable lessons about building relationships and adding value to healthcare professionals.
I started in sales, which taught me resilience, empathy and how to build trust. From there, I moved through learning, strategy, and commercial excellence. No matter the role, my focus has always been people… helping them grow, connect, and make an impact.
That led me to my next chapter: Black Sherpa. Through my work in equity, diversity, and inclusion (ED&I), I realised that not everyone in our industry has had the same opportunities. Talent isn’t the problem… access is. I’ve seen brilliant people held back simply because they didn’t have the right connections, know-how, or guidance. The Black Sherpa exists to change that.
Digital Transformation: The Key to Meaningful Engagement
Mehrnaz: What are the biggest challenges pharma companies face when implementing digital engagement strategies?
Yam: Technology isn’t the hard part… change is! The companies that get it right focus less on the tools and more on making things simple, useful, and human. The companies that succeed in digital transformation are the ones that:
1. Keep it simple – Complexity kills execution.
2. Truly understand customer needs – Engagement must be customer-driven, not company-driven.
3. Invest in capability building – People need the right skills and mindset to execute digital strategies effectively.
Diversity & Inclusion: Moving from Talk to Action
Mehrnaz: How can pharma better identify and nurture talent from underrepresented backgrounds?
Yam: First, we have to acknowledge that systemic barriers exist. Many talented individuals never get the opportunity to fully develop their potential because they lack access to networks, mentorship, and sponsorship.
To change that, organisations must:
• Recognise and address unconscious bias
• Actively invest in diverse talent pipelines
• Create inclusive cultures where people can thrive
This is exactly why I founded Black Sherpa - to bridge this gap and help both individuals and organisations succeed.
Award-Winning Career Development: Lead Your Career Programme
Mehrnaz: You co-created an initiative called ‘Lead Your Career’, which won an award at the PM Awards. Can you tell us more about it?
Yam: Absolutely! Lead Your Career was a 12-week programme designed to help underrepresented talent take control of their career progression. We used insights from a survey on barriers to career advancement and developed a structured program that focused on:
• Goal setting & career planning
• Building visibility & networks
• Mentorship & sponsorship opportunities
These results have been sustained year on year since 2021.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Pharma & Leadership
Mehrnaz: What advice would you give to pharma professionals looking to grow in their careers?
Yam: Your career is yours to build. Stay curious, ask for help, and take the shot, even if it scares you. If your impact isn’t valued, don’t wait for permission to move. If you can open doors for others, do it… it costs nothing and could change everything for someone else.
Join the Conversation
I want to thank Yam for sharing his insights and experiences. It was an absolute pleasure to have him in this session.
As we continue these LinkedIn Live sessions, my goal is to create a space for meaningful conversations that drive real change. If you enjoyed this blog, please join us for our next LinkedIn Live session on 25th February with Nico Renner!
Together, we can break silos, empower people and drive meaningful transformation in pharma.
If you would like to purchase a copy of The Omni Advantage, it is available as a paperback or audiobook.
