This report explores the art of influencing without authority in biopharma through interviews with Alliance Managers and Chiefs of Staff.

These roles drive impact without direct control, relying on trust and collaboration. It highlights their strategies, challenges, and successes in aligning stakeholders in complex organizations. Through real-world examples, the report offers actionable insights for mastering strategic influence.

The Future of Biopharma Alliances - Keys to Strategic Partnership Success

Sharon Morgenbesser

Alliance Management is crucial to biopharma success, but its value is often underestimated. In our latest interview, we spoke with Sharon Morgenbesser, a leader who has built Alliance Management functions from scratch and managed complex, high-stakes partnerships at Sanofi, AffaMed Therapeutics, and Fulcrum Therapeutics.

Sharon reveals strategies for:
- Guiding and Influencing: Building trust and internal support without direct decision-making.
- Building the Alliance Function: How to establish a robust framework from scratch.
- Cross-Border Partnerships: Lessons from U.S.-China collaborations on navigating regulatory, operational, and cultural complexities.
- Rebuilding Trust Post-Acquisition: Aligning governance and maintaining momentum after M&A.
- Shaping the Future of Alliance Management: The role of AI and managing financial pressures.