Eylem Demir Sentürk, Women on Stage

“Having spent my early years in survival mode, I’ve learned to not shy away from challenges and have become resilient and quite independent.”

Eylem Demir Sentürk, Founder of Women on Stage, shared the story behind her title with us on September 25, 2024.

Of the interview, our founder and host, Sue Rocco, says: “Listen in as I sit down with Eylem this week to talk about Eylem’s family having to flee Turkey as Kurdish members, the challenge of integrating to a new culture in Switzerland, her experience with workplace bullying by her manager in a large Pharma company that led to a mental and physical breakdown, and the founding of her new venture to help working women thrive.”

Beginning her career in the banking world, Eylem swiftly transitioned into the Pharma Industry, leaving an indelible mark at renowned companies such as Actelion, Celgene, Vifor Pharma, Novartis, and Bayer. Over a span of 22 years, she not only led international teams but also collaborated with professionals from 40 different nationalities. Eylem’s commitment to excellence extended beyond corporate boundaries as she coached, and trained over 1000 individuals.

Notably, Eylem faced discrimination, bullying, and rejections throughout her career, yet each setback fueled her determination to succeed. Undaunted by challenges, she navigated the corporate landscape with unwavering focus and resilience.

A lifelong learner, Eylem pursued her education at esteemed institutions, including the University of London, Open University USA, and Harvard Business School—and earned a master’s degree in psychology from Liverpool University, specializing in mental health and behavioral science. from experiencing housing instability as a child to leading a national affordable housing consulting firm has given her a unique perspective on the importance of safe, stable housing. With nearly 30 years in the affordable housing industry, she has witnessed firsthand how a secure home can transform lives. At Quadel, she is dedicated to enhancing workplace culture and customer service, recognizing that engaged employees are crucial for delivering empathetic, high-quality service. She believes that providing exceptional service not only meets immediate needs but also helps restore hope and stability to vulnerable populations. Katie also hosts the “ChangeMakers” podcast in partnership with Forbes, where she highlights leadership and innovations in affordable housing.