Shola Fafunso is the U.S. country lead for the Skeletal Conditions business unit, responsible for driving the commercial efforts and aligning cross-functional teams to achieve business performance within this therapeutic area. But it’s the patients who serve as his North Star. 

My greatest desire is for our work to translate to hope by bringing new options to children with skeletal conditions and to continuously raise the bar in terms of health outcomes for these children. This reflects my personal interpretation of BioMarin’s first operating principle: Patients are counting on us.

In the latest installment of “The DNA of BioMarin,” we interviewed Shola, Vice President, U.S. Skeletal Conditions Business Unit, about his career journey. We talked about what brought him into biotech, and more recently, to BioMarin. For this series, we are drawing inspiration from the four bases that constitute DNA – A (adenine), T (thymine), C (cytosine) and G (guanine) – by asking employees to reflect on the role that Aspiration, Translation, Connection and Gratitude play in their everyday work. 

Learn more about Shola and how the patients we serve continue to motivate him and the business unit to build upon BioMarin’s legacy in rare and genetically defined conditions. 

ASPIRATION
How did you get your start in the biopharma industry? What do you aspire to accomplish through your work at BioMarin and in your career?

I started my career in the finance sector, and honestly, I probably would have remained in that industry if not for a personal circumstance that forced quite a profound reflection on the direction of my professional choices.  

I was living in Hong Kong, working for one of its largest banks and on the verge of a promotion when my dad was diagnosed with cancer. This devastating news led to the decision to leave my job, move back to the U.S. and go to business school to be closer to family. It was when my father passed away that entering the biopharma industry soon crystalized as my top career choice. 

I joined BioMarin last year as an extension of my commitment to the idea that the most fulfilling career is one that is spent in service of a higher ideal. I was compelled by BioMarin’s inspired mission and focus on patients, as well as the company’s dedication to rare conditions, where the need is so great. 

I am motivated by the opportunity to further build and expand on the leadership and legacy of BioMarin in this space. 

CONNECTION
What role does connection play at BioMarin?

I absolutely love the various ways in which connections thrive at BioMarin. For me, it starts with the connection to our mission – it is a powerful rallying cry that unites and motivates us toward a common goal. Regardless of function or role, we all identify with it. By bringing excellence to what we do every day, we collectively elevate our ability to deliver on this important mission.  

Then there is the connection with colleagues – this is a special place that fosters authenticity and inclusion. There is no price for membership other than simply showing up. Experiences in other phases of my career make me treasure this aspect of our BioMarin culture so much and remind me of how very special it is to be able to bring your complete, true self to work. 

We also have fun, as encouraged by our BioMarin 8 Operating Principles. All of these factors make BioMarin a great place to work and build a career. But what’s paramount is the connection to our patients. This is the closest I have been to patients, caregivers and advocacy groups in my entire career. It is humbling and inspiring to be able to foster such relationships, as well as witness the impact of our efforts. 

GRATITUDE
Tell us about something you’re grateful for in your career, and why.

I am incredibly grateful for the amazing mentors that I’ve had in my career. Their guidance, wisdom, advocacy and support have been invaluable. These mentors certainly have set a high bar in terms of my personal charge to pay it forward and show up as a champion, coach and cheerleader for others as they navigate their careers. 

I am also grateful for the inclusive culture at BioMarin. This month, it has been amazing to see and celebrate this inclusivity whether at the raising of the Progress Pride Flag to acknowledge Pride month or participating in the electric slide to celebrate Juneteenth. The communal and collective recognition of the various voices, journeys and backgrounds contributes to why this is such a special place. 

TRANSLATION
How do you hope your work will translate into impact for the patient communities BioMarin is working to support?

My greatest desire is for our work to translate to hope by bringing new options to the market and continuously raising the bar in terms of health outcomes. Living up to this requires all of us to individually contribute our best effort, collectively collaborate to drive the work that brings us together and continue to anchor to our mission to serve patients as our North Star.