Hear Renee speak to the Vanderbilt community about her career path and her Vanderbilt experience on Monday, March 30 at 4:30 p.m. in Alumni Hall 206.
Renee Gala, BS’94, was recently named the president and chief executive officer of Jazz Pharmaceuticals, a global biopharmaceutical company.
Previously the company’s president and chief operating officer, Gala has more than three decades of experience spanning finance, strategy, corporate development, and commercialization at various companies, including GRAIL Inc., Theravance Biopharma, and Eli Lilly and Company.
In advance of her visit to campus on March 30, we sat down with Gala to discuss how the College of Arts and Science and her math major helped prepare herfor career success, the biggest challenges she faces in her work, and what advice she has for students interested in the healthcare field.
How did your mathematics degree help prepare you for your career?
My mathematics degree gave me a disciplined way of thinking that has been foundational throughout my career. It trained me to break down complex problems, assess risk with rigor, and make decisions grounded in data and logic. Those skills have carried forward into my role as CEO, where clarity of thinking, sound judgment, and the ability to connect strategy with execution are just as critical.
What opportunities or experiences at Vanderbilt were the most valuable for your career?
One of the most valuable aspects of my time at Vanderbilt was being immersed in a community of exceptional people with very different backgrounds, perspectives, and ambitions. That environment challenged me to think broadly, learn from others, and take risks—intellectually and personally. It gave me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone, a mindset that has stayed with me throughout my career and continues to shape how I lead today.
Which math professor or class had the most significant impact on you and why?
How could I possibly pick one? I am grateful to have had such a diverse and engaged group of professors while I was at Vanderbilt. Collectively, they helped shape my critical thinking—pushing me to challenge assumptions, reason rigorously, and persevere when problems didn’t have obvious answers. That comfort in ambiguity has been invaluable in leadership. Being an effective CEO is not about knowing all the answers—it is about knowing what questions to ask of the right people.
What critical skills do young professionals need to succeed in the healthcare industry right now?
Healthcare is evolving at an unprecedented pace, so curiosity coupled with a sense of urgency is of critical importance in our field. Being willing to ask thoughtful questions—of the data, of the system, and of yourself—helps you learn faster, identify new paths forward, and make better decisions. Equally important are adaptability and integrity, but it is curiosity that fuels growth and innovation, enables you to navigate complexity with confidence, and ultimately, helps turn ambition into better solutions for patients.
What are the biggest challenges you face in your work?
One of the biggest challenges in my work is constantly balancing competing priorities while staying ready for the unexpected. Today, our environment is changing rapidly, new data emerges, circumstances shift, and decisions often need to be made in real time. The key is maintaining clarity on what matters most, staying grounded in my values and my company’s values, and being able to provide clarity and focus to teams so we can continue to progress our strategy, while being agile and prepared for the unexpected.
What advice do you have for Vanderbilt students who want to enter the healthcare field?
My advice would be to stay curious and open to learning and not feel pressured to have everything figured out right away. Healthcare is complex and constantly evolving, so developing the habit of asking good questions, seeking out different perspectives, and learning from people across disciplines truly matters. Be willing to explore different paths and roles as you discover what energizes and motivates you. Take thoughtful risks when opportunities arise, stay grounded in your values, and seek out work—and people—that inspire you and will help you reach your fullest potential.
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Hear more about Gala’s path into healthcare and her Vanderbilt experience during a Fireside Chat on March 30 hosted by the Department of Mathematics. Gala will be in conversation with Isabelle Bautista, a senior in the College of Arts and Science double majoring in mathematics and biological sciences.
The event is open to all members of the Vanderbilt community and will be held on March 30 at 4:30 p.m. in Alumni Hall 206. Registration is required.