Taking the Leap Before You Feel Ready: Aisling Horan’s Story 

Aisling never had a step-by-step plan for her career. Instead, she followed what interested her, which led her from microbiology into validation, then into leadership. Along the way, she learned one of the biggest career lessons: growth happens when you take the leap—especially when others believe in you before you do. 

“I had two incredible mentors early on—both men—who pushed me forward for projects and promotions I never would have put myself forward for. They saw something in me that I hadn’t yet seen in myself,” Aisling shares. 

Now, leading a team at Novo Nordisk Production Ireland, she’s determined to do the same for others. Through structured leadership programmes and a company culture that values diverse perspectives, she’s seen firsthand how the right support can transform not just individual careers, but entire teams. 

Pauline Guinan: When the Unexpected Becomes the Defining Moment 

Pauline’s path into STEM started with a love for science and an early plan to become a teacher. But a single chemistry class changed everything, leading her to pursue a PhD in chemistry and, eventually, a career in pharmaceuticals. 

Like many professionals, her career took an unexpected turn when a previous employer in her early career went into liquidation, forcing her to pivot. 

 “It was terrifying at the time. You feel lost, like you don’t know what’s next. But looking back, it was one of the best things that could have happened—it pushed me to take risks and explore new opportunities.” 

That experience shaped her leadership style today. She believes in building strong, empowered teams where people are trusted to take ownership. 

“When you delegate and trust your team, you don’t just free up your own time—you allow them to grow, develop, and step into their potential.” 

Changing the Conversation on Women in STEM 

Despite progress, STEM careers are still not always seen as a natural choice for women. While numbers are improving, with around 30% of engineering graduates now being women, barriers still exist. 

At Novo Nordisk, it’s about creating an environment where leadership isn’t defined by gender but by ability. Their graduate programme provides hands-on experience across different STEM roles, allowing young professionals to find their best fit without being locked into one path too soon. 

One initiative that stood out for Pauline in her career was a partnership with local schools to introduce STEM careers to girls between the ages of 9 and 13—an age proven to be critical in shaping long-term career interests. 

“If we wait until university to show girls what’s possible in STEM, we’re too late. We need to start much earlier, making STEM real, tangible, and exciting,” Pauline explains.