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Karen Costello: ‘I approach each day as a learning opportunity’
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Having worked her way up through the company, Karen Costello, general manager Ireland, at Bristol Myers Squibb, knows the value in innovation, collaboration, and fostering a positive workplace culture.
Starting off as a medical sales representative, holding various customer-facing roles, before moving into marketing and then strategic leadership roles, Karen Costello, general manager Ireland at pharmaceutical company Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), can truly say she knows the business from all angles. “From the beginning, I was struck by the passion and purpose that defined BMS,” Karen explains.
“Everyone I met was deeply committed to improving patients’ lives through innovative treatments. It was an incredibly positive and encouraging environment, one that inspired me to grow both personally and professionally.”
Leading with empathy
Karen’s journey has seen her progress through the company. “A pivotal moment came when I moved to the US to lead a major product launch,” she says. “That experience taught me the value of adaptability, resilience, and leading with empathy. After three exciting years, I was thrilled to come back to my roots in Ireland as general manager of the commercial affiliate. It’s been a full-circle moment and a personal milestone to lead in the country where my journey began.”
The role brings together everything Karen has learned over the last 25 years, from strategic thinking to cross-functional collaboration, with a deep commitment to patients at its heart. “At its core, my role is about leading our organisation in Ireland to deliver on our mission: ensuring patients have timely access to our innovative medicines,” she explains. “That means overseeing the strategic execution of our portfolio, ensuring compliance, and working closely with partners across the healthcare system. I focus on three key pillars: Patients – ensuring access to innovation; People – fostering a culture where talent thrives; and Pipeline – preparing for what’s next with clarity and foresight.”
Stay curious
In this fast-paced industry, Karen says the key to staying motivated and evolving as a leader starts with staying curious. “I’ve always believed that ‘what got us here won’t get us to where we need to go’, so I approach each day as a learning opportunity.”
Her colleagues are also a key factor in this. “What truly keeps me inspired is the people I work with. I’m surrounded by passionate, innovative colleagues who are driven by a shared purpose: improving patients’ lives. It reminds me that leadership isn’t just about direction, it’s about integrity, connection and creating the conditions for others to thrive.”
An AI journey
AI is weaving its way into many industries, changing the working world entirely — but how does it connect science to IT? “I’ll admit I was a little reticent at first,” Karen tells us, “but I’ve been fortunate to work alongside incredibly smart people who see the potential of AI to simplify how we work, solve problems faster, and unlock new efficiencies.
“At a practical level, I use tools like ChatGPT and Copilot to summarise documents, refine communications, and craft more succinct narratives, but the real transformation is happening at scale. Across the pharmaceutical industry, we’re beginning to integrate AI into systems and processes to automate complex tasks, speed R&D, accelerate decision-making, and ultimately improve patient outcomes. And truthfully, we’ve only just scratched the surface.
“AI is evolving at breakneck speed, and every leader needs to take ownership of their understanding. It’s not just a tech initiative; it’s a strategic imperative. AI won’t replace leadership, but it will redefine it. The leaders who lean in, stay curious and explore how AI can unlock value will be the ones who shape what’s next.”
More than one way to lead
As a woman in such a prominent role, Karen says she has enjoyed being part of the growing number of women in senior positions in the sector. “When I started out, there were only a handful of women in senior leadership roles. Today, it’s encouraging to see so many female general managers in the Irish pharmaceutical sector, and even more inspiring to see a woman leading as Minister for Health.”
It’s a change that has consequences not only for these individual leaders, but provides opportunity to prove there is more than one way to lead. “For women especially, I think it’s important to know that you don’t have to lead like anyone else to succeed,” Karen says. “You can lead with empathy, with authenticity, and in your own way. The more we see women in senior roles, the more we redefine what leadership looks like – and that’s something I’m proud to be part of.”
Mentoring future leaders
She says that throughout her career, she has received advice and mentorship from women and men that she’s worked with, and is passionate about continuing that cycle. “Many of the people I mentor are women, and I see firsthand the ambition, talent, and potential they bring. My goal is to help them see what’s possible, support them as they navigate their careers, and encourage them to lead with confidence and authenticity.”
Karen’s vast experience means she has plenty of advice to pass onto others in this industry, but for any young women in the field, she urges them to say yes to every opportunity, even if it seems daunting. “Build your skills, face challenges head-on, and enjoy the journey. Believe in your voice, stay true to who you are, and surround yourself with people who lift you up. Careers are rarely linear, so be patient with yourself, stay open, and keep moving forward.”
Finding a sense of purpose
Her own career proves the power in having a range of skills and experiences, and she says that the multifaceted nature of her job is one of the things that brings her joy. “I’m a people person, so I genuinely get my energy from working with others. One of the most rewarding parts of my role is the variety – collaborating with internal teams, engaging with external stakeholders, and solving complex problems together. There’s a real sense of purpose in what we do, and I find great satisfaction in knowing that our collective efforts make a meaningful difference for patients.”
Company culture
Another cornerstone of good business is having that all-important sense of community, which they’ve got in spades at BMS Ireland. “It has a family feel that’s both welcoming and energising. People genuinely know and support one another, and that connection extends across all levels of the organisation.”
“What unites us is our shared purpose: ensuring patients in Ireland have access to innovative medicines. That mission drives everything we do and creates a powerful sense of alignment and accountability. We hold ourselves to high standards, especially when it comes to integrity and delivering on our commitments, but we also know the value of supporting one another along the way.”
Learnings from a leader
One piece of advice that’s stayed with Karen came early in her career, after she didn’t get a marketing role. The hiring manager said:
“You need to be pulled by your dreams, not driven by circumstance.”
That line became a personal mantra for her. It reminded her to stay focused on the bigger picture, to let ambition and purpose guide her path, rather than reacting to short-term outcomes. It’s a gem she regularly passes on to fellow businesswomen, as well as:
- “Say yes to opportunities, even the ones that scare you. Growth happens outside your comfort zone. Build your skills, face challenges head-on, and enjoy the journey.”
- “Believe in your voice, stay true to who you are, and surround yourself with people who lift you up. Seek mentors, stay curious, and never stop learning. Careers are rarely linear, so be patient with yourself, stay open, and keep moving forward.”
- “There’s space for you to lead, to innovate, and to make a real difference.”
To learn more about Bristol Myers Squibb and its B-Now PBRG initiative, visit bms.com/ie.
Photography by Kieran Harnett
NO-IE-2500025 | August 2025
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