In a recent poll conducted by Parsity Group, we asked our network a simple but powerful question:

“What’s the most underrated leadership quality essential for success in pharma today?”

The results were revealing and may surprise some:

• Emotional Intelligence / Empathy – 52%
• Resilience & Adaptability – 25%
• Cross-functional Collaboration – 20%
• Digital Fluency / Tech Savvy – 2%

So, what do these results really tell us about the pharmaceutical leadership landscape in 2025? And why do so many professionals see emotional intelligence, not digital skills, as the key differentiator for success?

1. Emotional Intelligence Is No Longer “Soft”, It’s Strategic

Over half of the respondents identified empathy and emotional intelligence (EI) as the most undervalued yet essential leadership trait. In a sector known for science, systems, and scale, this emphasis on human connection is both timely and telling.

EI is about more than being a “people person.” It underpins a leader’s ability to:

• Navigate complex stakeholder relationships
• Motivate and retain high-performing teams under pressure
• Manage change in emotionally intelligent, inclusive ways
• Influence cross-functional decisions with nuance and trust

In today’s pharma landscape, marked by M&A integration, transformation, and increasing remote and hybrid dynamics, leaders who can inspire, empathise, and communicate authentically are rising to the top.

2. Resilience and Adaptability: The Post-Pandemic Must-Have

Coming in second with 25% of the vote, resilience and adaptability continue to define what outstanding leadership looks like in an unpredictable world. Whether it’s navigating supply chain disruption, shifting regulatory frameworks, or financial restructuring, leaders are being tested in real-time.

What’s clear is that the ability to stay composed under pressure, pivot strategies, and guide teams through uncertainty has moved from “nice-to-have” to non-negotiable.

3. Collaboration Over Command

At 20%, cross-functional collaboration was also highlighted as an underrated trait. In increasingly matrixed, globalised organisations, success rarely happens in silos. Leaders must be able to:

• Partner across regulatory, R&D, commercial, and technical functions
• Build consensus across regions, business units, and cultures
• Navigate competing priorities and shared accountability

The ability to work with, not just above, is now a mark of highly effective leadership,especially in the generics and biosimilars industry, where operational complexity meets regulatory pressure.

4. Digital Fluency Still Lags as a Priority

Interestingly, only 2% of respondents chose digital fluency as the most underrated skill. This could suggest that digital transformation in pharma, while essential, is now considered table stakes. Or that leadership qualities rooted in mindset, people, and adaptability are perceived as more complex to teach and therefore more valuable in a hiring decision.

What This Means for Executive Search

At Parsity Group, these insights align with what we see daily in our executive searches across generics, specialty pharma, and biosimilars. Clients want leaders who are:

• Technically strong, yes, but also emotionally intelligent
• Able to unify teams, adapt quickly, and lead with resilience
• Focused not only on operational outcomes but also on human impact

We use behavioural assessments like DiSC, structured interviews, and culture-fit mapping to ensure that these “underrated” qualities don’t go unnoticed. If you’re looking to elevate your business with new executive leadership, please contact us today.