Learnings from building a-connect’s Life Sciences practice:
A Coffee Chat with Jasmin Patel

1. Coffee or tea?

I’ve never really been inclined toward either tea or coffee. That said, those who know me well will know I’ve developed a bit of a soft spot for Starbucks Frappuccinos.

2. You’ve spent 13 years building and serving clients at a-connect. As you step back from day-to-day client service, what feels most meaningful to you?

I’m deeply grateful that a-connect has been such a powerful platform; one that allowed me to have an amplified impact, build lasting relationships across sectors, companies, and geographies, and gain valuable entrepreneurial experience.

• The impact at scale: The impact stands out most clearly: supporting more than 20 big pharma and biotech launches; shepherding over 10+ years the journey of cell therapies to the commercialization of curative cancer treatments; and contributing to a global post‑merger integration and transformation effort spanning more than five years. These experiences not only impacted client outcomes, they also shaped the evolution of a‑connect’s Life Science practice.
• The people dimension: Equally meaningful has been the energy drawn from working with diverse clients on complex challenges, solving problems together in ways that build trust and create lasting, human relationships across geographies and cultures.
• The entrepreneurial journey: And then there is the entrepreneurial experience itself: trying new things, winning and failing, building teams, and, at times, having to let go. This experiential learning curve has been foundational to building a resilient and relevant Life Science practice over time.

None of this would have been possible without the incredible a-connect network of consultants, and the outstanding colleagues I’ve had the privilege to work alongside around the world.

3. When you look back, what are you proudest of, personally and for a-connect?

Personally, I’m proud not just of growing a business, but of helping people grow.

It brings me real joy to see how far many a-connectors have come. Individuals who joined us as interns or associates have grown into client service partners within the firm, while others who chose a different path have built successful careers across biopharma, medtech, healthcare, professional services, and beyond. If I’ve played even a small but catalytic role in those journeys, that’s something I value deeply and, like any good catalyst, I hope to play that role again in my next act.

From a company perspective, a-connect today is a Life Sciences-first consultancy. While we retain tremendous breadth and a diverse consultant pool serving clients across sectors and functions, the majority of our work now sits squarely within Life Sciences. That was far from the case when I joined in 2013. Through sustained effort and the strategic evolution of our capabilities, we’ve become a trusted partner for all but one of the top 20 global pharma companies, as well as many biotech organizations. Along the way, we’ve also expanded our client base to include CDMOs, generics, diagnostics, animal health, consumer health, and medtech players.

4. What’s one principle you never compromise on – “Jasmin’s way of working”- that will live on at a-connect?

I find it hard to cite one thing, but maybe it was this combination of things: a strong work ethic, an uncompromising focus on quality, and an emphasis on responsiveness.

5. Outside of a-connect, where will you invest your time and energy?

I’ve been very fortunate in my career, experiencing the richness of an Act 1 in science and medicines, an Act 2 in business and investing, and an Act 3 in consulting and entrepreneurship.

Act 4 isn’t retirement, but another pivot. For now, that means learning new skills while paying forward what I’ve gained over the years. I’m particularly interested in exploring work that is more physical and hands on, in contrast to the largely cerebral nature of most of my past roles.

At the same time, mentoring will remain important to me, whether that’s supporting biotech ventures, advising professionals in services firms, or contributing through non profit work. What this looks like may evolve, but the intent is clear.

6. What advice would you give the next generation of consultants?

First, always look to stay a step ahead of your clients. That was true 25 years ago when I was a young consultant, and it remains just as true today.

Second, adopt an ownership mindset. Treat the work you do as if it is your business. Ask yourself what you would do, whether you’re solving a client problem or shaping how you show up within the firm and with your colleagues.

And finally, practice curiosity driven problem solving. Develop a genuine thirst for knowledge. Ask questions. Learn and experiment with new tools. Over time, all of this becomes part of your unique consulting superpower.

On behalf of a-connect, our colleagues, and consultants thank you, Jasmin, for your leadership, trust, and enduring impact.

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