Back to School? Investing in Herself, Inspiring Others: Dr. Sammi Tang’s Path Through the MIT Executive MBA
Erik Bloomquist (Merck) and Maria Kudela (Pfizer)
Highlights
Be inspired by Dr. Sammi Tang’s bold decision to pursue an Executive MBA while serving as a senior global R&D leader—demonstrating that it’s never too late to learn, grow, and lead with vision.
Learn how Dr. Tang successfully balanced a high-impact global role, family life, and the rigorous MIT Sloan EMBA program—proving that with the right support and purpose, transformation is possible at any stage.
Explore how the MIT Sloan EMBA shaped her strategic thinking, broadened her business perspective, and empowered her to lead with even greater impact across science, innovation, and enterprise.
An Industry Leader’s Perspective on the MIT Sloan Executive MBA Experience
Dr. Rui (Sammi) Tang is a visionary pharmaceutical leader with a track record of building high-performing teams, driving innovation, and leveraging data science to accelerate drug development. She serves as the Senior Vice President and Global Head of Quantitative Sciences and Evidence Generation (QSEG) at Astellas Pharmaceuticals, where she leads global teams across quantitative analytics, epidemiology, real-world evidence (RWE), biostatistics, programming, medical writing, scientific communication, data systems & enablement, and data management. In addition, she is the Site Head of the Astellas Life Sciences Center (ALSC) in Cambridge, overseeing cross-functional collaboration among R&D, business development, and external partners to foster innovation in a vibrant biotech ecosystem. Dr. Tang is a pioneer in integrating Generative AI for regulatory and clinical trial documentation, AI/ML-driven analytics, and external data utilization, transforming the way clinical trials are designed and executed. Before joining Astellas, she served as Vice President and Global Head of Biometrics at Servier Pharmaceuticals, where she led AI-driven analytics initiatives and global biometrics teams. At Shire Pharmaceuticals, she was the Therapeutic Area Head of Biostatistics, overseeing multiple indications across development stages. Earlier in her career, she held roles of increasing responsibility at Vertex, Amgen, Mayo Clinic, and Merck, contributing to the advancement of transformative therapies. To date, the therapies approved through her work—either directly or under her leadership—are improving the lives of millions of patients daily around the world. Beyond her corporate leadership, Dr. Tang is an Adjunct Professor at Yale University School of Public Health and the co-founder of DahShu, a non-profit advancing data science education with over 5,000 members globally. She holds a PhD in Statistical Genetics from Michigan Technological University and an Executive MBA from MIT Sloan. With 50+ peer-reviewed publications and multiple patents in adaptive trial design and precision medicine, she remains at the forefront of statistical innovation in drug development.
In 2022, despite an already demanding career, Sammi decided to take on an additional challenge—returning to school for an Executive MBA at MIT Sloan School of Management. What motivated her to do so at this stage in her career? What has she gained from the experience? And what advice does she have for statisticians considering an MBA?
We sat down with Dr. Sammi Tang to learn more about her journey.
What motivated you to go back to school at this point in your career?
First, thank you for the opportunity to share my story! Interestingly, some of my peers told me recently that they pursued an EMBA or other advanced programs after hearing about my journey—and they absolutely loved it. Some chose business programs like an MBA or EMBA, while others pursued medical or law programs, or specialized technical certifications. It was rewarding to know that my decision helped push them to take the leap. I hope my experience can help others as well.
When I decided to enroll at MIT Sloan, I was already a VP and Global Head at Servier, leading teams across multiple functions and regions. I had built a team from scratch in the U.S. while inheriting global teams that required major transformation, a new vision and mission, and the establishment of a strong network. At the same time, I was heavily involved in company acquisitions, making the job even more demanding.
Despite the intensity of my role, I’ve always been someone who thrives on learning. I had considered an EMBA for years, knowing it would be a part of my long-term development plan. Even though the timing wasn’t “perfect” (is it ever?), I made it work, because I knew it would help me grow as a leader.
How did the program impact your career? Were your expectations met?
I pursued the EMBA for long-term career development, not for an immediate job change. However, the transformation was profound.
At the end of the program, we had a career planning session, where students shared their goals. Some aimed for entrepreneurship, others wanted career pivots, and some sought promotions. For me, it wasn’t about a specific outcome—it was about investing in myself.
The program exceeded my expectations in multiple ways:
Stronger business acumen: Now, when I engage with finance teams or corporate strategy, I immediately grasp their perspectives.
A broader leadership lens: When reviewing portfolio plans, I have a clearer vision of where my team fits and how we create value.
An entrepreneurial mindset in a corporate setting: I see myself as a strategic leader shaping the future of drug development, not just driving R&D innovation.
The biggest shift? I no longer see my role only through the lens of R&D—I think about sustainability, investment, and long-term business strategy.
Why did you choose an EMBA over other programs?
For me, it was always going to be a full Executive MBA (EMBA), not just a short-term business course or an MBA fellowship. I wasn’t looking for a surface-level experience—I wanted a complete mindset shift.
At my level, I was already involved in high-level business strategy discussions. But I wanted to understand the business beyond R&D, to see the full picture of drug development as an enterprise. Even when reviewing financial reports, I sometimes felt I wasn’t fully grasping the nuances. I wanted to bridge that gap.
That said, the EMBA path is highly personal. Some people take an MBA to change careers entirely. Others go into epidemiology, law, medical programs, or even the arts. I had a former statistics colleague who became a therapist after completing a medical program! The key is to know why you’re doing it and what you want from it.
How did you balance school with work and personal life?
Balancing an Executive MBA with a demanding job and personal responsibilities was not easy. Before committing, I had to carefully evaluate whether I had the right support system in place and how I would manage my time effectively.
Family support was critical. I discussed this decision with my spouse and family early on because it required sacrifices—not just from me, but from them as well. There were weeks when school had to take priority over family time, and their unwavering support made all the difference.
Company support was equally important. I was fortunate that my employer not only backed my decision but also provided financial sponsorship and the flexibility needed to balance both commitments. My leadership team recognized that this program would bring value back to the company, which allowed me to integrate my learning directly into my work.
Even with strong support, time management was key. I had a lot on my plate:
A global leadership role with frequent travel
External commitments with industry groups
Personal passions like badminton, skiing, and travel
Two young kids and an active social network
Since I didn’t want to give up any of these, I had to plan my time strategically. The MIT EMBA is a fully in-person program, and MIT does not allow remote learning. Some of my classmates flew in from Asia, the Middle East, and Europe every two weeks to attend—seeing their dedication was incredibly inspiring.
For those considering an EMBA or any intensive program, my advice is:
Have open conversations with your family. Their encouragement will be essential.
Engage your employer early. If your company values leadership development, they may offer sponsorship or flexibility.
Be realistic about sacrifices. Your free time will be limited, but it’s a short-term investment for a long-term gain.
Leverage your classmates. Many are facing the same challenges, and having a peer support system makes a huge difference.
Despite the challenges, I wouldn’t change a thing. The experience was truly transformational, and the effort was absolutely worth it.
What were some key lessons you learned, and how has the MIT Sloan alumni network helped you after graduation?
The EMBA experience transformed my thinking in unexpected ways, providing valuable insights that continue to shape my career. One of the most impactful lessons was learning to see organizations as interconnected ecosystems through the course on system dynamics. It helped me think beyond individual functions and understand how different elements within a company interact.
Another key takeaway was the importance of negotiation and executive communication. Through real boardroom simulations, I developed skills that I now use daily in high-stakes discussions. The ability to navigate complex conversations, align stakeholders, and present ideas persuasively has proven invaluable.
The program also gave me a global business perspective. Working with classmates from over 40 industries—including tech, finance, healthcare, and energy—broadened my understanding of decision-making across different sectors. These interactions challenged me to think beyond the pharmaceutical industry and approach problems from multiple angles.
Even as a statistician, I gained new insights into data-driven decision-making. The curriculum emphasized not just technical analytics but also how to use data for business impact. Understanding financial and strategic implications has helped me align quantitative approaches with corporate objectives more effectively.
Some of the most valuable courses included:
System Dynamics – Understanding businesses as interconnected systems
Negotiation & Executive Communication – Practical skills for boardroom discussions
Global Strategy & Leadership – Decision-making across industries and markets
Financial Analysis & Corporate Strategy – Aligning financial insights with business decisions
Operations & Supply Chain Management – Enhancing efficiency and scalability
Entrepreneurial Mindset & Innovation – Driving change beyond traditional corporate structures
Marketing & Business Impact – Aligning marketing with long-term business sustainability
Beyond the coursework, the caliber of MIT professors made the experience even more special. Some classes were taught by Nobel Laureates and industry leaders, providing deep discussions that extended beyond traditional learning.
A lasting benefit of the EMBA is the strength of the MIT Sloan alumni network. Wherever I travel for business, I can always connect with alumni in that city. The network serves as a powerful sounding board where I can exchange ideas with peers who are equally driven. It has strengthened my career growth, offering mentorship, insights, and even potential business opportunities.
Overall, the EMBA experience was not just about gaining knowledge—it reshaped my leadership approach, expanded my network, and provided lifelong connections that continue to impact my career.
Any advice for those considering an MBA or other programs?
The most important thing is to be clear about why you want to do it. Are you looking for career advancement, new skills, a stronger network, or a complete transformation? Your motivation will help determine if an MBA is the right choice and which type of program fits best. An executive MBA is ideal for experienced professionals balancing work, while a full-time MBA is better suited for those seeking a major career shift. There are also specialized programs in areas like data science, finance, and public health, which may be a better fit depending on your career goals.
Having a strong support system is essential. An MBA is a big commitment, so discussing it with your family is important, as the time commitment will affect them too. Employer support can also make a big difference, whether through financial assistance or workplace flexibility. I was fortunate to have both, which made managing the workload much easier.
Choosing a top-tier school adds significant long-term value. The education, exposure to world-class faculty—including Nobel Laureates—and access to a strong alumni network provide lifelong benefits. Years after graduation, I still rely on my MIT Sloan network for mentorship, professional advice, and new opportunities. The network you build is just as valuable as the coursework itself.
How was the application process? Was it difficult?
The application process requires preparation, but it’s manageable. Some EMBA programs require the GMAT, so planning ahead is important if that applies.
Strong recommendation letters are key. They should come from people who truly understand your leadership style, achievements, and potential. A mix of senior leaders and mentors who can provide a well-rounded perspective is ideal.
The essays are where you can differentiate yourself. Each school has a unique culture, so it’s important to tailor your responses rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. Schools aren’t just looking for impressive resumes—they want individuals who will bring unique perspectives and contribute to the learning experience.
For me, writing the essays was a valuable exercise in self-reflection. I didn’t just highlight past achievements but also explained how I planned to grow and contribute to the program. If you approach the application with a clear vision and genuine enthusiasm, it won’t feel like a hurdle—it will be the first step toward an incredible experience.
Final Thoughts: Was It Worth It?
Looking back, was it worth it?
Absolutely.
I would do it all over again.
This experience changed the way I think, the way I lead, and the way I contribute to my industry. If you’re considering an MBA, think big, be bold, and invest in yourself.
As our conversation came to an end, we couldn't help but feel inspired by Dr. Sammi Tang's journey and the impact of her Executive MBA experience at MIT Sloan School of Management. Her unwavering commitment to continuous learning, innovation, and leadership serves as a beacon for professionals across industries. Dr. Tang's story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the importance of investing in oneself. We hope her insights and experiences resonate with our readers and encourage them to pursue their own paths of growth and development.