Betsabeh Madani-Hermann is recognized as a visionary leader, wielding a rare blend of deep technical expertise and transformative strategy. Joining Philips first in January 2022 as one of its Heads of Strategy and Business Development, Betsabeh was asked to become Philips’ new Global Head of Research in early 2023. That was no surprise, as she brought with her an impressive track record across diverse functions and fields, including healthcare, biotech, cleantech and robotics. She was entrusted with leading breakthrough and exploratory innovations and refining global public-private partnerships for success. With clarity of purpose, her leadership is recalibrating the path forward and directly tackling the company's innovators’ dilemma.
For anyone not aware, Betsabeh’s current position is groundbreaking. She is the first female head of research in Philips’ 131-year history.
"Being in this position is a responsibility,” Betsabeh reflects. “It is a privilege to have this platform, and I have been determined to make a difference.”
Betsabeh’s lifelong passion for learning began as a child, fueled by an early fascination with science and exploration.
Born in Iran, a land that birthed intellectual giants such as Avicenna, Khwarizmi and Omar Khayyam – whose legacies in science, philosophy and mathematics continue to resonate worldwide – Betsabeh’s early years were steeped in a rich cultural and scholarly heritage, even as she grew up amidst the region’s challenging geopolitical tensions.
Her fascination with understanding how things work began young; she fondly recalls dismantling the family television multiple times to see its inner workings.
Her parents cultivated an environment that encouraged her natural curiosity, and their encouragement led Betsabeh to the world of books, sparing the television and sparking a lifelong love of learning. “My role models came from books,” she recalls. “At nine, I dreamed of inventing something groundbreaking, inspired by people like Louis Pasteur, Rhazes and Edward Jenner.” Reading about Richard Feynman and Marie Curie, she saw in them a path she might pursue.
When her family later immigrated to Canada, Betsabeh embraced new opportunities while overcoming the challenges of unfamiliar surroundings. She lacked the networks, guidance, mentors and support systems others may take for granted. She adapted with resilience, bridging East and West, valuing science as a universal language that transcends boundaries.
At the University of Victoria, her ambition took a pioneering turn: while studying quantum physics and relativity, she stumbled across The Human Genome Project. Intrigued, she pursued it further and became the first student there to study both physical and life sciences studies simultaneously. Later, she pivoted from her initial PhD. research in proteomics to a master's in engineering. She learned the hard truth: academic mentorship mattered just as much as the research project. Years later, her face still lights up when discussing the recent Nobel prize in protein folding or the discoveries in physics, and she recalls her favorite Physics Professor, Dr. Michel Lefebvre as a brilliant and inspiring teacher.
Betsabeh’s path has been defined by a willingness to pivot and pursue new challenges. Her first role was at a biophysics startup, which nurtured her entrepreneurial side. Following that, at a fast-paced Canadian Center of Excellence, she learned to create, scale and align diverse incentives across academia, industry and government.
Four years later, fueled by an insatiable love of learning, she returned to the classroom, building on her science and engineering background. Attending Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business in New Hampshire, she discovered a like-minded community and expanded her skills in strategy, leadership and finance.
Betsabeh’s career over the next decade included corporate strategy and operations, founding and investing in startups, and, briefly, consulting. With this blend of experiences, she joined Philips in 2022, resetting the strategic plans and helping businesses make difficult but necessary choices.
In 2023, Betsabeh was asked to build a transformative research environment. Her first tasks were seen as near “impossible” to achieve, but she was able to deliver using an innovative game plan. “With the right team, creativity and grit, impossible tasks become achievable,” Betsabeh said. “We examined every detail like forensic specialists and acted as one team.”
After establishing the research environment, she shifted her focus to launching a new exploratory program that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship across the company, cross-pollinating worldwide talent and ideas. After only nine months, the program had its first “explorations” used by customers bearing tangible results.
As Head of Research, her approach includes scrutinizing funding models to ensure focused investments are made in projects that meet Philips’ core strategies. “Drawing on the wisdom of past experiences, as well as insights from visionary entrepreneurs and investors, we prioritize quality over quantity, nurturing initiatives that have the potential to shape the future,” she said.
Beyond her professional role, Betsabeh uses her platform to support the next generation. Reflecting on the challenges she faced without early mentorship, she is committed to providing guidance and opportunities for others, especially women and underrepresented groups.
Since joining Philips, she has initiated informal gatherings to foster connections and break down barriers, often asking, “Does everyone here know each other?” She sees each “no” as a reminder of her mission to create a more interconnected network that empowers future leaders.
Her drive to build bridges is evident not only in her work but also in her approach to leadership. By founding an internal R&D forum, she is bringing together brilliant minds across Philips to unlock untapped potential.
Like many strong, ambitious women, Betsabeh has encountered adversity along the way. At times, her outspoken approach, confidence and high energy have been met with resistance. Yet she remains undeterred. “I’ve learned that a clear vision and grit can often turn challenges into strengths,” she said.
Betsabeh is not easily fazed. Cerner's founding CEO, Neal Patterson, saw this early and wrote how impressed he was with her “can-do, will-do attitude and execution power … even in the face of a lot of egos and ambiguity." A decade later, Betsabeh continues to forge paths and connect dots, navigating life's curveballs.
A favorite quote by Rumi: “If you are irritated by every rub, how will your mirror ever be polished?” serves as a reminder for her to stay resilient. “I’ve faced sacrifices, not only my own but also my family’s,” Betsabeh said. “Standing beside anyone who is making a difference, the presence of a loved one can lighten the load, be it a parent, a spouse, a friend or even the pure love of a child.”
Betsabeh’s life has been one of constant learning―from people, books and real-world experimentation. She understands the value of a good leader and speaks highly of the leader she currently reports to as “empathetic, competent and intelligent.”
Betsabeh’s commitment to her own team is clear. “I’m invested in helping my team build a reputation as stars – one that will open doors and create lifelong opportunities for them.” Inspired by Sydney Finkelstein’s Superbosses, she believes great leaders not only elevate their teams but also empower them to thrive independently.
Drawing from Maya Angelou’s wisdom, "My mission is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” Betsabeh fashions her own approach to leadership with this in mind as she nurtures a dynamic and ambitious team of “stars” at Philips.
Whether pioneering innovations, lifting others or building partnerships across organizations, her leadership style is one that inspires, challenges and compels others to rise to new heights. Betsabeh embraces the Wide Lens of strategic thinking that Ron Adner advocates for in another of her favorite books, Winning the Right Game. Her ability to adapt when boundaries shift and rule changes while focusing on meaningful partnerships and long-term objectives are central to her way of leading.
Betsabeh’s journey is far from over … in fact, it has only just begun. Her drive to question, innovate and push the boundaries has already shown remarkable results.
With an unwavering commitment to innovation, team empowerment and meaningful impact, she will continue to build bridges across organizations and industries. Her career will be a testament to resilience, adaptability and the power of a bold vision.