Martha Clambaneva: Emboldened Women Business Leaders in 2022

Martha Clambaneva
Purchasing Manager, Remedica

‘My mission as a Purchasing Manager is to remain well informed about the changes in the market of raw materials and to keep close communication with our suppliers. In this way we will be able to take the relevant actions that will help us to overcome this hard period with the best possible outcome. I never confuse confidence with arrogance, and am always open, positive, and courteous even with the most difficult individuals, finding solutions through effective and interactive discussions’

Martha Clambaneva’s professional career started in the Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector in 1998 as a Purchasing Officer, and 3 years later she was promoted to Purchasing Manager. Martha has invested to her personal development with continuous education in the fields of supply chain management, inventory planning, leadership, coaching and emotional intelligence. Having more than 20 years of experience working as a Purchasing Manager, she moved to the challenging world of pharmaceuticals in April 2020.

Tell us about your company.
“Remedica is a pharmaceutical company located in Cyprus with export activities in more than 160 countries. Founded in 1980, it went through various development stages and is now specialising in the development, production, and sale of high-quality, safe, and useful pharmaceutical products for human use. Our range consists of a product portfolio of more than 300 generic, branded generic and over the counter products.
2022 is expected to be a difficult year. We already started facing massive increases on the costs of raw materials and freight rates. In addition, the shortages and increased lead times from suppliers suggests that procurement and controlling the inbound cost will be an even more difficult task. Despite the challenges, our vision remains the same: A healthier world through our high quality, safe and useful products at affordable prices.”

What is the biggest factor that helped you be successful?
“There are many factors that I believe have helped me be successful. However, I believe the factor that helped me the most is that I am never competitive with other people. I am competitive only with myself. I never confuse confidence with arrogance, and am always open, positive, and courteous even with the most difficult individuals, finding solutions through effective and interactive discussions. I behave with integrity and kindness, and focus on being good at my work, never doubting myself, and never overthinking. With this approach, people see a qualified, trustful, and dependable individual, including one they wish to work with.”

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
“I was fortunate enough to have a lot of advice that helped me during my career, from the early stages until now. The advice received, allowed me to further my knowledge and experience, build business relationships, find work-life balance, take challenges and risks, and not to compare myself with others. However, I believe the best advice I can give to new generation is to believe in themselves, be self-confident, and motivated. Women must realise that they are more capable than what they believe, and smarter than they think. Climbing the corporate ladder is only a matter of time. I will never forget one of my mentors who advised me the following: ‘When you realise what you are capable of, you will understand how much more you can achieve.”’

Do or did you have a woman leader as a mentor or are there specific women who inspired you and why?
“In my professional life I had two men and one woman as mentors. They all invested in my learning progress through the years, but the bonding with the woman mentor was much stronger. Her strong character, excellence at work, and her passion for perfection was an inspiration for me. She pushed me several times outside my comfort zone and helped me develop strong leadership skills. She gave me the emotional support when needed and trained me to make the right decisions. She would often share her knowledge and life experiences to help me develop as an individual, and professional.”

What do you think helped you the most to make a career as a woman?
“The constant lessons and support received by my mother and husband. I was raised watching my mother – a tough woman, going through the obstacles and difficulties of life successfully. She would never give up and always made plans to achieve her goals. Her actions encouraged me to be the woman I am today.
“My husband’s contribution, on the other hand, is priceless. He has been a tremendous support throughout my career, from the very beginning.”