I’m excited to introduce Heather Landesman, one of our amazing Directors of Advertising Sales!
Heather is a seasoned business development leader with extensive experience in the pharma and life sciences industries. Known for building lasting partnerships and driving meaningful results, she helps our clients strengthen their impact with strategic, data-driven campaigns.
Read on for her full interview.
To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about your role as Director of Advertising Sales?
Heather: In my role, I collaborate closely with pharmaceutical and medical device teams, as well as their agencies, to design and implement high-performing advertising programs. I’m deeply committed to building trusted, long-term relationships with my clients by listening closely to their needs and delivering tailored solutions that drive meaningful results.
What led you to a career in advertising, and how have your personal interests shaped your professional path?
Heather: I found my way into advertising thanks to a referral from my close friend Dana, who knew how passionate I was about sales. At the time, I was working in sales at Revlon. She was already in advertising and thought it would be a great fit for me. I began my journey at a travel magazine, but after 9/11, the industry took a major hit. Around that same time, my husband became a paramedic and one of my best friends became a nurse practitioner. Their work inspired me to explore a career that could make a meaningful impact in healthcare. I wanted to contribute to improving patient outcomes, and medical publishing turned out to be the perfect intersection of my love for sales and my desire to support better healthcare. It allowed me to channel my skills into something that truly mattered.
What made BulletinHealthcare the right fit for you?
Heather: It was the people and the purpose. I’ve always believed that who you work with matters just as much as what you’re working on. At BulletinHealthcare, I found a team of smart, collaborative, and genuinely good people. And even in advertising, we’re contributing to something bigger: improving care and patient outcomes by delivering timely, relevant information to healthcare professionals. That alignment of values and impact made it an easy decision.
From your perspective, how does BulletinHealthcare deliver value to its clients?
Heather: While there are plenty of options available to reach HCPs, what sets BulletinHealthcare apart is our direct email delivery to verified association members, combined with advanced targeting capabilities and consistently high engagement rates. All with no minimum spend required.
With your extensive background in pharma advertising, what major shifts have you seen recently, and how have they influenced the way you approach medical communications and business growth?
Heather: One of the most significant shifts I’ve seen in pharma advertising is the increasing importance of data. We’ve moved from broad messaging to highly targeted, data-driven communications that allow us to reach HCPs with precision and relevance. I now approach medical communications by emphasizing personalization and measurable impact. It’s no longer just about delivering a message; it’s about delivering the right message, at the right time, through the right channel.
Looking ahead, what opportunities or challenges do you think the pharma industry will face?
Heather: I see both exciting opportunities and complex challenges for the pharma industry. On the opportunity side, advancements in AI, personalized medicine, and real-world evidence are transforming how we engage with healthcare professionals. These innovations allow for more targeted, meaningful communications and more data-informed strategies.
At the same time, the industry faces challenges around regulatory scrutiny, misinformation, and the need for greater transparency. For me, this means staying informed, leaning into innovation, and always keeping the end goal in mind: improving patient outcomes.
How do you keep yourself informed about the latest industry developments?
Heather: Morning briefings of course! I read STAT+ Pharmalittle, Fierce Pharma, Fierce Biotech, and of course, BulletinHealthcare’s Healthcare Marketing Daily.
Do you have any fun hobbies or surprising talents that readers might not know about?
Heather: I make jewelry in my spare time, and if I’m wearing a piece, there’s about a 98% chance I made it myself. It started as a creative hobby and grew into something more meaningful when my mom retired. We launched a small business together nearly 17 years ago. It’s been a wonderful way for us to stay connected. She keeps busy, I get a creative outlet, and we both love the process. From attending bead shows in NYC to trading materials and giving each other feedback, it’s a shared passion that brings us joy and keeps our creativity flowing.
What drives you in your work and life?
Heather: What drives me in both work and life is a strong sense of purpose and personal accountability. I’m an Upholder (The Four Tendencies Quiz), which means I’m motivated by both internal goals and external expectations. I thrive when I have clarity, structure, and a meaningful mission. Whether that’s delivering value to clients, supporting my team, or pursuing creative outlets outside of work,I’m energized by progress, and I find fulfillment in doing what I say I’ll do, especially when it contributes to something bigger than myself.
Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Heather: I started a book club almost a decade ago, and we’ve met every single month since…no exceptions. It’s one of the most rewarding commitments I’ve made outside of work. What began as a casual gathering of friends who love to read (and drink wine) has grown into a tight-knit group that thrives on thoughtful discussion, diverse perspectives, and a shared love of storytelling. I’m always on the hunt for our next great read, so if you have, please share. And if you ever need a book recommendation, I’ve got plenty—across genres, moods, and themes. Just say the word!
To learn more, or if you have a question of your own for Heather, we’d love to get connected!
Marketing Associate
