Mastering the Art of Managing Up: Insights from Debra Bruneau

Effective communication is the foundation of career success—especially when it comes to managing up. Whether you're influencing senior leadership, ensuring your contributions are recognised, or simply navigating workplace dynamics, mastering the skill of strategic communication can transform your career trajectory.

In our latest Elevate: Women Leading the Way in Pharma Outsourcing podcast episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Debra Vasques Bruneau, Executive Vice President of Human Resources at JSR Life Sciences. With over 20 years of experience partnering with C-suite leaders, Debra has a deep understanding of how to build high-performing teams and create value through people.

What Does It Really Mean to Manage Up?

Managing up isn’t just about impressing your boss—it’s about effective communication with decision-makers at all levels. As Debra puts it:

"If you Google managing up, I don't exactly agree with the definition. It's really about how you communicate—whether that's up, down, or across the organization. It’s about understanding your audience and delivering the right message in the right way."

Key takeaway? Managing up is less about hierarchy and more about strategic communication.

The Challenges of Managing Up—and How to Overcome Them

Navigating conversations with senior leaders or difficult managers can be daunting. But Debra offers actionable strategies to build confidence and improve communication:

• Know your audience – Understand what motivates them and how they prefer to receive information. Some leaders want data-driven insights, while others prefer a concise headline followed by details.
• Be intentional – Every interaction, whether a one-on-one or a large presentation, should have a purpose. What do you need from this conversation? What is the goal?
• Practice strategic brevity – Senior leaders are often short on time. Make your points clear, concise, and actionable. Avoid unnecessary details and lead with the key message.
• Seek feedback – Ask trusted colleagues or mentors for guidance on communication styles and meeting expectations.
• Prepare for difficult conversations – If a leader is challenging to engage with, try different communication methods (email, face-to-face, informal chats) and seek allies who can provide insight on their preferences.

Gaining Visibility & Recognition in a Fast-Paced Industry

For women in pharma outsourcing—a field that remains predominantly male—visibility is critical. Debra acknowledges that self-advocacy can feel uncomfortable, but she encourages professionals to own their accomplishments:

• Frame your success as if you were advocating for a colleague. Women often find it easier to celebrate others’ achievements than their own. Shift your mindset and speak about your accomplishments with the same enthusiasm.‍
• Document wins throughout the year. Don’t wait until performance reviews—find ways to highlight your impact in real time, whether through sharing insights in meetings, forwarding positive feedback to managers, or contributing to company-wide discussions.

Aligning Personal Career Goals with Company Strategy

Understanding the bigger picture of your organization’s goals helps position you as a strategic thinker. Debra advises professionals to:‍

• ‍Ask questions. Seek clarity on how your role contributes to broader company objectives. If leadership hasn’t clearly communicated goals, take the initiative to find out.‍
• Engage cross-functionally. Talk to leaders in different departments to understand their priorities. Expanding your business acumen will make you a more valuable team member.‍
• Treat career development like a project plan. Define where you want to go, identify the skills required, and take proactive steps to get there—whether through mentorship, training, or stretch assignments.

Final Takeaway: Confidence Comes from Preparation

When asked what advice she would give her younger self, Debra shared this:

“Be true to yourself. Don’t try to fit into a company mold—you're here for a reason. Keep learning, stay curious, and give yourself grace. Every step, even the failures, is part of the journey.”

Managing up is more than just a skill—it’s a mindset that allows you to take control of your career, communicate with impact, and build relationships that drive success.

Listen to the full episode to hear more of Debra’s insights on managing up, leadership, and career growth.

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