Beyond the Comfort Zone — Bold Choices, Small Ripples, and Career Legacy
When we think about career milestones, we often focus on titles, promotions, or achievements. But what if some of the most defining moments come from stepping into uncertainty? Diana Lagalante’s story is a testament to the power of asking, “What happens if I don’t?” and choosing courage over comfort.
Diana and I met through volunteering for the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA), not in a boardroom or Zoom call, but shoulder-to-shoulder working on something bigger than ourselves. That spirit of shared purpose threads through everything she does.
In this episode, Diana reflects on a pivotal point in her life—leaving a stable corporate role to take a sabbatical in Australia. That decision, fueled by the need to reconnect with herself, became the launchpad for co-founding a business and ultimately shaping the way she leads today. It wasn’t about abandoning fear; it was about walking with it.
She also shares a beautiful moment of gratitude for her first manager, Carla Sorato, who helped her find and own her voice. That early lesson became the foundation for how Diana now shows up for others—especially through the HBA community she founded at Roche, which continues to grow and ripple across EMEA.
Diana reminds us that legacy isn’t measured in metrics. It’s felt in the moments when someone says, “Because of you, I believed I could.” Her story is a call to take the leap, lead with intention, and create ripples that last far beyond our job descriptions.
Guest: Diana Lagalante Senior Communication & Change Manager at Roche
Diana leads digital patient experience strategy at Roche and brings over 20 years of experience in pharma and health innovation. She co-founded a business with her husband, launched the HBA community at Roche across EMEA, and continues to mentor emerging leaders.
Links to Diana’s initiatives coming soon.
The Story Behind the Episode
We often hear about reinvention, but rarely do we see it lived so fully. I invited Diana into this episode because she lives the values of Beyond the Ladder through every pivot she’s made. Her ability to blend strategy with soul, risk with reflection, is what makes this conversation unforgettable.
Shortened Transcript Highlights
00:30 – “We built something together through volunteering.”
05:00 – “I bought a one-way ticket to Australia.”
07:00 – “That decision shaped everything that followed.”
11:45 – “Thank you, Carla, for helping me own my voice.”
13:15 – “This is the ripple effect.”
17:14 – “I want to be remembered for awakening courage in others.”
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