What if thinking through the worst case could help you feel steadier, rather than more afraid? In this episode of Becoming Unshakable, I talk with Brian Hilberdink, a pharmaceutical industry leader, about facing uncertainty and moving forward.
Brian has worked across Canada, Denmark, the United States, and Germany, leading teams through career changes, product decisions, and shifting business priorities. He shares how moving internationally challenged him and his family, and how setbacks at work sometimes felt like the end of a path he had worked hard to build. With time, he learned that a difficult outcome often still leaves room to adapt, find another opportunity, and grow from the experience.
We discuss what worst-case thinking can look like when it is used as preparation rather than a source of panic. Brian explains how playing out possible outcomes can help people recognize their options and show up with greater confidence.
Brian and I explore how leaders can steady a team during uncertainty by giving people a shared goal, celebrating progress, and helping one another stay accountable. He reflects on the difference between being nice and being kind, and why building the right team sometimes means making difficult decisions. He also shares a lesson he is still practicing: assume good intentions before deciding that a question or challenge is meant to undermine you.
This conversation is about staying grounded while change unfolds, making space for people to process their emotions, and finding a practical next step when the future feels unclear. Brian’s advice invites us to examine the stories we tell ourselves and ask what options we still have.
When you imagine the worst case, does it help you prepare, or does it keep you from taking a chance today? Listen to my conversation with Brian and share your thoughts with me.
Brian Hilberdink is an accomplished global executive with over 25 years of leadership experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Renowned for driving impactful results and fostering cultures of accountability and engagement, he consistently enhances organizational performance.
In February 2025, Hilberdink joined Boehringer Ingelheim as President of U.S. Human Pharma. In this role, he oversees several business units across multiple therapeutic areas, including cardiometabolic and renal diseases, obesity, pulmonary fibrosis (ILD), and oncology. His appointment comes at a pivotal time for the company as it prepares to launch multiple innovative products from its pipeline.
Previously, Hilberdink served as Executive Vice President at LEO Pharma, where he led the North American Region and served as President of the U.S. affiliate. Under his leadership, the U.S. business was transformed into the company’s primary global growth engine ahead of an anticipated IPO.
Earlier in his career, Hilberdink held several senior-level positions at Novo Nordisk, where he worked across multiple geographies. He was recognized for developing and executing innovative go-to-market strategies that led to the successful launch of multiple blockbuster therapies in obesity and diabetes.
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About Heather R Younger, J.D., CSP
Heather R Younger, J.D., CSP is a highly sought-after speaker, 2x-TEDx speaker, diversity, equity and inclusion strategist, and contributor to leading news outlets. She is also the Founder and CEO of Employee Fanatix, a leading employee engagement and consulting firm. After over 25,000 employee engagement surveys and years of working with organizations to transform employee engagement, here’s what Heather has seen over and over: When you know how to listen, employees will tell you exactly what they need to bring their full selves to work. Book Heather to speak at your event or organization.
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