Panda Perspectives: Gabriel Berg

From the Pitch to a Purpose-Driven Career

Gabriel’s story begins in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, where football wasn’t just a hobby - it was a way of life. A talented player, he had the privilege of training with Cruzeiro, one of Brazil’s most prestigious clubs. By age 13, a great opportunity took him halfway across the world to Thailand, where he joined a British international school as part of an ambitious collaboration with Cruzeiro.

After finishing high school in Thailand, Gabriel pursued collegiate soccer in the US. But as the pandemic unfolded, he found himself at a crossroads. A relocation to be with his partner in the Netherlands brought unexpected clarity. He fell in love with the country and decided to call it home, eventually pivoting to a career where his love for technology could take centre stage.

What Sparked Your Passion for AI in Life Sciences?

I’ve always been fascinated by technology and how it transforms the world we live in. My partner, who is a scientist, introduced me to the life sciences industry and through our conversations, I started learning a lot about how AI is being applied to solve critical healthcare challenges.

That’s when I realised the incredible potential of AI in life sciences. The industry’s ability to create transformative solutions inspired me to take a deeper dive. With some research and a growing passion for innovation, I joined Panda, where I could bring my interests together in a meaningful way.

What Makes Leading Panda Intelligence So Fulfilling?

What excites me most about leading Panda Intelligence is the chance to work with people who are truly shaping the future. Every day, I help place experts who are driving groundbreaking innovation in life sciences work that has a real impact on patient lives around the world. Being part of this process and seeing the passion our clients and candidates bring to their roles is incredibly inspiring. Everyone involved shares a common goal: making a positive difference in society.

Within Panda, I’ve found something truly special. Over the past 12 years, Panda International has built a strong reputation in the industry, and that foundation is the backbone of what we do at Panda Intelligence. Knowing we’re carrying forward such a legacy of expertise and values gives us the confidence to keep building something remarkable. What also really resonates with me is how Panda embraces ambition and thinking big. The culture created by the founders encourages us all to push boundaries, challenge limits, and aim for greatness.

 

What advice would you give to life sciences companies looking to leverage AI and data more effectively?

If there’s one thing I’d say to any company wanting to make the most of AI, it’s this: start with a clear objective. I see too many organisations jumping on the AI bandwagon without fully understanding what they want to achieve or what the technology can deliver. Expectations need to be defined at the outset; only then can you map out an effective plan of action.

Another piece of advice? Hire wisely. Top talent in AI is highly competitive, especially with Big Tech offering salaries that smaller organisations simply can’t match. I’ve noticed companies settling for “good enough” when the right fit is what’s really needed to unlock AI’s full potential. In this field, every hire matters because each person plays a critical role in the success of the bigger picture.

For someone unfamiliar with the field, can you paint a picture of what a typical day looks like for a recruiter focusing on AI/Data professionals in life sciences?

As a recruiter in this field, no two days are ever the same, which is what makes things exciting. My typical day involves speaking with clients to understand their hiring needs or catching up with talented candidates to guide them towards their next career step.

It’s not a 9-to-5 job—far from it. My days often start at 8 a.m. and stretch until 8 p.m. but what makes this career stand out to me is the exposure to innovation that you get. I’ve had conversations about AI breakthroughs that are genuinely mind-blowing, things that will change how healthcare operates globally. It’s like a constant crash course in cutting-edge technology, and every discussion teaches me something new. It’s this ongoing learning that keeps me energised and makes the job so fulfilling.

Where Is Panda Intelligence Heading Next?

At Panda Intelligence, we’re building on a foundation of innovation and collaboration. We’ve already gained traction across Europe, and we’re now expanding our reach into the US market.

The ambition at Panda drives us to deliver the best results for our clients and candidates, and it’s exciting to be part of such a forward-thinking team. The possibilities feel limitless, and I’m looking forward to what’s ahead.

Final Thoughts

Gabriel’s journey, from a young footballer in Brazil to a leading recruitment consultant in AI innovation in life sciences is a testament to passion, adaptability, and ambition. His story embodies what Panda stands for: pushing limits, creating connections, and making a difference.

Stay tuned for more Panda Perspectives, where we continue highlighting the people driving our mission forward.