INSIGHTS

Slow decision-making—or revisiting decisions that have just been made—leads to costly delays and stalled deliverables, frustrating leaders. Hardly a week goes by without someone raising this concern. Can you relate? Decision-making is central to company success. The choices we make—about projects, hires, promotions, and processes—shape long-term outcomes. While some decisions have lasting consequences (I call these “tattoos”) and can only be reversed at a cost, not every deci

Coaching clients often share the challenges of their workplace including the chaos of ever-changing goals, the revolving door of leadership, and the opposing pressures of work and home. Sound familiar? What aspects of the current chaos feel most challenging to you? What strategies have you used in the past to adapt to changing goals or leadership? What is one small action you could take today to bring more clarity or calm to your situation? Reflecting on these questions c

During a recent meeting, a newly hired leader mistakenly stated that a particular process was not in place and commented on perceived disorganization of the team. They had not yet sought to understand the established procedures or existing workflows, despite being new to the organization. While I cannot speak for others, I found these remarks unsettling and saw the missed opportunity to build trust and support collaboration. Phil M. Jones’s book, Exactly What to Say, unders

During my visit to the stunning Copenhagen Opera House, I was mesmerized by the three large, identical spherical chandeliers hanging in the foyer. Designed by artist Olafur Eliasson, each is formed from two overlapping spirals. Their three-dimensional diamond patterns, made with color-effect filters, reflect different hues depending on the source of light and the viewer’s perspective. We often say someone “lights up the room” with their presence. These chandeliers do the same

“You follow your North Star” is one of the most meaningful things a boss has ever said to me. There was a point in my life when I chose to step away from the career path I had been building because something else felt too important to ignore. Once I made that decision, I felt an immediate sense of relief and knew I had made the right choice. What are the values you can’t walk away from, even when it would be easier to? Do those values feel aligned with the company you work fo

Avoiding a difficult conversation? What could come from just having it? I ask myself this when I want to avoid an uncomfortable discussion. Perhaps it will lead to a positive outcome and shows the issue was a misunderstanding. Think of the time and energy could be saved by just having the conversation. If the issue matters enough to unsettle you, prepare for the conversation. Take a little time before revisiting it, but not so much that it loses timeliness. As you prepare

I often speak with people pursuing new or entry-level roles in the pharmaceutical industry. Many tell me the same thing: They’ve applied to dozens of positions...over months...with little to no response. It’s frustrating and leaves them wondering how to become stronger candidates. At the same time, I recognize hiring teams are balancing high application volume and competing priorities. So, I’m curious: Managers (and recruiters): What is one thing entry-level candidates could

Off-label discussions have traditionally been managed by Medical Affairs, but that may be shifting. FDA’s January 2025 guidance on Scientific Information on Unapproved Uses of Approved/Cleared Medical Products (SIUU) does not specify which function can discuss data on non-approved uses. What the guidance states is that personnel who communicate SIUU should be specifically trained to provide truthful, non-misleading scientific information about unapproved uses of the company

Just because someone talks the most doesn’t mean they’re right. The best ideas are often with the people who speak last, or not at all. Have you struggled to get a word? When there’s no pause, it’s hard to jump in—and the ideas don’t disappear, they just never reach the table. This isn’t just an introvert issue. People hold back because of hierarchy, a fast pace, or louder voices (sometimes even the leader) dominating. As teammates, and especially as leaders, we should ma

Continuous learning is now more essential than ever. It’s necessary for staying competitive, and employees value it highly. According to a recent Deloitte report, fewer than 10% of organizations are truly effective at fulfilling their learning needs. Although AI-based initiatives have improved training efficiency, adaptability and change management have not kept up with demand. Per Peter Senge, a learning organization encourages ongoing employee development, knowledge sharing

As you grow within your organization, it is essential to transform your ways of working. This transformation is a key aspect of effective leadership and personal development. Transitioning from being the person who drives tactics to someone who focuses on attracting, retaining, and developing talent marks a significant shift in your leadership journey. It is no longer just about completing tasks, but about building a strong, capable team. To truly add value to your organizati

For many professionals, one recurring challenge is the sense that they are not heard and their input dismissed. This can trigger frustration and a feeling of being insignificant, and over time, erode self-esteem. Individuals may begin to withdraw emotionally, adopt people-pleasing behaviors, or minimize participation in conversations where they feel their contributions are undervalued. Such circumstances can foster a "gaslighting" effect, in which people start doubting thei

Imposter syndrome is a common feeling of persistent self-doubt that makes people question their achievements and fear being exposed as "frauds", even with clear evidence of success. It can cause anxiety, burnout, perfectionism, procrastination, and missed opportunities. Executive coaches help address imposter syndrome by turning doubt into confidence, recognizing negative thinking, and validating accomplishments. They offer a safe space to challenge irrational beliefs and set

According to the O.C. Tanner Global Culture Report published in January, nearly one-third of employees are stuck in survival mode—a situation that has led to stalled careers and increased burnout. This trend is worrying and clearly unsustainable. I've had times when my schedule was so full of back-to-back meetings that I barely had time to do my actual work, let alone think strategically. Can you relate? Escaping survival mode can seem daunting or even out of reach, so st

As a coach, one of the simplest questions I ask is: “What would you like to see happen?” That question helps shift the focus from staying stuck in the problem to starting to imagine solutions. When clients can clearly name what they want, it becomes much easier to define what “success” looks like, for the coaching session and for the challenge they’re facing. From there, the coaching approach naturally adapts to their goals and the timeframe they’re working within. In coachin

A particularly gratifying aspect of serving as an executive coach is observing clients experience moments of insight as they reflect on and address their challenges. As an executive coach, I partner with clients as they work toward their goals, supporting them through consistent check-ins. Just knowing someone cares about your success adds a psychological incentive, making it easier to stick to your commitments. Many people find it hard to commit because their goals lack clar

As leaders, we often dedicate our energy to driving team performance and nurturing the growth of those we manage. Yet, as we ascend each rung of the corporate ladder, our own development tends to be overlooked. Increased responsibilities can push personal growth to the sidelines, making it easy to neglect our own advancement. Engaging a professional coach creates a valuable opportunity to prioritize your own goals. Coaching offers a structured framework encompassing accountab

Whether it’s stepping into a new role, starting a business, or saying yes to something that stretches you, risk is part of growth. What I see time and time again as a coach is this: the moment you’re willing to lean into discomfort is often the moment everything begins to expand. Growth lives in that slightly uncomfortable space where you’re learning, evolving, and becoming more capable than you were yesterday. If you’re waiting to feel “ready,” this is your reminder: readine

Is the role of an executive coach mysterious to you? Don’t worry, you’re in good company. Drawing inspiration from the film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, where Cameron closely examines Georges Seurat’s pointillist painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, he sees only individual dots rather than the entire work. This perspective illustrates how you can lose sight of the overall picture when overly focused on the specific details. Through tailored conversations

News flash! I’m an introvert. Yup, it’s true! I have spent the bulk of my career (and life) successfully playing an extrovert. This may explain my interest in discussions about networking, as it isn’t a natural skill for everyone, especially in this virtual world. In a workshop with graduate students in IPhO at The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy last week, we covered key points: Research the person you will be speaking with ahead of time. Maintain professionalis