As I work to maintain connections with people over the years, reflecting on the transformative personal growth many people, including myself, have experienced throughout our pharmaceutical careers is often thrilling.

The journey from the initial stages of developing sole-contributor expertise while striving to bring life-changing treatments forward for patients to gaining personal comfort in the higher-risk environment of smaller companies and leading teams of people has been remarkable. Along this path, I have witnessed many people’s personal and professional growth and development in ways I could have never anticipated. Yet, if we all stopped long enough to reflect and consider the journey, the magnitude would be nothing short of remarkable.

This journey has challenged all of us to expand our knowledge, enhance our skills, and embrace new perspectives. The complexity of pre-clinical to clinical development and on through registration and commercialization pushes us to reach new heights, requiring us to think critically, collaborate effectively (so very critical), and adapt to the evolving demands of our industry.

I have witnessed the power of synergy and the value of collective expertise. Pursuing excellence in the pharmaceutical industry demands continuous learning and an unwavering commitment to personal growth. The challenges we face along the way have not only strengthened our resilience but have allowed so many of us to experience great leaps of development and experience fundamental changes to the ways we think and look at the world.

It has taught me the importance of perseverance, patience, and adaptability in facing setbacks. In addition, it has fostered a true sense of purpose and the belief that our work has the potential to make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless individuals in need.

We must be immensely grateful for the mentorship and guidance we have received from our colleagues and leaders throughout our collective careers. We need to share and spend time helping those who will come next. We did not get here alone, nor will the next generation of leaders. This is our responsibility and debt to our patients and industry. It does not stop with “us,” but the cycle continues.  We must be more committed than ever to help develop and invest in others. This is not the time to be critical of generational differences. No generation or cohort of people has the right to say their way is the only right way. Together, we embrace new challenges, seize opportunities, and create environments that support each other, push each other, and deliver for our patients.

I am grateful for the profound impact this journey has had on my personal growth and look forward to the adventures that lie ahead. Together as an industry and leaders in our companies, let us continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, both in the world of pharmaceuticals and in the growth of our teams.