Erika Taurel

I just hung up with the head of leadership development at a fairly big life sciences company. She's putting together an emerging leader program (ELP). We talked about how easy it is to screw up an ELP. Orgs that mess up their ELPs tend to make the same mistake. And it's a matter of setting the wrong goal: → They set out to prepare participants for management With this goal in mind, they focus on managerial skills: - one-on-one meetings - effective feedback - GROW coaching But, there are 3 major problems with this line of thinking: 1/ Limited Practice Opportunity. Participants don't have direct reports to practice with yet. 2/ Knowledge Decay. Training grows staler by the second as participants wait for a management position to open up. 3/ Unmet Expectations. Participants become frustrated and disappointed when they graduate and no management positions are open. Because these ELPs have the wrong goal, they're doomed to fail from the start. Here's what these orgs should do instead: → Set out to IDENTIFY and RETAIN high performers This means you focus on training self-leadership skills. You grow your high-performers in-role. You train skills like: - Growth Mindset - EQ - Resilience With this approach, you invest in your high potentials, equip them with skills they can practice on the job, and enhance their current performance. Getting these ELPs right is simple. You just have to set the right goal. Curious to hear from all of you. Are you: 1/ Designing an ELP for manager skills. OR 2/ Designing for self-leadership skills. #leadershipdevelopment P.S. Follow me, Kevin Kruse, for more leadership development content like this.

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Happy National Daughters Day! While I may not have a daughter, I’ve always recognized the importance of nurturing and supporting the next generation of women leaders. Our daughters, like any aspiring professional, need mentors who can guide, empower, and push them to thrive in a world that doesn't always make the path easy for them. Just like in business, where we foster talent through mentorship, leadership, and opportunities for growth, supporting our daughters is about more than love—it's about preparing them to succeed in any field they choose. Whether you're raising a daughter, mentoring a young woman, or leading gender equality in the workplace, today is a great reminder to reflect on how we can better support their journeys. Encouraging resilience, confidence, and independence isn’t just a responsibility for parents; it's something we should all participate in—whether through professional guidance, offering leadership roles, or simply being role models. Let’s continue to build environments where they can thrive, just like we do for the teams we lead in our professional lives. Let’s celebrate their dreams today and every day, as they are the future leaders, innovators, and changemakers! #womenempowerment  #empoweringwomen  #womensupportingwomen  #girlpower  #strongwomen 

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What’s Next: Empowering Tomorrow The biotechnology industry in North Texas is blooming, but this growth requires a workforce equipped with cutting-edge skills. Our upcoming two-part episode, "Empowering Tomorrow: #Upskilling and #Reskilling in the Age of AI," takes a deep dive into how leaders are meeting this challenge head-on through innovative workforce development initiatives. Spotlight on the Good Jobs Grant Central to our discussion is the transformative Good Jobs Grant, a program led by Christopher Edwards, Sr.. This groundbreaking initiative, titled "Grow the Biotech Workforce in North Texas to Meet Emerging Skill Needs via a Collaborative Partnership," secured an award of $8.76 million to reshape the region's workforce. What the Grant Achieves: Focus: Develop and expand a skilled biotechnology workforce tailored to meet the evolving demands of North Texas. Collaborative #Partnerships: Includes rural community colleges and major employers such as Children's Health Medical Center, Collin College, and McKesson. #Skills-Based Training: Emphasizes hands-on learning through innovative programs, leveraging partnerships with organizations like the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. A #Vision for the Future In these episodes, Christopher Edwards, Sr. and Benjamin Magill, CEcD discuss the strategic importance of building a pipeline of skilled talent that bridges the gap between education and industry needs. Part 1 (December 4th): Explore the origin and vision behind the Good Jobs Grant and how it’s creating new opportunities across North Texas. Part 2 (December 11th): Dive into real-world examples of how collaborative training and skills-based education are driving meaningful change in the biotech sector. Subscribe today at https://lnkd.in/gteRfRN9 #SomethingGoodIsBlooming #Dallas #DFWMetroplex #Leadership #economicdevelopment #AI #AcuityPlusAcumen #Subscribe Dallas College Collin College The University of Texas at Arlington AWC2: Armstrong Walker Coaching + Consulting

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What It Means to Step Up During Difficult Times In times of crisis, we often hear about the importance of leadership. But what does it really mean to pull together and lead during difficult times? I’ve realized that many people tend to wait for someone else to step in and take charge, thinking leadership is reserved for certain individuals. But true leadership is about recognizing the moment when you can step up - sometimes that means being the one to create space for collaboration, not just command. Recent events, like the hurricanes that devastated parts of the Carolinas and Tennessee, have reminded me of how crucial strong, compassionate leadership is. I’ve been watching a former coworker take on a leadership role in her community - a community she’s only recently moved to. She didn’t wait for someone else to act. Instead, she rose to the occasion, working with others to provide support and care in the aftermath of the storm. It’s been inspiring to witness, especially knowing that the hardest part is often what happens after the news crews leave and the immediate attention fades. True leadership is about being willing to step up, even when it’s uncomfortable but it’s also about working alongside others in positions of leadership to ensure the best outcomes for everyone. The impact of this hurricane will be felt for a long time but seeing my colleague’s proactive and collaborative approach to leading her community through this difficult time has reminded me that leadership isn’t about waiting - it’s about acting, learning, and building stronger communities together. As we continue to face the challenges ahead, it’s important to remember - leadership isn’t about being the loudest or the most visible; it’s about being there when it matters most and working with others to make a lasting difference. I want to give a special shout-out to Angela Greene for stepping up when her community needed her. Showing us what it means to lead with heart and resilience.  #leader #management #womeninleadership #caringforothers #caring #womenempowerment #empoweringwomen #womensupportingwomen #strongwomen https://lnkd.in/eYdpcxGw

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I am a terrible multitasker. I admit this to all my clients and direct reports. I find it very hard to lead in video conference meetings and take notes, so I delegate that task to a volunteer or have a rotating scribe for regular team meetings. Even when I am just participating, my notetaking skills are lacking. Convincing myself that I am more productive, I still try to listen to podcasts while doing chores and exercising. This podcast from Freakonomics explains why multitasking is a myth. https://lnkd.in/eBXMqwUF #multitasking #multitaskingisamyth

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“Leaders are beginning to understand that curiosity isn't just about asking questions—it's about asking the right questions [at the right time].” As the Forbes article points out, curiosity can help leaders comes up with solutions that drive growth. Leaders (and the people around them - employees, advisors, etc.) need to acknowledge the challenges being faced and to come up with approaches to overcome them. The more focus and more coordinated efforts in these approaches, the more powerful the problem-solving effect. Bill Ferguson mastered these skills as a 40-year veteran at Bayer (and predecessor companies) while serving as division counsel for Bayer’s $1.5 billion crop protection unit. Bill was an incredible lawyer and an even better person, so much so that everyone in the organization would seek his advice on just about everything. Bill arranged his office so that he would face his monitor or you, so that you’d have his undivided attention. You could see his inbox on the screen over his shoulder, filling up with new messages even during a brief conversation. Business leaders, understanding that legal issues and business issues are not mutually exclusive, would look to Bill as a strategic advisor on all kinds of matters - “Bill, what do you think?” Bill was an incredible listener and would often respond with a few thoughtful questions before saying, “Have you thought about…?” Find people who can help you bring fresh perspectives, identify your biggest challenges, and help you and your team overcome those challenges - the latter part is key, a strategy, a process, or a deal is only as good as it’s implementation. Thanks for sharing Mickey Matthews. Note: Bill Ferguson was my manager and mentor for five years during my time at Bayer, and continues to serve as mentor to this day. I’m indebted to him for many things. #leadership #strategy #engagement #problemsolving #communication #innovation #execute #advisor

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With Election Day upon us, the #biopharma industry is closely watching how the next administration will impact key issues like #drugpricing, #FDA regulations, and the Inflation Reduction Act (#IRA). Both candidates have committed to lowering drug prices, yet their methods diverge significantly. Harris may look to build on the IRA by expanding #Medicare drug price negotiations, while Trump has hinted at reducing the IRA’s influence with a potential focus on transparency initiatives. As the industry waits patiently for the #2024election outcome, leaders are evaluating how these strategies could shape innovation, #patientaccess, and #regulatory dynamics in the years ahead.

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Last week I attended the PBOA - Pharma & Biopharma Outsourcing Association conference in Washington DC. It was a great event, congrats on another great conference Gil Roth. 💼 Legislative Shifts: The Biosecure Act is pushing forward, these shifts have the potential to create ripples of opportunity and risk across the biologics supply chain. ⚖️ Regulatory Compliance: The FDA is making great moves to reshape how they support the Pharmaceutical supply chain and the role technology will play. 📈 CDMO Market Dynamics: Despite volatility, growth opportunities exist in several therapeutic areas. Flexibility and innovation in manufacturing are essential to capitalize on demand. 🌍 Strategic Expansion: Geopolitical tensions open new markets. CEOs have a great opportunity to seize market share. High-value sectors of the market are ready for expansion. 🚀 Innovation & Workforce Development: Staying ahead requires investing in advanced tech, flexible systems, and workforce training. Leaders who prioritize talent development will drive future growth. If you would like to understand these topics in more detail and how your workforce combined with new technologies, will enable your growth. #CDMO #PBOA #Pharmaceutical #FDA #EMA #Biologics

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🚨 Novo Nordisk Under Pressure to Cut Prices on Ozempic & Wegovy 🚨 At a Senate hearing, Sen. Bernie Sanders urged Novo Nordisk CEO Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen to reduce the list prices of its popular weight loss and diabetes drugs, Wegovy and Ozempic. 🩺 Sanders revealed that major PBMs — UnitedHealth, Cigna, and CVS Health — won’t penalize Novo if prices drop, as long as net prices remain competitive. However, Jørgensen expressed hesitation, citing concerns over how these agreements would play out. Meanwhile, lawmakers like Rep. Lloyd Doggett and Sen. Elizabeth Warren are calling for more aggressive actions, possibly using U.S. Code 1498 to bring generics to market. 🔍 Key Highlights: 1️⃣ Three PBMs agreed not to limit coverage if list prices drop. 2️⃣ Novo Nordisk hesitant to commit without more clarity. 3️⃣ Lawmakers pressuring for generic alternatives via government intervention. 💭 My Take: While Sanders’ push is bold, the pharma-PBM dynamics make it tough to ensure lower costs without impacting profitability. Novo Nordisk has valid concerns about how PBMs will uphold their promises. This is yet another example of how broken the U.S. drug pricing system has become, driven by hidden rebates and complex negotiations. 💬 Question: With politicians advocating for patent reforms, how should drug companies balance innovation incentives with demands for affordable access? #Pharma #Healthcare #DrugPricing #NovoNordisk #PBM #Innovation

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Book recommendation time: Less Is More by Jason Hickel 📚 I was caught off guard by this one—a right hook to my understanding of how the world works! 🥊 In Less Is More, Jason Hickel challenges the deeply ingrained belief that perpetual economic growth equals progress. He argues that this relentless pursuit is not just unsustainable but actively harmful, driving environmental destruction and deepening inequality. Hickel advocates for a "degrowth" economy where the focus shifts from GDP to the well-being of people and the planet. 🌍 This theme of extraction versus sustainability resonates strongly with experience having worked at the intersections of drug development, life sciences, and ag tech industries. In these fields, there’s a pervasive tendency to extract value from nature—isolating the "drug" or "chemical" while often dismissing the very natural sources that inspired these therapies. It’s a paradoxical approach where nature is both a treasure trove and an afterthought, revered for its potential yet undervalued for its inherent worth. 🌿 Despite this, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside many individuals who see the bigger picture—those who respect and understand the intricate relationship between nature and medicine. However, a significant segment still views nature as something to be exploited for profit rather than a partner in the healing process. Less Is More challenges us to rethink this mindset, urging us to honor and preserve the natural world that so generously provides for us. It’s a timely read for anyone in life sciences or any industry where the balance between profit and planetary health is in question. Have you read this one (or listened to it in audiobook form, as I did)? I’d love to hear your thoughts, especially on René Descartes' and John Locke's influence in shaping our modern capitalist growth mindset. To whomever recommended this book in my network a few months ago—thank you! 🙏💯 #LessIsMore #Sustainability #DrugDevelopment #LifeSciences #NatureAndScience

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Kevin Kruse is one of my favorite follows on LinkedIn. Check out this post of his for an interesting take on the importance of growth mindset and emotional intelligence training for emerging leaders. If you're familiar with REAL Custom Training, it might interest you to know that our Core Self-Management Skills program aligns nicely with the philosophy Kevin describes, as it covers growth mindset, EQ, and resilience. However, our program is not specifically marketed as an "emerging leaders" program because many of my client companies do not have the existing and robust leadership development programs that larger companies may have. So in many cases, existing managers and leaders have already been promoted, but they never received the training in growth mindset and EQ, both of which they will need in order to most effectively utilize the tools and frameworks that we provide in our subsequent Supervisory Essentials and Learning To Lead programs. My fear was that if I labeled it specifically for emerging leaders, those existing managers might look at it and say "Oh, I'm already a manager, I don't need that." So my message here is this: If you're an existing manager, don't judge a training program by its title. Judge it by the skills it will help you develop. If you need those skills, go for it. Titles be damned.

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Know your ABCs… Today is Melanoma Monday, a crucial reminder to prioritize #skin health. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, can develop anywhere on the skin and affects hundreds of thousands of people globally. Early detection is key to successful treatment. Protect yourself by remembering the ABCDEs of melanoma: - Asymmetry - Border irregularity - Color variation - Diameter greater than 6mm - Evolution in size, shape, or color Check your skin. Wear sunscreen, and protective clothing. Catching melanoma early saves lives. #MelanomaMonday #Skin #Cancer #Health​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Learn more here https://lnkd.in/ecUAGZue

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Friday bites: “Trust is like the air we breathe – when it’s present, nobody really notices; when it’s absent, everybody notices.” - Warren Buffet I was recently in a meeting led by one of our Thermo Fisher Scientific #HR executives about building trust with leaders. She kicked off with this quote from Warren Buffett and the impact trust has on driving business results. As a communications leader, it made me reflect on a concept I learned during my time with Gallagher (née ROC Group) about building trust in the message and the messenger. In order for your communication to get heard and deliver the intended result(s), you need trust in the message AND messenger. Without trust in the messenger, it doesn’t matter what the message itself is because the audience doesn’t see the sender as credible. And even if the audience trusts the messenger, you need credibility in the message to complete the circuit. In both cases, building trust takes time, and I’ve certainly developed communications that didn’t land properly because there was a trust issue. Here are some of the strategies that have worked well for me: – Align messaging to what’s been said/done in the past – Ensure the sender is appropriate for the message and not simply a corporate mouthpiece – Make the action feel attainable – Meet the audience where they are so they feel seen How do you build trust in your message and the messenger? #fridaybites #strategiccommunication #trust #integrity 

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Florida Braces for a Second Hurricane – How We Can Help? As Florida faces yet another hurricane, my thoughts are with everyone affected by these storms. In times like these, preparedness is key, but just as important is how we care for each other in the aftermath. For leaders, this is a critical time to ensure our teams are not only safe but also feel supported as they recover. If you’re looking for ways to help, consider donating to reputable organizations like the American Red Cross or local disaster relief funds. Additionally, employers play a vital role by providing clear communication, offering flexibility, and facilitating connections to valuable recovery resources. This article by Insperity (my company’s HR resources provider) offers great strategies on how to support teams effectively. Let’s stay safe, stay connected, and ready to help rebuild our communities—one step at a time. Together, we can make a difference! #leader #management #womeninleadership #caringforothers #caring https://lnkd.in/eFdJ8B7W

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MD Anderson Cancer Center launches Institute for Cell Therapy Discovery & Innovation to deliver transformational new therapies MD Anderson News Release November 08, 2024 The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center today announced the launch of its Institute for Cell Therapy Discovery & Innovation, which will build upon longstanding MD Anderson clinical and research expertise to lead the world in developing and advancing impactful cell therapies for patients in need.  The institute will bring together top scientists and clinicians to lead exceptional discovery, translational and clinical research that will deliver new insights in immunology and cell engineering, fueling the creation of transformational new treatments that can be rapidly adapted to address emerging needs in cancer, autoimmune diseases, infections and other conditions. These efforts already have been catalyzed by philanthropic and institutional support of more than $80 million. The institute will be led by Katy Rezvani, M.D., Ph.D., vice president & head of the Institute for Cell Therapy Discovery & Innovation. Rezvani also holds the inaugural Melvyn N. Klein Family Endowed Directorship for the Institute for Cell Therapy Discovery & Innovation. MD Anderson also was the first to advance CAR natural killer (NK) cells into clinical studies for patients with lymphoid malignancies, based on cord blood-derived CD19 CAR NK cell therapies developed by Rezvani and her team. Additional MD Anderson research has shown progress for new cell therapies in solid tumors, with numerous preclinical studies and clinical trials in progress. Some key published and presented research findings include:  - Adoptive T cell receptor (TCR) therapy targeting MAGE-A4 achieved clinically significant results for patients with multiple solid tumor types in a Phase I trial - Novel CD70-targeting CAR T cell therapy delivered promising early results in patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma  - Engineered NK cells expressing interleukein-21 or missing the TFG-β receptor demonstrated strong antitumor activity against glioblastoma cells - CAR NK cells expressing a second CAR molecule improved tumor specificity and enhanced NK cell activity - Adding CD28 costimulation to CD70-targeting CAR NK cells enhanced antitumor activity and long-term cytotoxicity https://lnkd.in/eXDmFizB

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Increasing Your Return on Talent: Comprehensive Insights for HR Leaders In the rapidly changing business environment, maximizing the return on talent is essential. McKinsey's latest insights outline five transformative actions that can elevate your talent strategy and drive performance: 1. Skill-Based Workforce Planning: Identify and address skill gaps aligned with strategic goals to ensure your workforce is future-ready. This approach enables better allocation of resources and a more agile response to market changes. 2. Optimized Hiring Engine: Enhance candidate experience and utilize data-driven insights for smarter hiring. This involves streamlining the recruitment process, leveraging technology, and improving the overall candidate journey to attract top talent efficiently. 3. Investment in Learning and Development: Focus on high-impact skill-building programs that keep employees engaged and continuously evolving. By prioritizing employee development, organizations can foster a culture of growth and adaptability. 4. Performance-Driven Culture: Foster accountability, recognition, and continuous feedback to boost productivity. Implementing robust performance management systems helps in setting clear expectations, providing regular feedback, and recognizing achievements, which enhances employee motivation and performance. 5. Agile HR Operating Model: Transform HR into a strategic, data-driven partner. Adopting an agile HR model enables quicker decision-making, more effective change management, and better alignment with business objectives. Additional Insights: Generative AI in HR: The integration of generative AI is revolutionizing HR functions, from talent acquisition to employee services, offering quick wins and long-term transformational opportunities. Middle Management Focus: 2023 highlighted the pivotal role of middle managers in navigating technological transitions and enhancing team productivity. Investments in their development are crucial for organizational success. Hybrid Work Trends: Office attendance has stabilized, with employees favoring a balanced approach to remote work. Companies are adapting to these preferences to maintain performance and collaboration. Diversity and Inclusion: Progress in diversity remains a challenge. Efforts are focused on removing barriers and ensuring inclusivity at all levels of the organization. Implementing these strategies can significantly enhance your organization's talent ROI. For a deeper dive into these approaches and their impact, explore the full article on McKinsey's website. 🔗 Read more on McKinsey: https://buff.ly/3VYGS9m #TalentManagement #HR #EmployeeEngagement #Leadership #OrganizationalDevelopment #BusinessStrategy #LearningAndDevelopment #PerformanceManagement

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Owning up Choices We can choose to: Eat Healthy or Eat Junk Meditate or Screen Time Love or Hate Critique or Critic Embrace or Defend Upskill or Stagnate Respect or Disrespect Help or Demand Exercise or Sit Confront or Supress Spend time with loved one or keep Working No EMIs or EMIs Holiday or No Holiday List can go on Its important to reflect: * No choice is right or wrong * Every choice has its own pros and cons. * It's me who has made the choice and I cannot blame people, situation and time for it. * My choices determine my quality of life * My Choices determine who I am * My Choices determine who I can be * My Choices determine my friend circle * My Choices determine my growth The day we own up our Choices, we embark on a journey of self - acceptance and transformation. Wishing you very best to choose wisely and own up choices👍

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