EWIB-Capital Region: Executive Readiness – Inspiring Journeys and Insights

On November 13, 2023, the Executive Women In Bio (EWIB) Committee of WIB-Capital Region organized a virtual panel to provide insights into the attributes, qualities, support, and resources essential for transitioning into executive roles, catering to current and aspiring executives.

Moderated by Dr. Nao Gamo, the EWIB Vice Chair for the Capital Region Chapter, the panel featured esteemed participants: Ms. Shubh Goel, Vice President and Head of the Immuno-Oncology Portfolio and Gastrointestinal Tumors Franchise for US Oncology at AstraZeneca; Ms. Michele Oshman, Vice President for External Affairs at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) and Executive Director for the Council of State Bioscience Associations; and Dr. Cha-Mei Tang, Founder, President, and CEO of Creatv MicroTech, Inc.

The panelists delved into their personal journeys transitioning into executive roles across diverse sectors. They candidly shared the joys and challenges of their positions, highlighting the invaluable support, resources, and lessons learned along the way. The session included questions from the engaged audience. The speakers underscored the significance of having mentors, leveraging professional development resources, and extracting lessons from every experience. Advocating for oneself, asking questions, and embracing risks were emphasized as crucial elements in pursuing executive roles. In addressing a specific challenge posed by the audience regarding team motivation amid disappointing outcomes, the experts stressed the importance of transparency, honesty, and proactively preventing burnout. Notably, the discourse on finding mentors resonated strongly with the audience. Panelists recommended identifying mentors who align with one's career aspirations, emphasizing the significance of networking and continual learning from diverse mentors at different career stages.

The discussion sparked interest in various topics for future events, ranging from self-advocacy, mentorship, and women in capital raising to cross-cultural connections. Stay tuned for possible WIB-Capital Region events that delve into these pertinent subjects.