Entry-level positions for aspiring leaders
Jon, a CEO in the biotech industry, wishes someone had emphasized that "no one has all the answers," encouraging early career professionals to trust their instincts and be brave. This, combined with a focus on genuine leadership—characterized by simple communication, mentoring, and empowering others—is key to navigating the industry's complexities and fostering a successful team.
Leadership, Communication, Overcoming Challenges, Imposter Syndrome, Mentoring
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Jon Ellis
CEO
Start-up Biotech Company
University of Leeds (UK) 2002
N/A
Biology & Related Sciences
Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical
Business Strategy
Immigrant
Video Highlights
1. It takes time to gain confidence and challenge the status quo. Don't be afraid to trust your instincts and forge your own path.
2. Leadership is about keeping things simple, being genuine and a clear communicator, and treating others how you'd like to be treated.
3. Mentoring and empowering others is crucial. Give your team opportunities, trust them, and allow them to learn from their mistakes within reason.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone would have told you before you entered the industry?
I'll answer this more broadly, discussing the industry in general rather than just the role of a CEO. I wish I'd known that no one has all the answers.
When you first enter an industry, especially when you're young, you might assume everyone knows more than you. In my case, it took about 20 years before I felt confident enough in my technical and scientific skills to really challenge things and forge my own path.
The more I did that, the more I realized I was just as competent, or more so, than many of my peers. Imposter syndrome might have stopped me from reaching that point sooner.
Trust your instincts, be rigorous, and just have a go. Being brave and getting stuck in is so important. Leadership is also crucial.
Thankfully, we're starting to understand leadership better than management. Drowning out the noise is important, as there's so much conflicting advice about what a leader should or shouldn't do. This information overload can be dangerous.
The key is keeping things simple, being genuine, and communicating clearly. Treat others how you'd like to be treated. I don't think it's difficult to be a trusted leader.
Also, mentor others and ensure your team is on the journey with you. Treat their careers with the same care as you would want yours treated, giving people opportunities and trusting them.
Empowering people and giving them the right to fail, within reason, is so important. This allows them the ability to learn.
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