180 - From Scientist to Leader, Gwen Acton Leadership and Mastering the Transition in Pharma, Medtech & Biotech

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In this episode of Let's Combinate, host Subhi Saadeh interviews Gwen Acton, author of Leadership for Scientists and Engineers. Acton, an MIT Ph.D. turned leadership coach, discusses her book's key topics, including effective hiring, delegation, transitioning from individual contributor to team manager, and managing different personalities. They delve into the challenge of balancing technical work and leadership, the importance of defining leadership, and practical tips for delegation. Acton emphasizes that leadership skills can be learned and provides strategies for managing team goals and career development.Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Leadership-Scientists-Engineers-Transforming-Brilliant-ebook/dp/B0DYWCDVRV?ref_=ast_author_dpBarnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/leadership-for-scientists-and-engineers-gwen-acton/1147071445?ean=979899239330900:00 Introduction and Guest Overview01:56 Gwen Acton's Leadership Journey04:30 Defining Leadership08:18 Optimizing Group Output09:30 Challenges in Leadership Transition12:35 Leadership vs. Technical Skills13:05 Transitioning from Technical to Leadership Roles14:18 Challenges of Dual Roles15:42 The Art of Delegation16:53 Motivating Your Team21:21 Balancing Trust and Oversight24:58 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsDr. Gwen Acton is a leadership expert specializing in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. With a PhD in biology from MIT and years of experience guiding scientists and technical professionals into leadership roles, she helps individuals transition from expert contributors to effective managers. As a sought-after speaker, consultant, and author, Gwen provides practical strategies for navigating the complexities of leadership in highly regulated, innovation-driven environments.Subhi Saadeh is a Quality Professional and host of Let's Combinate. With a background in Quality, Manufacturing Operations and R&D he's worked in Large Medical Device/Pharma organizations to support the development and launch of Hardware Devices, Disposable Devices, and Combination Products for Vaccines, Generics, and Biologics. Subhi serves currently as the International Committee Chair for the Combination Products Coalition(CPC) and as a member of ASTM Committee E55 and also served as a committee member on AAMI's Combination Products Committee.For questions, inquiries or suggestions please reach out at letscombinate.com or on the show's LinkedIn Page.