As this is my last Young Professional (YP) column for Pharmaceutical Engineering®, I wanted to start with a quote from Winston Churchill that I feel summarizes my two-year journey as the International Young Professional Chair: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
When I started this role two years ago, I thought that I would run the Young Professional Community of Practice (CoP), attend the International Board of Directors meetings, keep quiet, and just absorb all that was going on around me. Was I way off base! This was a deeply personal and professional learning and leadership opportunity that was disguised as an ex-offico board member role. I will answer some of the questions I have received during these two years.
What was it like being on the board?
The ISPE Board of Directors is possibly one of the most selfless sets of individuals I have ever had the pleasure of working with. They got to where they are in life by working hard, sacrificing their personal and family time, and consistently pushing new initiatives and ways of thinking. When I first started working with the board, it was a bit intimidating, but I quickly realized that they are people and they are there to provide help and guidance, and push me to be better. I can never thank them enough for all they have taught me.
Being on the board taught me lessons that many do not have an opportunity to learn or even witness until they are in the C-suite level of their career. I was supported and welcomed from the start. Many assume it is all just budgeting and patting each other on the back for a job well done, but it is so extremely far from that. ISPE is a large multinational, complex, and hard-working organization. The board discusses the hard topics and the topics that push ISPE to grow, evolve, and be the go-to organization for the pharmaceutical industry. To be a small part of that and to witness it was a growth opportunity I could never put a price on.
My role was to be an advocate for the Young Professionals worldwide.
What was it like be in an international leadership position?
In one word: humbling. My role was to be an advocate for the Young Professionals worldwide, to bring their issues to the larger stage, and ensure that I pushed initiatives that would allow this Community of Practice to continue to evolve and grow long after I am gone. I have had the honor of working with Young Professionals from around the world. They have shown me new approaches and ways to think. I learned how to take an initiative and apply it to an international audience, take cultural roles into account, and tailor items to fit for all, which is not an easy task.
How do you have time do this?
You make time for what is a priority in your life at that time. I made the time, early mornings and late nights, and missed time with my family to be at conferences or meetings. I have zero regrets about any of this. I had to balance this role with my job, because ISPE is not my job nor is it anyone’s full-time job on the board.
Advice for future leaders
Take the leap, and jump in with both feet! You might have some small failures along the way, but the growth will far outweigh any bumps. The individuals you will meet will become your friends, family, and mentors throughout life, and that is a value you cannot ever put a price on.
