Talking Turkey And Giving Thanks

By Rob Wright, Chief Editor, Life Science Leader
Follow Me On Twitter @RfwrightLSL

I realize Life Science Leader magazine is global, but here in the states, the month of November is significant, as it represents a time for giving thanks. Thanksgiving is always held on the fourth Thursday of the month and is one of my favorite holidays. To me, it represents everything that is good. Friends and family get together, break bread, watch American football, and reflect upon that for which they are thankful.

Last year at this time, I was just beginning my new career as chief editor for Life Science Leader magazine after having been laid off from a 17-year pharmaceutical industry career. I am thankful for the opportunity this past year to have been able to work with so many talented people within our organization, as well as making some lifelong relationships while traveling on the road. This year I have had the chance to “talk turkey” with CEOs, bestselling authors, top industry consultants, sales representatives, scientists, engineers, and more. I learned something from every interaction, and I would like to express my thanks to all of you. I am especially thankful for the support and understanding I received from my family while I have been on the road.

Speaking of on the road, I just got back from two shows — the Emerson Exchange in Nashville and AAPS in Washington, D.C. Both occurred the same week, so I ended up trying to catch a bit of each. If you are not familiar with the Emerson Exchange, it is really an interesting concept. Years ago, Emerson (NYSE: EMR), a diversified global manufacturing and technology company with approximately 127,000 employees, began inviting its customers to the company to ask for some very transparent feedback on how they could improve — essentially, an idea exchange. From these humble beginnings, the event now offers more than 351 workshops and is attended by thousands of people desiring to exchange ideas and create solutions.

The 2011 AAPS Annual Meeting and Exposition took place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The keynote speaker, Janet Woodcock, director of the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDER) at the FDA, just so happened to be on the cover of our October 2011 issue. Other speakers of note included John Lechleiter, Ph.D., CEO for Lilly; Francis Collins, M.D., Ph.D., director of the NIH; and Sir Michael Rawlins, M.D., chairman of the National Institute of Health & Clinical Experience (NICE). Perhaps someone from AAPS will soon be featured on the cover of Life Science Leader. Stay tuned.