As A Mentor In Biopharma, What Is The One Piece Of Advice You Consistently Offer To Those You Mentor?

WHEN PICKING BETWEEN OPPORTUNITIES, ALWAYS PICK THE MORE CHALLENGING ONE. Pick the struggling product in the portfolio or the poorer-performing district to lead. There is no greater leadership and learning opportunity than that presented by difficult challenges. Typically, these environments are understaffed, underfunded, and generally, underrecognized. The challenge focuses your energy and effort. You will have to fight, scrape, and claw for every win. It concentrates your learning and, as a result, the opportunity accelerates your growth. Additionally, there is no greater reward in transforming a challenge — especially when the recognition rolls down from on high. Gaining a reputation as a change agent/problem-solver is like a lubricant for your career.

RICH DALY, COO of BeyondSpring, has more than 25 years of biopharma industry leadership experience, including roles as chairman and CEO.