Is Our Content Relevant

By  Rob Wright

Not too long ago, I was contacted by a marketing manager of one of the top CMOs. He wanted to pick my brain to help enhance the company’s knowledge of industry trends with the goal of staying ahead of the competition. How did he want to achieve this? Why through collaboration, of course.His idea was to put together an advisory board to help him with this endeavor, similar to how Life Science Leader developed its editorial advisory board. I thought this was a very interesting, dare I say novel idea. His thought was to get various chief editors, including me, from major publications to participate.

His suggestion flattered me and intimidated me.

You see, he believed that by me constantly talking to people and reading, editing and communicating the latest ideas, that I would have a good feel for the business. Perhaps other chief editors feel they can speak as an expert on the CMO industry, but I don‘t. On the contrary, in my role, I consider myself a conduit between experts.

Chief Editor = Conduit
As a chief editor, I get to interact with executives in a variety of settings. I have to say, I have an awesome job. I truly enjoy coming to work ( most days). This past year, I have had the chance to meet, interview and even write about some key folks in drug development, such as Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall, M.D., chief medical officer with Pfizer (NYSE: PFE); Steven Ryder, M.D., president with Astellas (TSE: 4503); and James McLeod, M.D., VP experimental medicine with Merck (NYSE: MRK). However, just because I had the opportunity to meet and have interesting discussions with them, I don’t think I would be qualified to speak as an expert on the subject of drug development, though I would be happy to moderate a roundtable discussion on the subject. Similarly, just because I had the opportunity to meet James Mullen, CEO of Patheon (TSX: PTI.TO); and Karen King, president DSM (NYSE Euronext: DSM KON), just to name a few, does not qualify me as an “expert” in the areas of contract manufacturing. Though I have learned a lot about the industry — especially during the process of putting together our Special Issue CMO Leadership Awards supplement — I do not feel qualified to give advice on the subject. To me, a chief editor functions as a conduit between the various sides of industry, and then teases out the compelling editorial which can best benefit you.

Respectfully Decline
Though I was flattered to be asked about this role, my recommendation to this individual was to seek out some other experts. So, I declined respectfully, but did provide him with a list of consultants who work in this space every day. I trust these folks, as I have met most of them personally, at various trade shows and conferences I have attended throughout the year. These same people have submitted editorial for publication consideration in our magazine or some of the various online publications we offer.

I welcome your phone calls and emails. But be advised — it is more likely you will teach me something and not the other way around.