What Book Had The Most Profound Impact On You Professionally?

A THE BOOK WITH THE MOST IMPACT ON MY LIFE AS A SCIENTIST, MANAGER, AND EXECUTIVE IS “THE ELEMENTS OF STYLE,” BY W. STRUNK JR. AND E.B. WHITE, otherwise referred to by those in the know as “Strunk&White.” As the introduction by E.B. White states, it was Will Strunk’s “attempt to cut the vast tangle of English rhetoric down to size and write its rules and principles on the head of a pin.” It is a guide to writing clearly and concisely, traits that have been invaluable as I have written scientific papers (165), business plans, private placement memorandums (PPM), FDA submissions, NIH grant applications, and company board materials. Excellent writing skills are essential in our business of science. If you cannot convey your science clearly, without jargon, acronyms, or emojis, no one will listen, and no one will care.

DR. CAROL NACY is CEO of Sequella, Inc., a private company that develops new anti-infective drugs.