In your opinion, how can the maternal wall affect a woman in the MSL profession?
Women in the MSL profession are advanced educated professionals seen as scientific experts in the field of pharmaceuticals. The profession can be challenging at times with busy schedules, travel, meetings and multiple responsibilities. These challenges may make the idea of becoming a working mother seem overwhelming. The transition to motherhood can be one of the greatest joys in one’s life. With that joy may come additional feelings of uncertainty and concerns when returning to work or re-entering the workforce. Maternal stereotyping may trigger assumptions that women are less proficient, less valuable to the organization and not as committed to their role. The image of a mother with caregiving responsibilities may conflict with the image of an “ideal worker”. Gender stereotypes often portray men as strong, ambitious leaders while women are seen as warm and nurturing. When women act in ways that don’t match those biases they are often less accepted. The more we understand this bias and maternal wall, the better we can address and overcome it.
What are 2 ways to overcome the gender bias that exists towards women in the MSL arena?
Overcoming gender bias is multifaceted with deep historical roots. First, it is important to voice your commitment to your role and your career and to work closely with your manager to discuss short and long-term career goals. We also may need to adjust the way we communicate to reflect this commitment. Second, look to your mentors and senior female leaders within the company that have families, they can use their authority to encourage and demonstrate work-life balance. It is also important to see what resources your workplace offers. Many offer pro-parenting groups to foster a sense of community, provide information and support working parents.
Why is this topic important to you and what changes do you hope to see in the future for women in the MSL profession?
This topic is important to me as a woman and as a working mom. I grew up with a hard-working, single mother who worked while pursuing her degree. She was the first person in my family to attend college. She inspired me to follow my dreams and not to let my gender or anything hold me back. I hope to educate other women about their important value to an organization whether they are a mother or not and to encourage them to be advocates for themselves and the MSL profession. “Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead
Copyright 2013-2018 The Medical Science Liaison Society. All rights reserved. The information contained in this article may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without prior written authorization. The MSL Society is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization dedicated to advancing the global MSL career.
Why is developing a personal story important to an individual’s MSL Career?
Developing a personal story is a powerful tool on both a personal and professional level. A well-crafted personal story grounds an individual in what’s important, and can serve as a source of reflection and inspiration. A personal story also helps an MSL align their career path with their values and goals.
In your opinion, what are 3 ways an individual can demonstrate the complete package ?
An individual can demonstrate the complete package through self-awareness, self-confidence and authenticity. Individuals who understand how their actions and behaviors affect are respected and trusted. Additionally, having self-confidence exudes leadership and an executive presence. Finally, an individual who displays authenticity is real and genuine.
How can becoming the complete package affect women in the MSL career?
Becoming the complete package is a continual process that takes practice and feedback. Through this process women should learn and grow from their experiences to become their best selves.
Copyright 2013-2018 The Medical Science Liaison Society. All rights reserved. The information contained in this article may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without prior written authorization. The MSL Society is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization dedicated to advancing the global MSL career.
How do women communicate differently than men and what challenges does this create?
Women are culturally conditioned to communicate differently than men, and this can create challenges of perceived competence in the business setting. However, if women simply copy the communication style of men, the communication can be misperceived as harsh or aggressive. In the business environment, women can learn to communicate in a way that conveys leadership presence without undermining the perception of competence.
What are the most common pitfalls that you have seen women experience in the MSL profession? How can female MSLs overcome them?
As an MSL manager, I have seen women undermine their communication in choice of words and vocal presence. Female also MSLs seem to have significant difficulty in communicating accomplishments. Through techniques used in the workshop, female MSLs will learn how to communicate effectively with KOLs as well as internally with managers and senior executives.
How can women influence the different stakeholders they work with?
Influence and understanding are the goals of many written and verbal communication opportunities. Female MSLs can recognize obstacles to effective communication such as qualifiers like “just” and “I think” and others, controlling vocal presence, and small changes in body language that will make a large impression.
How does improved communication skills lead to better performance and productivity?
Effective and impactful communication is essential to KOL engagement and MSL performance indicators.
Copyright 2013-2018 The Medical Science Liaison Society. All rights reserved. The information contained in this article may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without prior written authorization. The MSL Society is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization dedicated to advancing the global MSL career.
Please describe your career and journey into MSL Leadership.
Looking back, I can say with certainty that my journey to the MSL role and MSL leadership was not one by design! A long tenure in clinical medicine at an academic center put me in the company of many brilliant clinicians, challenging patients, and cutting edge researchers each day. A drug development partnership and the chance to do something completely different in life led me to my first MSL position 13 years ago.
How have your diverse experiences contributed to your success?
For me, career success is defined by really loving and finding purpose in my work after all, it is an area of life where we devote a majority of waking hours! Fortunately I was insightful enough to seek and seize opportunities to learn, contribute, lead, and network. It seemed like there was a wise and willing mentor at every pivotal point along the way. Every patient, position, colleague, and especially my successes and failures (alike) paved the path and equipped me with skills and experiences I use and draw on every single day.
How do you create and manage a positive culture in a fast growing MSL team?
Creating a positive culture begins at the interview and with every decision to offer an MSL the opportunity to join our team. We believe members must not only be intellectually competent and skilled to do the work but that they’re self leaders and demonstrate the ability to contribute to a positive and productive teamwork environment. My Leaders and I are keenly aware that we must model actions that we expect from our teams and members. Our leadership styles may be different but our basic philosophy to support activities and reward behaviors that develop individuals, build trust and cohesion, and promote collaboration (a core company value!) is aligned.
What advice can you give to MSLs and MSL managers who are looking to advance and leadership?
I look forward to seeing you at the Women’s Summit where we can discuss your path to leadership!
Copyright 2013-2018 The Medical Science Liaison Society. All rights reserved. The information contained in this article may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without prior written authorization. The MSL Society is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization dedicated to advancing the global MSL career.
Why is balancing family life and the MSL role an important topic, regardless of gender?
The MSL role can be overwhelming and time consuming; with the technology of today, we are accessible 24/7. The job will take every minute you put into it and still want for more. The boundaries between work and life will blur. There is no complete separation, but there must be balance. Balance in this sense does not necessarily mean ‘an even distribution,’ however. The balance must work for you, your employer, and your family – wherever that balance falls in the end.
How do you balance MSL leadership with raising a child?
My child is my priority and sometimes that means having to go to work rather than spend the day with her. It is not always easy; and I have made many mistakes! But, it is important to me to show my daughter a woman can be a successful professional and still show up for piano recitals, class field trips, occasionally even be the class room mother. She makes me a better leader. I am more patient, more innovative, and more forgiving. I am learning every day, but my balance is often through constant motion.
Whilst working from home, what are some ways or techniques you utilize to ensure the separation of work and personal space?
First and foremost, I strongly recommend a separate and defined work space. The best scenario would be a separate room/office, however, a small portion of a room can suffice. There are several techniques I’ve used over the years – some have worked out quite well, others, not so much. Come to the workshop; I might even share my most epic failures…
What advice can you give to MSL mothers regarding the extensive travel associated with the MSL career?
Stop feeling guilty! Both men and women travel for work, but women are more often harboring the feeling of guilt. I did. While at work I felt I should be home with my child. When home spending time with my child, I felt I wasn’t putting enough effort in at work. Find the balance, make it work for you, and trust it is the right thing. Beyond that, be organized and plan ahead is my best advice.
Copyright 2013-2018 The Medical Science Liaison Society. All rights reserved. The information contained in this article may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without prior written authorization. The MSL Society is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization dedicated to advancing the global MSL career.
What are the main challenges facing women in the MSL profession?
With regard to the MSL profession, for the most part the gender playing field is fairly even. But one of the most challenging for all MSLs is the travel involved and it’s impact on work life balance. There are some great sessions at the summit where you will hear from extraordinary women who have been very successful in navigating through these challenges.
How can the MSL Society Women Summit help raise awareness for female career progression?
The MSL Society Women’s Summit highlights and gives voice to successful women along the MSL career path and beyond. The Summit will provide a networking opportunity with a diverse group of women from experienced MSLs that have navigated through an MSL career path to Novices to the MSL role, yet bring a wealth of other experiences with them.
Who are you looking forward to most during the summit?
I am really looking forward to hearing Dr. Brandi Howard discuss her transition from Big Pharma to Biotech. Dr. Howard’s career path is truly inspiring as she has traversed from an entry level MSL to a Global VP. She is a personal dynamo and I believe everyone will truly enjoy her hearing from her.
As an experienced MSL Leader, what advice can you give to female MSLs to accelerate in their careers?
First and foremost is to really stay in the trenches early on and learn the role. It takes a few years to really understand the role and become a great MSL. Other than that, throughout your career, efficiency, persistence and networking always pay off.
Copyright 2013-2018 The Medical Science Liaison Society. All rights reserved. The information contained in this article may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without prior written authorization. The MSL Society is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization dedicated to advancing the global MSL career.
