Leadership Insights
Practical strategies and real-world advice.
Filter by focus area to sharpen your leadership clarity, influence, and results.
The Curse of the Straight-A Student
Most high achievers assume excellent work will keep moving them forward. But at more senior levels, the habits that built your reputation can start limiting how others see you. This piece explores the curse of the straight-A student—and why advancement often requires more than doing the assignment well.
When a Good Boss Is Bad for Your Career
Most people blame bad bosses for stalled careers. But some of the biggest slowdowns come from leaders you actually like working for. This piece breaks down the difference between comfort and stretch—and why it’s harder to see when you’re in it.
The Job Market May Be Warming—What Does That Mean for You?
A warming job market changes behavior before it changes outcomes. This article examines how even modest signs of improvement can reopen stalled decisions, expose hidden retention risk, and deepen frustration for job seekers when the story of recovery moves faster than the reality.
From R&D Director to VP in Biotech: What Actually Changes
You've mastered the science and built a high-performing R&D team. So when that VP role appears, it feels like the natural next step. But the skills that made you successful in R&D can quietly undermine you in senior management—here's why.
Job Hugging Won’t Save You: The Hidden Risk of Playing It Safe
You told yourself you'd move on once things calmed down—when layoffs slowed, when the job market felt less chaotic. But months have passed, and what started as a 'temporary pause' has quietly turned into something else: holding on to a job that no longer fits. That's job hugging. While it can feel like control, it often signals the opposite—that fear is quietly calling the shots.
When Loyalty Becomes a Liability: Rethinking Career Strategy in Biopharma
Loyalty feels like a virtue. But in biopharma, loyalty without leverage can hold you back. In this article, originally published in BioSpace, I share a simple framework to help leaders know when loyalty is serving them—and when it’s putting their careers at risk.
If You’ve Been Laid Off, Read This
If you’ve been laid off from biotech, you don’t need a pep talk. You need a plan. This post breaks down what actually works—so you can stop spinning and start making real progress.
Why Smart Leaders Negotiate Executive Coaching Into Their Offers
New leadership role? High expectations? Negotiating executive coaching into your offer could be the key to avoiding early missteps and accelerating your success. Learn how to position it as a smart business investment—not a perk.
How to Leave Without Burning Bridges: Transition Smoothly and Build Supporters
Resigning doesn’t have to burn bridges. By communicating transparently, sharing your reasons thoughtfully, and expressing gratitude, you can transition smoothly while building a network of supporters for the future.
Doing a Great Job Won’t Get You Promoted—Here’s What Will
Want to get promoted? Hard work isn’t enough. Discover how to shift your mindset, solve high-value business problems, and make your promotion a “but, of course” decision.
A 3-Step Strategy to Improve Executive Presence—Without Losing Yourself
Executive presence isn't about being polished or perfect. It’s about how others experience you—and whether you’re signaling leadership clearly and consistently. This post shares a 3-step strategy to improve your presence through small, intentional behavior shifts that actually stick—especially under pressure.
Does Your Job Offer Include Executive Coaching? It Should and Here’s Why
Secure success from day one! Negotiate executive coaching in your job offer for a 'win-win.' Explore the benefits for you and your employer and gain practical tips to seal the deal.

