The Best Advice I Ever Got: Networking
As told to Abby Proch, executive editor of guest columns, Clinical Leader
It’s a small world after all, isn’t it? I’ve been in this role as executive editor at Clinical Leader for a little under two years, and in that brief time, I’ve met so many from the industry. In clinical research, it’s like a game of “Seven Degrees of Kevin Bacon,” but with fewer degrees and replace the Footloose star with any one of your favorite conference presenters.
It feels like everybody knows everybody, a realization I had at my first SCOPE summit earlier this year. But somehow, we don’t. That’s why it remains a top priority for those in the industry to continue meeting, mingling, and mixing ideas with one another — not for personal gain or clout, but as a means toward the ultimate goal of bringing life-changing drugs to market safer and sooner.
To commemorate Clinical Trials Day 2024, Clinical Leader tapped its community of clinical research professionals to share their experiences with and praise for working with one another across the industry. Here’s what they had to say:
Joel White, founder, Marketcap Consulting, LLC
"Respect your peers and get to know as many of them as possible. It's impossible to know everything there is to know about clinical research, so you need a network of peers to answer the many questions and solve the many problems that arise. Your career growth and longevity require a strong network of people who respect your talents and work ethic. And finally, in what's often a cut-throat, highly competitive industry where companies are hard on each other and sometimes their employees, your network is there to uplift you and keep you in the game. BUILD YOUR NETWORK."
Van R. Johnson, business development executive, AGA Clinical Trials and QCR Research
“One of the first things I was told when entering this industry is that it's a large industry, but a small world. It's imperative that you not burn any bridges along the way. There is a great deal of movement within the industry and someone that you are working with at one organization today can be in a different role at a different organization tomorrow. I'm so grateful for the clinical research friends that I've made along the way. Some have become friends outside of the industry as well.”
Paul Ivsin, EVP, trial engagement services, Continuum Clinical
“Talk to EVERYONE – trial participants, site staff, PIs, monitors, data managers, vendors – anyone connected to the trial. Be as curious as possible. It’s an immensely complicated and specialized ecosystem, and so many of our solutions make things worse because they work in a vacuum and don’t connect smoothly with all the other moving parts of the trial.”
Karri Venn, vice president of site advocacy & mentorship, SCRS
"Seek to surround yourself with a supportive community that shares and reciprocates your purpose and passion. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Share your knowledge and best practices with others. Communicate with honesty and transparency. "
Ellen Neylon, MSN, FNP-BC, clinical operations manager, sub-investigator, Palm Research Center, Inc.
“After more than 20 years in clinical research, my best advice is to incorporate networking into your daily research practice. Networking is the process of making valuable connections, building relationships, and establishing a support network. You may immediately think that strong professional relationships with other providers, sponsors, vendors, and industry leaders are most obvious when building your career — but the real impact your networking efforts will have is with patients and their families.
Many layers of teamwork are in place throughout clinical research, but ultimately the connection, communication, and collaboration that you have with the patient and their families in your trial will make the biggest impact not only to them but to you. The connections will carry you through the highs and lows of your career and make you a better research professional.”
Jeremy Mitchell, MBA, head of sales and business development, Black Women In Clinical Research
“Mentorship is just as important in providing guidance, support, and encouragement along the journey. Mentors offer insights gleaned from their own experiences, helping mentees navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and chart a course for career advancement. Their wisdom and guidance can be instrumental in overcoming obstacles, building confidence, and unlocking one's full potential.
Furthermore, mentorship fosters a culture of learning and growth within the clinical research community. By fostering meaningful relationships between seasoned professionals and emerging talent, mentorship cultivates a supportive ecosystem where knowledge is shared, skills are honed, and innovation thrives.
Actively engaging with others in our community and seeking guidance from experienced mentors can truly propel our careers forward. Through networking and mentorship, we not only enhance our professional journeys but also contribute to the vibrant tapestry of growth and innovation within the industry. So, I encourage all of us to reach out, forge meaningful relationships, and seize the mentorship opportunities that come our way.”
John Nocero, PhD CCRP
“Don't tell me about the labor pains, show me the baby. A wise research administrator told me that years ago. I realize now that no one cares about my own particular struggle except me. I have great friends and a great inner circle that I focus on getting results with. When you know your why, you can do anything, and I believe in mine more and more every day.”
Sarah Valentine, life sciences partnerships, DiMe
"Embrace the opportunity to set the bar and challenge others to raise it. The rising tide lifts all boats, but you can't raise the tide yourself and it won't happen overnight. The only way we get better, as individuals, as organizations, and collectively as a field, is through iteration and collaboration."
Kelvin Peek, MHA, compliance program administrator (consultant), W3R Consulting/Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield
“My insights, rooted in the principles of servant leadership, are not just theoretical concepts, but practical tools that can help us overcome challenges and foster expansion and creativity. They are:
Make active listening and empathy a priority: Engage in active listening and demonstrate empathy. These skills are not just about understanding team members' concerns, but about solving problems more effectively and fostering a culture of trust and respect within the team.
Uphold ethical integrity and compliance: Always lead by example, maintaining the highest ethical standards and adhering to regulatory compliance. This approach ensures the credibility and reliability of research outcomes and protects patient safety.
Promote continuous learning: Embrace ongoing education and adaptation within your team. This is not just about keeping up with new technologies, regulatory updates, and scientific advancements, but about staying competitive and innovative in our field, which is crucial for our success.
Foster an inclusive community: Value diversity and encourage contributions from all team members to build a collaborative and supportive work environment. This will enhance project outcomes and support a resilient and adaptive research team.
By embracing these core principles, we can cultivate a work culture that is not only highly productive and positive but also fosters personal and professional growth. As a result, our team dynamics and research outcomes will undoubtedly see significant improvement, leaving us with a sense of assurance and optimism.”
Sabrina Ramkellawan, president, and Kim McDonald-Taylor, Toronto chairperson, Clinical Research Association of Canada (CRAC)
“Have a lifelong learning mindset with a commitment to ongoing and self-taught education, including taking on new challenges and projects, learning new therapeutic areas, taking continuing educational courses, keeping updated with regulations, and learning new technologies. This can be accomplished in some way by joining a clinical research group, such as the Clinical Research Association of Canada, where learning and networking are what we are all about.”