WEST Wisdom Blog

Our legacy is only built through the successes of each and every member of our community. WEST strives to provide opportunities for our community to learn and develop the skills they need to confidently bring their best selves to their profession.

Topics: Community, Networking, Career Development, Career Possibilities, New Opportunities, #WESTevent, 25th Anniversary

In the rapidly evolving world of STEM, it’s no longer enough to rely solely on technical expertise. If you don’t create your future, who will? MyndShift offers the transformative toolkit that empowers STEM professionals to take charge of both their careers and personal lives.

Topics: Leadership, Career, Mindfulness, Insight, Confidence, Challenges, Career Development, Empowerment, #WESTevent, Identity

At WEST, we’ve always known that the journey of professional development is not a solo endeavor. For over two decades, we’ve witnessed the power of community in action—how encouragement, mentorship, and shared wisdom can shape not only individual careers but entire industries. As we reflect on 25 years of growth, impact, and collective resilience, this year’s annual theme is both a celebration and a guiding light for the years ahead.

Topics: Leadership, Announcements, Community, Inspire, Annual Theme, #WESTorg

Climate change is a current reality. It’s disrupting ecosystems, intensifying natural disasters, straining economies, and jeopardizing the future for generations to come. Yet, amid these sobering realities lies a powerful truth: we have the tools, technology, and knowledge to forge a new path forward.

Topics: Leadership, Innovation, Resources, Change, Making a Difference, Challenges, Empowerment, Advice, Advocate, Earth Day

You’ve got the ideas. The data is solid. You’re ready to contribute. But as your camera clicks on for that high-stakes Zoom meeting, an inner whisper creeps in: “Don’t blow it.”

Topics: Resilience, Coaching, Change, Inspiration, Emotional Intelligence, Self-Awareness, Confidence, Personal Branding, Empowerment, Self-Reflection, #WESTevent, Personality, Growth

In the greater Boston area, we are surrounded by world-class biotech and pharmaceutical innovation. Yet with this progress comes a responsibility: to match scientific advancement with environmental stewardship. As we mark another Earth Day, it’s time to ask ourselves—not just as individuals, but as a community within life sciences—what can we do daily to care for the planet?

Topics: Leadership, Community, Influence, Making a Difference, Inspiration, Focus, Advocate, Sustainability, STEM Women, STEM Leadership, Passion, Earth Day

March is here, bringing with it an opportunity to honor, celebrate, and elevate the extraordinary contributions of women in STEM. At WEST, Women’s History Month is more than a tribute to the past—it’s a call to action for the future. WEST’s annual theme this year of Grit, Growth, and Gratitude highlights the attributes that fuel the journeys of women in STEM and beyond.

Topics: Women in STEM, Annual Theme, Career Path, Confidence, D&I, Female Representation STEM, International Women's Day, Women's History Month, Strong Women, Grit, Growth, Gratitude

Burnout is becoming more and more common. Statistics, especially among women, have shown a dramatic increase in employees that feel burned out or close to burnout. Women reported higher levels of burnout than men at 46% over men’s 37%. (CNBC). Focusing in on the WEST community event further, 82% of employees in tech feel close to burnout (spill). With such high levels of burnout, it leads to the question: “How did we get here in the first place?”

Topics: Mindfulness, Career Path, Confidence, Strengths, Career Development, Empowerment, Advice, #WESTevent, Purpose

We all strive for a state of life where our work-life balance is perfect, we feel rested, and fulfilled. We might even have a vision of what this perfect balance looks like. Yet we all struggle to reach this balance. Why can’t we achieve this perfect balance? One reason is that it's the wrong question. Balance implies equal time or a consistent, static state. Our lives are far too complex and changeable to be able to find one right answer on how to honor all of our commitments.

Topics: Workshop, Insight, New Opportunities, #WESTevent, goals, Growth, Boundaries

In everything there is an opportunity to practice gratitude. Studies show that practicing gratitude can increase happiness with one’s life. In an effort to share joy this holiday season, we thought we’d start the gratitude list! 

Topics: Leadership, Community, Board of Directors, STEM Women, STEM Leadership, Gratitude