WEST Wisdom Blog

By Jo Viney, Co-founder and CSO, Pandion Therapeutics

Last summer, one of our local radio stations, WBUR, ran a feature entitled “How Boston Became 'The Best Place In The World' To Launch A Biotech Company” (WBUR, June 19^th 2017). The article described the evolution of our unique infrastructure – physical, cultural and sociological – that resulted in Boston being THE place where ideas are catalyzed and made into reality. But what does it really take to be an innovator? And what characteristics are essential to becoming a successful entrepreneur?

Topics: Events, STEM, Women, Boston, Team, Science, Career, Community, Entrepreneurship, Panel, Cambridge, Success, Women in STEM, Networking, Upcoming Events, Innovation, Biotech, Discussion, Lessons Learned, Inspiration, Support, Challenges, Leaders

Listen to the inspiring journeys of successful women and men leaders in science as they talk about their careers at the intersection of computing and biotech. They will discuss their highlights, motivations, role models, career moves, guiding principles, biggest challenges, and more. The panelists will also share their perspectives on career development for women in computing/biotech including company initiatives, best practices, and what can be done to support the development and advancement of women in the field. This is a great opportunity for you to meet and network with the movers and shakers in the local science ecosystem.

Topics: Events, STEM, Women, Career, Community, Panel, Cambridge, Success, Women in STEM, Networking, Upcoming Events, Biotech, Role Models, Computing, Challenges

Ever wonder how the board room is different from the executive room, including what is needed to get there?   Cissy Young   at Executive Recruiting firm Russell Reynolds will share her insights and experience on board and executive recruiting. This intimate, WEST members only Q&A breakfast will help unveil the basics and the nuances of getting to the boardroom.

Topics: Events, Leadership, STEM, Women, Tech, Science, Career, Community, Cambridge, Success, Women in STEM, Networking, Upcoming Events, Rockstars, Breakfast, Talent, Board of Directors

Meet some “Wonder Women” and “Super Men” at the WEST 10^th Annual Giving Back Awards!

 

For most of us, working all day and managing to get dinner on the table is heroic. For others, like Sara Nochur, working all day is a prelude to fundraising that enables young children in rural India to stay in school by providing them with homes, food, and shelter. Or for Elizabeth O’Day, it’s starting a non-profit organization that recycles electronics and uses the resale profits to build computer centers in orphanages around the world. If these sound like incredible feats, it’s because they are. And yet amazing people working in our local STEM community are doing those extraordinary things, and much more. 

Topics: Events, STEM, Women, Tech, Science, Career, Awards, Community, Giving Back, Life, Cambridge, Success, Women in STEM, Networking, Upcoming Events, Female, Balance, Making a Difference, Inspiration, Role Models, Volunteer

Often conflicts arise, either at work or in our personal lives. At these times we have a choice to make between having a challenging conversation and remaining silent.

As leaders, learning when and how to have challenging conversations in a kind and effective way can resolve conflicts and encourage growth in the organization.

Topics: Events, Leadership, Communication, Cambridge, Success, Women in STEM, Workshop

"Wonder Woman is psychological propaganda for the new type of woman who should, I believe, rule the world” – William Moulton Marston, creator of Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman did not appear out of nowhere. Accordingly to the legend, she was created and mentored by her mother and was supported by a tribe of strong Amazon role models. Wonder Woman's Amazonian training helped her to develop a wide range of extraordinary skills and tools to help her in her quests for justice. Similarly, engaging with the Amazons of STEM leadership will help us develop the skills and tools required to succeed in our quests for obtaining leadership positions in the STEM arena. 

Topics: Events, Leadership, STEM, Women, Boston, Awards, Success

As Warren Buffet says “You can improve your value by 50 percent just by learning communication skills and public speaking." And yet he was terrified of it.

Speaking in public whether we are speaking to a small meeting or a packed conference is daunting. Your presence and delivery are key to your success but you do not have to be a ‘performer’ to deliver a strong, authentic message. These skills can be learned and must be practiced, and practiced and practiced.

Topics: Events, Leadership, Communication, Cambridge, Success, Presentation

You never listen! How many times have you found yourself angrily whispering this statement under your breath to your partner? Or to your kids? If you are like me, there are multiple times a month when it just feels like you have been talking to a brick wall. And it is not just at home. There are even some days at work when I have the same sort of despairing feeling. Like when I have made valuable contributions to the discussion at meetings, only to have one of my colleagues repeat my words and then receive all the accolades for the brilliant suggestions. Or other days when I am trying to engage with my team to solicit input on an important change in project direction, only to see blank stares reflected back at me, accompanied by the deafening sound of silence. Ugh. Frustrating.

Topics: Events, Leadership, Women, Communication, Cambridge, Success

We know that gender inequality at senior levels is a real and important limitation for women in most careers, including STEM. But, have we fully acknowledged the self-limitations we women impose on our own careers? As women in science and technology (and probably most fields), we are often our own worst enemies. Rather than hitting our heads on the glass ceiling, we find ourselves sticking to a floor, where we have poured the molasses.

Topics: Events, Leadership, Gender Balance, Women, Cambridge, Success, Inspire

Topics: Events, Leadership, Women, Tech, Community, Success, Network, Inspire