And How it Will Set You Apart in an AI World As an MSL before the advent of AI, you were the walking embodiment of scientific expertise. Your deep clinical knowledge, data interpretation, and peer-reviewed fluency were the currency of credibility. But today? AI can analyze faster. Summarize better. Even anticipate questions before they’re asked. So, where does that … [Read more...]
Standing Tall in a Science-Skeptical World: The MSL’s Role in Reclaiming Trust
Being a pharma professional today is like being the designated driver at a party—you have the facts, you know what’s safe, but somehow, the loudest voices are the ones saying, "Naw, I don’t need you—I saw a reel that said people drive better if they’re a little drunk!" Meanwhile, you’re standing there, holding the keys, watching them confidently climb into a car with someone … [Read more...]
Turning the Dreaded ‘What Do You Do?’ Into a Purposeful Connection
“What Do You Do?” Ah, here it comes—the moment we all dread. You’re asked, “What do you do?” How often have you encountered blank stares, awkward silence, or even worse—the all-too-familiar stereotypes following your response? You’re not alone. “I love explaining my role!”? said no one ever! More often than not, our job titles fail to capture the full essence of our value. … [Read more...]
From Setbacks to Success: Six Choices to Foster Resilience for MSLs
“My future has never been brighter,” exclaimed my friend Susie. I was stunned. Her relationship had just ended, her beloved pet was ailing, work was confusing, and she found herself amidst the chaos of moving, surrounded by shattered glass. I paused, then incredulously asked, “Tell me more, what do you mean?” "I'm genuinely excited for what lies ahead," she replied with … [Read more...]
Tired of Being Told You Went to the Dark Side?
Introduction: “Don’t do it! You’re going to the dark side! You are selling out!” Sound familiar? You're not alone. The transition to pharma isn't always smooth; it often comes with challenges and ribbing from peers. Many MSLs, as revealed through hundreds of our Power of Purpose interviews, have encountered the infamous "dark side" comments from their peers in academia or … [Read more...]
Bridging the Trust Gap
To do your best work in pharma as MSLs, partnerships are essential. But let’s face it; as pharma professionals, we start at a trust deficit. We come to the table with a noble purpose to help HCPs improve patient outcomes. We believe that we can achieve that better together than we can alone. However, even though you may be a healthcare professional, or come from academia, your … [Read more...]
Do You Have a Fun Calendar?
My friend Marcel called me last night. He and his wife, Kathryn, were working on their ‘fun calendar’ for the new year and wanted to pencil us in. “How about a bike ride through the old rail trail followed by wine and pizza from our backyard oven?” he proposed. Well … heck yes! I’m in! Not only was I in, but it also got me thinking about my own ‘fun calendar’ … or rather … [Read more...]
ChatGPT Channels Jean-Luc Picard to Help MSLs Live Their Purpose
Like many of you, I have been exploring the capabilities and imagining the possibilities of ChatGPT. Both amazed and frightened by the new technology, I was anxious to test it on a topic near and dear to me—my personal purpose in pharma. I’m currently compiling a book of purpose stories from pharma leaders, many of whom are in Medical Affairs. As I’ve pulled together the … [Read more...]
I’ve Interviewed Hundreds of MSLs About What Brings Meaning and Joy at Work, Here’s What I Learned
For so many MSLs, their purpose was clear when they were practicing healthcare professionals or in the lab. But then, after moving to ‘the dark side’ of pharma, as their friends often quipped, they started to second guess their purpose. The question, “how do you live your purpose as an MSL and find meaning and joy at work?” may be daunting. If it sounds like too big a question, … [Read more...]