Chris Wilkins, PhD

Trust. The foundation of every strong relationship—essential to build, fragile once broken, and impossible to replace. Do you offer it freely, or must it be earned? Can it be rebuilt once broken? How do we accelerate trust without losing authenticity? Trust isn’t just a value—it’s the cornerstone of thriving teams, lasting partnerships, and meaningful connections. 🤝 What’s your strategy for building trust that stands the test of time? With trust, potential is limitless. Without it, even the strongest foundations will crack. #leadership #emotionalintelligence #trust #teamwork

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With the ever expanding base of knowledge and data in general hitting those in industry management positions, it is difficult not to become overwhelmed. How do you remain on top of issues and how do you solve problems quickly in this type of environment. This is the question most executives want answered. With AI affecting most industries and tech in particular, the information being generated is flooding the capabilities of those charged with providing effective progress. So, how do we address these concerns. This requires a different approach that takes us away from the linear thinking we've been used to and into the realm of vertical thinking. Vertical thinking requires a diffrent skill set that expands our approach to performance atainment. It requires that we build a mindset that faces change as a thing to get excited about rather than feared, so that we free up our minds in a more imaginative way. It requires us to adopt a Moonshot philosophy that assumes anything is possible and this becomes enabling as an approach to defining new potential. Adopting this type of approach attacks our limiting beliefs head on rather than allowing fear to take over. This is critical in an AI world. In an AI world, how we interface with this technology and understand our respective roles will define the new success which is possible. If we fight it rather than embracing the advantages it can offer, we will have missed the boat. However, AI will not think as "off the wall" creatively as we humans, because it is a learned capability, so putting ego aside, this should empower us to develop new leadership traits rather than be scared of this amazing opportunity. In my view we all have a part to play and it's up to us to realize where our human contribution is best felt as we emerge with a new role alongside this powerful technology. Thoughts? #vertical thinking #AI interfacing philosophy #Leadership #Human contribution # Performance leadership

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One of the biggest obstacles to effective decision-making is failure to define the problem well. Invoking the power of narrative and a simple story structure can help ensure that teams are solving the right problem. #strategy #storytelling #solutions

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SPOT Imaging introduced the first color DIGITAL camera for microscopes in late 1990's. Transforming documentation of microscopic imaging. Part of this development was understanding RGB Bayer Pattern and applying it to our software color correction algorithm. Learn More: https://lnkd.in/efqcraKF #Microscopy #RGB #Digitalimaging #digitalpathology

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An excellent overview by Dr. Bricker of the clinical and economic benefits of health systems proactively addressing mental health issues. Better outcomes with a 10x ROI is worth spreading the word about...

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If you want to hear from the GOAT of all CIOs, then you have to listen to Dan Roberts Tech Whisperers Podcast featuring Rob Carter, the former CIO of FedEx. There will be tons of gems in this episode, tune in. #CIO #ITLeadership

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Interesting - from the article: “In a retrograde move, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has just issued a final rule that, effective June 25, 2028, will firmly cement the dominance of unhealthy blue-pump LED light bulbs. We must reverse this decision before it is too late.” “There are so many misstatements and flawed analyses in the 110-page notice of April 19, 2024, in the Federal Register that it is hard to know where to begin. But here are some key extracts:” “DOE believes at this time that circadian-friendly integrated LED lamps do not possess unique attributes compared to other (GSLs).” (i.e. light bulbs, which they refer to as general service lamps). (p. 28877) This is nonsense. Circadian-friendly light bulbs have distinct spectral power distributions—i.e., the relative amounts of light at each color wavelength. Circadian-friendly lights are rich in 480 nm blue during the day and emit minimal 480 nm blue in the evenings and at night. This can easily be measured with a handheld spectrophotometer #health #news #sleep https://lnkd.in/gzWC6JpK

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Developing strategies that are focused on delivering revenue is critical in ensuring marketing is bringing value to organizations.

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💪 The Power of Embracing Challenges 💪 In both our personal and professional lives, embracing challenges is one of the most powerful tools for growth. While it may feel uncomfortable at first, stepping outside of our comfort zones opens doors to learning, innovation, and resilience. Here’s why embracing challenges is so impactful: 📈 Growth & Self-Discovery: Challenges push us to uncover strengths and skills we didn’t know we had, helping us evolve both personally and professionally. 🎨 Creativity & Innovation: Difficult situations encourage us to think outside the box, often leading to innovative solutions that wouldn’t have been possible without the challenge. 💪 Resilience & Mental Toughness: The more we face adversity and keep moving forward, the stronger we become. Challenges help us build the mental endurance to face future setbacks with confidence. 👏 Sense of Accomplishment: Overcoming obstacles boosts self-confidence, proving to us that we are capable of more than we realize. 💡 Better Problem-Solving: Facing challenges sharpens our problem-solving abilities, making us more effective at navigating both professional and personal issues. 🏌 Personal & Professional Development: Every challenge is an opportunity to develop new skills, whether it's leadership, communication, or decision-making. ✊ Transforming Fear into Motivation: Embracing challenges allows us to turn fear into a driving force, pushing us to grow and improve. 🤝 Stronger Relationships & Teamwork: Challenges often require collaboration, which strengthens bonds and enhances team dynamics. 🚀 Creating a Growth Mindset: Overcoming challenges fosters a growth mindset, where we see failure as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. At the heart of it all, embracing challenges doesn’t just help us overcome obstacles, it unlocks our true potential. Instead of avoiding difficulties, let’s lean into them, because that’s where real growth happens. #GrowthMindset #EmbraceChallenges #Leadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #Innovation #Resilience #ProblemSolving #CareerGrowth

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With protocols becoming more complex and the exclusion criteria stacking up, inherently, screen fail rates will increase. If participant 123 is not eligible for Study 1 at Site A, what tools/safeguards do you have in place to make sure participant 123 does not enroll in Study 1 at Site B just a few miles away? Verified Clinical Trials doesn't just prevent duplicate participants, we make sure your study is enrolling the MOST qualified participants based on their research history. This will pay dividends in the long run as you're weeding out professional participants who will damage the study in terms of retention, medication and/or ePRO adherence, etc. which ultimately delay study timelines, have effects on efficacy, and could even fail a study.

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💡 Customers may forget what you said, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel. In today’s competitive marketplace, it’s not just about the products or services you offer—it’s about the emotions you evoke. A positive experience creates loyal customers, while a negative one can push them away for good. 🚪 ✨ How can you leave a lasting impression? 1️⃣ Empathy: Understand and respond to their needs, not just their words. ❤️ 2️⃣ Consistency: Every touchpoint matters—make sure each one reinforces trust. 🔄 3️⃣ Personalization: Treat customers as individuals, not transactions. 👥 💬 In the end, it’s the emotional connection that builds brand loyalty. How are you making your customers feel today? 🤔 #CustomerExperience #BrandLoyalty #CustomerSatisfaction #CXMatters

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John Lennon said, "Life is what happens when you are busy making plans". I think it is one of the best quotes ever. I work for a very cool company. As a leader in that company, I am supposed to say that. I would rather illustrate it through our actions, not our words. I believe the people make the company. At Kapadi, we truly believe in family first. We do not question if your kid is sick. We do unlimited PTO in the US. The team galvanizes around our teammates that need a hand or life has thrown for an unexpected suprise. It is just our culture. I had been at the company for two months. I suddenly wound up in the hospital for nine days. To a person, everyone said, "We got this. Get better. You do nobody any good if you stay sick. Don't set a bad example for your team while recovering." I texted my boss, "my daughter's apartment caught fire. She is good, but I need to go support." One word response, "GO!" That empathy cascades into the entire team. Having a baby, "GO! Take your time coming back." Death in the family? "GO! We got your back." Car broke down? "GO!". This illustrates our culture here at Kapadi. Our patients never plan to get sick. Nobody plans on cancer or the challenges of long-term care. Their family needing to travel to take care of the unique therapies their loved ones choose to support their specific indications. As an oncology focused, small CRO, we intimately understand those needs and how we can impart our skillsets, and our experience, to help these patients improve their lives. That is what makes it all worth it. This is why we prefer the intimacy of early phase trials. The ability to actually touch patients and impact their lives. Have a challenging indication? "GO!" Complex trial? "GO!" Novel therapy? "GO!" It is funny how life imitates art, or is it the other way around? I work for a really cool company. How cool is that? #teamkapadi #patientsfirst #familyfirst #clinicaltrials #fightcancer

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Imagine a young girl growing up in postwar Hungary, a place where running water is a luxury. That girl is one of my favorite inspirational scientist Katalin Karikó. Her unwavering belief centers around a mysterious molecule called messenger RNA (mRNA). Now, mRNA might not sound exciting, but it holds immense potential. Katalin's journey takes her to the United States, where she faces challenges that would make most of us cringe: battling cockroaches in a dimly lit, windowless lab and enduring skepticism from colleagues. But she persists. For three decades, she dives deep into the world of mRNA, determined to unlock its secrets. And guess what? She succeeds! Her groundbreaking work leads to something we're all familiar with today: COVID-19 vaccines. These vaccines, based on mRNA technology, protect millions of people worldwide. But that's not all. mRNA has even more potential waiting to be tapped in medicine and beyond. So, "Breaking Through" isn't just about science; it's about resilience, determination, and the power of believing in something bigger than yourself. Katalin Karikó's story reminds us that sometimes, the most extraordinary breakthroughs come from the most unexpected places. Here‘s some brutal honest remarks of the current academic system particularly in the US. #Nobelprize2023 #mRNA #Vaccines #covid19

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The AI-powered Future of Laboratories and Pharmaceuticals As we venture further into the 21st century, the laboratories and pharmaceutical industries stand on the brink of a revolution, powered by artificial intelligence. Imagine a future where AI doesn't just support but leads innovation in drug development, personalized medicine, and even in the way we approach diagnostics. At TheoSym, we are not just imagining this future; we're actively building it. With our ventures into AI-powered solutions, such as LIMS and AI for pharmaceuticals, we're unlocking new possibilities for efficiency, accuracy, and innovation. This journey represents a significant investment opportunity, one where the intersection of technology and healthcare creates a new frontier for growth and impact. For investors looking to be at the forefront of healthcare's transformation, the field of AI in laboratories and pharmaceuticals offers a promising vista. It's where the potential to radically improve lives meets the opportunity for substantial returns. Curious about how AI is reshaping healthcare from the ground up? Let’s chat. #AI, #DigitalTransformation, #BusinessInnovation, #TechEntrepreneurship, #InvestmentOpportunity

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Is it possible to be a high-standards, results-driven leader while at the same time building an engaged, fun-to-work-with team? Data from 60,000 managers suggests that the answer is yes — but that younger, more junior managers may be better at it than older, more senior leaders. Perhaps younger people place a heavier value on work relationships than older generations do. Perhaps older, more senior colleagues feel less of a need to rely on soft skills, assuming that colleagues will be influenced by their greater experience and formal authority. Regardless of the reason, all leaders could benefit from developing their skills in this area. This article outlines six things that research identifies as crucial to both driving results and fostering engagement:

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The newsletter will wait a day, since there are a lot of questions around the FTC non-compete ban. First off, I'm not an attorney, and the FTC rule is 570 pages long and no I'm not reading the whole thing- so do your own research / talk to a good attorney (NOT your employer) about your own situation. The post I reshared last night suggested all non-competes are banned, which isn't true. I've linked to the FTC press release, and here is a key part that stands out to me and will apply to many in my network: "Under the final rule, existing noncompetes for senior executives can remain in force. Employers, however, are prohibited from entering into or enforcing new noncompetes with senior executives. The final rule defines senior executives as workers earning more than $151,164 annually and who are in policy-making positions.". What's a "policy-making position"? Does the $151k include sales comp like commissions? I tried to figure it out from the rule, but that's where the 570 pages comes in- too much legal gobbledygook (especially the policy piece), and hopefully a qualified legal expert will be able to explain what it means in lay terms. Another item of note is what happens to your existing non-compete if it's no longer valid. Do you have to re-negotiate your employment agreement? "Employers will simply have to provide notice to workers bound to an existing noncompete that the noncompete agreement will not be enforced against them in the future." When will this all go into effect? "The final rule will become effective 120 days after publication in the Federal Register." What if you and your employer disagree on whether your non-compete is voided? eek. And folks there will be negative consequences from this rule. Having an equity stake in your employer can produce life-changing results, and those equity stakes are often awarded in exchange for non-competes. I expect many companies will consider shrinking the pool of employees eligible for equity awards. I also expect to see bonuses and commissions become subject to more stringent clawbacks. There is no free lunch when it comes to government mandates. All in all, a positive outcome in my viewpoint. There have been companies in our industry who hire people out of college and put them on 1-year non-competes. Amazon used to put temporary warehouse workers on 18-month non-competes. Over the years I have referred many colleagues to my attorney for helping in resolving existing and negotiating new non-competes, and it's always a stressful experience. Glad to see this going away...at least for most people.

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Where were you when you heard that BPA (bisphenol-A, the plastic additive) was dangerous? I remember it clearly. I was in grad school. A well-known bottle manufacturer donated heaps of their BPA-laden product so that they could be repurposed to hold chemicals in the lab, you know, instead of holding water for human drinking. It turns out that BPA was just scratching the surface. Two new articles by Martin Wagner's group at NTNU's Department of Biology were just published in Environ Sci Technol, with startling revelations. Scanning a variety of 36 different samples of plastic packaging, they found up to 9,936 chemicals in a single type of package. What?! Of course, not all of these chemicals are harmful... but these new results show that combinations of 11 of the chemicals can strongly affect a variety of cellular receptors, including ADORA1 and MTNR1A, which may be linked to downstream effects on circadian and metabolic processes. While this may seem like doom and gloom, it's not. Changemakers are busy. We can get inspired by entrepreneurs who get out of bed every day to push back against the status quo. Take Jerome Gosset, Ph. D., and his company, CLIMICALS, who are using renewable plant-based materials as building blocks for safer and more sustainable types of packaging. Startups like Jerome's are set to make real change towards plastic packaging reduction. Who are the people and their companies who inspire you? News story: https://lnkd.in/erFUehNx Study 1: https://lnkd.in/ebBWmy5K Study 2: https://lnkd.in/eYbwCJFP

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To get the optimist or naysayer on your team to think differently, try this game-changing strategy. Tailor your questions to the individual.  - Ask the naysayers about what positive outcomes could arise from an idea. - Prompt optimists to consider potential pitfalls. I’m an eternal optimist. Asking me, "What might go wrong, Eileen?" ensures a well-rounded perspective. Conversely, my skeptical business partner benefits from queries like "What else could be true?" or "What's the best-case scenario?" Customize your questions to the individual. By doing so, you unlock untapped potential and foster innovative solutions. The path to innovation is paved with great questions: - Challenge assumptions. - Broaden perspectives. - Unlock creativity.

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Wow, think I might be breaking some actual NEWS here 😝 Just got sent the original unredacted copy of the Pavers' lawsuit. There were 2 redactions in that document, shown unredacted in yellow below. So, now it's very clear why Illumina had them redacted: the board bought $300M (😳) of insurance right before the GRAIL transaction and paid $100M (🤪) in annual premiums for it. This is absolutely insane for two reasons: (1) Illumina previously held $120M in D&O coverage so $300M is more than doubling coverage in the face of increased risk from GRAIL. So they were VERY NERVOUS about this deal. (2) Normal premiums for D&O are about $100K per million in coverage. So Illumina paid more than THREE TIMES the normal rate for this insurance. This means the insurance company was also VERY NERVOUS about the deal. (Think about how risky this situation is - imagine if you owned a $600K house and the insurance company charged you $200K a year in premiums😱). The bottom line here is that (not a lawyer 🤣) it is very clear that the Illumina board knew it taking an extraordinary risk in closing this deal in the face of massive antitrust opposition. Not a good look for them in any of these lawsuits accusing them of well, taking too much risk - and $300M is a giant prize for the winners of these cases. WTF? Why did they do it? 😱😱😱

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