The Balancing Act of a Biotech Leader
Working in biotech—especially in roles tied to quality, regulatory, and compliance—can feel like walking a tightrope. Every detail matters. Timelines are tight. Expectations are high. Add in being a woman in a male-dominated field, and the balancing act becomes even more intense. Over the course of my career, from the early days of HIV screening tests to leading quality teams for FDA-approved cell therapies, I’ve learned one essential truth: balance isn’t just a luxury—it’s a survival skill.
I’ve worked long hours. I’ve led teams through 5-day FDA inspections, facility qualifications, and major product submissions. And while I’m deeply proud of the therapies we’ve helped bring to market, I’ve also learned that staying grounded in life outside of work—through wellness routines, meaningful relationships, and yes, the occasional glass of good wine—is just as critical as anything I do in the lab or boardroom.
Wellness is More Than a Trend
Wellness isn’t about green juice and yoga retreats. For me, wellness means listening to your body, managing your stress, and creating space for joy and recovery. It means moving your body, whether that’s walking through the garden, playing golf, or training for one of the half-marathons I’ve run (plus one full marathon—Disney World in January!). It means taking time to read a good book, cook a nourishing meal, or connect with people who make you laugh.
In the high-pressure world of biotech, burnout is real. I’ve seen brilliant colleagues pushed to the brink by constant deadlines, long hours, and the weight of responsibility. That’s why I prioritize wellness—for myself and for my teams. When people feel mentally and physically well, they think more clearly, collaborate better, and make smarter decisions. It’s good for individuals, and it’s good for business.
A Glass of Wine and a Moment to Breathe
Let me say it plainly: I love wine. Not in the rushed, end-of-day kind of way, but in the celebratory, “let’s slow down and enjoy this” kind of way. Visiting wine bars with friends, trying new pairings at supper club, or simply sharing a bottle over dinner—it’s one of my favorite rituals. Wine, like science, is about process and transformation. And when enjoyed thoughtfully, it can be a beautiful way to unwind and connect.
As leaders, we often feel pressure to always be “on.” But I’ve found that some of my best ideas and deepest insights come not in the lab or during a Zoom call, but in those quiet, reflective moments when I’ve stepped away from the pressure. A walk through the garden. A quiet dinner with friends. A weekend spent cooking a new recipe. These are not distractions from the work—they are fuel for it.
Leading with Authenticity
As a woman in leadership, I’ve learned that authenticity is one of the most powerful tools you can bring to the table. Early in my career, I thought I had to downplay parts of myself to be taken seriously. I wore the right suits, gave the right answers, and worked hard to prove myself. But over time, I realized that my strength didn’t come from fitting a mold—it came from being real.
I talk openly with my teams about the importance of life outside of work. I encourage my staff to take their PTO, pursue their passions, and find balance in their own ways. I’ve maintained over 95% staff retention in many of my leadership roles, and I believe that comes from creating a culture of respect, support, and trust. People don’t leave jobs—they leave environments that don’t value them as whole people.
Creating Space for Others
One of the greatest joys of my career has been mentoring younger professionals—especially women—who are finding their way in the life sciences. I tell them that they don’t have to choose between being serious and being joyful, between being driven and being human. You can be a biotech leader and still have a food club, love cats, run marathons, or travel the world.
I make space for laughter in the workplace. I remember birthdays. I listen when someone says they’re overwhelmed. These “soft” skills are often undervalued, but they’re critical to building resilient, high-performing teams. Especially in quality and regulatory roles—where scrutiny and compliance are the norm—empathy and emotional intelligence go a long way.
The Power of Balance
Balance doesn’t mean having equal time for everything every day. Some days are intense. Some weeks are packed with meetings, submissions, and audits. But balance means making a long-term commitment to your well-being, to your relationships, and to the parts of life that fill your cup.
For me, balance looks like prepping for a client audit in the morning and planning a food club dinner in the evening. It looks like leading a team through a regulatory inspection one week, and escaping to a wine country getaway the next. It’s not about perfection—it’s about presence.
Final Thoughts: Blend Your Passions
I’ve never believed in separating life into boxes—work, home, wellness, hobbies. It’s all part of the same blend. Just like a great wine, the richness comes from the combination. Over the years, I’ve learned that when I lead with both head and heart, when I bring my whole self into the work, and when I make space for others to do the same, we all do better.
So yes, I’ll keep building quality systems, leading inspections, and mentoring young talent. But I’ll also keep cooking gourmet meals, tending my garden, reading good books, and raising a glass to the moments in between. Because a life in balance isn’t just better for me—it’s better for the people I lead, the teams I support, and the patients we ultimately serve.