Program Overview

In the rapidly evolving landscape of life sciences, significant transformations are underway, propelled by digitalization, evolving advancements in artificial intelligence, demographic shifts, escalating cost pressures, critical scientific breakthroughs, and the emergence of formidable competitors. 

The Executive Program for Senior Life Sciences Leaders will equip you with the tools to lead effectively and address the gap between traditional leadership roles and the modern demands of the life sciences industry. The eight-month curriculum acknowledges the dynamic landscape of the industry, with a keen focus on enhancing the essential skills and insights required by senior life sciences leaders to drive innovation and strategic growth. With insights from industry experts, it seamlessly blends leadership development with a profound understanding of the strategic and operational challenges you currently face. The program is designed to provide you with effective leadership strategies, equipping you to make a meaningful impact in today's biopharma landscape. 

Curriculum

The program curriculum is organized into six parts over 27 modules, focusing on leadership in the context of clinical development today. It covers key topics, including global changes in novel therapeutic modalities, the rare disease landscape and patient advocacy, the adoption of digital technology and the importance of improving access and equity in clinical trials. These modules will equip you with insights and skills to lead clinical development and life sciences projects effectively, optimize strategies, and make a significant impact as an innovative leader in this field. 

  • Part 1: Leadership Perspectives on the Innovation and Challenges Facing the Life Sciences Industry

    • Module 1: Changes in the Pharmaceutical Landscape  

    • Module 2: Digital Trends Impacting Biopharma and Patients' Lives  

    • Module 3: Access and Equity for the Life Sciences Industry

  • Part 2: Strategies for Clinical Development Leaders

    • Module 4: Patients as Partners in the Life Sciences Industry  

    • Module 5: Clinical Development and Market Access: Insights from Site Investigators

    • Module 6: Strategic Decision-Making for New Digital Offerings  

    • Module 7: Digital Tools and Therapeutics  

    • Module 8: Best Practices for Using Real-World Evidence 

  • Part 3: Market Access Strategies for Leaders

    • Module 9: Artificial Intelligence in the Life Sciences Industry  

    • Module 10: Emerging Concepts of Value for Novel Therapies 

    • Module 11: Product Development Framework  

    • Module 12: Strategic Connections between Clinical Development, Medical Affairs and Commercial 

  • Part 4: Understanding and Managing Ourselves

    • Module 13: Managing Yourself and Leading Others  

    • Module 14: Leading at the Executive Level  

    • Module 15: Leading with Emotional Intelligence (EQ)  

    • Module 16: From Self-Understanding to Self-Management  

    • Module 17: The Power of Empathy and Perspective Taking 

  • Part 5: Leading and Developing Others

    • Module 18: Building High-Performance Teams  

    • Module 19: Understanding and Influencing Others  

    • Module 20: Fundamentals of Negotiation and Conflict Management  

    • Module 21: Skill and Agility in Decision-Making 

  • Part 6: Understanding and Managing Organizational Context

    • Module 22: Understanding Organizational Culture  

    • Module 23: Leading for Innovation and Learning  

    • Module 24: The Leader’s Guide to Managing Change

  • Part 7: Leading Units and Organization

    • Module 25: A Primer on Strategy  

    • Module 26: Evaluating Risk and Reward in Growth Opportunities  

    • Module 27: Implementing Strategy in Uncertain Situations 

Other Key Components

Leadership Lens: At the end of select modules, you will get an opportunity to complete a self-study leadership lens activity. Apply what you have learned throughout the program to your organization and personal experiences, creating a valuable reference point for future leadership roles. 

Capstone Project: The capstone project, encompassing six strategic checkpoints throughout the program, serves as a crucial component of your learning journey. These checkpoints will cover various leadership facets, spanning personal mindset, skill enhancement and strategic implementation, facilitating a profound appreciation of how effective leadership can shape and steer achievements in the clinical development landscape. The project aims to systematically enhance and solidify your leadership abilities in the realm of clinical research and development. 

Co-Faculty Directors

Stanley Shaw.

Stanley Shaw, MD, PhD

Associate Dean for Executive Education, Harvard Medical School

Margaret C. Andrews.

Margaret C. Andrews

Instructor, Harvard University
Managing Director, The MYLO Center

 

This Harvard Medical School Executive Education program is taught by HMS faculty and is promoted by Emeritus. Emeritus is responsible for advertising, marketing, registration, and collecting payment.

Questions?

Contact one of our program advisors at corporate_learning@hms.harvard.edu.

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