Turns Out I'm Taller on Zoom

“You’re taller on Zoom” was something I heard last week when I had the opportunity to meet participants from the Harvard Medical School Executive Program for Senior Life Sciences Leaders for which I am the Success Coach. Participants from around the world came to Boston for a two-day seminar, after successfully completing a 27-week virtual program on topics ranging from evolving technology in the life science space to leading successfully in this dynamic environment.

I came to know these individuals over nearly 8 months through our live sessions and their Capstone assignments. They are life-long learners who are committed to having impact on patients. Coming together to Boston, the hub of higher education, and feeling their energy and enthusiasm for scholarship was grand. I was struck by how connected I felt to the individuals even though we had not met in person.

In this world of routinely interacting with people virtually,

• How do you develop and maintain a personal connection?

• Has this changed your dynamic with members of your team?

• How do you stay connected with your colleagues?

• What advantages have you found with virtual interactions?

The program includes asynchronous content and weekly live sessions. It brings together leaders across pharma and life sciences more broadly to share experiences, insights, and learn from experts relevant to the pharmaceutical industry. Live sessions include opportunities to interact with HMS faculty and peers as well as to discuss course content, giving participants the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences and

learn from each other. As you can imagine, robust discussion ensues! Interacting with top leaders (many of whom I have had the pleasure of working with during my career) and hearing them openly share their learnings during their career journey, has been a valuable learning experience for all. It is a pleasure facilitating these discussions and

listening to the exchange.

I recognize the way we work together has evolved and that we are spending much of our time interacting with colleagues virtually, but having the opportunity to interact in person was a joy. It reminded me that taking the opportunity to meet people in person is important and should not be dismissed.

I was pleased to know I look taller on Zoom, despite my wearing heals to the meeting! Maybe the WNBA will become virtual, and I could have a career as a basketball player!