GUEST EDITOR – Julia Taylor
A short meeting can lead to ongoing partnerships
LTEN members connected for short “Speed Coaching sessions at the annual conference
As members of LTEN, there are a multitude of resources that are available to us. I’d like to highlight a significant benefit – speed coaching.
In case you haven’t experienced it live at the LTEN Annual Conference, speed coaching is an opportunity to speak with a trainer or educator in our life sciences industry. You can offer or gain perspective and share insights and perhaps advice within our dynamic business landscape.
At our recent LTEN Annual Conference, I had the opportunity to participate as a speed coach. The initial interactions were typically 15-minute exchanges, whereafter a quick introduction, we began to discuss the topic that the coachee had brought forward.
At the conference, the focus was to elevate and enable our LTEN community. Through asking open-ended questions, listening and exploring, the goal was for coachees to leave with an actionable takeaway that they were energized to take action.
Building Relationships
Through these engagements, longer-lasting relationships are often built. The mentor and mentee may discover that as additional conversations take place, both individuals benefit from each other’s expertise. In my opinion, these relationships are invaluable as there are many parallel experiences that many of us have or will encounter within our shared industry.
But, as with anything, the familiar phrase of “you get what you put into it” rings true. That being said, my suggestion to the coachee is to potentially invite your speed coach to stay connected.
In the beginning, the coachee should “own” building the relationship, scheduling subsequent touchpoints and creating an agenda where both parties are aligned. The speed coach offers their time, possible viewpoints and individualized attention to the coachee.
Career Connections
I’ve found there may be a notion that being a coachee is only for someone who is early in their career or new to their training role. Although there is definitely value for anyone who identifies as such, these discussions may ignite innovative thinking and approaches for those with extensive experience in the life sciences industry. A simple conversation can make a meaningful difference across anyone’s career continuum.
The networking opportunities that are available are a popular reason people appreciate being part of the LTEN community. I agree with that sentiment and would propose that speed coaching creates an environment that can take networking to a whole new level while being highly sensitive to the time commitments and rapid pace of our industry.
The speed coaching and coachee connection is unique and just waiting for anyone who is interested. If you would like to learn more, please reach out to Miki White, LTEN membership director, at
mwhite@L-TEN.org. Find out how you can be part of this LTEN opportunity.
Julia Taylor is associate director, commercial coaching excellence, for Horizon Therapeutics. Email Julia at jtaylor2@horizontherapeutics.com.
