The drowning victim lay lifeless on the bottom of the pool in deep water.
That was terrifying enough as it was. But even more terrifying was this: it was up to me to save them.
Using the “stride jump” I’d been trained on, I entered the water without submerging, and, leaving my rescue tube on the water’s surface, dove down eight feet, put my arm around the victim, quickly brought him to the surface, face up, and to the side of the pool.
Thankfully, it was a simulation.
But if had been a real emergency, I knew what to do. And although I’d never planned on taking a lifeguarding class until I found out about our local pool’s lifeguard shortage, what I learned—combining theory with physical action, the latest in CPR techniques, rapid responses to choking emergencies, and proper deployment of an AED, as well as multiple ways to recognize and respond to drowning emergencies—all increased my confidence and sense of self-worth.
I’d know what to do. I could be helpful. And I could change the world—for the better.
It took a leap—literal and figurative—of learning not only crucial for personal growth, but for the growth of organizations, opportunities, and careers in life science.
These are times like no other.
We live in challenging times that are unlike what we’ve ever faced as humans. Technological innovation is happening at speeds previously unimaginable, and every day brings something new—exciting, useful, even alienating, sometimes inspiring fear.
As the PRE team and I have worked with our precommercial life science partners, we recognize the difficulty in understanding the acceleration of innovation in real time—not only in the advances in science and technology that will dramatically improve the lives of people facing serious diseases—but in the technologies available to organizations looking to solve precommercial challenges in the life science space, including:
- What are best practices (and technologies) for clinical trial recruitment?
- What are the most effective analytical tools to collect real sentiment from my audience?
- How do I optimize my digital strategy to match my organization’s goals?
- What role does social media play in prescribing decisions?
- What are keywords? And how do I use them to drive engagement?
- What is the potential impact of artificial intelligence, including ChatGPT, on my business?
The options are endless. But so are the solutions. How do we find the answers we need?
A learning culture is mission critical.
One of our best human talents is sharing knowledge. It’s how we’ve come so far, so fast. But some corporate cultures encourage knowledge-sharing more than others. Where does yours stack up? If you’re in a culture that’s not afraid to ask questions—along with seeking answers—you’re in the right place.
Organizations that grow successfully know that success is built on learning, externally and internally. Only through evolution on an individual and organizational basis can a company and its employees truly realize their potential. What stops some companies from encouraging organizational learning?
Usually, it’s fear.
Openness to learning carries an implicit message: we don’t have all the answers. While at first glance this may seem weak or disempowering, it’s actually the opposite. Active learning is the ultimate sign of strength—recognizing a gap and seeking to fill it. More knowledge is always better, even when it means exposing uncomfortable truths.
Jump In!
Creating a learning culture starts with you. Identify your own gaps in knowledge, strategize about how to fill them, and bring others within your organization along for the ride. It can be as easy as a lunch and learn, or more extensive, like a multiday workshop and an ongoing commitment to creating new levels of understanding throughout your organization.
Whether your efforts are centered around increasing knowledge of effective digital engagement strategies or taking a deep dive into the long-term implications of artificial intelligence, there are experts available to help you learn—and drive personal and professional growth.
We can help.
If you’re looking for answers for strategic challenges within your organization, let’s talk. And if we don’t match the particular set of skills required for your goals, we’ll connect you with someone within our network who’s a better fit. Real learning starts with identifying and quantifying the source of the challenges you face. We’ll help you better understand the gaps you face and work with you and your team to uncover new approaches—and new opportunities.
Additionally, we can:
- Spearhead a strategic audit across your group or organization to identify potential opportunities for targeted initiatives
- Design and implement efficient tools to gather insights from your key stakeholders
- Understand your near-, medium-, and long-term goals to best inform the process
- Deploy additional thought partners, including SEM/SEO specialists, digital design agencies, and digital strategists, to help better understand your digital landscape and identify opportunities within it
- Design learning workshops to help your organization better understand and respond to strategic challenges across brand, market, and competition