From Lab to Patient, Garage to Market Scenes from the Pharma Capital
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That said, here’s one quote by Dr. Fredrickson worth remembering:
“Positive people are able to maintain a broader perspective and see the big picture, which helps them identify solutions, whereas negative people maintain a narrower perspective and tend to focus on problems.” It’s been said that the last mile of a race is always the least populated. Naturally, anyone who decides they will reach the finish line has a greater chance of doing so. That mindset distinguishes startup entrepreneurs from people who choose to work somewhere in an established company. While either option is obviously acceptable, my years of experience in life sciences and technology have shown me that true entrepreneurship is founded on the principle that a race is meant to be won.
The Garden State has quickly become ground zero for many innovations revolutionizing life sciences and technology. This fact is explored in Episode 21 of Philip Crowley’s “From Lab to Patient, Garage to
This mindset is at the heart of “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Duckworth, Ph.D. , a 2016 book that many already consider a fundamental read for business leaders. Dr. Duckworth makes the case that persistence, passion and adhering to a growth mindset are just as important as talent and an innovative idea. Drawing from vast research, including interactions with individuals ranging from West Point
Market” podcast with guest Judith Sheft, executive director of the New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (“NJCSIT”). Reestablished in 2018 by Gov. Murphy to help new innovators thrive in the commercial landscape, NJCSIT plays a critical role in supporting early-stage, innovation-driven startups through grant funding and by fostering collaborative relationships between these businesses and academic institutions. Calling New Jersey “the pharma capital of the world,” Sheft presents an intriguing overview of significant advancements in the state’s startup space. She explains that this movement is driven by former pharmaceutical executives forming emerging companies and recent university graduates launching new life sciences ventures. In addition to notable growth in clean technology (particularly regarding power technology and battery recycling) and food production/agriculture, the rise of artificial intelligence has led to fascinating developments in machine learning, automation and financial technologies. As part of NJCSIT’s efforts to help entrepreneurs maximize these startup opportunities, Sheft works with these companies to develop clear, effective communication methods for engaging with investors and possible collaborators. “Sometimes, I’ll say, ‘Pretend you’re explaining [your innovation] to your grandmother. What is it that you’re developing?’ And part of the reason we want to [communicate this way] is so we can also help facilitate other connections between companies who may be able to work together.” For more information on NJCSIT, please call (609) 462-0560 or email csit@njcsit.gov . Hosted by Crowley Law LLC Founder and Managing Partner Philip Crowley, the “From Lab to Patient, Garage to Market” podcast explores the critical issues and concerns impacting the biotech, life sciences and startup markets by offering fresh perspectives from industry leaders and experts. It is available on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, all the major podcast channels and at CrowleyLawLLC.com .
cadets and professional educators to interviews with former Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll and JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon, “Grit” offers intriguing insights into how ambition can transform basic abilities into long-lasting achievement.
Of course, the trick is not to give up. As Dr. Duckworth explains, the most successful people embrace constant improvement.
As she notes in the book, “[E]xperts do it all over again, and again, and again. Until they have finally mastered what they set out to do. Until what was a struggle before is now fluent and flawless. Until conscious incompetence becomes unconscious competence.” These are just three of the books that have expanded my knowledge and worldview, and I’m sure plenty of others have served you just as well. This National Book Month, honor those authors whose words help make us who we are today, and never stop seeking new works that inspire us to be the people we’ve yet to become.
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–Philip Crowley
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