The Grey Area & Sugar Taxes

The debate about whether to introduce sugar taxes in NZ has been interesting to see play  out. It’s perfect example of trying to make a decision in light of insufficient evidence with potentially large implications on public health.

A new gene therapy approved!

This week GSK’s ex vivo gene therapy for ADA-SCID received its marketing authorization from the European Medicine Agency. This is awesome news for the medical world and patients.

The missed opportunity

Just about every PhD or Post-Doctoral Fellow that I have spoken to, since arriving into the world of science*, doesn’t have great things to say about their training experience.

If you are one that does have good things to say, I’ll bet, you’re the exception.

Touchy Feely Takeaways

As I come to the end of my time at the Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB), I have begun to reflect on what I will take away from my experience. The Stanford MBA program is renowned for many unique classes. At the top of this list is one called OB374: Interpersonal Dynamics,  which is fondly known as  ‘Touchy Feely’ (TF), so I’ll start there.

 

Five bite-sized lessons from my Stanford MBA

During my MBA I have compiled a collection of small (one or two liner) business lessons. Most have been derived from class readings, quotes from speakers or my own perspectives. While my compilation is well over 100, this week I shall share five of them:

1. TEAMS: When people start agreeing, get worried. Consensus is seen in a more positive light than should be warranted. Conflict is essential. Ideas, hypothesis, theories need to be challenged before they proceed.
2. TEAMS: While diversity can led to more ideas on the table, its key power is being able to test and shake the ‘perfect’ idea/s that seem so obvious to the majority.
3. INNOVATION: A well characterized need is the DNA of a great innovation.
4. MARKETING: The only facts are from your customers.
5. LEADERSHIP: Your job as a manager is to help make others successful.