Centering My Work on Leadership for Scientists: Clarifying My Direction

“Plum Blossoms Welcoming Spring” – my drawing, celebrating the Lunar New Year and the promise of new beginnings.

In the past few months, while working on my YouTube channel and podcast, the AgBio Dialogues, and writing more consistently here, I’ve had some great conversations with friends, colleagues, and mentors.

Their feedback has been generous, honest, and very helpful.

A recurring question kept coming up:

“Who is this really for?”

At first, my answer was broad. 

I care about science.

I care about leadership.

I care about personal and career growth.

I care about communication.

I care about first-generation professionals.

Caring about many things is different from focusing on one audience and serving them well.

After taking time to reflect and listen to feedback, I have narrowed my focus.

Who I’m Here to Help

This platform is for scientists who want to become leaders.

This includes:

• Scientists early in their careers who are moving from academia to industry

• Technical professionals working in corporate biotech settings

• Scientists have learned that technical skills alone are not enough

• First-generation professionals who want to build confidence and influence

I am especially interested in helping people who are asking questions like:

• How can I move from being a strong contributor to becoming an effective leader?

• How can I communicate well across different functions and cultures?

• How can I build influence while keeping my scientific integrity?

• How can I create a meaningful career in science-driven industries?

Why This Focus Is Important

Science teaches us to think carefully and logically.

But being a leader takes more than just careful thinking.

Leaders also need:

• Communication

• Team collaboration

• Emotional intelligence

• Strategic thinking

• Cultural awareness

• The courage to speak up

• And more….

Many scientists never get formal training in these skills.

Still, people expect them to demonstrate these abilities as they advance in their careers.

I aim to help close this gap by sharing insights from my experience and lessons from conversations with leaders across the scientific and biotech fields.

How First-Generation Experience Matters

As a first-generation professional in the U.S., I know what it’s like to face hidden rules, cultural differences, and unspoken expectations.

That perspective doesn’t replace science; it enriches leadership within it.

It influences how I approach:

• Communication

• Confidence

• Belonging

• Influence

• Mentorship

This part of my experience will always be important in my work.

Moving Forward

Going forward, my writing, conversations, and interviews will focus on:

• Leadership in technical and scientific environments

• Career navigation in biotech and science-driven industries

• The human side of science, leadership, and innovation

• Practical reflections for scientists who want to lead and drive impact

The goal is simple: To help scientists lead with clarity, integrity, and purpose.

I am grateful to everyone who challenged me to sharpen this focus.

As we welcome the lunar New Year, I am reminded that every reflection, conversation, and insight contributes to a larger journey.

My drawing “Plum Blossoms Welcoming Spring” serves as a gentle reminder: growth, clarity, and leadership are ongoing journeys, not final destinations. 

Each step we take and every reflection we make prepare the way for what’s next.

Here’s to embracing new beginnings: for ourselves, our work, and the scientists we aim to guide with impact.

Warmly,

Shujian