Why Pharma needs Chiefs of Staff with Steve Cirillo-Thompson

Pharma Sessions

In this episode of Pharma Sessions, host Jonathan Kaskey sits down with Steve Cirillo-Thompson, a seasoned Chief of Staff in the pharmaceutical industry, to delve deep into the unique and often misunderstood role of a Chief of Staff. Steve shares his unconventional journey into the medical affairs space, transitioning from political science to consulting, and eventually stepping into various Chief of Staff roles at some of the leading pharmaceutical companies like Shire, Takeda, Abbvie and Kite Pharma.
Timestamped Key Points:
- 00:02: Introduction to the episode and guest, Steve Cirillo-Thompson.
- 00:37: Steve discusses his unconventional background, transitioning from political science to consulting.
- 03:12: The move from consulting to industry and the personal career decision behind it.
- 06:45: An overview of Steve's roles at Shire, Takeda, and the integration process.
- 10:22: Definition and importance of the Chief of Staff role in the pharmaceutical industry.
- 12:56: Discussion on the growing prevalence of Chief of Staff roles beyond the C-suite.
- 15:43: Benefits of having a Chief of Staff to remove silos and be a change champion.
- 18:32: Managing the relationship with the principal and establishing trust.
- 21:05: Emotional intelligence and delivering bad news in a high-stress environment.
- 23:18: Hard skills versus soft skills in the Chief of Staff role.
- 26:53: Insights from the Shire and Takeda integration project.
- 30:14: Overcoming imposter syndrome and managing a newly elevated role.
- 34:40: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Chief of Staff role.
- 36:18: Applying the Chief of Staff skillset across different industries.
- 39:45: The importance of versatility and adaptability in multiple roles.
Jonathan and Steve discuss the importance of emotional intelligence, adaptability, and the ability to manage high-stress relationships with top-level executives. They explore the value a Chief of Staff brings in breaking down silos within an organization, acting as a change champion, and enhancing cross-functional communication and coordination. Steve emphasizes the skillset required for the role, balancing hard operational skills with soft skills like empathy and strategic thinking.
Steve provides insights into the challenges and rewards of the Chief of Staff role, sharing examples from his career, including navigating company integrations and managing cultural shifts within organizations. He also highlights the growing prevalence of Chief of Staff roles in the pharma industry and their critical importance in today's fast-evolving landscape.
Join us for an enlightening conversation filled with practical advice and real-world experiences that can inspire and inform anyone interested in the Chief of Staff role or the pharmaceutical industry at large.

Pharma Sessions is hosted by Jonathan Kaskey
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