In This Episode
In this episode, I talk with Charlene Dark, Chief Operating Officer at Avania, about her career journey from statistician to executive leader.
We explore how curiosity, courage, and a people-first mindset shaped her path and how she continues to lead with authenticity and accountability.
Charlene shares stories from her early days in clinical research, lessons from the mentors who influenced her most, and the leadership principles that have guided her through decades of change in the biometrics industry.
Listen and Learn
Quote of the Episode
“If you get the right people in the right seats doing the job they love, that’s your biggest battle. The rest will follow.” — Charlene Dark
Resources / Show Notes
In This Episode:
Ever felt like the biometrics discussion gets lost in the shuffle of a full-service bid defense? At the end of an hours long meeting, data management, biostatistics, and medical writing frequently find themselves with just 5 minutes.
Here’s how to make the most of your 5 five minutes so you can stand out and make a meaningful impact.
Regardless of your role or your bid defense experience, you’lllearn with practical strategies to ensure you’re clear, concise, and compelling when it matters most.
Listen and learn:
Quote of the episode:
“You know you only have five minutes. Plan for it.”
Resources/Show Notes
In This Episode:
I sit down with clinical research executive Kathy Bradrick to explore her journey through the CRO world: from her early days in business operations at a startup to becoming CEO of her own company.
Throughout the conversation, Kathy shares how business sense, asking good questions, and a strong work ethic helped her grow her career, and why small companies remain close to her heart.
You’ll hear reflections on founding companies, navigating mistakes, learning through doing, and how people-centered leadership fuels sustainable growth. Plus, enjoy a bit of reminiscing as Kathy and I reflect on fun and formative moments from our intersecting careers over the past 25+ years.
Listen and learn:
What to do when you make a million-dollar mistake
Why it’s important to understand the business beyond your role
What small companies offer that large companies do not
How you are networking every day—even if you think you’re not
Quote of the episode:
“Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about curiosity, courage, and the willingness to keep learning.”
Resources/Show Notes:
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The Biometrics Leadership Lab Podcast
Episode 2: What Is a Lead? – Part 2
Episode Overview
In Part 2 of our discussion, we explore the challenges biometrics leads face: working better with project management, managing performance, and balancing expectations.
This episode dives deeper into the questions: What is a biometrics lead? and What makes a good lead a great lead?
Here’s What You’ll Learn
Stay Connected
Listen to Part 1
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Welcome to The Biometrics Leadership Lab Podcast! Hosted by Amanda Cross, this show is designed to help clinical trial biometrics professionals grow into confident, collaborative leaders. From functional leads to rising leaders, we share practical strategies, expert insights, and real-world experiences from across data management, statistics, programming, and medical writing. Subscribe now and take your next step in leadership.
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Subscribe to YouTube:
What does a functional lead actually do in clinical trial biometrics? In this first episode of The Biometrics Leadership Lab Podcast, we explore what makes a great functional lead across data management, statistics, and statistical programming, and how leads can excel.
This episode features three expert panelists sharing lessons from the field:
Adri Erasmus – Data Management
Bobby Rachford – Statistics
Evgeny Starostin – Statistical Programming
If you're a current lead, someone who is working to become one, or a line manager wanting to learn more about collaborating with other functions, this is the episode for you.
📬 Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7255662947639652352
📺 Watch the original recording on YouTube:https://youtu.be/OKu6yEgM4Hk?feature=shared