The Human Side of Medical Communications: Building Trust
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Episode Summary
In this episode of the Transforming Medical Communications podcast, host Wesley Portegies is joined by Nazan Artun to dive into the role of creativity and adaptability in Medical Communications. Nazan shares insights on how diverse experiences can spark innovation and enhance team dynamics, practical strategies for fostering creativity and building trust in client relationships, and effective approaches to how Medical Communications can evolve to meet future challenges.
Guest at a Glance
Living in Boston, Massachusetts, Nazan is a seasoned Medical Affairs professional and certified Leadership and Career coach with expertise in healthcare, clinical research, and academia. She holds a PhD in biotechnology, specializing in Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine. Nazan serves as an Associate Director of US Medical Communications and Training at Takeda, a Healthcare Executive Leadership Coach at the Haslam College of Business (University of Tennessee), and a Leadership and Career Coach at Dr. Artun Coaching.
- Nazan Artun on LinkedIn
Host at a Glance
Wesley Portegies is the CEO and Founder of Medical Communications Experts, an agency specializing in effective Medical Communication strategies for pharmaceutical companies. An experienced entrepreneur, Wesley started his first company at 19 and has built multiple successful companies. With over 20 years in the Medical Industry, both on the agency and industry side, he is driven by a passion for Medical Communications.
- Connect with Wesley Portegies on LinkedIn
Topics We Discuss
- The role of creativity in Medical Communications
- How to foster innovative thinking in Medical Communications
- Building trust and collaboration between agencies and pharma companies
- The importance of adaptability and diverse experiences in driving team success
Hot Takes and Key Highlights
- 0:00 – 04:36 How Adaptability Shapes Leadership Success
Adaptability, creativity, and improvisation are powerful tools that transform challenges into opportunities. For Nazan, her journey across diverse industries, countries, and even roles as a musician and leadership coach highlights how embracing change builds problem-solving skills, enhances collaboration, and fosters a people-centered approach. Whether on stage or in Medical Communications, her mix of artistry and professionalism brings fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to every environment.
- 04:36 – 10:28 Unlocking Creativity in Medical Communications
Creativity in Medical Communications goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about problem-solving and innovation, blending scientific expertise with fresh perspectives to communicate complex data effectively. To foster this, organizations must prioritize hiring diverse talent with varied experiences, as exposure to different environments strengthens creative thinking and adaptability. Leaders should balance immediate needs with long-term planning by investing in potential and providing the right training, ensuring their teams are equipped to innovate and thrive in a dynamic, cross-functional space.
- 10:28 – 15:27 From Deadlines to Breakthroughs
Creativity thrives when we step back, manage time wisely, and break free from the pressures of constant deadlines. In Medical Communications, this means creating space for reflection, embracing courageous innovation, and challenging inherited habits that no longer serve us. Prioritizing scientific accuracy and mixing it with fresh, creative thinking, we can turn problem-solving into a joyful experience.
- 15:27 – 25:11 Trust, Collaboration, and Thriving Under Pressure
Creativity flourishes when trust, collaboration, and open communication take center stage. Stress, micromanagement, and rigid expectations often suppress innovation, but a shared mindset can change that. Set clear intentions, embrace constraints like budgets and timelines as opportunities, and focus on a common goal to navigate challenges together.
- 25:11 – 32:03 Doing Nothing and Thinking Differently
Encourage creativity in your teams by fostering freedom within boundaries and exposing them to diverse experiences. Allocate time for “doing nothing” to spark innovative thinking and pair this with opportunities for team members to engage in activities or ideas outside their usual aim. Whether through structured downtime, playful experimentation, or cross-disciplinary exposure, giving your team the space and inspiration to think differently can lead to breakthroughs and fresh solutions.
- 32:03 – 33:47 Beyond the Comfort Zone
Medical Communications is a cornerstone of Medical Affairs, bridging ideas and strategies to drive impactful outcomes. To excel in this field, trust your capabilities, embrace out-of-the-box thinking, and continually seek growth opportunities. Focus on contributing to team goals while honoring your unique skills, education, and perspective.