In this episode of The Steward Chair, Maria Thacker Goethe, President and CEO of Georgia Life Sciences, shares her journey of transitioning from a dedicated "number two" to leading a massive ecosystem through a global pandemic. We explore how a commitment to mission and the guidance of mentors drives meaningful, long-term success even when the original plan is upended.

We discuss the critical role of a connector in the life sciences sector, the importance of "work-life harmony" over balance, and why true stewardship means preparing the next generation to lead. This conversation provides actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and impact.

Key Takeaways

• Purpose Over Tactics: In times of crisis, your "North Star" must be your organizational purpose, allowing your tactics to remain nimble and adaptive.
• The Responsibility of Mentorship: Leadership is a societal responsibility; investing time in the next generation is essential because no leader is "here forever".
• Embracing "Ready Enough": You don’t have to feel fully ready to step into a leadership seat; surrounding yourself with a community that believes in you is the key to moving forward through fear.

Resources Mentioned

• Visit https://www.galifesciences.org/
• Follow Maria on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariathacker/
• Join the Georgia Life Sciences mailing list at: https://www.galifesciences.org/join-the-mailing-list 

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