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

• Why “people first” is more than a management philosophy: it’s a strategy for success
• How to build trust, accountability, and empowerment across teams and functions
• The hardest transition in leadership (and why most new managers struggle with it)
• Why not every high performer should become a manager and what to do instead
• How curiosity and active listening drive innovation and connection
• The importance of aligning personal values with professional purpose
• How to keep your critical-thinking skills sharp in an AI-driven world

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

• Mindset Reimagined by Charlene Dark — Available on Amazon
• Follow Charlene Dark on LinkedIn
• Follow Amanda Cross on LinkedIn
• Learn more at www.crossfieldcc.com
• Subscribe to the Biometrics Leadership Lab newsletter on LinkedIn⁠ for more professional development insights, tips, and strategies

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:

• What the bid defense is really for (it's not just about the slides)
• Why 5 minutes is all you need
• The #1 mistake biometrics professionals make in a bid defense
• How to show your value without jargon or long explanations
• Why paying attention matters even when you are not presenting

Quote of the episode:

“You know you only have five minutes. Plan for it.”

Resources/Show Notes

•  ⁠⁠Follow Amanda Cross on LinkedIn

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

• • What being “patient-first” means in real clinical research settings

  
  

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:

• • ⁠Follow Amanda Cross on LinkedIn⁠
  • Crossfield Coaching and Consulting
  • Follow Kathy Bradrick on LinkedIn
  • Spark Clinical Research

• Subscribe to the Biometrics Leadership Lab newsletter on LinkedIn for more professional development insights, tips, and strategies

  
  

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

• Key challenges leads face and how to manage them
• Navigating lead changes due to performance—and how to prevent the need for change
• Unlocking positive relationships with Project Management
• Balancing workload and sponsor expectations (a critical skill for CRO leads)
• What to remember on the stressful days

Stay Connected
Listen to Part 1
Subscribe to the LinkedIn Newsletter
Follow Amanda on LinkedIn: Amanda Cross

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

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.

Want more insights from The Lab?

Subscribe to my newsletter on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7255662947639652352

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http://www.youtube.com/@CrossfieldCoachingandConsultin