This audio is automatically generated. feedback.
Court Horncastle normally reads non-fiction, but when his 27-year-old daughter recommended the novel “Babel,” the senior vice president and head of GSK’s U.S. specialty division decided to give it a read.
“I wanted to share a reading experience with her, so I stepped away from my usual non-fiction (preferences: mostly history, geopolitics, biography) and dove into a fictional fantasy epic that tackles complex issues like student activism, colonialism and language, and translation as a tool of empire,” Horncastle said. “This was an unconventional read for me, one that stimulated some of my unusual thinking and assumptions.”
Biopharmaceutical leaders can find inspiration in many places, and sometimes it can be found in bookstores far from the self-help or business sections.
What books teach leaders valuable lessons or open their eyes to new ideas? We reached out to six pharmaceutical executives to hear about the books that made a lasting impression on them as leaders and why they would recommend these books to their colleagues.
Optional Caption
Used with permission from Babel
Book: “Babel“
author: RF Quan
Recommended by: Court HorncastleSenior Vice President, Head of US Specialty, GSK
overview: This award-winning epic fantasy novel transports readers to an alternate reality of 1830s England, where magical silversmithing helps perpetuate colonial rule and power. The story follows Robin, a young Chinese orphan who is training to gain admission to the prestigious Royal Translation Institute (Babel), the source of the nation’s power.
Why you should read this: “Often, what you think is likely based on assumptions you’ve made that are based on how you feel — that there’s a ‘right way’ to frame the challenge, make choices, and move forward, not a ‘right way.’ This thoughtful pause prompted me to slow down and take the time to ask questions, rather than immediately assert. Shifting my perspective in this way is something I try to do every day to ensure my team is thoughtful and strategic in its decision-making and remains ambitious for patients.”
Optional Caption
Courtesy of Penguin Random House
Book: “The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Patience, and the Art of Living“
author: Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman
Recommended by: Katsuyoshi SugitaExecutive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer, Astellas Pharma
overview: Intended to be read a little each day throughout the year, this bestseller features one quote for each day from Stoic philosophers Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus, as well as insights from other philosophers and a historical narrative to put it all in context.
Why you should read this: “The Daily Stoic offers daily insights into wisdom, patience, and balanced living. I can read a page or two each morning to start my day with valuable insights and practical advice. This book has helped me to increase my self-awareness and self-control, especially during stressful times.”
As a Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer, managing stress and maintaining self-control is crucial. The Daily Stoic provides me with a daily meditation to help me stay focused and make a meaningful contribution to my organization and society. The book’s practical and straightforward approach has significantly improved my ability to lead and inspire others.”
Optional Caption
Courtesy of Simon & Schuster
Book: ““The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer”
author: Siddhartha Mukherjee
Recommended by: Dr. Faye FellerExecutive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Geron
overview: This Pulitzer Prize-winning work is one of the best-known medical nonfiction books of the past 15 years, and it’s also that rare cancer “biography” written by an Ivy League-educated hematologist/oncologist that’s both enlightening and a genuine page-turner.
Why you should read this: “Whether you’re familiar with the field of hematology or not, this book offers a unique perspective on cancer research and the journey that researchers, physicians and patients have taken over the decades. I think it will help anyone interested in cancer drug development understand the history that led to the systems and processes we have today. It also provides perspective and overall context for the environment in which we work.”
As a biotech leader, I strive every day to maintain the focus and effort required to keep my organization and myself excelling. Innovating with data and science, putting patients first, leading with integrity and treating with honesty while facing the challenges, setbacks and timelines that come with drug development. Reading about the lives of those whose lives have been impacted by the drug development successes that came before us helps me maintain perspective that it is a privilege to go to work every day with the opportunity to improve patient care and advance science. The impact of beautiful words, like beautiful science, can take us in unexpected directions.”
Optional Caption
Courtesy of Penguin Random House
Book: “Hard Choices: A Memoir“
author: Carly Fiorina
Recommended by: Heather DeanSenior Vice President and Head of Neuroscience Division, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company
overview: In this bestseller, Carly Fiorina tells the story of leading Hewlett-Packard—and then getting fired—in a candid memoir of leadership and being a female CEO in the national spotlight.
Why you should read this: “The insights and observations about executive management in this memoir left a lasting impression on me, especially as it relates to transitioning into a new leadership role. Fiorina’s experience at HP highlights the invaluable practice of walking the ground and engaging directly with team members closest to the work. Employees of the organization point out opportunities for cost savings, innovation and increased efficiency, and provide a clear perspective on how to further improve operations. From this approach, I learned the importance of stepping out of your executive shell to truly understand and effectively lead change. It’s a practice that not only fosters transparency but also helps drive strategic and meaningful change across the organization.”
Optional Caption
Courtesy of James Clear
Book title:Atomic Habits“
author: James Clear
Recommended by: Ian ThompsonSenior Vice President and General Manager, US Operations, Amgen
overview: This smash-hit bestseller takes an encouraging approach to building good habits and breaking bad ones by drawing on fields such as biology, psychology, and neuroscience to teach readers how to make step-by-step changes.
Why you should read this: “Atomic Habits offers a powerful insight into how small changes can have a big impact on business. Author James Clear advises readers to focus on ‘1% improvement every day’ and that this small, rational approach to habit-building will ultimately lead to big results. The concept was inspired by former British cycling team leader Sir Dave Brailsford, who used marginal gains to lead his team to victory. As an organization, we are focused on 1% improvement every day and are driven by the recognition that the patients Amgen serves can’t wait to have access to innovative medicines. This book provides practical understanding and tools to work faster and better in translating the potential of science and biotechnology into therapies that have the power to restore health and save lives.”
Optional Caption
Provided by Tuttle Publishing
Book: “Ganbatte!: Japanese art in constant progress“
author: Albert Lieberman
Recommended by: David DoddCEO of Geovacs
overview: This compact book contains 50 short chapters that use Japanese philosophy to teach you everything from meditation to how to move forward through failure, and at the end, it lists 10 “ganbatte rules” for making change happen.
Why you should read this: “The phrase (ganbatte) represents a Japanese concept that means, ‘Do your best! Don’t give up! Keep going!’ I recently provided the GeoVax team with a one-page summary of the 10 rules outlined in the book. This concept aligns well with the business philosophy I have been sharing with my entire team and board of directors: ‘Doing your best is enough!'”
