The Balancing Act of Biotech
Working in biotech and life sciences is rewarding—but let’s be honest, it’s also incredibly demanding. Between preparing for FDA inspections, meeting regulatory deadlines, managing teams, and keeping up with evolving guidance and technologies, the pressure can be intense. Over the years, I’ve learned that while the work can be high-stakes, finding balance is not only possible—it’s essential.
I’ve spent decades in Quality Assurance, Quality Control, and Regulatory Affairs roles, leading audits, building systems from the ground up, and helping bring groundbreaking therapies to market. But I’ve also spent evenings in my kitchen experimenting with a new risotto recipe, sipping a crisp white wine at a neighborhood wine bar, or laughing with friends at our monthly supper club. And through it all, I’ve discovered that managing stress and achieving success aren’t opposites—they’re two sides of the same coin.
When the Pressure’s On
There’s nothing quite like the anticipation of an FDA inspection. No matter how prepared your team is or how robust your systems are, it’s natural to feel the weight of what’s at stake. I’ve led teams through 5-day inspections, participated in global audits, and hosted more client visits than I can count. Each one brings a mix of adrenaline, focus, and yes—stress.
But I’ve found that the key to managing those high-pressure moments is preparation and mindset. Preparation means systems that work, documentation that tells a clear story, and people who know their roles and responsibilities. Mindset means trusting that work, keeping a sense of perspective, and staying calm and collected, even if things go sideways. Stress can be a motivator, but if it’s unmanaged, it becomes a barrier.
Building Resilient Teams
One of the most powerful tools for managing stress at work is building a resilient team culture. I’ve always emphasized transparency, shared accountability, and celebrating the wins—big or small. When your team feels supported and knows they can speak up, you create an environment where people are more confident, more engaged, and less anxious when the pressure rises.
That’s how we got through building and qualifying an entire commercial manufacturing facility during COVID—because the team had each other’s backs. We weren’t just focused on getting it done; we were focused on doing it right, together.
The Role of Ritual and Routine
Outside of work, I’ve developed personal routines that help me recharge and reset. For me, cooking isn’t just a hobby—it’s therapy. There’s something so grounding about chopping vegetables, stirring a sauce, and creating something beautiful and nourishing from simple ingredients. It’s the opposite of the fast-paced, high-stakes world of biotech. It slows me down and brings me back to myself.
Wine is another joy of mine—whether it’s discovering a new varietal or sharing a bottle with friends after a long week. Aperitifs may seem like a small thing, but they represent something bigger: a pause. A signal that it’s okay to unwind, to reflect, to laugh, and to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Letting Go of Perfection
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in this field is that perfection isn’t the goal—resilience is. Things go wrong. Data can surprise you. People make mistakes. The question isn’t whether you’ll face setbacks, but how you’ll respond. And for me, responding starts with grace—both for myself and for my team.
That means letting go of unrealistic expectations. That means saying no sometimes. That means not answering emails at 10 PM every night. And it means creating space for rest, creativity, and connection—because those are the things that fill your cup and make you better at your job in the long run.
Celebrating the Wins
Success in life sciences can sometimes feel anticlimactic. You work for months—sometimes years—on a product or project, and the “approval” arrives quietly in an email or a line in a report. That’s why I make it a point to celebrate—every successful audit, every cleared submission, every time a team member steps into a leadership role. We mark those moments with a toast, a team lunch, or simply by saying “great job.”
Recognizing effort is as important as recognizing outcomes. And when we acknowledge those wins, we reinforce the value of the work and the people doing it.
Finding Your Own Version of Balance
Everyone’s balance looks different. For me, it’s gardening on weekends, book club debates over homemade meals, early morning walks, and trying out new restaurants with friends. It’s taking time to be more than a title or a role. It’s being fully present in both the lab and the living room.
If you’re early in your career, I encourage you to find those rituals and passions outside of work that ground you. If you’re a leader, model balance for your team. Let them see that high performance and well-being can coexist. Because at the end of the day, the goal isn’t just regulatory approval—it’s building a life you’re proud of, both professionally and personally.
Final Thoughts
In the world of life sciences, stress will always be part of the job. But with preparation, strong teams, and personal rituals that bring you joy, you can navigate the pressure with clarity and calm. And maybe even enjoy a good meal and a glass of wine along the way.
Here’s to the audits, the approvals—and the aperitifs.