The Centre for Drug Research and Development (CDRD), Canada’s national drug development and commercialization centre, and Pfizer Canada today announced the launch of the CDRD Executive Institute under the umbrella of The CDRD Academy. This launch is made possible by a significant $1,000,000 contribution by Pfizer Canada. The Institute’s aim is to provide ongoing executive development to ensure that the Canadian life sciences sector has the management talent it needs to lead the world.
Successfully scaling Canadian life sciences companies, and growing them into strong, multi-product anchors, requires leaders to think in more complex, systematic, and strategic ways. To address this pressing need, CDRD has created this unique 10-monthprogram open to a maximum of 20 executive-level life sciences professionals annually. Recognizing that diversity is Canada’s strength, priority and focus will be given to addressing the gender gap within Canadian life sciences leadership, and to building opportunities for under-represented groups.
“The essence of any business is people, and building and supporting highly-qualified leaders is critical to drive Canada’s health sciences sector” said Gordon C. McCauley, President and CEO of CDRD. McCauley continued, “The CDRD Academy has always been an essential part of our Mission, focused on helping high-potential scientists be more commercially minded. The CDRD Executive Institute will extend this work to helping high-potential business people lead Canada’s science-based businesses of tomorrow. We are deeply grateful to Pfizer Canada for their transformational support.”
John Helou, President, Pfizer Canada, added: “We are pleased to partner with CDRD to implement concrete measures that will bring critical business skills to life science leaders while promoting diversity. Although not currently captured in the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) program, this investment will support Canada’s innovation ecosystem, and the Federal government’s priorities to improve gender balance and executive leadership in corporate Canada. Ultimately it will enhance the life science sector’s ability to attract and retain the best talent and grow a critical pillar in our economy.’’
The custom program will be delivered in collaboration with global training leaders, the not-for-profit Center for Creative Leadership, and will combine researched and proven best practices/principles with targeted industry topics to take participants on a leadership journey that incorporates a blend of assessments, simulations, challenging assignments and executive coaching. Training will be focused on real issues and current company challenges, making it highly relevant to the learner’s real work – learning while applying. Coaches will help guide participants in setting goals, and peer accountability groups will also provide a vehicle to gain broader perspectives on issues they are experiencing.
To enhance ongoing executive development, program graduates will have the opportunity to teach topics about which they are passionate to co-workers and others, and to continue their involvement in the Program through extended peer groups, and by becoming mentors for new cohorts.
