Upcoming Events

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nov 19

Wait. What? Or How to Get Curious When Someone is Clearly Wrong
November 19, 2019, 6:00 - 8:30 PM 

Our most difficult conversations are characterized by our near certainty that we are right and they are wrong. This would be OK if the only opinion that mattered was our own. The challenge is that when we need to lead and collaborate, their opinions and perspectives matter, too. However, it is nearly impossible to get curious about what they are thinking if we are stuck in our own certainty. In this workshop, you will learn a simple and time-tested tool to step out of our certainty and into a stance of curiosity where questions flow more easily, shifting the conversation into constructive and collaborative dialogue.

Location: Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142
Cost: $15 for members; $40 for non-members

Register  Add to Calendar 11/19/2019 06:00 PM 11/19/2019 8:30 PM America/New_York Wait. What? Or How to Get Curious When Someone is Clearly Wrong Our most difficult conversations are characterized by our near certainty that we are right and they are wrong. This would be OK if the only opinion that mattered was our own. The challenge is that when we need to lead and collaborate, their opinions and perspectives matter, too. However, it is nearly impossible to get curious about what they are thinking if we are stuck in our own certainty. In this workshop, you will learn a simple and time-tested tool to step out of our certainty and into a stance of curiosity where questions flow more easily, shifting the conversation into constructive and collaborative dialogue. Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142

dec 3

Navigating the Art and Science of Negotiation
December 3, 2019, 8:00 - 9:30 AM

In our ever-changing, competitive world, it can be challenging to stay ahead of the curve and influence outcomes that set you (and your business) up for success. Negotiation is part of our everyday lives and shows up everywhere. In business, it’s a critical component to success.  

• Effectively prepare for negotiation discussions
• Build a strategy and leverage win-win solutions
• Navigate the landscape of emotions
• Close the deal

Location: bluebird bio, 60 Binney Street, 10th Floor, Aviary Room, Cambridge, MA 02142
Cost: $5 for members; $15 for non-members

Register Add to Calendar 12/03/2019 08:00 AM 12/03/2019 9:30 AM America/New_York Navigating the Art and Science of Negotiation In our ever-changing, competitive world, it can be challenging to stay ahead of the curve and influence outcomes that set you (and your business) up for success. Negotiation is part of our everyday lives and shows up everywhere. In business, it’s a critical component to success. While negotiation strategies seem simple, it’s not unusual for people to get caught up in the emotion of the moment and lose sight of the plan. bluebird bio, 60 Binney Street, 10th Floor, Aviary Room, Cambridge, MA 02142

dec 5

Career Possibilities: Business Development, Alliance Management, Innovation, Licensing
December 5, 2019, 6:00 - 8:30 PM 

In the world of business, careers are no longer linear or predictable. What was once a clearly sign-posted path as you progressed through milestones, a career road map is now circuitous presenting new challenges and opportunities at every bend. Life-long careers in one sector or one company are becoming a rarity as new technologies and shifting social norms disrupt traditional careers. Both employers and employees are seeking more diversity of experience, lifestyle flexibility and alternative paths. This panel is designed to help you think about your career path and the different options that are open to you. The panel will have an informational interview type feel with panelists sharing their career paths, a look at what their job entails, transferrable skills for those looking to make a change, tips for uncovering opportunities, advice for others, and how to make brave leaps. Then you will get some small group time with the panelists during a few speed networking rounds. The panel portion will be moderated by Yelena Wetherill, Associate Director, Alliance Management, Business Development & Licensing at Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc.

Panelists Include

• Aimee Cardwell, Vice President of Consumer Product Development, American Express
• Chesley M. Chen, entrepreneur, Chief Executive Officer, and Board Member
• Tatiana Demidova-Rice, Manager, Research Contracts and Collaborations, Vertex Pharmaceuticals 
• Cecilia Fernandez, Senior Director, Platform Strategy and Operations at Editas Medicine
  
• Jessica Goodman, Senior Director, Alliance Management, Dicerna Pharmaceuticals
• Anne-Laure Grillot, Senior Director, External Innovation, Business Development at Vertex Pharmaceuticals
• Bahar Hila, Director of Research, Radius Health, Inc. 
• Deborah Palestrant, Partner, Head of 4:59 at 5AM Ventures

Location: Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Cambridge, 300 Third Street, Bella A, Cambridge, MA 02142
Cost: $15 for members; $40 for non-members

Register  Add to Calendar 12/05/2019 06:00 PM 12/05/2019 8:30 PM America/New_York Career Possibilities: Business Development, Alliance Management/Innovation/Licensing In the world of business, careers are no longer linear or predictable. What was once a clearly sign-posted path as you progressed through milestones, a career road map is now circuitous presenting new challenges and opportunities at every bend. Life-long careers in one sector or one company are becoming a rarity as new technologies and shifting social norms disrupt traditional careers. Both employers and employees are seeking more diversity of experience, lifestyle flexibility and alternative paths. This panel is designed to help you think about your career path and the different options that are open to you. The panel will have an informational interview type feel with panelists sharing their career paths, a look at what their job entails, transferrable skills for those looking to make a change, tips for uncovering opportunities, advice for others, and how to make brave leaps. Then you will get some small group time with the panelists during a few speed networking rounds. The panel portion will be moderated by Yelena Wetherill, Associate Director, Alliance Management, Business Development & Licensing at Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc. Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Cambridge, 300 Third Street, Bella A, Cambridge, MA 02142

DEC 12

Holiday Cocktail Party and Networking
December 12, 2019, 6:00 - 8:30 PM 

Location: Cooley, 500 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116
Cost: $0 for members; $10 for non-members

Register  Add to Calendar 12/12/2019 06:00 PM 12/12/2019 8:00 PM America/New_York Holiday Cocktail Party WEST and Cooley invite you to a Holiday Cocktail Party for an evening of networking and festive food and drinks. Please join us to celebrate the holidays, connect with members, exchange ideas, learn about job openings and more. This event is free to members thanks to the generous sponsorship of Cooley. Cooley, 500 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116

MAr 3

Giving and Receiving Feedback
March 3, 2020, 6:00 - 8:30 PM 

Participants will learn 4 basic steps to giving meaningful feedback in a way that feels safe for both the giver and receiver. You'll be able to apply these steps immediately, in your personal life, and in your career.

Location: Ginkgo Bioworks, 27 Drydock Avenue, 8th Floor, Boston, MA 02210
Cost: $15 for members; $40 for non-members

Register  Add to Calendar 03/03/2020 06:00 PM 03/03/2019 8:30 PM America/New_York Giving and Receiving Feedback Almost everyone struggles with giving and receiving feedback. Yet everyone struggles for different reasons: For some people, resistance to receiving feedback is tied to a fear of being judged, making mistakes, or failing. For others, offering feedback is associated with criticism. There are also cultural differences that impact how comfortable you are in giving or receiving feedback. Maybe for you, it’s simply that you haven’t learned the skills to make the process less stressful. All of this means that learning how to give meaningful feedback, is not one-size-fits-all. We’ll explore ways you can become more comfortable giving and asking for feedback. You’ll learn several simple, yet powerful, techniques to take the sting and awkwardness out of the feedback conversation. You’ll discover how to ask for and receive feedback in a way that feels natural to you. For managers, you’ll learn questions you can ask your team, to help YOU become a better manager. For all participants, you’ll learn ways to offer feedback to your peers, and even your boss! Participants will learn 4 basic steps to giving meaningful feedback in a way that feels safe for both the giver and receiver. You'll be able to apply these steps immediately, in your personal life, and in your career. Ginkgo Bioworks, 27 Drydock Avenue, 8th floor, Boston, MA 02210

Apr 2

Save the Date: Annual Awards Night
April 2, 2020, 6:00 - 8:30 PM 

To Learn more about any workshop leaders listed, please visit http://www.westorg.org/content-experts-and-workshop-leaders