Earlier this year, MassBio and the Termeer Institute launched Termeer Ascend: Leadership in Practice, a program that grew out of both organizations’ long-term strategic planning, including MassBio’s Vision 2030 roadmap, which identified the leadership pipeline as a priority for the ecosystem. As Kendalle Burlin O’Connell and Catharine Smith wrote in the Boston Business Journal at the time, Ascend is designed for senior leaders who aspire to the C-suite but lack a clear path to prepare for it.
This summer, the inaugural cohort of 15 senior leaders from small and mid-sized biotech companies completed the program’s three two-day modules. Here’s what they told us.
What participants told us
Now that the first program has concluded, the early results are encouraging. Every participant reported that they:
- Would recommend Termeer Ascend to a colleague
- Found the program impactful to their leadership style and capabilities
- Strongly agreed that the relationships they formed will extend beyond the formal program
- Strongly agreed that Ascend provided resources that will shape their leadership journey
Participants also pointed to four elements that set Ascend apart from other leadership programs they have experienced: its biotech-specific focus, access to seasoned industry executives, peer learning, and an emphasis on practical application.
Leadership in practice
Most meaningful is how quickly participants are applying what they learned. As one shared:
“In the past, when making decisions based on incomplete information, I always focused on gathering more data. As a result of Termeer Ascend, I’ve learned a strategy to avoid making the worst decisions: proactively creating an environment where people can share their opinions honestly and comfortably, even when our information isn’t perfect.”
Others described new approaches to stakeholder management, communication, reflection, meeting effectiveness, and navigating complex leadership challenges. These are the day-to-day responsibilities that determine whether a strong senior leader is ready for the next seat.
These results reinforce why we built Ascend: to give senior biotech and life sciences leaders development grounded in the challenges they face today and the responsibilities they are preparing to take on next.
Looking ahead to 2027
We are building on what we learned from the first cohort to refine the program, strengthen the Ascend community, and expand awareness and partnerships across the ecosystem. Applications for the 2027 cohort will open in January 2027.
Interested in learning more, or know a rising leader who should be in the next cohort? Join the interest list to receive program and application updates.
