After a brief historical perspective of Icagen (ICGN), the company Dr. Wagoner founded in 1990 and took public in 2005, she methodically presented her thoughts and experiences related to leadership. The packed house certainly left with the impression that Icagen is in the hands of a hardworking, sincere, and tenacious leader that will not likely give up, regardless of the obstacle, anytime soon.
Focusing upon two core values, “leading by example” and “we’re all in this together”, Dr. Wagoner humbly spoke of a company with its share of both successes and failures. Perhaps most character revealing was the resultant impacts upon her “confidence”; understanding and properly reacting to the inevitable the “ups and downs” of a small biopharmaceutical company.
Through “knowing your business better than anyone else” a leader is best prepared to “change the plan before disaster strikes”. “Surround yourself with good advisors” but “don’t listen to them too much”. “Pick your battles carefully”, cautioned Wagoner, and always ask yourself the question, “does it really matter”.
For those that regularly attend leadership forums, it is clear that leaders come in all shapes and sizes, from diverse backgrounds, with wide ranges of styles, values and skill sets. What doesn’t seem to change or waver, however, is the passion and deep felt commitment and responsibility that every leader carries, and projects. If everyone at Icagen really feels “they’re all in this together”, they should all be proud of how their leader “represented”.
About Power Breakfast-In-The-Park
In conjunction with Business Leader Media, and the Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED), Accentuate Staffing hosts a monthly breakfast meeting at the Brier Creek Country Club, to present influential community and thought leaders, as well as offering an opportunity to network. In the spirit of lifelong learning, it is our goal for each attendee to put into practice, at least one compelling concept, idea, or action, within the immediate 24 hours, to help differentiate their company and / or their career.
About Accentuate Staffing
Since 1996, Accentuate Staffing has delivered “The Power of Positive” to you. As one of the Triangle’s largest woman owned companies, we source candidates in the career specialties of accounting, information technology, clinical / scientific research, human resources, customer care, and light industrial / distribution services. Our current roster of 160 corporate clients is diverse, highly regarded, and often exclusive. We cherish our position as a leader in the community, offering support to charitable institutions including the Children’s Flight of Hope, the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle and the MS Society, amongst many others. For detailed information on how “The Power of Positive” can impact your company or your career, please visit us at www.accentuatestaffing.com.
