Lorri Walters, BS, MBA

I attribute my success to positive leadership, creating an environment where people want to work with you and for you. I love teaching and mentoring others; helping people grow is, to me, the hallmark of an effective leader. When you invest in others’ development, you build loyal followers and role models who elevate the whole team.

Although I’ve only been on staff for three months, I’ve already made a measurable impact; the Senior Director has reached out to me on several matters. That early recognition reinforces my belief that encouraging collaboration, celebrating wins, and making work enjoyable are essential leadership practices.

I intentionally make work fun because engagement fuels performance. When people enjoy their work and feel valued, they work harder and take pride in their results. Positive feedback and constructive coaching motivate people to improve and to bring their best to every project.

Leadership is about lifting others up, not tearing them down. Even when addressing challenges, I focus on what went well and how those strengths can be applied elsewhere. The way we speak to and treat one another matters, respectful, supportive communication creates the conditions for sustained success.

The best career advice I’ve received is to seek coaches and mentors who lift you up rather than tear you down. Early in my job search I worked with two very different coaches: one who critiqued my resume harshly, yet I still had seven interviews scheduled, and another who praised my foundation and offered to help me make it even stronger without charging me. I gravitate toward the latter approach: coaches who recognize strengths and help you build on them.

This philosophy extends to leadership and everyday interactions. When leaders focus on elevating others and speaking with respect, teams become more confident, collaborative, and productive. Negativity never moves you forward; constructive encouragement does.

My best advice is to reach for the stars and actively seek out mentors in your field to learn and grow. I believe in putting myself forward, as a woman and a leader, I want my voice to be heard. I draw inspiration from women who rise to the top, including vice presidents and CEOs; their journeys remind me that rapid advancement is possible and worth pursuing.

When I was in my twenties I aspired to be a CEO in the pharmaceutical industry, and seeing women accelerate into leadership roles only strengthened that ambition. I hope my story will encourage others to think, I can do that too. Mentorship, innovation, and a positive mindset are powerful motivators that help us push boundaries and lift one another up.

The biggest challenge right now is the widespread layoffs across pharmaceutical and clinical operations, which have left many talented professionals unemployed and made the job market far more competitive than it was eight to ten years ago.

Hiring processes have shifted dramatically, many organizations now rely on AI to screen resumes and conduct interviews, and traditional HR touchpoints are increasingly automated

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My strongest advice is to embrace AI as a tool, not a replacement. Learn platforms like Copilot, Gemini, and ChatGPT and use them to sharpen your communications and tailor your resume to specific job descriptions. I use AI daily to draft and refine emails and resumes; then I apply my judgment to improve the output. Treat AI as a partner that helps you optimize your materials and present your strengths more clearly.

Be persistent and adaptable. I revised my resume dozens of times to meet AI-driven scoring thresholds, and that effort paid off. Stay current with systems and tools, focus on measurable alignment with job requirements, and keep your skills and presentation on point. With the right mindset and tools, you can navigate this new landscape and remain competitive.

The values that guide me are positive leadership, teaching others, and making work enjoyable. I believe effective leaders inspire people to want to work with them and for them, and that mentoring is central to building strong teams. When leaders focus on strengths, celebrate progress, and create a fun, engaging environment, people take pride in their work and give their best effort.

I make a point of lifting others up in conversations, especially when someone is facing challenges, by highlighting what they did well and exploring how those strengths can be applied elsewhere.

The way we speak to and treat one another shapes team culture and performance.

I am also passionate about seeing more women step confidently into leadership roles. As a woman and a leader, I want my story to encourage others to aim high. When people read my article, I hope they feel inspired to say, I can do that too.