Principal Life Sciences Consultant With 30 Years Experience Shares Career Advice
Charles, principal consultant at Clarkston, shared his career story. With over 30 years of diverse experience helping life sciences organizations, he is a reliable, dependable, adaptable, ISACA certified QA IT Compliance Computer System Validation (CSV) subject matter expert. He also shares reflections on what Black History Month means to him.
Charles’ Career Story
How long have you been with Clarkston?
I joined Clarkston in June 2021, with over 30 years of professional experience.
What is your role at Clarkston?
I am a principal consultant with Clarkston Consulting helping life science organizations comply with CSV requirements, international standards, directives, ISO 9001, GxP, ERES, SaMD, NDA, 510K submissions, and new FDA guidance on Computer Software Assurance (CSA).
Tell us about a new skill you’ve developed recently.
I have recently become a sought after subject matter expert in implementing GxP computerized system in accordance with the FDA’s new draft guidance on Computer Software Assurance (CSA). Implementing the new guidance has been challenging for some organizations; it requires more upfront critical thinking than legacy approach. While helping organizations comply with challenge in the change of thought process, I have further developed an empathic listening skill that has enabled me to become more attentive and responsive to others’ input during conversations. It also has helped me in making an emotional connection with the other colleagues and finding similarities between their experiences and mine.
If you had to choose, which of Clarkston’s core values do you feel resonates with you the most?
The core value that resonates with me the most is “Brilliant Client Service” because it provides a clear directional vision to focus on. Every day I plan, organize, communicate, and execute all of my efforts with one thing in mind to help deliver exceptional customer service in order to make customers successful, and in return, they will keep coming back for our services.
Which internal initiatives, communities, or projects are you involved in at Clarkston?
I am involved with several internal initiatives such as Knowledge contribution and DE&I goal attainment. However, by far my favorite contribution is facilitating bootcamp training and contributing to the start of new steward’s careers. I love the energetic enthusiasm that permeates through the classroom. Delivering training to new stewards provides a great deal of professional satisfaction and always results in that “1st day of school” feeling a parent gets when sending their child to school for the first time. Equally enjoyable is when you see their growth and success as they professionally grow up right in front of your eyes.
What advice would you give to someone starting at Clarkston?
Seek to understand before being understood. Listen actively and attentively. Show up on time. Obey instruction. Speak clearly and respectfully.
Can you share some advice that someone at Clarkston has given you during your time here?
Don’t be afraid to make a mistake. Just don’t make the same one.
Black History Month 2024
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is an annual event to reflect on and heighten awareness about the specific contributions Black Americans have made regarding the growth, prosperity, freedoms and inalienable rights that are not to be surrendered nor taken for granted.
Learn how you can develop your career at Clarkston here.