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As we continue our 10th-anniversary article series, we’re excited to share a piece from our Head of Lab Development, Stewart McCulloch, on the most important lesson he has learned over the years.
“You must embrace change, rather than resist it.”
Over the past decade, one of the most important lessons I’ve learnt is the undeniable power of resilience, coupled with the fact that change is inevitable. Setbacks are bound to happen, but how we respond to them defines our journey.
Whether it is dealing with personal challenges or professional obstacles, maintaining a resilient mindset has often turned adversity into opportunity. Change is constant. The last ten years have taught me that flexibility and adaptability are crucial for navigating life’s uncertainties.
In an era of rapid technological and cultural shifts, staying curious and committed to learning has proven essential. Adopting a growth mindset unlocked new pathways for me and allowed me to not only adapt but excel in changing environments.
Taking time out to appreciate the present and practise gratitude has been transformative. The last decade has taught me to not take anything for granted, cherish each moment and learn from every experience. Actively listening and speaking with intent have proven to be crucial in building strong connections and resolving conflicts. These last 10 years have shown me the importance of work life balance, they’ve shown me the risks of burnout, and the importance of prioritising mental health and well-being. Finding a balance between work and life lead me to being more productive and brought me more happiness.
In a fast-paced environment, where precision and reliability are paramount, predictable processes can be the difference between success and failure. One of the most important lessons I’ve learnt is the critical necessity of planning and building redundancy into laboratory processing systems – both in my personal lab work and experimental designs, but also in the everyday running of a lab. Redundancies act as fail-safes, they are pivotal whenever unexpected disruptions occur, whether it’s because of equipment failures or human error. Implementing redundant systems ensures that operations can continue without significant delay, meaning safeguarding for both data integrity and project timelines.
Understanding the importance of open dialogue with customers and suppliers has been equally as important. Engaging in these discussions reveals not only the reasons behind established practices but also highlights the opportunities for innovation and improvement. Often, processes are entrenched, and not because they are the most efficient, but because of a historical comfort of the “way things are”. Through ongoing conversations, and by questioning these conventions, you can uncover underlying assumptions, rethink methodologies and introduce more effective solutions.
This dual approach of meticulously planning for operational redundancy while critically engaging with stakeholders reshaped my approached to challenges. By proactively addressing potential roadblocks within the lab itself and fostering transparent communication externally, efficiency and reliability are maximised.
Reflecting on these experiences, it is evident that both robust internal processes and dynamic external relationships are essential. They create an adaptable framework capable of responding fluidly to challenges. This strategic foresight and collaborative mindset will continue to be invaluable as we face future complexities and innovations in the field. Embracing redundancy in lab processes and fostering transparent stakeholder communication collectively fortify our operations, ensuring long-term sustainability and success.
The most important thing I’ve discovered is the impact of community and collaboration. Achieving individual success is gratifying, but there is immense value in collective effort. Working with diverse teams has enriched my perspectives and amplified my effectiveness.
The future is filled with unknowns. The lessons I’ve learnt over the last decade has equipped me for a future filled with unknowns – yet abundant with possibilities.
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