Insights
The "Work Smarter" Myth Cracked (1/18): Why Your Brain Needs a Better Plan
𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫'𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫! 𝐎𝐤, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐇𝐎𝐖?
Happy New Year, everybody! I hope that you had a nice break
Does this sound familiar to you: "New Year's resolution: Work smarter."
I hear this every January. And honestly? It's good advice. We all want to work smarter, not harder. But here's what nobody tells you: the HOW.
After 25 years in clinical research programme management (pharma and CROs sides), my Brain-Based Coaching certification and now completing my Executive Coaching certification, I've learned something important:
Working smarter isn't about motivation or discipline. It's about understanding how you work best in general and your brain in particular.
Your working memory can hold about 7 items at a time. Most PM/PDs are trying to juggle 70.
Every time you switch tasks, you lose about 23 minutes of focus to something called "attention residue." And you're probably switching 60+ times per day.
Your brain has a filter system (the Reticular Activating System) that decides what you notice. Have you programmed it intentionally, or is it running on default?
This isn't motivational advice. This is neuroscience.
🎁 So, I am starting this new 2026 with a present for you and your brain: 17 neuroscience strategies for clinical research PM/PDs who want to excel, and potentially advancing their careers, without burning out
Starting this week I will be posting one strategy each time. These are the strategies I wish someone had taught me 20 years ago. The ones that help you advance your career without sacrificing your wellbeing.
The Disconnect (4/7)
There's a profound disconnect between what Sponsors experience and what CRO PMs see. Sponsors carry years of investment, stakeholder pressure, and career stakes. CRO PMs receive an RFP with a two-week deadline and operational requirements.
This gap creates misunderstandings that damage partnerships.
When you bridge this disconnect and see your projects through your Sponsor's eyes, everything changes. You transform from a vendor executing tasks to a strategic partner protecting their investment.