Name: Willie T. Reaves, Jr. (ISEF 2007, 2008)
Job Title: Chief Business Strategy Innovation Officer at Biotechnology Innovation Organization
About Willie: Willie heads product development for a software platform that connects life sciences companies to facilitate investment & drug development partnerships.
Education:B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Emory University; Certificate in Disruptive Strategy from Harvard Business School Online
What does leadership mean to you?
Leadership is the combination of doing what is right while understanding that you don’t know everything. It’s about identifying incredible people, empowering them to do great work, and providing guidance and vision to ensure the team is successful. At the same time, distinctive leaders must look past titles and responsibilities to acknowledge the human element because the ability to genuinely connect with people and admit when you are wrong is what separates managers from leaders.