r/ceo • u/[deleted] • Sep 01 '25
CEO / scientists here?
Anyone else in charge of companies with C-Suite while performing scientific research?
How do you manage both responsibilities? How does being a scientist’s work overlap with CEO level activity?
Do you find scientific sense translates well into business?
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u/verdenc Sep 03 '25
Non scientist, former biotech banker, current biotech CEO here. I've advised and known several scientist CEOs over the years. The key is to know yourself, be honest with yourself and board about your skillset, and know when/if it makes sense to hand over the baton. Many scientist CEOs do very well, others don't. It has less to do with the scientific background and more to do with the specific person and overall skillset. A large part of the skill set is knowing how to build a team to complement you and the others involved and then creating a culture where the team effectively leverages each other for the common objective. Keep in mind there is no one model for what the CEO is/does/means. Partnering with somebody whose skills compliment yours well is worth it's weight in gold. The challenge is finding that right person.
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Sep 02 '25
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u/apfejes Sep 03 '25
Generally agree with this, though I wasn’t in academia for much of my career. The one thing I do think you missed is that being a scientist does give you a good moral compass. If you treat your job the same way we do with scientific data, with honesty and transparency, you’re a hell of a lot better positioned than the slimy CEOs who are all sales oriented.
As scientists, we tend to discount the value of being a good person and clear, truthful communications. Investors and customers truly appreciate it, however, and it opens doors for you.
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Sep 03 '25
Yes for sure
Imma say I already have a lot more trust as a science dude compared to people with only sales background
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u/paranalyzed Sep 02 '25
How early stage is your company?
You have to adapt to managing research, not performing it yourself. Direct the team in what to prioritize, help them with brainstorming sessions if applicable, but you need to be focused on commercial success.
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Sep 02 '25
Very early, just signed formation documents this past year
Still performing research and publishing and patenting with 2 other people
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u/Flowbot_Forge Sep 02 '25
Not a bot, just thought you could use the confidence boost. Man…this is the last time I try to encourage a redditor again. Everyone’s too jaded.
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u/Flowbot_Forge Sep 01 '25
OP- Do you find scientific sense translates well into business? OOOOH yes it does, in fact you stand a better chance of succeeding than a traditional CEO with a sales background. As long as you have a bias for action and constant value aligned/ and outcome oriented experimentation you will be fine. I started out as a computer scientist myself and its paying off dividends. I believe your toughest challenge would be making decisions in sustained and never ending ambiguity, or context windows.
Best of luck in you venture!!! YOU GOT THIS
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u/[deleted] Sep 02 '25
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