Case Study: Tessa Taylor’s Leadership Growth Journey with the AMPLIFY Program

Leadership development is an opportunity to transform the way we think, act, and lead. Tessa Taylor, a talented Medical Affairs Specialist (MSL), embarked on this journey with the HNS AMPLIFY program and emerged with a transformed leadership approach that not only enhanced her career but also positioned her to empower those around her. This case study highlights her progress, the impact of AMPLIFY, and how her manager, Henry Mitchell, witnessed her growth firsthand.

From Individual Contributor to Empowering Leader

Tessa’s leadership journey started with a clear goal—how to leverage her existing skills to drive change in both her professional life and the lives of her colleagues. Before joining AMPLIFY, Tessa was already known for her strong individual contributions. However, through the development opportunity, she discovered how to elevate her leadership by empowering others. This included delegating tasks to help others grow, being willing to let go of responsibilities that build skills, and setting clear metrics to confidently release work while maintaining accountability. Henry Mitchell, Tessa’s manager, observed significant changes over the six months of the program. He noted that Tessa began to channel her individual empowerment into a leadership approach, enabling her to coach and support others. “Tessa has always been a strong individual contributor, but the AMPLIFY program opened the door to how Tessa will now transfer that empowerment to others,” said Mitchell. Her leadership development was not just about improving herself but also about lifting those around her.

Behavior Shifts: A Stronger Voice and Strategic Thinking

One of the most striking shifts Tessa experienced was in her confidence and willingness to speak up in meetings. As she put it, “I am more willing to speak up in meetings and share my voice. I don’t feel as if I am merely dominating conversations, but that my opinion needs to be heard.” This newfound confidence in voicing her opinions allowed her to engage more strategically in discussions, demonstrating her leadership potential in every interaction. The program also helped Tessa develop a more strategic mindset, particularly in her approach to networking and seeking out sponsors. She realized that stellar performance alone wasn’t enough to advance her career; she needed advocates who would champion her growth. This “lightbulb moment” was a key turning point in her leadership journey, enabling her to see networking not just as an activity but as a strategic tool for career advancement. Leveraging this network, Tessa gained valuable feedback on how she was perceived, which became instrumental in shaping the holistic leadership approach she developed during the AMPLIFY program.

A Holistic Approach to Leadership

Throughout the AMPLIFY program, Tessa developed a holistic approach to leadership that combined emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and executive presence. These skills were directly aligned with her leadership goal of contributing to the success of her team and organization. Mitchell saw Tessa’s growth as a future leader reflected in her work on additional projects and her growing role as a Medical Training Lead. “These projects will enable Tessa to expand the depth of her leadership experience,” he said. For Tessa, the AMPLIFY program provided a valuable opportunity to connect with her peers and gain feedback that refined her leadership skills. Through coaching and peer group discussions, she learned how to support others in a way that would enhance her impact as a leader.

The Impact of Coaching and Feedback

The feedback Tessa received from her executive coach was another pivotal element of her transformation. Tessa shared that her coach’s book recommendations, aligned with her leadership goals, provided valuable insights into how she could improve her skills. This level of personalized coaching helped her sharpen her career focus and hone her leadership approach. “I had my lightbulb moment when I realized why I had been unable to see meaningful advances in my career despite my stellar performance. I needed sponsors,” said Tessa. Her coach’s expertise in guiding her through these realizations allowed her to develop a clearer path forward.

Looking Ahead: Empowering Others

As Tessa prepares for the next phase of her career, she carries the lessons learned from the AMPLIFY program into her leadership role. Mitchell believes that Tessa’s upward trajectory is only just beginning. “Tessa is on track to have another successful year in her role and is preparing for career advancements,” he said. However, he also advised her to prioritize self-care and ensure she finds time to recharge. For high performers like Tessa, maintaining balance is as crucial as career success. As Tessa continues to grow, she will apply the skills learned in AMPLIFY to support and lead others, reinforcing the program’s philosophy that true leadership is about lifting those around you