C24. Leadership, Wellness, and Resilience in Clinical Trials: Strategies for Sustaining High-Performance Teams

Tracks
Leadership, Wellness & Resilience
Thursday, June 5, 2025
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
Parkside 1

Chair & Speakers

Agenda Item Image
Liz Collins
Head of Client Strategy
Emeritus Research

Leadership, Wellness, and Resilience in Clinical Trials: Strategies for Sustaining High-Performance Teams

Abstract

The clinical trial industry is characterised by its fast-paced, high-pressure environment, where the challenge for innovation and regulatory compliance often leads to burnout and turnover. This presentation explores the connection of leadership development, wellness initiatives, and resilience-building strategies within the clinical trial industry. It emphasises the role of all sects in creating a supportive work environment that prioritises mental health and well-being. We will share evidence-based approaches, including training programs, wellness interventions, and resilience practices that have proven successful in reducing stress, enhancing job satisfaction, and improving team performance. Attendees will gain practical insights and tools to implement wellness and resilience programs within their organisations, adopting a healthier, more engaged, and high-performing work environment capable of meeting the demands of modern clinical research. Discussion Topics: *Leadership Development for Wellness and Resilience: Essential skills for clinical leaders to support team well-being, such as empathy, active listening, and adaptability. Examples of leadership training programs that focus on building resilience and mental health awareness. *Building a Culture of Wellness in Clinical Trials: Strategies for integrating wellness initiatives into the workplace, including flexible work arrangements, mental health support, and stress management programs. Case studies on successful wellness programs implemented in clinical trial industry Overcoming barriers to wellness in a high-pressure, deadline-driven industry. Enhancing Resilience in Clinical Research Teams: Techniques for building individual and team resilience, such as mindfulness, stress reduction exercises, and resilience training workshops. Addressing burnout among all employee’s: early signs, prevention strategies, and support mechanisms. Supporting Mental Health in Clinical Research: Destigmatising mental health discussions in the workplace: creating safe spaces for open dialogue. Tools and resources for mental health support, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and access to mental health professionals. The Role of Technology in Wellness and Resilience: Leveraging digital health tools, such as wellness apps and virtual support groups, to enhance employee well-being. The impact of remote and hybrid work models on employee wellness and resilience Practical Strategies for Implementing Wellness Programs: Designing wellness programs tailored to the needs of clinical research teams, considering factors like work-life balance, travel demands, and regulatory pressures. Engaging leadership and stakeholders in supporting wellness initiatives and allocating resources.

Biography

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Antonio Di Meola
Learning and Development Manager
Novotech

Leadership, Wellness, and Resilience in Clinical Trials: Strategies for Sustaining High-Performance Teams

Abstract

The clinical trial industry is characterised by its fast-paced, high-pressure environment, where the challenge for innovation and regulatory compliance often leads to burnout and turnover. This presentation explores the connection of leadership development, wellness initiatives, and resilience-building strategies within the clinical trial industry. It emphasises the role of all sects in creating a supportive work environment that prioritises mental health and well-being. We will share evidence-based approaches, including training programs, wellness interventions, and resilience practices that have proven successful in reducing stress, enhancing job satisfaction, and improving team performance. Attendees will gain practical insights and tools to implement wellness and resilience programs within their organisations, adopting a healthier, more engaged, and high-performing work environment capable of meeting the demands of modern clinical research. Discussion Topics: *Leadership Development for Wellness and Resilience: Essential skills for clinical leaders to support team well-being, such as empathy, active listening, and adaptability. Examples of leadership training programs that focus on building resilience and mental health awareness. *Building a Culture of Wellness in Clinical Trials: Strategies for integrating wellness initiatives into the workplace, including flexible work arrangements, mental health support, and stress management programs. Case studies on successful wellness programs implemented in clinical trial industry Overcoming barriers to wellness in a high-pressure, deadline-driven industry. Enhancing Resilience in Clinical Research Teams: Techniques for building individual and team resilience, such as mindfulness, stress reduction exercises, and resilience training workshops. Addressing burnout among all employee’s: early signs, prevention strategies, and support mechanisms. Supporting Mental Health in Clinical Research: Destigmatising mental health discussions in the workplace: creating safe spaces for open dialogue. Tools and resources for mental health support, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and access to mental health professionals. The Role of Technology in Wellness and Resilience: Leveraging digital health tools, such as wellness apps and virtual support groups, to enhance employee well-being. The impact of remote and hybrid work models on employee wellness and resilience Practical Strategies for Implementing Wellness Programs: Designing wellness programs tailored to the needs of clinical research teams, considering factors like work-life balance, travel demands, and regulatory pressures. Engaging leadership and stakeholders in supporting wellness initiatives and allocating resources.

Biography

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Dr Amber Leah
Medical Director, Principal Investigator
Paratus Clinical Research

Leadership, Wellness, and Resilience in Clinical Trials: Strategies for Sustaining High-Performance Teams

Abstract

The clinical trial industry is characterised by its fast-paced, high-pressure environment, where the challenge for innovation and regulatory compliance often leads to burnout and turnover. This presentation explores the connection of leadership development, wellness initiatives, and resilience-building strategies within the clinical trial industry. It emphasises the role of all sects in creating a supportive work environment that prioritises mental health and well-being. We will share evidence-based approaches, including training programs, wellness interventions, and resilience practices that have proven successful in reducing stress, enhancing job satisfaction, and improving team performance. Attendees will gain practical insights and tools to implement wellness and resilience programs within their organisations, adopting a healthier, more engaged, and high-performing work environment capable of meeting the demands of modern clinical research. Discussion Topics: *Leadership Development for Wellness and Resilience: Essential skills for clinical leaders to support team well-being, such as empathy, active listening, and adaptability. Examples of leadership training programs that focus on building resilience and mental health awareness. *Building a Culture of Wellness in Clinical Trials: Strategies for integrating wellness initiatives into the workplace, including flexible work arrangements, mental health support, and stress management programs. Case studies on successful wellness programs implemented in clinical trial industry Overcoming barriers to wellness in a high-pressure, deadline-driven industry. Enhancing Resilience in Clinical Research Teams: Techniques for building individual and team resilience, such as mindfulness, stress reduction exercises, and resilience training workshops. Addressing burnout among all employee’s: early signs, prevention strategies, and support mechanisms. Supporting Mental Health in Clinical Research: Destigmatising mental health discussions in the workplace: creating safe spaces for open dialogue. Tools and resources for mental health support, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and access to mental health professionals. The Role of Technology in Wellness and Resilience: Leveraging digital health tools, such as wellness apps and virtual support groups, to enhance employee well-being. The impact of remote and hybrid work models on employee wellness and resilience Practical Strategies for Implementing Wellness Programs: Designing wellness programs tailored to the needs of clinical research teams, considering factors like work-life balance, travel demands, and regulatory pressures. Engaging leadership and stakeholders in supporting wellness initiatives and allocating resources.

Biography

Agenda Item Image
Passant Zaki
Director Clinical Operations
Novotech

Leadership, Wellness, and Resilience in Clinical Trials: Strategies for Sustaining High-Performance Teams

Abstract

The clinical trial industry is characterised by its fast-paced, high-pressure environment, where the challenge for innovation and regulatory compliance often leads to burnout and turnover. This presentation explores the connection of leadership development, wellness initiatives, and resilience-building strategies within the clinical trial industry. It emphasises the role of all sects in creating a supportive work environment that prioritises mental health and well-being. We will share evidence-based approaches, including training programs, wellness interventions, and resilience practices that have proven successful in reducing stress, enhancing job satisfaction, and improving team performance. Attendees will gain practical insights and tools to implement wellness and resilience programs within their organisations, adopting a healthier, more engaged, and high-performing work environment capable of meeting the demands of modern clinical research. Discussion Topics: *Leadership Development for Wellness and Resilience: Essential skills for clinical leaders to support team well-being, such as empathy, active listening, and adaptability. Examples of leadership training programs that focus on building resilience and mental health awareness. *Building a Culture of Wellness in Clinical Trials: Strategies for integrating wellness initiatives into the workplace, including flexible work arrangements, mental health support, and stress management programs. Case studies on successful wellness programs implemented in clinical trial industry Overcoming barriers to wellness in a high-pressure, deadline-driven industry. Enhancing Resilience in Clinical Research Teams: Techniques for building individual and team resilience, such as mindfulness, stress reduction exercises, and resilience training workshops. Addressing burnout among all employee’s: early signs, prevention strategies, and support mechanisms. Supporting Mental Health in Clinical Research: Destigmatising mental health discussions in the workplace: creating safe spaces for open dialogue. Tools and resources for mental health support, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and access to mental health professionals. The Role of Technology in Wellness and Resilience: Leveraging digital health tools, such as wellness apps and virtual support groups, to enhance employee well-being. The impact of remote and hybrid work models on employee wellness and resilience Practical Strategies for Implementing Wellness Programs: Designing wellness programs tailored to the needs of clinical research teams, considering factors like work-life balance, travel demands, and regulatory pressures. Engaging leadership and stakeholders in supporting wellness initiatives and allocating resources.

Biography

Passant is an accomplished clinical research professional with over 15 years of experience spanning roles as a Clinical Research Associate (CRA), Lead CRA (LCRA), Clinical Operations Manager, and currently, Director of Clinical Operations. In her current role, Passant leads global clinical operations initiatives and provides strategic oversight of Clinical Operations Managers across the AU region. She plays a pivotal role in driving global process improvements and aligning regional execution with corporate objectives to ensure consistency, operational excellence, and high-quality delivery of clinical trials. Her leadership encompasses multiple countries, where she oversees the performance, development, and strategic direction of local clinical operations teams. Passant’s therapeutic expertise includes oncology (prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, solid tumours), musculoskeletal conditions (Peyronie’s disease, Dupuytren’s contracture), nephrology (chronic kidney disease), ophthalmic disease (glaucoma), medical devices (gastric device), infectious diseases (herpes), CNS (Parkinson’s disease), and virology (Japanese encephalitis). She has extensive experience in managing trials across Phases I and III–IV. Within Australia, Passant has led clinical teams across New South Wales, South Australia, and Western Australia, providing line management for Clinical Research Associates and Clinical Operation Managers. She partners closely with other departments to identify resourcing needs, ensures comprehensive training and onboarding, and fosters a culture of compliance with SOPs, GCP guidelines, and regulatory standards. She also conducts accompanied monitoring visits and co-monitoring assessments to uphold the highest standards of quality and performance.
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