Lead Like a Scientist. Influence Like a Strategist.
You’re not new to leadership, but now you’re navigating higher-stakes conversations, cross-functional teams, and increased executive visibility.
Most leadership programs weren’t designed for scientists. This one is.
A Leadership Program For Scientists. By a Scientist.
Unlike most generic leadership programs, The Reaction Room, a leadership accelerator for scientists, is a program specifically tailored to address the unique challenges that scientists face in their leadership roles.
You’ll develop the skills and confidence to influence decisions at executive levels, drive cross-functional alignment, secure buy-in from key stakeholders, earn respect, and create impact without losing your scientific edge.
Does Any Of This Sound Familiar?
Ready to become the leader you envisioned?
Why Adjusting To Leadership In Science Is So Hard
Scientific leaders are often promoted for their expertise, and then expected to influence without training or support.
You’re navigating unique challenges and are expected to:
Collaborate across departments.
Work where your contributions aren't always visible or fully understood.
Focus on people, strategy, and trust, not the science itself.
Translate complex data into decisions that move programs forward.
Balance competing priorities.
You need to know how to navigate complexity, build trust across the business, and lead with clarity.
You need leadership development that’s grounded in the unique demands of science-driven work, but most companies don’t offer the training needed to lead in these environments.
And most leadership programs don’t prepare you for scientific leadership. This one does.
“Joanna's insights stay with you long after the program ends."
I know how disorienting it can feel to move from being a scientific expert to leading across teams and presenting to executives, especially without guidance. I've been there.
I created The Reaction Room, a leadership accelerator for scientists to offer the kind of guidance I wish I had then: practical, strategic, and grounded in the realities of leading in science-driven organizations.
Together, we’ll strengthen your executive presence, expand your influence, and help you communicate science in a way that drives business impact.
Joanna Ghayad, Certified Executive Coach
Introducing...
The Reaction Room
An 8-Week Leadership Program
Designed to close the gap between technical expertise and strategic influence in biotech, pharma, drug development, and data science.
My clients have seen significant growth in their leadership skills and influence as a result.
What Makes This Leadership Program Different?
I built this accelerator on my proven leadership framework that has been delivering results in high-impact scientific organizations for the last four years.
This isn't a generic leadership program.
The Reaction Room is explicitly built for life sciences professionals navigating high-stakes, cross-functional environments in biotech, pharma, drug development, and data science, addressing the specific needs and challenges you face.
Throughout the program, we’ll work through scenarios and case studies grounded in the real-world challenges scientists face, from communicating risk and tradeoffs to managing stakeholder tension and translating complex work into business impact.
You'll gain practical skills that you can immediately apply in your role.
You’ll feel confident in your leadership abilities and be empowered to make a real impact.
It's backed by real results.
92% applied practical tools from the training, with risk assessment strategies rated the most valuable.
85% of participants reported that all topics covered were immediately useful.
53% saw improvement in how they collaborated across development teams.
35% said they received positive feedback from colleagues on improvements in their presentations, risk communication, and ability to manage conflict.
The Transformation
Before and After The Reaction Room
Before, You Might Feel:
Confident in your science, but unsure how to show up as a strategic leader
Frustrated that your contributions are overlooked in rooms where decisions are made
Caught between wanting to grow and not knowing what growth looks like at this level
Questioning whether you’re “doing it right” without clear feedback or guidance
Pulled in different directions, with no consistent support for your leadership development
After, You’ll Be Able To:
Show up with clarity, confidence, and a leadership presence that gets noticed and feels true to you
Communicate ideas in ways that influence decisions and earn commitment from peers and senior leaders
Navigate tension and misalignment without second-guessing yourself
Manage up, lead from your strengths, with tools that help you make thoughtful, strategic decisions
Build a leadership identity that reflects who you are, not who you think you’re supposed to be
Joanna Ghayad, Certified Executive Coach
Meet Your Guide
Hi, I’m Joanna Ghayad, a certified executive coach and former pharma leader.
Over the course of my career, I’ve led cross-functional teams, coached senior scientists and clinicians, and sat at the executive table where high-stakes decisions are made.
I understand how challenging it is to grow into strategic leadership when expectations are high and support is limited.
Through my work, I help life sciences professionals grow into confident, strategic leaders who communicate with clarity and lead across functions, without losing the scientific mindset that sets them apart.
testimonials
Real Scientists, Real Results
"Joanna’s insight, drive, and commitment to empowering scientific leaders is unmatched."
Senior Director, Cross-Functional Strategy
"Joanna helps you slow down, ask better questions, and lead with greater clarity and confidence."
Patient Advocacy Strategist
"Joanna understands what it takes to lead in science. She helps you step into leadership with authenticity and influence."
Neuroscientist
"Her ability to guide with intention and help you move forward with purpose is what makes Joanna such an effective leadership coach."
Senior Medical Affairs Leader, Global Biopharma
About The Reaction Room Leadership Accelerator For Scientists Program
An 8-week group coaching program with weekly live sessions, alternating between structured workshops and implementation-based Leadership Labs, with a PQi® baseline assessment to strengthen trust-building and relational leadership.
Everything you get in The LEADERSHIP ACCELERATOR
8 Weeks of Live Coaching
Strategy Workshops
(alternating weekly)
Structured topic-based workshops on building leadership presence, influence, and clarity across functions.
Leadership Labs
(alternating weekly)
Implementation-focused sessions where you’ll bring real-world challenges to the table for coaching and application.
PQi® Baseline Assessment
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A science-backed tool to assess your trust-building profile and strengthen how you lead relationships across the business.
Signature Trainings
Stakeholder Mapping
Understand power dynamics across clinical, regulatory, commercial, and R&D teams, and identify how to build trust and alignment.
Influence With &
Without Authority
Learn how to lead conversations, shape decisions, and establish credibility across functions, even without a formal title.
Strategic Risk &
Mitigation Planning
Assess and communicate risk in a way that builds confidence with senior leadership and drives sound decision-making.
Overcoming Decision-Making in Ambiguity
Use structured frameworks to navigate tradeoffs when data is incomplete and when priorities are in conflict.
Difficult Conversations & Conflict Navigation
Learn how to manage tension, give feedback, and lead through disagreement while maintaining momentum and relationships.
PLUS these Exclusive Bonuses for Fall!
3-Month Access: AchieveUnite’s Trust & Partnership AI Agent
Practice real-time role play for high-stakes conversations with a proprietary AI agent designed to help you lead with greater trust, clarity, and composure.
Virtual Training: Leading with Calm & Confidence in High-Stakes Moments
Learn how to stay grounded and communicate confidently and effectively when the pressure and the stakes are high.
60-Minute:
1:1 Private Executive Leadership Coaching Session
Get personalized guidance on leadership challenges, stakeholder conversations, or growth strategy specific to your role and goals.
Virtual Retreat Day:
2026 Objective Planning (week of December 15th)
Join me and your cohort for a guided planning session to reflect, set clear leadership goals, and align your strategy for the year ahead.
Together We’ll:
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Elevate the leadership approach you already use to enhance its clarity and strategic influence.
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Strengthen how you communicate with executive teams and cross-functional stakeholders.
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Refine your decision-making, especially in moments of ambiguity, risk, or organizational tension.
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Connect your scientific lens to business priorities in a way that builds trust and alignment.
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Create intentional space to reflect, recalibrate, and grow as a leader.
"Joanna brought a high level of expertise and strategic insight to every leadership training she delivered. Her ability to tailor content to different leadership levels made the sessions impactful across the board."
Events & Engagements Specialist, Global Pharma Company
Ready To Lead With More Clarity, Credibility & Strategic Impact?
Join The Reaction Room leadership accelerator for scientists to get the structure, support, and tools to lead across functions, influence decisions, and show up with confidence in every room you're in.
Trusted By Leaders Across Life Sciences
Director, R&D Strategic Integration
Medical Strategy & Development Leader
Your Investment
Leadership development at this level is often hard to access, inconsistent across organizations, and rarely tailored to the complexities of science-driven roles. When you try to figure it out alone, you risk losing time, visibility, and momentum. That’s where The Reaction Room leadership accelerator for scientists comes in.
Here's what's included in your enrollment:
- Value
- 8 Weeks of Live Group Coaching: $600
- Leadership Labs & Strategic Workshops: $500
- Access to Signature Trainings: $3,600
- PQi® Baseline Assessment & Trust Profile: $650
- 60-Minute 1:1 Executive Coaching Session: $800
- 3-Month Access to Trust & Partnership AI Agent: $900
- High-Stakes Leadership Training & Retreat Day: $1,500
- Private LinkedIn Chat with Industry Peers: $500
Total Value: $8,500+
Today’s Price: $3,000
Early Bird Pricing: $2,600
Spaces are limited to ensure each participant receives personalized attention and feedback
Payment plans are available.
Doors close soon. Don’t miss your chance.
Imagine 8 Weeks From Now…
Ready To Lead At The Level You're Capable Of?
The next Reaction Room leadership accelerator for scientists cohort begins on October 7th, and space is limited.
More reaction room testimonials
Why This Leadership Accelerator For Scientists Works
"Joanna identified a critical gap in how scientific leaders were being developed."
I co-led a research leadership program that Joanna built, which has become a model across our organization. It’s now in its fourth year and widely recognized as a game-changer.
Director, R&D Strategic Integration
“Joanna's coaching helped me lead through complexity with greater clarity and confidence."
She creates space to ask the right questions, navigate difficult conversations, and move forward with intention even in high-pressure roles
Medical Strategy & Development Executive
“Joanna's ability to meet each person at their level is incredibly impactful."
She delivered tailored training for both executives and mid-career professionals across our organization. Her ability to meet each person at their level while keeping the content strategic and actionable made every session incredibly impactful.
Global Pharma Company Leader
STILL NOT SURE?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is leadership coaching?
Leadership coaching helps you build skills in communication, influence, and strategic decision-making to lead more effectively in high-stakes, cross-functional environments.
What is The Reaction Room leadership accelerator for scientists program?
An 8-week group coaching program for life sciences professionals who want to lead with more clarity, confidence, and strategic impact.
Through weekly sessions, skill-building workshops, and personalized support, you'll build the tools to lead across functions and influence at a higher level.
Who is it for?
This program is for life sciences professionals.
If you are already in leadership roles and want to grow your presence, clarity, and influence, transitioning into business-facing or executive-level roles, or leading cross-functional teams in biotech, pharma, or related industries, and are seeking leadership support that goes beyond technical expertise, this program is for you.
The Leadership Accelerator for Scientists is also for small to mid-sized companies that are ready to develop their scientific talent into cross-functional leaders who communicate effectively with executive leadership. Set up a call with me to discuss [appointment link] or email me to learn more: [email protected]
Is this program right for my specific scientific background?
Yes. The program was designed to support scientists across a range of functions and leadership levels.
What if I'm already a people manager?
Perfect. If you are already managing teams but want to strengthen your presence, navigate higher-level conversations, gain buy-in, manage up, and lead more strategically, this program will meet you where you are and help you grow from there.
Will this help me if I want to move into an executive role?
Yes. If your next step involves more influence, cross-functional leadership, or executive presence, this program will give you the structure and support to grow in those areas.
What happens after I sign up?
You’ll receive a confirmation email right away.
Access to the course materials will open in early October, and our first live group session will take place on Tuesday, October 14.
You’ll also get a full calendar invite and onboarding instructions so you feel prepared and supported from day one.
When are the live sessions?
Live 60-minute sessions take place on Tuesdays at 1:00 pm Eastern. All sessions are recorded so that you can catch up anytime.
When does the program run?
The program begins on Tuesday, October 14 and runs through December 2.
There is a bonus Virtual Retreat Day for 2026 Planning during the week of December 15th.
What if I miss a session?
All sessions are recorded so that you can catch up anytime.
How much time should I set aside per week?
Plan for about 2 to 3 hours per week. This includes a 60-minute live session and time for exercises or reflection on your own schedule.
What is the cost of the program?
The full investment is $3,000 paid in installments with a pay in full price of $2600.
Can I expense this though my employer?
Yes. This program qualifies for most professional development or learning and development budgets. I can provide a breakdown of deliverables to share with your manager or HR team upon request.
Do you offer corporate training for companies?
Yes. The Leadership Accelerator for Scientists is also for small to mid-sized companies that are ready to develop their scientific talent into cross-functional leaders who communicate effectively with executive leadership. Set up a call with me to discuss or email me to learn more: [email protected]
Lead with clarity. Influence with confidence. Show up like the leader you are.
Join a group of scientists and clinicians who are ready to lead across functions, communicate with clarity, and make an impact at the highest levels of their organizations.
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