Blog Categories

Two long-known industry members meet in person

At the February 27th monthly meeting of the Wilmington Pharma/Bio/CRO Networking group, two of our industry’s treasures, Wayne Whittingham and Sandy Richwalski met in person for the first time.  They had talked, emailed, interacted numerous times over their careers but hadn’t met in person.

This historic event was captured at Hops Supply Company in Wilmington, NC. Bonnie Moore, pictured in the middle, got the pleasure of making this happen and being a up-close witness.  Thanks to Maureen Spataro for bringing Sandy to the event.

FOCM_Wayne_Sandy

FOCM Member receives Doctoral Degree

In late 2013, FOCM member Yvette Bonaparte received her PhD in Leadership Studies from NC A&T  University.  Her dissertation reviewed the experiences of eight women leaders in the pharmaceutical industry.  Yvette is President of Bonaparte Consulting, Inc.; a consulting practice focused on the areas of strategic marketing, diversity and inclusion and leadership training (www.bonaparteconsulting.com).

Pictured with Yvette and myself is FOCM member, Michael Williams.

Michael Williams, Dr. Yvette Bonaparte, Chris Matheus
Michael Williams, Dr. Yvette Bonaparte, Chris Matheus

Two new members of FOCM

On April 22, 2014 in Malvern, PA at McKenzie BrewHouse, Chris von Abo and Gail McNeill received their FOCM cards.

I have known Gail for 20+ years.  We worked together at Burroughs Wellcome Co in pharmaceutical sales and marketing.

I have known Chris for 10+ years.  We worked together at ICON Clinical Research.  At the time we met, he was living in the EU.  He is now working in the USA.

Joining us at this event was FOCM card carrying member, Katherine Cloninger.

Gail McNeill & Chris von Abo receive their FOCM cards
Gail McNeill & Chris von Abo receive their FOCM cards

FOCM welcomes Dana Edwards

Well, wow, am I ever behind on posting this information: as is the rule in FOCM, frequently late, but always worthwhile; on or about April 1, 2014, while in Las Vegas at an industry conference, FOCM held a networking event.  Dana Edwards (pictured) received her FOCM card.  As is plainly evident, she has rarely looked happier than in this photo.  Please join me in welcoming Dana, a fellow North Carolinian, albeit 4 hours from FOCM HQ.

FOCM Welcomes Dana Edwards
FOCM Welcomes Dana Edwards

Quotes out of context – continued

Here is the next installment of quotes taken out of context in business meetings I have attended:

I am about to unbutton my pants.
 – unidentified

I love show tunes.
–  Kris Kuhner

Were they out of kegs?
– Pete Nieto to Lauren Skinner

Is that a baby bottle?
Scott Nodolf to Stuart Roeves

Stewwey!
Mark Matson

Stewwey, are you ready for another baba?
Jim Ashby

I was waiting for him to play the race card.
Pete Nieto

I actually have to use a calculator for this.
Paul Colombo

Can I get your corker thing now or later?
Debbie McCoy to Pete Nieto

He’s cooking your tuna in his pants.
Kris Kuhner to Andrew Smith

Check back for more postings. If your name is mentioned and you’d like it removed, please email me at chris@focmnetworking.com and I’ll give your request strong consideration and may even possibly act on it. Seriously, though I will remove it if you want me to.

Background: This all started at a US Sales meeting and in order to stay focused on what was being said, I started writing down the business cliches, like “let’s circle the wagons”, “let’s table that”, “always be closing” and then count how many times they were said. As I began paying attention, I would hear a phrase that was appropriate for the context in which it was said, but wow, it sure was amusing to see the phrase just sitting there by itself. That lead me to put them into a slide show show so the phrase was seen in its purest form along with the person who said it. AS this became known, the slide set became the unofficial and humorous wrap-up presentation, kind of a summary of the things stated over the course of the meeting.

FOCM Welcomes David Fairbrother

While working at the 2014 Partnerships in Clinical Trials conference in Las Vegas, it was deemed that David Fairbrother, VP of  Business Development at Kellman Pharmaceutical Services (KPS) was worthy of induction into FOCM.  Please note that I am not yawning in the picture, but am shouting with excitement at this momentous occasion.  All gambling in the Mirage casino came to a stop to watch this event.

David Fairbrother joins FOCM
David Fairbrother joins FOCM

 

 

Support FOCM Member in London Marathon Fundraiser

 

A friend of mine in the UK, Daniel Chapple will be running in the 2015 London Marathon to raise money for his step-dad who recently passed away.  Daniel’s Mom and step-dad have been long term supporters of Guide Dogs and a memorial fund has been established. If you are interested, you can donate at the link below.  Note – the amounts are in British currency:  20 pounds = $34.00

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserPage.action?userUrl=KDGuideDogs&faId=470166&isTeam=true