According to Tara Franks, she has learned over the last year that as a leader, you do not always possess the information you need to feel comfortable with your decisions, but you have to be bold and take chances. “Making gut decisions isn’t always viewed favorably in business because you are expected to make data-driven decisions,” said the two-time Titan 100. “When there is no data to provide you with a level of certainty that gives you confidence in your direction, you are left with your intuition.”
This intuition is what has helped Franks lead her team through the completion of Translational Drug Development’s (TD2) first acquisition.
TD2 is a contract research organization providing oncology drug development services and consulting to the biopharma industry. The firm works with hundreds of biotech and pharma companies to rapidly move new therapy discoveries to market through proactive problem-solving and strategic collaboration while serving as drug development innovators.
In her role, Franks took the lead during the company’s acquisition by building the financial model and deal structure options, leading negotiations with the owners of the business targeted, and managing the due diligence process. “I never expected the opportunity to take such a prominent role in my first acquisition, but it was an incredible learning opportunity and one that I feel takes my business and leadership experience to the next level,” said Franks.
Franks has also taken her mentorship efforts to the next level. “I naturally gravitate toward the role of an independent contributor, but over the last few years, my role has required less of a focus on what I personally need to accomplish and a greater focus on how I help others achieve their goals within their roles in the company,” she said. “I had a handful of employees approach me over the last year seeking mentorship, and I found that in accepting the role of a mentor, I learned a lot about myself, but more importantly, I learned how to identify unique talents within my organization and create opportunities for those individuals to contribute to the mission and goals of the company.”
As a leader, Franks said she has learned how to quiet the doubt that can creep into her mind when faced with a big challenge. “I can look back and rely on the fact that I have always found a path forward, and trusting in that takes away the stress and worry that interferes with my ability to focus on the solution to whatever problem I’m trying to solve and take action,” she said.
