Managing a multi-disciplinary team
Elke de Clerck is the Director of Rousselot’s Global Science and Innovation Center, which is a merger of four departments: Science, R&D, Pilot and Application. The muti-disciplinary nature of the center is its key strength, allowing experts across different fields to work together to solve problems. Elke explained:
Bringing multi-disciplinary skills and expertise together allows us to unravel complex challenges and make decisions that determine the solutions we offer to our customers”
By providing a supportive work environment and creating opportunities for her team members to share knowledge and expertise, Elke succeeds in leading the department towards exciting and sometimes unexpected goals. Elke commented, “Good leaders can think ahead of the curve, stay calm, and be flexible enough to provide an optimal work environment that encourages innovation.”
Championing women in science
In the interview, Elke emphasised that science is an excellent career choice for both men and women, commenting, “The most important thing is being part of a company that promotes diversity in leadership positions. Women in science can become great leaders by being decisive while also taking a people-centric approach and bringing clear, forward-thinking directions.”
about the role of leadership in innovation in Elke’s full interview in The Medicine Maker.
