In today’s episode, I was joined by Shane Ernst, Vice President of Quality at Empower Pharmacy.
I really wanted to speak to Shane because he has built an incredible career in quality leadership despite being an introvert – a trait many in the industry can relate to. His journey from analytical chemist to VP is full of valuable insights on leadership, career progression, and navigating high-stakes regulatory challenges.
We talk about the following:
🔹 How he accidentally fell into quality after starting in analytical chemistry
🔹 The early career moment that forced him to step up despite his introverted nature
🔹 Why quality leaders need to develop cross-functional business knowledge
🔹 His biggest leadership challenge – building confidence as an introvert
🔹 How he learned to manage his energy as a leader while staying authentic
🔹 What it was like turning around a 1,300+ complaint backlog at a major pharma site
🔹 Why trust with regulators is essential and how to build it
🔹 The shift from tactical to strategic thinking when moving from Director to VP
🔹 How he develops and mentors future leaders in quality
🔹 His advice for aspiring VPs – getting out of your comfort zone is key
Shane is a fantastic example of how leadership isn’t about personality type – it’s about mindset, adaptability, and growth. His story proves that introverts can thrive in senior leadership roles and have a huge impact on their teams and companies.
Thank you, Shane, for sharing your incredible journey.
Hope everyone enjoys the show! 🚀