Workplace Confidence Podcast - How to lead smart people at Signature Discovery with James Edgar.
In this episode, Penny Haslam chats with James Edgar, Chief People Officer at Signature Discovery, an outsourced provider of early-stage drug discovery services for biotech and pharma companies.
James brings a unique perspective to the role with a background in media, advertising, investment banking and even private prisons. Now at Signature Discovery, he’s driving growth in a rapidly expanding company that specialises in cutting-edge science, including oncology and Alzheimer’s research.

James shares how his diverse career path and values-driven leadership style drew him to Signature Discovery, where he oversees a team of nearly 1,000 people, most of whom are highly specialised scientists.
He opens up about the challenges of maintaining a strong, family-like culture amidst rapid growth and the need to adapt communication styles to suit a more introverted, detail-oriented workforce. Highlighting the importance of co-creation and employee involvement in building company values and scaling them as the organisation expands globally.

Throughout the conversation, James and Penny explore the nuances of leading in a scientific environment, where the appetite for thorough analysis and thoughtful decision-making contrasts sharply with his previous experiences in faster-paced industries.
James talks about building confidence across the organisation, encouraging open communication and the value of creating a supportive environment where vulnerability is seen as a strength.

Tune in to hear James’ insights on leadership, the importance of backing yourself and why cultivating a people-centric culture is key to Signature Discovery’s success. This episode offers a deep dive into the evolving world of people management and the power of self-awareness and adaptability in leadership.

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