Bold Thinking is your library of sales insights, strategies, and real-world lessons for founders, leaders, and business development teams in clinical research.
Here, you’ll find full blog posts that challenge conventional thinking and give you practical tools to win more studies, build lasting partnerships, and scale revenue.
You Can’t Hold BD Accountable for Revenue Without Investing in Relationships
Business development leaders are often measured on revenue but judged on relationships — a mismatch that creates frustration on both sides of the table. In this piece, I explore why dashboards should measure relationship health, not just deal size, and how bold leadership turns metrics into momentum.
How the C.L.A.R.E.™ Framework Helps Teams Build Trust and Win Together
Leadership isn’t about control — it’s about clarity.
Bold Leaders Know They Can’t Do It All — And That’s Exactly Why They Grow
If you’re still running sales yourself, you’re not scaling — you’re surviving. Here’s how founders can reclaim their time and lead with purpose.
Be Bold: A Call to Stand Out, Stand Tall, and Shape the Future
Safe gets you remembered for a moment. Bold makes you unforgettable. In clinical research, the future belongs to leaders and companies willing to Be Bold — to stand out, persevere, and shape what’s next.
When Your Site Becomes Invisible: The Hidden Cost of Brokers and SMOs in Clinical Research
SMOs and brokers promise growth, but sites often lose identity and control. Learn how to evaluate partnerships and build lasting sponsor relationships.
Why Outsourced Lead Gen Services Almost Always Fail in Clinical Research
Outsourced lead gen promises meetings, not results. In clinical research, sponsors award studies to sites they know and trust — not to cold callers throwing junk leads over the fence.
Why Sales Books Won’t Make You a Great Clinical Research BDR (And What Will)
From books to results: how clinical research BDRs can turn theory into real sales outcomes.
The Hidden Cost of Sales Rep Failure: Why 60% Don't Make It Past Year One
Most new clinical research sales hires fail — and the hidden costs are higher than you think. Here’s why it happens and how to break the cycle for good.
Conference Season Is Here — Don’t Just Show Up, Show Up With a Plan
Conference season can be your biggest investment or your biggest expense — the difference is your plan. Discover how to set goals, build a hit list, and walk away with real opportunities instead of just another tote bag.
Doing More with Less: How Clinical Research Vendors Can Thrive During Uncertain Times
When resources are tight, the smartest organizations don’t panic—they adapt. Learn how clinical research teams can thrive by focusing on what truly drives growth.
Sales Training — A Topic Nobody Really Wants to Address
Thrown into clinical research sales with no training? You're not alone — but there’s a better way
The Art of the Long Game: Why Clinical Research Sales Requires a Different Mindset
Every curve in the road represents a real-world challenge: gatekeepers, feasibility forms, check-ins, committees — all before the deal is even close. If you’re not prepared for the climb, the mountain will win.
Breaking Down the Silos: Why Sales, Marketing, and Operations Must Align to Drive Sustainable Growth
Most clinical research organizations don’t fail because of funding or competition — they stall because of internal silos. Sales, marketing, and operations must work in sync to drive sustainable growth. Here’s how to break down those walls and build real alignment.
How to Pressure-Test Your Sales Pipeline Before Q4
Is your pipeline real — or just hopeful?
This post breaks down how to pressure-test your sales pipeline before Q4 gets away from you.
Stop Just Filling Out Feasibilities — Start Selling Your Site
Feasibility forms shouldn’t be checklists — they’re your site’s chance to stand out. Learn how to stop blending in, start selling your value, and win more studies with every submission.
AI for Clinical Research Sales: A Simple Guide to Getting Started
Most sales teams think AI is too complex or expensive to implement. But clinical research companies are discovering simple, affordable AI tools that can transform their sales results in just 60 days. Here's how to start small and see immediate impact.

