Nicky Burbidge
Vice President & General Manager, High Performance Chromatography Solutions
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Nicky Burbidge, a general manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific, has built her career by focusing on three essential areas: seeking mentorship, embracing challenges, and honing communication skills. Her journey offers valuable lessons for women looking to make their mark in leadership.
Find the Right Mentorship: Mentorship has been a crucial part of Nicky’s growth as a leader. Early in her career, the guidance and support of senior executives gave her the confidence to step into a general management role, even when she wasn’t entirely sure she was ready. These mentors saw her potential before she did, giving her the push she needed.
For women in leadership, having a mentor can make all the difference. It’s not just about advice—it’s about having someone in your corner who believes in you and can help you navigate unfamiliar territory. Nicky continues to lean on her mentors for insight when facing new challenges, knowing their experience is a valuable resource.
Step into the Challenge Zone: Nicky is a firm believer in taking on stretch projects as a way to grow. Whether it was shifting from life sciences to chemicals or handling projects beyond her expertise, she always pushed herself outside her comfort zone. She didn’t wait for the perfect opportunity or for every box to be checked—she jumped in and figured things out along the way.
In her experience, women are often excellent multitaskers and prioritizers, which makes them especially capable of handling complex roles. Embracing challenges not only fast-tracks growth but also helps build the resilience and skills needed to lead in a competitive industry.
Prioritize Team Communication: For Nicky, leadership goes far beyond directing tasks—it’s about understanding and empowering her team. One of the most important lessons she learned was how to adapt her communication style to suit the unique personalities and needs of her team members. She believes that great leadership requires empathy and the ability to connect on a personal level.
She has found tools like Emotional Intelligence (EQ) assessments and DISC exercises invaluable in helping her understand her own communication style and how to better engage with others. Miscommunication can often be the root of team challenges, and as a leader, it’s essential to foster an environment where open, clear, and empathetic communication is the norm.
Advice for Women in Chemical Community: Leadership isn’t just about being in charge—it’s about growing others, taking on challenges, and fostering a collaborative, communicative environment. By seeking mentorship, embracing the unknown, and focusing on clear communication, women can thrive and make an impactful difference in their leadership roles. Nicky’s experience shows that these strategies are not just nice to have—they are critical to long-term success.
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