The Context Switch
How to build a lasting connection
I have been wanting to talk about "The Context Switch" for some time now. And I was finally pushed to do it yesterday, after catching up with DataDrivenPharma community members at SynBioBeta.
But first, I want to pose a question: how do you bridge the gap between 'coworker' or 'connection' or 'hobby pal' to someone that you actually keep in contact with, or even become friends with? I have had many connections with "work friends" throughout my life, who I have basically never talked to again once I moved on to another role, even if that role was within the same company. And on the other hand, there are some who I kept talking to for years and still do today.
So how do you bond with someone beyond the immediate task at hand? Use The Context Switch: do something outside of what you usually do. If you only work together, go to an event, happy hour, or even a lunch walk. This shows the other person that you value them outside of the single class of activity. Once this happens, they will be far more likely to reciprocate with a context switch of their own.
I'll give you an example. A few years ago, I was in BD at one of my previous roles. I brought in a new customer for my company, and after a tumultuous 2 months, they decided to terminate our contract. You'd think that this is not a great way to start a relationship. But my contact at the client company respected the way we worked, even though the fit wasn't there, so he invited me to a happy hour. I went. What followed was a meaningful friendship: sailing, our kids playing together, and many conversations about business, life, and philosophy.
Another example was with a business prospect from another company in another city, whom I've only had a few calls with. But in addition to this, we also did an annual catch-up at the ASHG conference 3 years in a row. This connection didn't blossom into a full-on friendship, but we still make a point of catching up every few months. And this particular context-switched person will be giving a talk at #ddpwest26. You'll have to guess who it is ;).
So there you have it. The Context Switch is a great way to start a friendship or to deepen a relationship. When it comes to DataDrivenPharma, I hope that our conferences and events can be that context for some of you. And if we do play that role, I'd love to hear about it from you.
Best,
Ilya Captain
Founder
Upcoming DataDrivenPharma Events
May 27: DataDrivenPharma Forum @Genentech (SSF)
Theme: AI’s Role in Drug Development Costs: Reverse or Reinforce?
June 10: DataDrivenPharma East in Waltham, MA
Our Boston Area gathering of hands-on data science leaders across discovery, clinical, and strategy.
24% off all pass tiers for the first 10 registrations with the code Data42, to celebrate Birgit Schoeberl (VP and Head of Data24 at Novartis) joining us as a keynote
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Partner Events and Ecosystem
CDD Life Sciences Community Event - South San Francisco 2026. CDD is a long-time sponsor and supporter of the DataDrivenPharma community. They are putting on a free event for the biotech and pharma community here in the Bay Area. Check them out - I’ll be there too.
