Meet Nicholas Kenny: Syneos Health’s 2021 Mentor of the Year
Be brave, challenge yourself, collaborate, and make sure you enjoy the journey. This is the advice that Nicholas Kenny gives to those looking to transform the clinical research industry.
Nick is Syneos Health’s Chief Scientific Officer who has dedicated more than 15 years to Syneos Health. He is constantly inspired by the talented and diverse teams of experts that surround him at Syneos Health. Nick believes wholeheartedly in the power of collaboration “…The collaborative positive impacts we can have far outstripped the individual contributions any of us can make.”
While the people at Syneos may be what drives Nick to be passionate in his own work, Nick inspires many others as well, and this year had the honor of being named Syneos Health’s 2021 Mentor of the Year. This honor was awarded to Nick for his constant support in developing, mentoring, and promoting women throughout Syneos Health and the clinical research industry. Congratulations Nick and thank you for all that you have done!
Learn more about Nick’s Syneos Health journey and the advice he gives those looking to make a career transition:
How did you start your journey with Syneos Health? What made you say yes to the opportunity?
I joined INC Research in 2006 as a Senior Program Director in the nascent Oncology team. I was thrilled to take on this role firstly for the opportunity to focus exclusively on oncology clinical trials — a personal and professional interest — and critically, I was very impressed by the opportunity to work with a wonderful MD leader, Dr. Scott Williams who was leading the team at that time. Scott had a wonderful knowledge of cancer and patients, having built and led the breast cancer surgery program in Pittsburgh for over 20 years. Scott convinced me that our combined skills could really help grow the business…and he became a great mentor to me, and remains a strong friend.
What is your favorite part about working for a Clinical Research Organization?
A constellation of things, both current and over time. First, I think it was the chance in 2006 to join a small evolving CRO and work hard with many committed colleagues to grow…both organically and via acquisitions…and more recently our critical merger to become Syneos Health. That was a fascinating “ride” that continues. I’ve learned so much along the way about our business environment and much more. Then there is the broad spectrum of work and clients with which we get to engage. I’ve met so many talented people in all roles…and all around the world….and certainly that diversity of geography and working styles etc. has been a thrill. Never a dull moment. I suppose I’d summarize by saying I feel like this organization has fulfilled my need to be a perpetual learner.
How do you stay motivated in your work?
Several convergent things; being surrounded by a very talented and diverse team of experts and committed colleagues — I am always amazed by how deep this goes and what we can achieve together. I love collaborating and connecting people and new ideas. And, most importantly, when we think of our “end product” — new medicines to help patients — and hearing success stories and the impact these medicines have… it’s hard NOT to be motivated!
Outside of work, what do you like to do in your free time?
Family. Travel. Hiking. Reading. Golf. Mountains and deserts.
As Syneos Health’s Chief Scientific Officer, you have an important front row to the work we’re doing every day to shorten the distance from lab to life. What encourages you most about the work we’re currently doing?
Probably too many things to name. Because indeed I do have a fortunate vantage point and see so many impressive things in our work. So, two examples. First, I am thrilled to see — and further, explore — the possibilities of knowledge and amazing work that happens when our clinical and commercial teams “click” and unite/connect in our work. There’s nothing that beats that. My second example is our work around patient diversity in clinical trials and DE&I overall. I am thrilled to see the engagement around these critical issues (with strong ethical and scientific rationale retrials) from across our organization…and the knowledge, passion, skills, ideas, and connections our staff bring to the table. It’s a remarkable privilege for me to be involved in this.
The last year has been interesting. How has your work and the work of Syneos Health evolved since the onset of the COVID pandemic? What changes do you see for future work?
“Interesting” is an understatement! Personally, the biggest adaptation I had to make was moving away from ~50% travel, globally, to meet customers and our teams, to (quite literally) going 100% virtual overnight. I’m so impressed that we as an organization of 25,000 were able to pivot so quickly to do this. Truly remarkable. One of the silver linings to the COVID Cloud has been the forced acceleration of novel ways of doing business….that were already “in-flight” but being rather slowly adopted. I think the adaptations we’ve made will carry forward and in some ways revolutionize our work….decentralized trials, better use of AI/ML and data analytics, more efficient workflows, and more compassion for patient needs.
You made the transition out of academia 24 years ago. As you reflect on your journey, what advice do you have for others considering career transitions and seeking other ways to impact patient options and lives?
That’s a hard question! I feel like I took a leap of faith, worked hard, and had the good fortune to land in several good companies where kind people were excellent (and tolerant!) mentors to me! My advice really is to be brave, challenge yourself, don’t assume that your current work or qualifications “pigeonhole” you. Attitude and application and good people skills/compassion and collaboration can really help you learn, adapt and grow…. Enjoy the journey!
