MSL Career Growth: Do You Really Want To Be A Manager?

In this episode of Pharmaverse for MSLs, powered by Inside MSL, host Michael Pietrack speaks with Scott Conry, PharmD, about Medical Science Liaison career development, leadership readiness, and opportunities beyond people management.

Scott explains why being a top-performing MSL doesn’t automatically prepare you to lead a team. Moving into management changes your daily responsibilities, your relationship with science, and how you measure success. Before pursuing that promotion, he encourages MSLs to consider what they actually enjoy about their work.

The conversation explores how lateral moves into strategy, operations, and training can expand your skills and prepare you for future opportunities. Scott also shares what distinguishes a senior MSL, how to gain leadership experience before becoming a manager, and why meaningful career growth doesn’t always come with a new title.

For current leaders, Scott offers practical advice on developing employees, recognizing overlooked potential, and giving teams the clarity and autonomy they need to succeed.

IN THIS EPISODE
• Exploring career paths within Medical Affairs
• Deciding whether people management is right for you
• Why scientific expertise and leadership require different skills
• Testing your leadership interest through mentoring and field rides
• Preparing for the transition from individual contributor to manager
• Using lateral moves to build strategic experience
• Understanding promotion expectations for senior MSLs
• Avoiding common mistakes when pursuing advancement
• Supporting employees’ growth—even when they leave your team
• Setting clear goals without micromanaging

CHAPTERS
00:00 Preview: The realities of MSL leadership
01:28 Introduction to Scott Conry
02:19 Career paths for MSLs
04:00 Do you really want to manage people?
05:56 Adapting your leadership style to different people
08:01 Testing leadership through mentoring and coaching
09:48 Career growth and the pressure to get promoted
13:44 Caring about employees as people
15:22 Developing talent instead of holding it back
18:07 Preparing for your first management role
20:41 What leaders look for in future managers
22:55 Why top MSLs don’t always make the best managers
25:22 How lateral moves can help you advance
28:55 Moving from MSL to senior MSL
32:17 Mistakes to avoid when seeking a promotion
34:13 Recognizing overlooked leadership potential
37:43 The impact of choosing the right people leaders
39:48 Advice for new MSL managers
42:57 Subscribe and join the conversation

What does your next career step look like: people leadership, deeper scientific expertise, or a move into strategy? Tell us in the comments.

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