As the co-founder of Calla Lily Clinical Care, I’m always on the lookout for the latest trends and insights shaping healthcare. And also opportunities to escape my children. Did I mention I have 3 pre-teen/teenagers?

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend two distinctly different conferences: PODD (Partnership Opportunities in Drug Delivery) in Boston and the MidAtlantic Capital Conference (MACC) in Philadelphia. Each event offered unique perspectives. One focused on technical and scientific advancements in drug delivery, and the other centered on investment, entrepreneurship, and company growth.

Here are six takeaways that resonated with me.

1. Technical vs. Entrepreneurial Audiences: Speaking Two Different Languages

PODD and MACC could not be more different in audience and focus. At PODD, I was surrounded by specialists from pharma, biotech, and drug delivery industries — people passionate about the science of how drugs reach patients. Here, discussions dived deep into connected devices, biologics, and novel delivery systems. Meanwhile, MACC was an investor’s playground, filled with venture capitalists, private equity firms, and growth-stage companies ready to showcase their potential. Switching between these audiences required a blend of technical savvy and business acumen. At PODD, it was all about precise science; at MACC, it was the potential for scale and impact that took center stage.

2. Unconscious Incompetence: Learning from Failure

One recurring theme across both conferences was the concept of “unconscious incompetence.”

We all have blind spots, especially in unfamiliar territories, and sometimes we don’t realize our limitations until failure teaches us a lesson. In the world of drug delivery, each technological innovation brings a new learning curve — mistakes become part of the pathway to success.

MACC had its own spin: Sally Jenkins, keynote speaker and New York Timesbest-selling sports author, talked about winning through failure, recognizing the importance of learning by failing and recognizing unconscious incompetence as a way to hone skills and recognize blind spots. Entrepreneurs shared stories of initial setbacks, which had become stepping stones.

Both conferences reminded me that there is power in failure, especially when it propels us toward greater competence.

3. Culture from the Ground Up: Building for Success

What type of culture works was another interesting point of difference between the two conferences. PODD highlighted the importance of a rigorous, science-driven culture where every detail matters. In contrast, MACC underscored the significance of fostering a culture of agility and adaptability to drive growth and attract investors.

Both approaches are critical, but creating a “culture from the ground up” means aligning team values with your mission, whether it is technical precision or rapid expansion. If the actions of the leadership do not match the perceived and professed culture, colleagues and co-workers suffer, as does the company.

Seeing the contrast firsthand has motivated me to think about how we can strengthen our own culture at Calla Lily Clinical Care. I love our team, they are our secret sauce. Creating an environment where they can all thrive is essential.

4. Broad Innovations Across Industries

One of the highlights at both conferences was witnessing how healthcare innovations are influencing, and being influenced by, other sectors.

At PODD, I saw crossover technology from connected devices that’s already shaping sectors outside healthcare. MACC featured innovations from startups in diverse fields, from artificial intelligence-powered platforms to drug delivery devices like Calla Lily’s to groundbreaking fintech solutions. These broad innovations emphasize how interconnected industries have become, and how each field has something to teach the others, whether it is drug delivery, data analytics, or patient care.

5. Partnership vs. Investor Focus

The PODD conference was all about partnerships and selling products, not investment pitches. With fewer investors present, the focus was on collaborations and exploring how different players in drug delivery could support each other. It was fascinating to see the emphasis on “how drugs are delivered,” rather than “how much is raised.”

Meanwhile, MACC showcased more than 60 company presentations in healthcare, technology, and growth sectors, with investors on the lookout for the next big thing. These presentations reinforced the notion that, whether it is securing funding or forming partnerships, we need to be clear on our goals and our audience.

6. Leveraging Your Team’s Skills

A crucial takeaway from both events was the importance of understanding your team’s strengths. Each presentation, networking opportunity, and discussion highlighted that no two teams bring the same strengths to the table.

At PODD, technical expertise was paramount, while MACC presentations required pitch-perfect storytelling. Recognizing and leveraging these skills within your own team can make all the difference and ensure everyone’s strengths are aligned with your goals is a true differentiator. In fact, we even chose presenters based on our skills. Chief Cocktail Officer here presented at MACC while our Principal Scientist, Andrew Lewis, spoke at PODD, where terms like “hydrophilic matrix” were tossed around casually.

Each of these conferences inspired me. The depth of innovation in drug delivery and the entrepreneurial spirit driving growth-stage companies was remarkable. While PODD showed me the scientific rigor needed to transform drug delivery, MACC was a powerful reminder of the impact entrepreneurial energy can have on healthcare. Each environment offered new insights I am eager to bring back to our work at Calla Lily Clinical Care as we continue to support and empower women’s health.