OWL leadership promises more programs, networking

Jan Beiting
Marsha Link, Ph.D.

Increasing the number of educational programs, symposia, and online programs as well as having more women present at various ophthalmology meetings are but two of the goals Jan Beiting, principal of Wordsmith Consulting (Cary, N.C.), has for the Ophthalmic Women Leaders (OWL, www.owlsite.org) in the next year. Ms. Beiting, the group's current president, is also one of its cofounders. "When we first started OWL 8 years ago, there was a tremendous amount of excitement about the concept. We had about 150 people at that first event; the response then indicated there was a need for OWL," she said. In those 8 years, Ms. Beiting said she's been most impressed with OWL's ability to interest women in all stages of their careers and from all aspects of ophthalmology, from marketing to research and bench scientists, to clinicians and industry. "We have everyone from CEOs to those just starting in their career, and that gives us an incredible opportunity to help foster connections among those diverse groups of people," she said.
Marsha Link, Ph.D., founder of Link Consulting (Irvine, Calif.), has focused her attention on developing OWL's mentoring and coaching program, which she expects to continue and expand in her current role and by writing the "Woman to Woman" column in OWL's monthly newsletter. As OWL's current vice president/president-elect, she wants to identify those leadership qualities that are not gender specific and increase women's visibility and leadership within the ophthalmic space. "We need to continue promoting women so they think of themselves as leaders," Dr. Link said. "All of us need to focus on what makes an outstanding leader. I think OWL can give women that inspiration and challenge."
As an example, OWL launched the Executive Roundtable program last year "to foster frank conversation on high-level topics," the website noted.
"The Roundtable has been fantastic," Ms. Beiting said. "There are businesses that are getting funded and start-ups created as a result of it. It's a high power group of women who get together twice a year to talk about opportunities and challenges."

The year ahead

Building on the success of the group's educational symposia is crucial, both women said. OWL plans to continue partnering with Women in Ophthalmology (WIO), a group mostly comprised of ophthalmologists and residents-in-training, to present the WIO's summer symposium.
"Organizations like OWL and WIO can play a role in ensuring the changing face of ophthalmology is reflected in the board room and the research bench, the podium, and the marketing suite," Ms. Beiting said. "Between our two groups of membership, we have a unique opportunity to try to ensure the field matches that new face of ophthalmology that's coming out of residency."
Ms. Beiting plans on expanding the number of program topics during the next year to include programs on understanding generational differences, leadership development, work-life balance, and developing a personal elevator speech, to name a few. Likewise, she would like to see more networking events for the group.
"Some of our members might like going to the events at the conferences, others might enjoy our mentoring programs, which can be done more on their own time. Maybe members want to listen to a webinar because they can't get to the meetings," Ms. Beiting said. "OWL provides leadership and career development possibilities that not only appeal across that spectrum but that are available to its members when they need them."
Dr. Link wants to reach out to the membership to increase involvement. "I'm extremely proud of the collaboration talks we've had with WIO, and I'd like to foster more to look for the synergies to help us strengthen women leaders in both the clinical and industry spaces," she said. In particular, Dr. Link wants to encourage more member feedback on its programs—without communication the organization cannot know if it's meeting members' needs. An additional goal for the organization is to "do a deep dive into our membership and create internal resumes," so when members are looking for advice they can tap into the collective talent in the group for answers.
Most women are glad to share their expertise, and OWL "wants to develop a committee structure that's stronger and larger to increase member engagement," Dr. Link said. "Once we know what people's strengths and interests are, it's easier to call them and ask for help on a specific area or topic."
Dr. Link also hopes to continue expanding membership to women in their 20s and 30s—people just starting or at the mid-level in their careers. "I want to push the envelope to continue to help women get to the next rung on the ladder in their personal lives as well as their professional lives," Dr. Link said. "I see OWL being a relevant factor in those efforts."

Contact information

Beiting: jan@wordsmithconsulting.com
Link: marshalink@4link.biz