– Written by Rick Stephens, Principal, AI & Process Excellence, Good Gorilla

Out of My Comfort Zone

When I submitted a poster for the PHUSE US Connect 2025, I was in the middle of a career shift after restructuring at Takeda. Several colleagues I deeply respect told me PHUSE was “worth its weight in gold” for networking. So, I decided to give it a shot.

Still, I wasn’t sure what I was walking into. I expected great talks and smart people, but I was less sure what the personal experience would be like. I was showing up solo to a room of nearly 800 attendees. What did I really have to offer?

Since I wasn’t using project data from my previous role, I leaned into storytelling and reflection. It felt honest but exposed – like I was stepping slightly outside the usual format and just hoped it would connect.

From Nervous to Natural

What changed? It started right away during a short get-to-know-you meeting for poster presenters. One of the Chairs of the Poster Presentations Stream, Clio Wu, brought great energy to the kickoff and asked me to start the introductions. That could’ve been intimidating, but everyone was friendly and supportive and that helped set the tone.

Shortly after that, I bumped into someone I’d worked with years ago. They were warm and encouraging, and even introduced me to someone new. It reminded me that most people are open to connection, even in quick passing moments.

Then came the elevator. Normally, I’d stare at the numbers and wait it out. This time, I said, “Hi, I’m Rick.” The person next to me turned out to be John Salter from the PHUSE Board. We had a great chat about introversion, and he shared how PHUSE have been thinking about ways to better support folks like me. That short ride made the whole event feel more welcoming.

Those moments weren’t long or deeply personal, but they were enough to flip the script. Instead of feeling out of place, I started to feel like I belonged.

The Poster Session

By the time the Poster Session rolled around, some of the nerves had settled, but I still wasn’t sure how my poster would be received. It wasn’t a traditional, data-heavy case study, and I know this is a space where hard numbers often take centre stage.

But the response surprised me. People actually stopped by! They commented on the visual style, asked thoughtful questions, and some even said it caught their eye in a sea of posters. That led to some great conversations about my topic, shared experiences, transitions, and the evolving role of AI in pharma.

The more I chatted, the easier it got. That pesky “why am I here?” feeling was slowly turning into a sense of belonging. I wasn’t just surviving the experience – I was contributing to it. I realised more people like me should be here.

Putting your work out there can feel risky, especially when it’s personal or doesn’t follow the usual format. But the people who stopped by weren’t there to poke holes or point out flaws. They were thoughtful, curious and kind. It was a powerful reminder that most people aren’t looking to critique. They’re looking to connect.

View Rick's Poster 'Pivoting to AI: Turning Career Transition into Innovation' – and for more information you can read the paper here.

What PHUSE Did Right

PHUSE created an atmosphere that was professional without being stuffy. It was “business casual” in the best sense: put together but comfortable.

Whether it was the warm welcome during the poster kick-off, an unexpected elevator chat with John, reconnecting with old friends, or casual conversations after presentations, I felt like I belonged. There was a sense of openness throughout the event that made it easy to engage. People turned up to learn, to connect, and to support one another – and it showed.

The Unexpected Takeaway

Here’s what caught me off guard: the ripple effect beyond the conference.

A few days later, I was volunteering at my son’s school. Normally, I’d stick to myself. But this time, I found myself starting conversations with other parents. I felt more at ease putting myself out there. The positive interactions at the conference had nudged me just enough to be a little more outgoing.

We often build up stories in our heads – stories where we don’t belong or where we’re being judged. But in reality, most people are just trying to make the most of their day. We tend to be harder on ourselves than anyone else is.

PHUSE reminded me that professional growth doesn’t have to stay in a neat little box. It’s not just about industry updates and networking; it’s about remembering what you’re capable of and recognising that the first step forward is often the hardest.

Looking Ahead – Advice for Others

Would I go again? In a heartbeat. I’m already a little jealous of those heading to the EU Connect 2025.

If you’re on the fence about submitting a poster or attending solo, just go for it. The nerves are real, but temporary. You’ll learn, grow, and probably surprise yourself along the way.

For the hesitant among us, here’s my honest advice:

• Reframe the story you’re telling yourself. That inner voice is usually harsher than reality.

• Look for friendly faces. Vendor booths and event volunteers are perfect starting points.

• Say hi first. Even a quick “Hi, I’m Rick.” in an elevator can spark something cool.

• When all else fails, enjoy the snacks. (They really were fantastic.)

Connection takes effort, but it’s worth it. You never know what doors might open from one “Hi, I’m Rick.”