Book excerpt: The biohealthcare executive in upper-middle management confronts leadership challenges unique to their industry: they manage highly specialized knowledge workers and innovators, compete at the speed of technology, work in a highly regulated environment where "free speech" often does not apply due to patient safety and privacy concerns, and increasingly are leading virtual teams who may be located in different parts of the world. Practical leadership for biopharmaceutical executives is a guide that strips away the theory and meets head-on the practical leadership challenges these executives face on a daily basis, and provides these "innovator leaders" with the tools to lead effectively in the face of technological complexity. - Focuses on personal leadership, where the executive has an opportunity to manage his/her own effectiveness as a leader and manager, and engage with their own career development and method of contribution within their chosen industry - Discusses particularly the unique leadership challenges in biohealthcare: an industry that is at once highly innovative and emotive. Biohealthcare companies are often viewed with suspicion by the consumers who question corporate motives, and product marketing and sales practices. The effective biohealthcare leaders are well aware of these emotive features, and embody ethics through action - not just lip service - Includes real life examples, including a series of both phone-based and email-based interviews of executives