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Beyond The Protocol
Successful clinical trials aren't just about processes and protocols - they're about the empowered teams and supportive cultures behind them.
Beyond the Protocol is a live show and podcast where Melody Keel brings together diverse professionals across the clinical research landscape: from operations teams to industry experts, all sharing insights on what it takes to deliver successful clinical trials
We dive deep into the human side of clinical trials, exploring everything from team dynamics to operational challenges, leadership development to cultural transformation.
Each episode features authentic conversations with industry professionals who understand that true excellence in clinical research starts with supporting the people who make it happen.
Ready to discover how empowered teams drive exceptional trial outcomes?
Join us as we go Beyond the Protocol, where we believe that investing in people is the key to clinical trial success.
Beyond The Protocol
Breaking Barriers in Clinical Research: Building Connections for Impact
In this episode, we sit down with Elizabeth Tabor, clinical research leader and industry super connector, to discuss:
• The biggest misconceptions about clinical trials and how to address them
• Why diversity in clinical research is more than a buzzword—and how to drive real change
• The role of networking in accelerating careers and innovation in the field
• Practical strategies for leadership and career growth in clinical research
Whether you’re seasoned clinical research professional or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights on building a stronger, more inclusive research community.
Welcome to Beyond the Protocol—where authentic conversations about clinical research happen.
Hosted by Melody Keel, bringing together diverse professionals from across the industry to share insights and experiences about what it really takes to deliver successful clinical trials.
This isn't about perfect processes—it's about real people sharing real solutions.
Let's go beyond the protocol.
That's all for today's episode of Beyond the Protocol—where we explore what it truly takes to deliver successful clinical trials.
If you found value in today's conversation, please subscribe, share with your network, and leave a review.
Have experiences or insights to share? Reach out and be part of the conversation.
Join us next week as we continue to discover what lies beyond the protocol.
You can catch it on :
📺 LinkedIn Live
📺 YouTube ▶️https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondTheProtocol
🎧 Spotify ▶️https://open.spotify.com/show/5tJlyePbEkmXLEPzSPtBcK?si=d209a257a8224056
🎧 Apple Podcasts ▶️https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-protocol/id1798238612
🎧 Deezer ▶️https://dzr.page.link/Wy8E6rSXR7NpR15W7
🎧 Podcast address ▶️https://beyondtheprotocol.buzzsprout.com/
This Podcast is Sponsored by The Research Associate Group, Inc.
Melody:
Welcome to Beyond the Protocol ! I’m excited to welcome my guest for episode four, Elizabeth Tabor. She’s here to share some incredible insights into breaking barriers in clinical research. Elizabeth, welcome!
Elizabeth:
Thank you for having me, Melody! I'm excited to be on Beyond the Protocol.
Melody:
Let’s dive right in—tell us how you got into clinical research.
Elizabeth:
Honestly? Cold emailing. After graduation, I started looking up anyone near me in clinical research and began sending my resume out. I ended up landing in the right inbox. I didn’t get the job I interviewed for, but I made such a great impression—thanks to doing my LinkedIn research on the interview panel—that they called me back for another role. That’s how I got in.
Melody:
Persistence is everything in this industry. I faxed my resume daily for 38 days to land my first entry-level role at INC Research. It’s that level of grit and creativity that opens doors.
Elizabeth:
Absolutely. It also shows resourcefulness, which is critical in our field. If you don’t have the connections or experience yet, you need to use every tool available—and LinkedIn was mine.
Melody:
So you landed your first role. How did you go from there to building a whole community?
Elizabeth:
Honestly, it came from culture shock. Entering corporate America was a tough adjustment. I started reading How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, and applying those lessons changed how I navigated the workplace. I realized connections were everything—and I leaned into that. Eventually, I got where I wanted to be as a CRA. But then I noticed my network had gone quiet. So I reactivated it—not for me, but to help others.
Melody:
That’s so powerful. When we shift our focus from ourselves to service, things expand. And LinkedIn brought us together, too!
Elizabeth:
Yes! And I realized networking is a skill—one not enough people are taught. I wanted to help bridge that gap.
Melody:
It’s also about preparing for the shift we’re seeing in how people work. Networking and relationships are key to employability now—and I love your LinkedIn handle, The Connector. You truly embody that.
Elizabeth:
Thank you! We’re a global industry, and networking gives us the ability to knowledge-share across communities. It helps us solve problems faster and understand what’s working. We need to stop operating in silos.
Melody:
Yes—we get stuck in cycles. We keep repeating the same patterns instead of cutting through and making the changes we all know are needed.
Elizabeth:
Exactly. Networking can give you knowledge in an hour that someone took 20 years to learn. That’s a form of wealth.
Melody:
I love that. The networkers have more to pull from. Their experience is deeper, broader—they don’t silo themselves.
Elizabeth:
Even if it’s not in your job title, networking matters. It improves internal and external team integration. And it’s essential for running complex trials.
Melody:
Let’s talk about personal branding. I’m a big believer that everyone—W2 or not—should be building a brand.
Elizabeth:
100%. Your LinkedIn shouldn’t just be a historical resume—it’s a sales page for who you are and what you offer. I always say: no one wants to eat at a restaurant with no reviews. People want to see who they’re hiring. Control your narrative. Get your domain name. Build your personal site.
Melody:
Yes! There’s only one you. You should be findable—and in control of what people find.
Elizabeth:
Agreed. Okay, let’s shift to industry challenges. One of the biggest things I see is people’s unwillingness to give back. Too many senior professionals forget they were once new too. That “sink or swim” mindset needs to go. We need to lift as we climb.
Melody:
Exactly. And the people doing the work—on our side—are also at risk. Burnout is real. We need to support each other, not just the patients.
Elizabeth:
Burnout happens faster when knowledge-sharing is absent. If no one’s willing to help you, you spend so much time figuring it out alone—and that’s a recipe for collapse.
Melody:
I had an amazing mentor early on who changed the trajectory of my career. Everyone should be helping someone right now. If you’re not, you should be.
Elizabeth:
Yes! Someone took a chance on you—pass it forward. That person you’re overlooking today might be the one to solve your biggest challenge tomorrow.
Melody:
Let’s talk about diversity in clinical trials. Why does it matter?
Elizabeth:
Because medicine is meant to save all lives. If it’s not tested on diverse populations, it doesn’t serve them—and that affects life expectancy for generations.
Melody:
That’s so true. Grassroots efforts matter—representation in the healthcare workforce is how we earn trust and change access.
Elizabeth:
Yes! If no one in your community works in clinical research, there’s no one to explain it or advocate for it. We need to start there—with workforce development.
Melody:
All right—let’s shift to professional growth. You’re all about helping others build their careers in research. What’s your take on employee vs. entrepreneurial mindsets?
Elizabeth:
An employee mindset follows the company’s timeline. An entrepreneurial mindset follows your vision. Just because someone gives you a career ladder doesn’t mean it’s your ladder.
Melody:
That’s gold.
Elizabeth:
I progressed fast because I said no to anything that didn’t align with my goals. You’ve got to move intentionally.
Melody:
I tell people: even if you’re a W2, you’re a business. You’re offering services. Know your value. Say no when it’s not a fit—and offer a solution instead. That’s professionalism.
Elizabeth:
Exactly. Saying no isn’t bad—it’s necessary. If I had said yes to everything, I would’ve burned out long ago.
Melody:
So, what’s next for you?
Elizabeth:
We’re expanding to support businesses, not just professionals. There are so many companies struggling with the same challenges—and not talking to each other. We want to change that by building B2B connections across research spaces.
Melody:
I love it. Thank you, Elizabeth. This was such an energizing conversation. I can’t wait to see how your impact keeps growing.
Elizabeth:
Thank you so much, Melody. It’s been an honor—and I can’t wait to see what’s next too!
