In April, the UCLA Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry launched Fran Zone’s Chemistry of Compelling Communication Series.
The inspiration for the series was sparked in 2019 when department chair, Professor Catherine Clarke (the first female to chair the department), invited Dr. Michael Varney (UCLA grad, 1980) to deliver the commencement speech that year. Dr. Varney brought his communication coach, Fran Zone, with him. Clarke engaged Zone in a discussion about the importance of communication skills in chemistry and biochemistry careers. Her exact words were, “You’re Fran Zone! You should be doing things for UCLA!”
Zone created The Chemistry of Compelling Communication to provide Zone tools and inspiration to UCLA students and faculty. She invited Zone Alum and 2024 ACS Hall of Fame inductee, Dr. Wendy Young, to tell her story, “Adventures in Drug Hunting.” Young’s story showcased the importance of communication skills in developing and sharing ideas in science and leading science innovation.
Young has been a leader in every sector of drug discovery, including academia, biotech, pharma, and venture capital. She also holds leadership roles in government and professional organizations. Young spoke about her pioneering discoveries in the field of medicinal chemistry. Her next passion is to address the disparities in research and funding that plague women’s health issues today. Young emphasized that her career would not have been possible if she had not focused on building communication skills – skills that have attracted life-changing relationships.
A phenomenal life and executive coach, Zone’s vision for the series with UCLA is to provide Zone tools to students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty to leverage their communication skills and leadership savvy.
Zone, the creator of The Zone Method, has worked with hundreds of thought leaders, including scientists, engineers, drug hunters, and top biotech leaders. She believes, “Scientists need to be memorable and compelling communicators to convey the purpose of their research, why it matters, and how it can change the world.”
The seminar was followed by a lively Q&A with students and a reception in the Mani L. Bhaumik Collaboratory of Young Hall, where students and faculty had the opportunity to meet Zone and Young. The students who attended the lecture said that Young’s seminar and her message about building relationships through communication were very inspiring.
Going forward, Zone plans to create future events providing Zone communication tools and feature successful Zone leaders for learning and networking. Stay tuned! To learn more about Fran Zone and the UCLA connection, visit: www.thezonemethod.com.
Penny Jennings, UCLA Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, penny@chem.ucla.edu.
