For over four decades, Cynthia Tsai Ekberg has been a trailblazer in the world of tech, bioscience, and entrepreneurship. From her early days on Wall Street to her new appointment as the President of the Montana Bioscience Alliance, Cynthia’s journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and a commitment to fostering growth.
Having worked with multiple leaders and spearheaded various companies towards success, Cynthia mentions “Over the course of my four-decade long career, I’ve had clear goals in mind and have been fortunate to achieve and even surpass them.”
A Journey of Growth
Cynthia’s journey begins on the bustling streets of Wall Street, where she honed her skills as a financial professional. Rising through the ranks at Merrill Lynch and Kidder Peabody, she quickly became a Vice President, delivering exceptional results for her clients.
The early challenges of entrepreneurship taught her the importance of thick skin and resilience, qualities that would later define her future success. “Initially, my focus was on excelling in my role as a financial professional, a vice president in the prestigious brokerage firm where I delivered exceptional results for my clients,” she recalls.
In 1995, Cynthia introduced Healthquest, a global biotechnology and medical technologies advisory firm, showcasing her commitment to innovation and progress. Her significant contributions did not go unnoticed, as the Harvard Business School Alumni Chapter in New York honored her with an Early-Stage Honor Roll Award for Entrepreneurship in 1999.
Cynthia’s journey continued with recognition from the Star Foundation in Overland Park, Kansas, presenting her with the ‘Leading Woman Entrepreneur of the World’ Award. Fifteen years later, she assumed the role of CEO at Tana Systems, steering a team of fifty engineers in the US and five hundred engineers in India. Today, Cynthia oversees US business development, negotiating multi-million-dollar contracts and cementing her legacy as a transformative leader.
Changing Routes and Tackling Setbacks
Cynthia views setbacks as life’s surprise plot twists, embracing the unexpected turns as opportunities for growth.
She explains, “Just when you think you’re on a straight path, life says, ‘Here’s something different!’ They’re a bit like taking the scenic route instead of the highway.”
Her resilience and ability to find joy in detours exemplify her leadership philosophy, making her a source of inspiration for entrepreneurs.
Talking about her own journey, Cynthia mentions “As time has progressed, my opportunities evolved, and with it, my approach. I’ve continually refined my abilities, becoming more effective and adaptive to the changing dynamics of the marketplace.”
However, one aspect that has over the years remained constant for Cynthia is the value of sustaining professional relationships. According to her, the focus on connection and collaboration has been a key component of her professional career. Thereby reinforcing the idea that while our role and objectives might change, the essence of building and maintaining strong professional networks remains a vital part of long-term success.
President of Montana BioScience Alliance
The Montana BioScience Alliance is an organization that serves as a hub for the state’s biotechnology companies, laboratories, hospitals, clinics and universities.
Most recently, Cynthia Tsai was elected as the President of the organization. She mentions, “I am honored and thrilled to have been elected as the President of the Montana Bioscience Alliance. This opportunity to lead an organization at the forefront of advancing biosciences in Montana is both a privilege and a responsibility that I take very seriously.”
Under her leadership, she aims to foster connections, innovation, and growth in the bioscience sector. Her vision goes beyond personal accomplishments; it is about building a community where the strength of relationships propels the entire industry forward.
Her vision is to elevate Montana’s standing as a bioscience hub and advocating for policies that propel the bioscience community forward.
A Day in My Life
Cynthia’s daily routine is a blend of professional engagements and personal connections. Here’s her breakdown of the day:
The day begins early at Whisper Ranch, greeted by the soft light of dawn and the eager anticipation of my West Highland White Terriers. Our morning walk is a refreshing start, filled with the tranquility of nature and the joyful energy of my canine companions. Upon returning, I tend to the chickens, ensuring they’re well-fed and cared for, a task that grounds me in the simplicity and satisfaction of rural life.
With the animals’ content, I transition to my professional world, beginning with a review of the news to stay informed and abreast of current events. This is followed by a thorough look at my plans for the day, aligning my schedule with the day’s objectives. My mornings are often punctuated with telephone calls, each a thread in the tapestry of my professional network.
As the day unfolds, I attend various board meetings, where strategic discussions and decisions shape the future of the organizations I’m involved with. These meetings are a testament to the collaborative efforts required to drive progress and innovation.
Personal and social commitments are also a vital part of my day. Whether it’s lunch with friends, an afternoon engagement, or planning for dinner, these moments provide a delightful balance to my busy schedule, allowing me to enjoy the company of those I cherish and unwind.
As the day winds down, I reflect on the accomplishments and experiences of the day, grateful for the blend of personal joy and professional fulfillment that each day brings.
Women Entrepreneurship
Cynthia’s advice to women entrepreneurs is a powerful blend of wisdom and pragmatism. Beyond a polished exterior, she emphasizes the importance of investing in knowledge and skills. For her, expertise and acumen leave a lasting impact, defining true success and influence.
As a pioneer in the bioscience space, Cynthia also anticipates a future where women’s contributions in entrepreneurship and science are integral and highly valued. She claims, “This evolution promises more opportunity, leading to groundbreaking discoveries and businesses that mirror the dynamism of our society.”
Future Vision: Global Collaboration
As Cynthia looks ahead, she is particularly excited about Montana’s upcoming Trade Mission to India and attending the inaugural Prix Galien in India. These opportunities align with her vision of fostering growth, embracing innovation, and building meaningful global connections.
She passionately mentions, “This mission represents a significant opportunity to forge new relationships, explore collaborative ventures, and expand our horizons in one of the world’s most dynamic economies.”
Her participation in this mission acts as a step towards strengthening ties and opening doors for Montana in the International markets.
Moreover, Cynthia is honored to be attending the prestigious event of Prix Galien in India, celebrating innovation in pharmaceutical research. She concludes saying, “Being a part of this inaugural event in India will not only be an enriching experience but also a chance to witness firsthand the cutting-edge advancements in the field.”
Exeleon Shorts
One Book Entrepreneurs must read – Walter Isaacson has written several noteworthy works that can offer valuable insights. Two such books are:
“Elon Musk ” – This biography provides an in-depth look at the life of entrepreneur Elon Musk, detailing his journey with companies like Tesla and SpaceX. Entrepreneurs can draw inspiration from Musk’s vision, resilience, and innovative mindset.
“The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race” – This book explores the revolutionary world of gene editing and CRISPR technology, led by Nobel laureate Jennifer Doudna. It’s a compelling read for entrepreneurs interested in the intersection of science, ethics, and innovation.
One Productivity Tool I App that you use – “My iPhones, I have two mobile phone numbers.
One Quote that Motivates you the most – “Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.” – Marie Curie, the first female winner of the Nobel Prize
One Advice for Women Entrepreneurs – For women entrepreneurs, it’s vital to invest in your knowledge and skills just as much as you invest in your appearance. While a polished exterior can make a strong first impression, it’s your expertise and acumen that will leave a lasting impact. Cultivate a lifestyle that reflects your commitment to learning and personal growth and let your business savvy shine. In the end, it’s the richness of your insights and the depth of your understanding that will truly define your success and influence.
One Movie / Show you would recommend – I just saw the Wooten Brothers in concert at the Elm in Bozeman, Montana. Joseph and Stephanie Wooten are great friends. The brothers are known for their incredible musicianship and dynamic performances. This tour showcased their rich musical heritage and mastery across various genres, from jazz and funk to blues and soul.
