“The Sherman Effect”

At the end of last year I attended the ‘Pharma Integrates’ event in London. And I have to say it was superb (no, I have no affiliation with them!). Great venue, great content, great speakers, great food and an informal drinks reception in the middle of it all. What more could you want? This brings me nicely on to a gentleman called Sherman Whitfield, who stole the show.

How can I best describe him?  He’s a larger than life character (and is literally a huge guy), full of passion and praise for the excellent work done by the brilliant people in our pharmaceutical contract manufacturing sector.  A gospel singer for the pharma sector if you will.  As an industry, we are very conservative, which is why our conferences and events tend to be somewhat tedious at times.  But having someone like Sherman at this conference changed all of that.  His shear enthusiasm and energy lifted everyone.

Raman Sehgal at SCM Pharma

Longtime Lilly Alliance Pro Brings “Whit” and Wisdom to Solo Practice

“For some, retirement can be more daunting than liberating. Not everyone deals well with the sudden lack of structure, and many are shocked at how hard it is to fill the more than one third of their day that was once allotted for job duties, including getting to and from work.

This isn’t a problem for Sherman Whitfield, CA-AM, who retired on August 31, 2012, after 15 years with Eli Lilly and Company and multiple decades dealing with manufacturing relationships in one form or another in the biopharmaceutical, aerospace, and automotive industries.

“Sherm is a motivator,” said ASAP Midwest chapter president Ann Trampas, CSAP, professional development practice lead at Phoenix Consulting Group.

“In February of 2013 Mr. Sherman Whitfield was the keynote speaker at a career fair hosted by the Purdue University Science Bound Program.

From the beginning of his presentation, Mr. Whitfield was full of energy and excitement engaging our students and capturing their attention. Sherman shared his life story in a very simplistic, down to earth and direct way interjecting humor from time to time which the audience really enjoyed. By the time he concluded his presentation our students were inspired, encouraged and motivated with a renewed sense of urgency to work hard to break the cycle of poverty. I want to share four brief quotes from our student survey that captures what I’m talking about.

“I learned that nothing is impossible”
“The Talk really inspired me to do better”
“He made me want to do the best I can do”
“I learned not to make excuses”

Our career fair was a huge success in part due to Mr. Whitfield. Sherman is a delightful presenter who speaks from the heart and presents a very transformational message. He is immensely engaging and is very approachable. Science Bound is truly thankful to have experienced this gifted motivator.”

Wesley Campbell
Director of Science Bound, Purdue University

Longtime Lilly Alliance Pro Brings “Whit” and Wisdom to Solo Practice

“For some, retirement can be more daunting than liberating. Not everyone deals well with the sudden lack of structure, and many are shocked at how hard it is to fill the more than one third of their day that was once allotted for job duties, including getting to and from work.

This isn’t a problem for Sherman Whitfield, CA-AM, who retired on August 31, 2012, after 15 years with Eli Lilly and Company and multiple decades dealing with manufacturing relationships in one form or another in the biopharmaceutical, aerospace, and automotive industries.

“Sherm is a motivator,” said ASAP Midwest chapter president Ann Trampas, CSAP, professional development practice lead at Phoenix Consulting Group.

”As a partner in our science and health career outreach efforts, Mr. Whitfield has inspired hundreds of youth and adults alike with his message of hope, overcoming challenges and finding the greatness inside of each of us.  His energy is infectious and his story has meaning and relevance for all audiences- who among us does not want to achieve greatness.    I credit him with awaking a consciousness in his audience that has changed attitudes and lives.”

Dr. Paul Ardayfio

”Sherman Whitfield is a remarkable speaker.  His passion and insight had an incredible impact on the students at Indianapolis Public School #44.  Hearing how Sherman overcame many obstacles in his life gave the students hope and inspired the students to reach their goals.  The knowledge and information he shared, combined with the life lessons, were truly outstanding.  His presentation was motivating, uplifting, and captivating.  He both met and exceeded our expectations.”

Stephanie Wofford, MSM, BLS-AHA
Outreach Coordinator
St. Vincent Health
Metropolitan Indianapolis Central Indiana AHEC (MICI-AHEC)

”Award winning speaker, Sherman Whitfield, dynamically motivated STEM undergraduate students at a community outreach “Impress for Success” Workshop.  Sponsored by the local Indiana ACS section and local Indianapolis NOBCChE Professional Chapter on September 6, 2014 at IUPUI, Sherman volunteered his talents to stimulate the students as a morning keynote speaker.  He empowered students to believe in themselves and the possibilities that their future can bring.  Students ranked Sherman’s talk as #1!  Sherman has a unique skill of capturing and engaging the audience while driving home key messages and motivating crowds to make the most of opportunities.”

Ayanna U. Jackson

“Mr. Whitfield was perfect for our audience of diverse community members. He is confident, entertaining and full of inspiration! Many in the audience commented to me that they felt energized and left feeling positive and that, they too, could make a difference. Mr. Whitfield makes everyone in the audience feel valued and unique. Everyone has the power to create change and Mr. Whitfield brings a positive message towards that regards. If you are looking for someone to present with high-energy and a positive message, I would highly recommend Mr. Whitfield as a speaker.”

Mr. Troy Fears
Executive Director
United Way of the Wabash Valley