When Exec Teams Can’t Let Go: the Growing Pains of Scaling Up…

Scaling a biotech company is never just about growth – it’s about navigating the shift from a research-focused startup to a more structured, commercial operation. And that shift is rarely smooth.

Come and find us at Cambridge Wide Open Week (Hauxton House Cluster) on Wednesday 11th June to join our masterclass on this topic – details below!

One of the biggest hurdles in scaling up is senior leaders not ‘letting go’ and staying too close to the detail. In Start Ups, being involved in everything works. But in Scale Ups, it can slow things down.

There are many reasons why people stay stuck in the weeds but most often it is out of habit, a need for perfectionism, or a fear of losing control. Unfortunately, despite best intentions, this can lead to bottlenecks, disempowered teams and frustration. But with the right steps, it is avoidable.

What is also clear from the leaders we’ve spoken to is that there’s a tipping point – often around 20 to 80 people – when the organisation’s dynamic shifts and culture starts to feel harder to hold onto. You suddenly need more structure like policies, processes and clearer roles, and there’s a risk that the original values and sense of mission become diluted or lost. How can leaders navigate this shift without losing the magic of what made the organisation successful in the first place?

We’re excited to dive deeper into these themes during our 30-minute masterclass, “When Exec Teams Can’t Let Go: Overcoming the Growing Pains of Scaling Up” on Wednesday 11th June as part of Cambridge Wide Open Week.

OE Cam Partners, Gary Ashton & Mike Thackray will share lessons from our work with clients, insights from biotech leaders, and practical tools you can use to help your team scale without losing its magic.

We hope to see you there!

• What – “When Exec Teams Can’t Let Go: the Challenges of Scaling Up” masterclass
• When – Wednesday 11 June at 2.30pm
• Where – Hauxton Mill Riverside, Hauxton House, Mill Scitech Park, Mill Lane, Hauxton, CB22 5HX
• How to join – No pre-registration needed for this session – just turn up!
• Read more about Cambridge Wide Open Week here

What is Cambridge Wide Open Day?

Cambridge Wide Open Day is part of Cambridge Wide Open Week (CWOW).  Follow the event on LinkedIn here.

In March 2023, the government published its new strategy to make the UK a science and technology superpower by 2030. The plan draws on industry, finance, academia and civil society to realise its ambition. Cambridge has championed collaboration to become one of the leading science and technology clusters in the world. A reputation built on world-leading innovation, fast-growing science and tech companies, academia, and innovation centres – underpinned by investment, people and skills.

To support and further progress this world-leading position requires inclusive collaboration across the Cambridge community. Designed to provide the whole community a chance to visit and experience the cluster first-hand, o2h created Cambridge Wide Open Day.  Cambridge WOD is now part of a programme of exciting activities across a full week in June.

Cambridge Wide Open Day offers a unique insight into the city’s world-renowned science and technology. The Season 3 of this event will be held on 11th June 2025 welcoming visitors from across the Cambridge community – from scientists, techies, people working across different sectors to residents – to explore the innovations in Cambridge. Companies will open their doors from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm, and bus and VIP tours are available. To top off the day, all participants are invited to a garden party reception at the o2h co-work labs at Hauxton House, Mill SciTech Park from 4.00 pm. Click the links below to sign up as an organisation to open your doors, join the open day or tour, or attend the garden reception party.