Meet Luis Tañón Reyes, a driven and determined professional whose leadership journey began at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) in August 2019 as an Associate Scientist. From the start, Luis aspired to become the kind of leader who could inspire growth, foster collaboration, and make a meaningful impact. But just seven months in, he found himself on the brink of a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP), struggling with organization, focus, and prioritization.
At 29, Luis was diagnosed with combined-type ADHD—an eye-opening moment that explained many of the professional challenges he faced. Determined to grow, he opened up to his Senior Director and asked for support in managing his workload more effectively. That conversation was a turning point. Armed with a task management book and a renewed sense of purpose, Luis created a personalized system that dramatically improved his focus, boosted productivity, and gave him the control he had been missing.
His transformation didn’t stop there. As his systems took root, Luis gained confidence and began leading ad-hoc teams. Over time, Luis realized that effective leadership—especially inclusive leadership—required more than just managing his ADHD. It meant learning how to connect with people who think, communicate, and work differently from him. By adapting his leadership style, listening deeply, and fostering inclusive environments, Luis built trust and empowered teams to thrive, regardless of their backgrounds or working styles. He realized that great leadership wasn’t just about getting tasks done—it was about creating an environment where diverse perspectives and working styles could flourish. It was about inclusive leadership.
In 2021, Luis’s growth and leadership potential were recognized, and he took the opportunity to apply for a Data Manager role—despite being in an entry-level position. He secured the role and confidently stepped into managing cross-functional teams, collaborating closely with colleagues at the manager and director levels. In that role, he developed strategies to create psychological safety, adjusted his communication to meet different needs, and fostered an environment where every voice felt heard—hallmarks of inclusive leadership. Luis fully embraced inclusive leadership by adapting his communication style, leading with empathy, and prioritizing self-awareness.
Over time, Luis returned to his Scientist role with new skills in project management, delegation, and collaboration across diverse teams. His ability to build trust and foster inclusion led to a new leadership opportunity—as a Production Supervisor, where he led a team of eight Associates in Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing. Luis thrived in this role until November 2023, when he transitioned out to pursue new opportunities. His experiences solidified his passion for leadership and reinforced his belief in the power of diversity to drive performance.
Now, Luis coaches front-line and aspiring managers to become inclusive leaders—those who embrace difference, lead with empathy, and build high-performing teams through trust and collaboration. Drawing from his personal and professional transformation, he helps leaders navigate differences, build stronger teams, and cultivate inclusive, high-performing cultures. Whether guiding leaders through diverse working styles, overcoming personal leadership challenges, or creating a culture of trust, Luis empowers leaders to leverage diversity as a strength—fueling better results and more impactful leadership.
Steal my Leadership Mistakes
Avoid the habits that held me (and my team) back.