To celebrate the people pioneering a treatment for Alzheimer's disease, we will be publishing a series of articles focusing on colleagues to find out more about them and what they do – and the critical role they play in driving the business forward.
First up is Stephen Harte, Head of Legal - Corporate and Commercial, who tells us about his career journey so far, what led him to TauRx, and what he finds most rewarding about the role.
Can you describe yourself in three words?
I believe if you truly want to know what someone is like don’t ask them to describe themselves! Instead, look at what they say and do. The late great Maya Angelou (acclaimed American poet, storyteller and activist) famously reminded us “when someone shows you who they are, believe them”.
Can you tell us why you wanted to study a career in law?
Being a lawyer covers a broad range of things. We are a vast profession that encompasses many roles, and the truth is, no one person embodies all of them. Even though we all study the same degree, being a lawyer means different things to different people.
I remember one of my lecturers telling me: “The purpose of the first year of your law degree isn’t necessarily to teach you law, it’s to rewire your brain to think like a lawyer. Being a lawyer isn’t just what you do, it’s who you are.” That really stuck with me. The degree and the job both train you to approach problems in a certain way.
My job isn’t just to know things, it’s to think about them in a certain way and the analysis and perspective I bring. The way I see something won’t be the way others see things, and that’s good, because as a team across TauRx we all look at things from several different perspectives. This team-based approach is vital if we are to effectively and creatively manage risk and get our product to market.
I made a choice to study law in my teens, not really knowing where I’d end up, but I’m thankful that today I’m a lawyer. A lawyer is who you are not just what you do.
You’ve worked in a variety of different sectors. How did your career path lead you to TauRx?
I’ve been a commercial lawyer throughout my career, which is a bit different from being a pure corporate lawyer. I focus on helping businesses operate day to day and to grow. After working in private practice for many years, I spent 15 years in the oil and gas industry, working both in the UK and overseas, negotiating high value drilling contracts and getting the chance to travel the world.
Before joining TauRx last October, I took on a one-year maternity-cover role with an agri-tech start-up in the vertical farming space. That role had some similarities to my role here at TauRx in that it was a science-led start-up, but what makes TauRx unique is that it’s a 22-year-old start-up, something you only really see in the pharmaceutical world due to the need for extensive clinical testing. TauRx is led by scientists who are truly passionate about their work, and that’s so important, because it’s the science that’s brought us this far. The commitment to that science is where the real value lies.
Alongside that, however, you need a team focused on business and on making sure our science produces something that is not only medically useful but also commercially viable. I am part of that wider business team along with commercial, financial, human resources, risk-management and supply chain colleagues.
What drew you to a career in the life sciences sector at TauRx?
This feels like something different. I have built up a skill set that is good at supporting technical and scientific colleagues exploit their expertise commercially and I knew that could be put to good use for something meaningful at TauRx. For me, it’s important to remember that no matter what we talk about, whether it’s business or science, TauRx is seeking to do something that will have a real positive impact on the lives of real people – if we are successful some children might have the chance to get to know their grandparents, which won’t necessarily be possible if the effects of Alzheimer’s disease proceed without an effective treatment.
Tell us about your role as a Head of Legal - Corporate and Commercial at TauRx
Every business is unique, but the work I do is applicable across industries. Our function exists to support colleagues throughout the organisation, enabling the business to operate effectively. I work in partnership with my colleague Marcus Schembri-Wischik who, as Head of Legal - Data Protection and Commercial Operations, looks after the development side of the business and, together with other colleagues, pharmaceutical regulatory matters.
Legal is a support function and so most of our projects are led by other teams, and we’re brought in to support those projects, making my role both collaborative and very diverse.
Currently, a major focus of my role is preparing the company’s structure for its next phase as we shift towards operational growth. This involves significant work in corporate structuring and governance to ensure TauRx is not only fit for purpose in this next stage, but also attractive to investors.
What has been the main highlight of working at TauRx so far?
I’ve only been in my role at TauRx for six months, but I can already say with confidence that the calibre of colleagues I work with is exceptional. It’s been a real pleasure getting to work with them.
One of the biggest highlights for me so far is the potential to create meaningful impact for the lives of people affected by this disease, as well as our shareholders and investors. Being part of the team driving that mission forward is incredibly motivating.
What are the top two or three priorities for your role at TauRx in the year ahead?
My number one priority is helping get the company ready for its next stage of growth, and it’s very much a team effort. It involves input from legal, finance, and many other colleagues across the business. From a legal perspective, there's also a clear role to play in shaping and supporting that transition.
What is the best professional advice you can give, or you have been given?
Over the course of my career, I’ve managed teams of lawyers, and I’ve become known for a few recurring sayings, one of my favourites is: “We’re not paid to guess.”
It’s not about catching anyone out, it’s about helping people feel okay with saying “I don’t know”.
To me, that’s a strength. Admitting you don’t know something means you’re being real, and it’s the first step to figuring it out. No one has all the answers but knowing what you don’t know is just as important as knowing what you do.
I do get it that it can be frustrating if you don’t get a quick and clear answer from your lawyer, but clarity about where we can and cannot be certain and where risks lie is much better is much better than quickly formed false confidence!
Tell us something about yourself that would be a surprise to most people
I’m not sure I do anything particularly exciting outside of work, a lot of it is bureaucratic. But over the years, I’ve been quite involved with various voluntary organisations, usually serving on boards or committees, given my background.
I’d really encourage anyone to get involved with voluntary organisations if they can. If you’ve got a professional skill (e.g. human resources, communications, IT, legal, finance, risk management, etc etc), there’s a good chance they need someone just like you on their board. It brings together people with different backgrounds and perspectives, and it’s a great way to use your skills in a new direction while giving back to the wider community. I’m a better lawyer from the experience I have gained as a volunteer.
