Valentine’s Quiz (no wrong answers, promise):
When it comes to work relationships, which one are you?
A) Overthinking every message before you send it
B) Explaining your impact five different ways and still getting blank stares
C) Nodding calmly while a KOL says something absolutely unhinged
If your answer was “Why is this so accurate?” - you are welcome. You’re among friends.
This Valentine’s Week, we’re celebrating because:
Medical Affairs runs on relationships.
And relationships run on communication.
So let’s talk about Love Languages for MSLs
Words of Affirmation = Networking Without the "Ick."
(Aspiring MSLs, this is for you)
Networking wouldn’t feel so awkward if it didn’t feel so… forced.
Too transactional.
Too “sorry to bother you but—”
Our Aspiring MSL Networking Workshop is designed to make networking feel:
→ Human
→ Natural
→ Actually kind of enjoyable
We’ll show you how to:
→ Start conversations without pitching yourself
→ Ask questions people want to answer
→ Follow up without sounding desperate
This is Words of Affirmation, MSL-style:
knowing how to communicate interest, curiosity, and respect, without the cringe.
Learn how to network without feeling awkward
Acts of Service = Impact Reports People Secretly Appreciate
(MSL leaders, this is your love language)
A great impact report doesn’t impress people.
It helps them.
It saves time.
It reduces confusion.
It prevents the dreaded “Can you explain this?” follow-up.
In our MSL Leader Workshop: How To Show Your Team’s Impact, we’ll break down how to:
→ Build a monthly impact report you can use with your team
→ Get your team excited about using it
This is Acts of Service at its finest: doing the behind-the-scenes work that makes everyone else’s job easier.
Make impact reporting feel like a gift, not a chore
Quality Time = Difficult KOL Conversations
(For Teams)
There’s a very specific moment right before a difficult KOL conversation.
The pause.
The pushback.
The “okay… here I go.”
Our Crucial Conversations Workshop focuses on navigating challenging KOL interactions, including how to:
→ Respond without getting defensive
→ Say the hard thing without damaging the relationship
→ Stay grounded when the pressure is on
This is Quality Time in Medical Affairs: staying present in the conversation instead of wishing it would end.
Get better at the conversations you replay later
Mira Prompt: What's This Relationship Asking For?
Head to Mira and try this:
“I’m an MSL.
Here’s a tricky or uncomfortable KOL interaction I’m dealing with: [INSERT].
Which ‘love language’ does this situation need, and what’s one thing I can say or do differently next time?”
Sometimes it’s not about saying more.
It’s about saying it better.
TL;DR – Valentine’s Edition
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Medical Affairs relationships are built (and tested) in everyday conversations.
-
Networking, reporting, and KOL discussions all require different skills.
-
This Valentine’s Week, give a little love to the conversations that matter most.
No flowers required.
Just better communication.
In your corner always,
Patrina, Sarah & Ralph
P.S. Be honest - which one hit closest to home: A, B, or C?
Hit reply and tell us. We’re reading every response.
Upcoming MSL Mastery Events
- DIA MASC Forum (Boston) - Mar 2-4. 2026
- Workshop Lead: Patrina Pellett, PhD
- Focus: Applying AI across the full MSL workflow
- Why Attend: Packed with practical examples for field teams & leadership
- MAPS- MasterClass Field Medical (Denver) - Mar 24. 2026
- Speaker: Patrina Pellett, PhD
- Focus: AI in Action: Transforming How Medical Affairs Teams Learn
- American Pharmacists Association - APhA Annual Meeting (LA) - Mar 30, 2026
- Speaker: Sarah Snyder
- Focus: Say It With Strategy: The Industry Edition
- DIA Course (Virtual) - Apr 29, 2026
- Speaker: Patrina Pellett, PhD & Sarah Snyder
- Them: Integrating AI across Medical Affairs
- Outcome: Boos efficiency, clarity & impact
For Individuals:
- Aspire Group Coaching Call (Free for Aspire MSL members or register for the workshop here): Networking Without The Awkward Workshop - Feb 17, 2026
- LEAP Monthly Coaching Call (Free for LEAP members or register for the workshop here): How To Show Your Team's Value Workshop - Feb 17, 2026
- Aspire MSL Office Hours - Feb 18, 2026
- Aspire MSL Office Hours - Feb 25, 2026
- Territory Planning Workshop (Free for RISE and LEAP members or register here) - Mar 3, 2026 (DM us PLANNING for sign-up details)
- Aspire MSL Office Hours - Mar 4, 2026
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