PICA Member Spotlights

Q&A with independent consultants who successfully “made the leap” and created the consulting career of their dreams

 

Q: Who are you and what’s your business?

A: My name is Kyle Webb, and I am the principal consultant and founder of KWCLINICAL. KWCLINICAL is an independent consulting company that helps clinical affairs teams and medical technology organizations craft, implement, and optimize clinical strategy to expand evidence and drive market adoption of their products.

 

Q: How long have you been independent?

A: I have been independent for about a year and a half. I’ve been working in clinical research and the clinical affairs space in various capacities since 2004.

 

Q: Why did you become an independent consultant? 

A: I have always had an entrepreneurial mindset and tend to go against the grain. At this stage in my career, I felt confident that my extensive and diverse experience in the clinical affairs space positioned me to deliver value to clients across a broad spectrum. Additionally, I was seeking greater flexibility to spend more quality time with my two sons as they grow older.

Q: How did you “make the leap”?

A: Solopreneurship had been a long-term goal, and about 2-3 years before making the leap I began backwards planning. I wanted to have the financial security to provide ample time to navigate the start-up phase and establish a solid foundation for long-term success. I utilized various online resources and actively sought advice from consultants within my network. PICA and its members proved to be invaluable, offering a rare opportunity to connect with and learn from colleagues across diverse fields. 

I also adopted a thorough approach for identifying and tracking potential clients within my network. I reached out to each contact individually and developed a structured cadence for follow-up communication. This groundwork is key to building relationships and positioning my business for growth.

Q: How did you get your first client? 

A: I received positive feedback from my network following my launch announcement, which helped generate early momentum. My first client came through a former colleague I had previously worked with.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who’s thinking about making the leap to solopreneurship or who is just starting out? 

A: If solopreneurship is your goal, commit fully and don’t neglect the foundational aspects often overlooked details to demonstrate professionalism. If you are unsure about what those details might be, connect with PICA to help identify and address any gaps in your approach.

Q: What’s surprised you the most about being self-employed? 

A: One of the biggest surprises is how fulfilling it is to have control over my work. While it’s challenging, the ability to choose my projects, clients, and schedule has been incredibly empowering. It’s a freedom I didn’t fully appreciate until I experienced it.

Q: What is something that many aspiring solopreneurs think they need that they really don’t? 

A: Many aspiring solopreneurs feel they need a flawless business plan or a perfectly detailed strategy to get started. While having a clear direction is important, over-focusing on perfection can result in getting stuck before you even begin.

What truly matters is action. Starting small, experimenting with ideas, and learning from real-world feedback allows you to build momentum and refine your approach. An adaptable plan that prioritizes delivering value to your audience is far more effective than chasing perfection on paper. Success is found in the process of doing, learning, and evolving—not waiting for everything to be perfect.

Q: How can people find out more about you or your business?

A: You can visit my website, LinkedIn page, or email me directly at kyle@kwclinical.com.

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