In the fourth episode of In Reality: Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneur, John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83) interviews Dr. James Hayward.

As the President and CEO of Applied DNA Sciences, James Hayward’s, Ph.D., journey into entrepreneurship didn’t start in business, it started in science. James’s commitment to humanity led to over 20 years in the biotechnology and consumer product industry testing counterfeit goods and brands by providing innovative, molecular-based technology solutions and services.

One of the most important lessons that Hayward has learned is to embrace failure. He explains that it is necessary to empower failure and mistakes in order to make better mistakes the next time. Hayward believes that mistakes are a part of business and learning. He states, “No one goes from the starting line to the finish line in a straight line.”

Listen here: Soundcloud, Podbean, Apple Podcasts

Cover Photo from Long Island Press, “For James Hayward, Building Companies is in The DNA” by Warren Strugatch (2018).

By Konstance Teleisha