James Dathan

Enthusiast
DISC Type : i

Evidence Communications Lead at AstraZeneca

Hawarden, Wales, United Kingdom

Overview

James Dathan is an Associate Director at AstraZeneca, focusing on innovation and efficiency in global publications. He transitioned from a 20-year career in education, including work with the BBC, to medical communications in 2019. Before AstraZeneca, he managed multi-million pound oncology and anti-infectives accounts at a leading agency, demonstrating strong financial and project management skills.

Outside of work, James is a dedicated family man who prioritizes time with his wife, children, and parents. He is an avid sports enthusiast, particularly passionate about supporting womens sports, with a wife who plays hockey for Wales Masters and a daughter who was a Welsh gymnast. He also follows Liverpool FC and Welsh rugby.

Unique fact: Before his career in pharmaceuticals, James worked as an education advisor and on-air presenter for the BBC.

Personality Overview

Consensus Focused

Optimistic

Amiable & Agreeable

They are generally friendly, so be careful when relying on their word.  Unlike D or C types, they are convinced more by stories and testimonials. They prefer to build relationships rather than staying totally transactional.

Topics They Care About

Innovation in Science
He is a frequent speaker on challenging standardized processes in scientific communication and advocates for omnichannel approaches and digital innovation to improve engagement.
AI in Medical Comms
He actively discusses the future of medical communications, including the potential for AI to create high-quality articles while stressing the need for transparency and accountability.
Work-Life Balance
His personal posts emphasize the importance of prioritizing family and taking personal time off, explicitly stating that family, fun, and swimming were his priorities during a break.

Media Appearances

James has no verified media appearances

Work History

11-2023 - 1-2025
Evidence Communications Lead at AstraZeneca
6-2022
Associate Director, BBU Publications at AstraZeneca
10-2019 - 5-2022
Account Manager at Prime Global
3-2015 - 9-2018
BBC Education Advisor & Presenter at BBC
9-2005 - 9-2019
Guest Lecturer & Professional Mentor at University of Chester

Education

2000 - 2001
PGCSE from University of Liverpool
2011 - 2013
Coaching Certificate from The University of Manchester

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 22 Location : Hawarden, Wales, United Kingdom Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Evidence Communications Lead at AstraZeneca
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Insights For Selling To James

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Speak from experience about success that the product has seen with other customers
  • Ask them how their day is going or exchange some other pleasantries
  • Compliment them about their personality if you get a chance

DONT's

  • Don’t be too formal with them, they trust informality more
  • Don’t push them for a direct ‘no’, take lack of ‘yes’ as ‘no’ after some time
  • Don't be critical or challenge them openly, they can react defensively

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with James is

  • Relationship and rapport are valuable for them, but so is proven product value.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from James

  • They will hardly ever say a direct no.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will James move?

  • Even when they are constantly engaged, they do not reach decisions quickly.
  • Can James take some risk or not?

  • They can take some low-probability risks if needed.

You And James

Personality Compatibility


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