Leading with Heritage: William’s KBI

When William Herman Guerrero, Senior Manager of IT Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) at KBI Biopharma, reflects on his career journey, his Dominican roots, culture, and upbringing are at the core of it. “Absolutely everything about my Latino culture has influenced my journey,” he says with pride. From his leadership style to his approach to problem-solving, William carries the values of his culture – warmth, sincerity, and a deep sense of community which have guided him throughout his career. As he prepares to speak at the upcoming Pharma MES conference in Berlin, he exemplifies how Latino representation brings perspectives that drive innovation and meaningful collaboration in the biopharma industry. 

Honoring Heritage Through Leadership 

For William, leadership is about more than just managing projects – it’s about creating spaces where team members feel seen, heard, and valued. He attributes much of this to his Dominican heritage. “There’s a genuineness in being welcoming and hospitable to those around you,” he explains. “It’s a gift that pays forward.” This approach to leadership has shaped his team at KBI, where he leads the creation and support of Electronic Batch Records at the company’s Patriot Park site.

His leadership style emphasizes holistic problem-solving, a trait he directly connects to his cultural background. “I’m never satisfied with a quick patch for a problem,” he says. “I always make sure we’re covering as many bases as possible.” This thoroughness, combined with his collaborative spirit, has earned him and his team recognition within an industry that often defaults to more rigid methodologies. 

Always thinking big picture, William is very aware of the need for more diverse voices in the industry. "STEM and biopharma professionals from different cultures and experiences bring unique perspectives that foster creative, outside-the-box thinking," he says. William’s journey reflects this, as he has navigated a career that has often lacked the representation he now works to inspire. He emphasizes that representation is crucial for cultivating innovation. "Having varying perspectives in an open environment inspires creativity," he says, adding that having cultural understanding and respect is key.  

Inspiring the Next Generation 

William’s passion for increasing representation in STEM goes beyond his own career. He is determined to inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists, particularly those who are underrepresented and may feel intimidated by fields like math and technology. “STEM can be daunting, especially for young people who didn’t feel like ‘math and computers’ were their thing,” he says. "But these fields are so much more than what was on your 9th-grade math test – they’re about creativity, innovation, and action." His advice to young folks interested in pursuing a career in STEM? “Go for it! It’s like going to the gym – just put in the work and you’ll see the gains.”  

Beyond his professional work, William dreams of writing a book honoring the people who have inspired him, especially his grandmother, Abuela Irene. “She’s my absolute favorite person and role model,” he says. “She’s a pillar of love, peace, and hard work – the matriarch of our family. Everything I am, I owe to her.” 

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Year-Round 

When it comes to Hispanic Heritage Month, William doesn’t see it as a one-time celebration. The month provides an opportunity for him to spotlight others in his community and to inspire those around him who might feel underrepresented. This goes beyond the 30 days of Hispanic Heritage Month. "The true Dominican in me doesn’t wait for a specific month to celebrate people," he says with a smile. “We try to share the love year-round.”  

At KBI, William is committed to ensuring that the next generation of Latino engineers and scientists feel empowered to step into leadership roles. His future goals include mentoring his team, supporting their leadership development, and seeing their growth ripple across the organization. “I want their growth to multiply, making KBI and the industry even better.” 

Pharma MES

When William takes the stage at Pharma MES, he’ll present on Agile/Scrum methodologies and production agnostics. He carries with him not only technical expertise but also the cultural values that have shaped his career. For him, being invited to speak among industry peers is deeply validating. “It’s such an honor,” he reflects. “It’s a recognition of all the hard work my team and I have put together.”  

William’s expertise centers on Agile/Scrum, a project management methodology many might associate with the tech world but, as he explains, has roots in manufacturing. “At KBI, the IT MES team used this methodology to greatly improve our value output,” he says. His session at Pharma MES will highlight this approach. He hopes to convey that a well-designed organizational model drives more than just commercial success – it can also shape a company’s culture, promote career progression, and foster professional development. His vision is holistic, focusing not only on processes but also on the people behind them. 

Looking back on his career journey, William says his proudest accomplishment is the team he’s built. “They all have come from different walks of life, with varying education and experience levels, and they’ve risen to every challenge. I’ve struck gold with them, and I owe all my recent success to them.”

As William continues to lead with kindness, culture, and a commitment to holistic problem-solving, he stands as a role model for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in their industry. His story is a celebration of what’s possible when cultural heritage and professional excellence come together. 

If you’re ready to explore your next step in the biotech industry, please visit kbibiopharma.com/careers.