Vas Narasimhan, the CEO of Novartis and a physician-scientist, discusses groundbreaking advancements in pharmaceuticals. He explores how AI is revolutionizing drug development and forming crucial partnerships with tech giants. Vas addresses Europe’s challenges in retaining competitiveness in the global market and emphasizes the need for coordinated reforms. He shares insights on the importance of leadership that prioritizes human connections and values resilience. His holistic approach to health and performance underscores the role of mindset and well-being in achieving innovation.
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Physician-Scientist CEO Advantage
Vas Narasimhan combines a physician-scientist background with business acumen.
This blend drives patient-focused, data-driven pharmaceutical leadership.
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Focus Unlocks Value at Novartis
Novartis transformed from a sprawling conglomerate into a focused innovative medicines company.
This strategic focus unlocked significant market value and streamlined innovation efforts.
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Bet on Innovation Over Stability
Diversification across multiple business lines diluted pharmaceutical innovation efforts.
Success came from betting on breakthrough R&D rather than offsetting patent cliffs with stable units.
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The Tao Te Ching is a central text in Taoist philosophy and religion. It consists of 81 brief chapters or sections that discuss the nature of the Tao, which is described as the source and ideal of all existence. The text emphasizes living in harmony with nature, the importance of simplicity, humility, and the interconnectedness of all things. It critiques unnatural actions and social activism based on abstract moralism, advocating for a life of 'nonaction' (wu wei) and spontaneity. The text has been highly influential in Chinese philosophy and has been translated numerous times, making it one of the most translated texts in world literature[2][3][4].
Bhagavad Gita
Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita is a central text in Hinduism, embedded within the epic Mahabharata. It recounts a dialogue between the warrior-prince Arjuna and his charioteer, Krishna, who is an avatar of the god Vishnu. The text explores themes of dharma (duty), karma (action), and the path to spiritual enlightenment. Krishna advises Arjuna on the importance of performing his duties without attachment to the outcomes, emphasizing the concept of nishkama karma (nonattached action). The Gita synthesizes various strands of Indian religious thought, including Vedic concepts, samkhya yoga, and bhakti (devotion), providing a coherent vision of Hindu philosophy and spiritual practice[2][4][5].
The power paradox
How We Gain and Lose Influence
Dacher Keltner
In 'The Power Paradox', Dacher Keltner challenges conventional wisdom on power by demonstrating that it is not acquired through domination or coercion, but rather through compassion and selflessness. The book explains how people gain power by enhancing the lives of others and how the experience of having power can lead to its abuse. Keltner outlines twenty 'Power Principles' to help retain power and avoid its corrupting influences. He emphasizes that enduring power comes from a focus on others and that power is given by groups to individuals who advance the greater good. The book also explores the personal and social ills associated with powerlessness and provides recommendations for nurturing and maintaining healthy power[2][3][4].
Enlightenment Now
Steven Pinker
In 'Enlightenment Now', Steven Pinker presents a comprehensive argument that the values of the Enlightenment—reason, science, and humanism—have been instrumental in the progress of human society. He challenges the prevailing pessimism in modern discourse by presenting empirical evidence that life, health, prosperity, safety, peace, knowledge, and happiness are on the rise globally. Pinker uses data and graphs to illustrate improvements in various aspects of human life, such as increased life expectancy, reduced child and maternal mortality, and advancements in medicine and technology. He also addresses the psychological biases that lead people to underestimate these improvements and emphasizes the importance of continuing to uphold Enlightenment ideals to ensure further progress.
Can AI help us find cures for diseases we've never been able to treat? Nicolai Tangen speaks with Vasant 'Vas' Narasimhan, CEO of Novartis, about pioneering pharmaceutical innovation. They explore breakthrough cell and gene therapies, AI partnerships with leading tech companies, and how Novartis transformed from a sprawling conglomerate into a streamlined drug discovery company. Vas shares his unique perspective as a physician-scientist turned CEO, his concerns about Europe's declining pharma competitiveness, and his leadership philosophy of being the 'chief energy officer.' With €235 billion in market cap and groundbreaking treatments reaching patients worldwide, Novartis continues unlocking medical breakthroughs. Tune in!
In Good Company is hosted by Nicolai Tangen, CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management. New full episodes every Wednesday, and don't miss our Highlight episodes every Friday.
The production team for this episode includes Isabelle Karlsson and PLAN-B's Niklas Figenschau Johansen, Sebastian Langvik-Hansen and Pål Huuse. Background research was conducted by Isabelle Karlsson.
In Good Company with Nicolai Tangen 
