

Life Science Success
Don Davis PhD, MBA
On this podcast, you'll find interviews with high-performing successful individuals in Life Sciences. On a weekly basis, we cover their proven methods, principles, strategies, and mindsets to implement new technologies that scale to meet the needs of people in our world.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 4, 2025 • 25min
Clinical Trials Insider: Patient-Centric Strategies with Lauri Befus
Send us a textIn this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Lauri Befus, Vice President of Clinical Operations at M3 Wake Research, a leading integrated site network in the United States. With over 13 years of experience in clinical research and healthcare operations, Lauri brings a unique perspective to clinical trials, focusing on patient-centric strategies and operational excellence.00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast00:37 Meet Lauri Befus: Vice President of Clinical Operations at M3 Wake Research00:59 Lauri's Journey into Clinical Research01:53 Educational Background and Early Career02:36 Career Progression and Key Milestones04:25 Challenges in the Life Sciences Industry05:18 Diversity and Inclusion in Clinical Trials06:16 Overview of M3 Wake Research07:37 Lauri's Role and Responsibilities13:59 Innovative Projects and Initiatives16:28 Future Goals and Industry Innovations17:31 Leadership Insights and Advice24:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Jul 18, 2025 • 45min
Marketing Mastery: Ashley Scholz's Life Science Growth Secrets Revealed!
Send us a textIn this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast, my guest is Ashley Scholz, the Vice President of Marketing at Vector Laboratories, who brings over 16 years of experience in medical devices, diagnostics, and strategic marketing. With a proven track record of driving growth, building high-performing teams, and optimizing commercial strategies, Ashley shares her insights on innovation in the life sciences industry.00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast00:47 Meet Ashley Scholz: VP of Marketing at Vector Laboratories01:21 Ashley's Career Journey and Experience04:52 Transition to Vector Laboratories06:16 Challenges and Learnings at WL Gore13:10 Building High Performing Teams16:08 Why Vector Labs?21:36 Vector Labs' Mission and Future Focus22:49 Marketing's Role in B2B Transition25:24 Supporting Scientists and Researchers26:35 Innovative Projects and AI Integration29:31 Impact of Recent Acquisitions31:12 Balancing Commercial Growth and Customer-Centricity35:14 Leadership and Organizational Insights38:56 Inspiration and Concerns40:47 Excitement for Future Strategies43:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Jul 18, 2025 • 32min
From Pharma Pioneer to Research Visionary: Brad Doerschuk's Journey
Send us a textIn this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Brad Doerschuk, a visionary leader in clinical research with over 20 years of experience in pharmaceutical and biotech development. As the founder of PharmaMed Research and current President and CEO of InFocus Clinical Research, Brad has a proven track record of leading successful clinical development programs across multiple therapeutic areas and is a PharmaVoice 100 recipient.00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast00:34 Meet Brad Doerschuk: Visionary Leader in Clinical Research01:22 Brad's Journey into Life Sciences02:57 Founding a Research Organization06:00 Challenges and Pivotal Moments in Drug Development09:43 Specialization in Retina Diseases18:54 Building and Leading High-Performing Teams21:11 Merging Best Practices for Efficiency22:48 The Role of Innovation in Clinical Trials25:38 Leadership Advice and Personal Insights31:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Jul 5, 2025 • 52min
Bridging Science & Business: Turning Research into Real-World Solutions
Send us a textIn this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Oliver Loson, a Vice President of Business Operations at Holoclara, Inc. who brings a wealth of experience in translating scientific discoveries from academia to commercial applications, with a background in neurosciences and a passion for developing innovative therapies that can improve human health.00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast00:37 Meet Oliver Loson: From Academia to Business Operations01:36 Oliver's Early Interest in Neuroscience03:26 From Pre-Med to Research Enthusiast06:20 Transitioning to Caltech and Technology Transfer09:59 Startup Journey: Developing Next-Gen Cancer Therapies13:31 Business Operations and Intellectual Property20:56 Holoclara: Harnessing Host-Parasite Relationships25:39 Current Projects and Future Goals29:19 Switching Gears: From Analogies to Soccer30:23 Innovative Approaches in Human Health34:49 Challenges in the Biotech Industry35:56 Leadership Insights and Advice42:08 Inspiration and Concerns in Science47:05 Excitement for the Future of Biotech50:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Jul 5, 2025 • 37min
Inside Pharma Packaging: Expert Strategies for Business Success
Send us a textIn this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Frank Jäger, a Commercial Director at CCL Clinical and Managing Director of CCL Faubel, who brings extensive expertise in pharmaceutical labeling, sales, and innovative IoT applications. With a background in economics and a leadership role in multiple companies within the pharmaceutical packaging sector, Frank has been a prominent figure in the industry, serving on the ISPE Steering Committee and delivering insightful presentations on pharmaceutical packaging challenges.00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast00:34 Meet Frank Jäger: Career Journey and Insights04:48 Transition from Economics to Life Sciences07:36 Role and Responsibilities at CCL Clinical15:38 Innovations and Future Projects31:43 Leadership and Personal Insights36:28 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up

Jul 5, 2025 • 54min
Inside the Brain: Stem Cell Treatments That Could Change Everything
Send us a textIn this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Christopher Duma, a board-certified neurosurgeon who is pioneering innovative treatments for neurodegenerative diseases at Regeneration Biomedical, Inc.00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast00:34 Meet Dr. Christopher Duma: A Pioneer in Neurosurgery00:59 Dr. Duma's Journey to Neurosurgery03:13 Challenges in Treating Neurodegenerative Diseases05:59 The Potential of Stem Cells in Neurosurgery10:06 Technological Advances in Neurosurgery13:34 Innovations in Deep Brain Stimulation15:57 Exploring Immunotherapy and Gene Therapy18:14 The Mission of Regeneration Biomedical20:15 Understanding Stem Cell Therapy for Brain Diseases27:28 FDA Trials and Initial Research28:07 Innovative Stem Cell Injection Method30:20 Phase One Trial and Results34:20 Future of Stem Cell Treatments40:30 Challenges and Advancements in Movement Disorders45:14 Leadership and Personal Insights52:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Jul 2, 2025 • 36min
AI in Pharma: A 30-Year Veteran's Roadmap to Digital Success
Send us a textIn this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Sameer Lal, a highly respected pharma veteran and business leader with three decades of experience in advancing the life sciences industry through technological innovation. With his strategic vision and people-first approach, Sameer has been instrumental in helping pharma CXOs navigate digital transformation and is currently serving as the SVP-Enterprise Medical Solutions at Indegene, where he has played a pivotal role in the company's remarkable growth and leadership in generative AI.00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast00:29 Meet Sameer Lal: Pharma Veteran and Business Leader01:21 Sameer's Journey in Life Sciences04:01 Technological Evolution in Pharma05:53 Generative AI in Pharma: The Third Wave08:23 Indegene's Role and Sameer's Leadership20:54 Challenges and Opportunities with Generative AI24:44 Leadership Insights and Personal Reflections35:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Jun 22, 2025 • 26min
Medical Tech Pioneer Janet Kwiatkowski: Strategies for Innovation & Growth
Send us a textIn this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Janet Kwiatkowski, a proven executive leader with extensive experience in medical devices and in vitro diagnostic technologies.00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast00:35 Meet Janet Kwiatkowski: Executive Leader in Life Sciences01:10 Janet's Journey into Life Sciences03:49 Educational Background and Career Path04:46 Significant Career Milestones06:23 Challenges in Leadership Roles08:13 May Enterprises: Mission and Innovations09:06 Thermal Brachytherapy Technology13:04 Product and Innovation Strategy16:43 Successful Partnerships and Market Expansion18:47 Regulatory Environment and Future Trends20:12 Integrating AI and Precision Medicine21:30 Leadership Advice and Inspirations22:38 Concerns and Hopes for the Future23:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Jun 13, 2025 • 35min
Navigating Biotech Risks: Insider's Playbook for Success
Send us a textDaniel Tabb brings over 15 years of experience in the insurance industry, specializing in working with Life Science companies ranging from pre-seed startups to publicly traded corporations. As a leader of the Life Science Practice at Houchens Insurance Group, Daniel possesses a deep understanding of the unique risks and challenges faced by life science companies in today's dynamic environment.00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast00:29 Meet Daniel Tabb: Life Sciences Insurance Expert01:26 Daniel's Journey into the Insurance Industry03:32 Specializing in Life Sciences05:09 Key Career Transition Points12:06 Understanding Life Sciences Insurance15:49 Unique Risks and Challenges in Life Sciences18:23 Innovative Projects and Future of Insurance24:17 Leadership and Personal Insights33:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Jun 13, 2025 • 56min
Breakthrough Marketing Secrets for Life Science Companies
Send us a textIn this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Holley Miller, a category designer and commercial growth expert who helps life sciences companies drive reliable revenue and build market dominance through her innovative strategies at Grey Matter Marketing. With 30 years of experience in global marketing and product management, Holley transforms companies by changing market behaviors and creating category leadership.00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast00:35 Meet Holley Miller: Category Designer and Commercial Growth Expert01:35 Holley's Journey into Life Sciences02:41 Transition from Tobacco to Medical Devices05:15 Understanding Category Design08:58 Examples of Successful Category Design12:05 Founding Grey Matter Marketing18:04 Challenges in Life Sciences Marketing23:14 Strategies for Effective Market Adoption26:46 The Importance of Problem Marketing29:12 Innovative Solutions in Spinal Surgery31:33 Frameworks for Understanding Company Vision35:17 Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles37:53 Evolution and Lessons from Grey Matter40:35 Focus Areas and Client Selection43:27 Success Stories and Impact47:29 Leadership Advice and Inspirations48:44 Concerns and Future of Healthcare Technology50:12 Generative AI and Future Prospects54:25 Conclusion and Contact Information


