Life Science Success

Send us a textIn this episode of Life Science Success, my guest is Brian DeDecker.  Brian is the CEO and co-founder of Seedling Biosystems in Boulder, Colorado. The planet’s ecosystems strain from current chemical and protein manufacturing methods and Brian co-founded Seedling to help solve this crisis.  🔑 Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Empathy in Communication: Whether talking to students or venture capitalists, understanding your audience's mindset is crucial. Brian shares how teaching has honed his skills in this area. 2️⃣ Sustainable Biomanufacturing: Seedling Biosystems aims to revolutionize industries by shifting processes to farming, particularly focusing on soybeans as a sustainable alternative. 3️⃣ Innovative Products: From baby formula proteins to squalene for vaccines, Seedling is working on products that not only meet market needs but do so in an eco-friendly manner. 4️⃣ Leadership Philosophy: "Do what you can with what you got, where you are." This Teddy Roosevelt quote serves as Brian's guiding principle, emphasizing resourcefulness. 5️⃣ Climate Change: Both a concern and a motivator, Brian believes that the challenges posed by climate change will bring out the best in humanity, driving us toward innovative solutions.

Send us a textToday on the Life Science Success podcast, my guest is Oksana Bovt.  Oksana is the founder of Theoria Creative, an agency that develops unique fundraising materials that enable biotech and life sciences clients to clearly and succinctly articulate their unique message and value when raising funds, soliciting partnerships, pitching at roadshows, or presenting to prospective buyers. Oksana was a previous guest, and we covered her company and, more broadly, the things Theoria Creative is working on. Today we are going to spend some time on scientific mechanisms of action.   Theoria Creative's Role: Oksana explains that her agency helps companies build a compelling story to attract investment. They work closely with venture capitalists and investment bankers. Challenges and Milestones: Oksana shares her journey and the importance of pivoting and sensing industry needs. Feedback from clients helps them stay relevant. Client Focus: Theoria Creative mainly focuses on late preclinical and early clinical companies that are in constant need of fundraising. Mechanisms of Action (MOA): Oksana discusses the importance of clearly explaining the scientific mechanisms of action (MOA) to differentiate one company from another. Communication Strategies: Oksana outlines three steps for companies to clearly communicate their MOA: Outline the step-by-step process. Write a descriptive paragraph for each step. Compare the mechanism with the healthy and unhealthy state. Materials and Outputs: Theoria Creative produces pitch decks and animations, depending on the client's budget and stage. Closing Remarks: Both Don and Oksana emphasize the importance of clear communication in the life sciences sector for successful fundraising and partnerships. This episode provides valuable insights into the importance of clear communication and storytelling in the life sciences sector, especially when it comes to explaining complex scientific mechanisms. Oksana's expertise in this area offers a roadmap for companies looking to articulate their value proposition effectively.

Send us a textIn this episode of Life Science Success, my guest is Dr. Jim Woody, CEO of 180 Life Sciences.Dr. Woody leads a pioneering team of scientific innovators at 180 Life Sciences, a clinical stage biotechnology company with three families of novel biologic drugs that address separate areas of inflammation, fibrosis and pain. Background and Career: Dr. Jim Woody is a pediatric immunologist with a diverse career, including military service and venture capital experience. He was instrumental in the development of anti-TNF drugs, a class of biologics with a market value of about $40 billion per year. Focus on Patient-Centricity: Dr. Woody emphasizes the importance of patient benefit in drug development. He served on the board of Stanford Children's Hospital and aims to develop therapies that significantly improve patients' lives. Current Work at 180 Life Sciences: The company is focused on finding new indications for anti-TNF drugs. They are working on conditions like Dupuytren's contracture, frozen shoulder, and post-operative dementia, aiming to prevent disability and improve quality of life. Challenges and Future Plans: Regulatory hurdles and clinical trials are the next steps for 180 Life Sciences. Dr. Woody estimates that drug approvals could take a couple of years, depending on feedback from agencies like the FDA. Personal Insights: Dr. Woody advises aspiring professionals to seize new opportunities and emphasizes the role of luck in biotechnology. He is excited about the next generation of anti-inflammatory agents that could offer more targeted treatments.

Send us a textIn this episode of Life Science Success, my guest is Mike Martin, the CEO of CAI. CAI is a global professional services firm focused on engineering and quality consulting, Mike Martin guides a team of 800 individuals across the U.S., Europe, and APAC.   Mike Martin shares his journey from being an engineering student at Purdue University to becoming the CEO of CAI. He emphasizes that his career was shaped by a series of choices based on guiding principles rather than a predetermined path to leadership. CAI focuses on areas like operational readiness, regulatory plans, and human performance but deliberately avoids facility and system design. They leverage their expertise in testing to guide clients through the complexities of launching new products. CAI has a global presence, allowing them to tap into a diverse pool of expertise and offer more comprehensive solutions to their clients. Being globally connected also helps them understand regional nuances in the life sciences industry. The company operates on an "owner's mindset," emphasizing that the growth of an owner's value is directly tied to the growth of the client's value. This philosophy is central to CAI's company culture.

Send us a textIn this episode of Life Science Success, my guest is Ravi Samavedam, the Chief Innovation Officer of Azzur Group. With over two decades of experience in the biotech and pharma industries, Ravi is a seasoned Biochemical Engineer who has worn many hats throughout his career. Prior to his current role, he served as the President of Azzur Cleanrooms on Demand™ and was also the General Manager of Azzur Boston. He's an expert in areas such as phase-appropriate cGMP implementation, process validation, and supplier management.   Ravi Samavedam is the Chief Innovation Officer at Azzur Group, with over two decades of experience in the biotech and pharma industries. He transitioned from a biochemical engineer to his current role, having worked at companies like Baxter, Shire, and Amgen. His role at Azzur Group involves exploring potential growth areas for the company, such as their "Clean Rooms on Demand" business. This service aims to provide a flexible, cost-effective solution for companies in the biopharma sector, bridging the gap between traditional manufacturing options. Samavedam emphasizes the importance of innovation and impact in the healthcare industry. He believes that smaller, agile companies like Azzur can make a more significant impact compared to larger organizations where individual contributions may get diluted. One of the challenges he faces is educating the industry about new, more efficient models of operation. Traditional methods are often deeply ingrained, making it difficult for companies to see the value in innovative solutions like Azzur's. His leadership philosophy is "Don't let perfect get in the way of good," emphasizing the importance of practicality and risk mitigation in the pursuit of excellence. He is excited about the future of personalized medicine and believes that technology will continue to reduce inherent risks in biopharma processes.  

Send us a textIn this episode of Life Science Success, my guest is RJ Kedziora, the co-founder of Estenda Solutions. With a career spanning over 30 years, RJ is a leading expert in healthcare technology and data analytics. We'll dive into his journey, the transformative work Estenda Solutions is doing, and the future of digital health.     The podcast "Life Science Success" hosted by Don, a consultant in life sciences, features RJ Kedziora, the co-founder of Estenda Solutions, a company specializing in healthcare technology and data analytics. RJ Kedziora has a career spanning over 30 years and started Estenda Solutions in 2003 with Drew Lewis. The company initially focused on diabetes but has since expanded into other chronic conditions, offering solutions for Fortune 50 companies, startups, and government agencies. Estenda Solutions is unique in that it focuses on innovative product development, particularly in data analytics. They work with clients who have an idea but are not entirely sure how to execute it, rather than those who know exactly what they want. The company is ISO 13485 certified, indicating a strong quality assurance program. They take on larger projects and are audited annually to ensure they maintain high-quality processes. RJ Kedziora emphasizes the importance of data in healthcare, noting that the industry has evolved from having minimal data to dealing with billions of records. He is excited about the potential of AI and machine learning but also cautious about the rapid pace of technological advancements.

Send us a textIn this episode of Life Science Success, my guest is Hanns-Christian Mahler.  Dr. Mahler is Founder, CEO and Board Member at Ten23 health AG, the human-centric and sustainable pharmaceutical development partner.   Hanns-Christian Mahler is the Founder, CEO, and Board Member of ten23 health AG, a company specializing in sustainable pharmaceutical development. He has a background in pharmacy and has worked in various pharmaceutical companies and CDMOs (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations). Mahler's leadership style focuses on building organizations from the ground up, emphasizing the importance of values, purpose, and motivation. He believes in creating a work environment that fosters joy and engagement among employees. ten23 health AG differentiates itself from other CDMOs by its customer-centric approach and specialized expertise in developing difficult-to-produce products, such as high-volume blockbuster injectable products and products for subcutaneous self-administration. Mahler is deeply concerned about climate change and is inspired by young activists like Greta Thunberg. His company is committed to sustainability, even registering for B Corp pending status and implementing various eco-friendly initiatives. The best leadership advice Mahler has received emphasizes trust in employees. He believes that if you have the right people, there's no need to micromanage, and that trust fosters a more productive and engaged workforce.

Send us a textIn this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast, my guest is Lisa Sellers, PhD.   Dr. Sellers is the CEO of Vector Laboratories. She is an innovative and impactful leader with a truly unique approach to leading teams. She has deep expertise in running global life science tools businesses, developing new business strategies, and demonstrating excellent execution by leveraging her leadership style to harness the value of talent.   The episode features Lisa V. Sellers, PhD, who is the CEO of Vector Laboratories. The discussion aims to explore Lisa's career journey, her role as CEO, and the future of life sciences. Lisa V. Sellers has been in the life sciences industry for over two decades. She has held various roles, from being a product manager in smaller businesses to being the CEO of Vector Laboratories. She is passionate about understanding the intricacies of the business she leads, as well as the needs of the customers they serve. She believes in leveraging innovation to meet these needs and enjoys developing multi-year growth strategies with her teams. Vector Laboratories is a company that specializes in bioconjugation, a technical capability that allows them to serve customers in various sectors like drug development, diagnostics, and life science tools. The company has been around for 45 years and is currently in a unique position where it combines the stability of a mature portfolio with the agility and growth potential of a startup. One of the key challenges Lisa faces as a CEO is managing people's ability to adapt to change, especially in a rapidly evolving industry. To tackle this, she has implemented comprehensive onboarding programs for new hires and emphasizes the importance of mentoring and community engagement. She also collaborates with local schools for community service, blending it with coaching and mentoring to broaden perspectives. Lisa is particularly excited about the future convergence of genomics and proteomics in life sciences. She sees this as a significant step toward a more integrated understanding of biology. She also believes that the key to navigating the future successfully is to be flexible and open to possibilities. She expresses concern about whether people and organizations will be able to adapt quickly enough to the changes that are bound to come in the field of life sciences.

Send us a textIn this episode of Life Science Success, my guest is Rajeev Sehgal.  Rajeev is the Sr. Director of Informatics at Azenta Life Sciences.  Rajeev is responsible for development and execution of Informatics strategy including product management, development, SQA, delivery, and support.   Rajeev Sehgal discusses his experience with developing strategies that can be executed effectively. He highlights the importance of not only thinking about strategy but also having a clear understanding of how to execute it. Sehgal emphasizes the significance of focusing on the process rather than solely on the results. He notes that if the steps are right and repeatable, the results will show up eventually. Sehgal advises new leaders to be kind to themselves and not put too much pressure on themselves to deliver right away, especially in a new role or organization. He expresses concern about people hiding behind processes to stop progress and analysis paralysis, where people want more data than necessary before making a decision. Sehgal finds inspiration in doing something that will have a patient impact, working with colleagues who are doing amazing work, and seeing his children grow. Key takeaways: Strategies must lead to good execution paths for their value to be realized. Focusing on the process and making it repeatable is key to achieving results. New leaders should be kind to themselves and not put too much pressure on themselves to deliver right away. People should not hide behind processes to stop progress, and analysis paralysis should be avoided. Doing something that will have a patient impact and working with colleagues who are doing amazing work can be inspiring.

Send us a textIn this episode of Life Science Success, my guest is Meredith Manuel.  Ms. Manuel is a proven leader with drive and determination in the scientific industry, specializing in global drug development and project management.     Key Takeaways: Introduction to Meredith Manuel: Meredith Manuel is an accomplished leader with extensive experience in the scientific industry, particularly in global drug development and project management. Focus on Life Sciences: The podcast features a conversation between Meredith Manuel and the host, Don, who is a consultant specializing in helping companies within the life sciences sector enhance their strategies, processes, and technologies. Exploring Spatial Biology: Meredith discusses her role at "enable" where she manages the commercial division of a company focused on spatial biology. Spatial biology involves analyzing markers and molecules in the context of tissue, allowing for a deeper understanding of cell interactions and disease mechanisms. Impact on Drug Development: The application of spatial biology in drug development is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of moving beyond traditional single biomarker approaches. Integrating various data sets and understanding complex interactions within tissues is seen as crucial for advancing drug development. Leadership and Collaboration: Meredith also shares insights about leadership and collaboration, encouraging individuals to advocate for themselves and promote diversity of perspectives. She emphasizes the need for open communication within teams and across disciplines, especially in the dynamic field of life sciences. Details: Meredith Manuel is introduced as a guest on the "Life Science Success Podcast." The podcast is hosted by Don, a life sciences consultant focusing on improving companies' strategies, processes, and technology within the life sciences sector. Meredith has a strong background in the scientific industry, with a focus on global drug development and project management. She has a lifelong fascination with science, dating back to kindergarten when she first became interested in the field. Her career has spanned different areas of drug development, and she is particularly passionate about spatial biology, a cutting-edge technology that involves analyzing markers and molecules in tissue context. Meredith's role at "enable" involves managing the commercial division of a company that specializes in spatial biology. She explains that spatial biology allows researchers to analyze cell interactions and disease mechanisms by studying markers in the context of tissue. This technology enables a more comprehensive understanding of disease processes and has applications in challenging areas like oncology and immunology. Meredith emphasizes that this approach goes beyond the traditional single biomarker paradigm, enabling a deeper understanding of complex biological processes. Meredith discusses leadership and collaboration, drawing from her extensive experience. She encourages individuals, especially women, to advocate for themselves and share their ideas openly. She shares a story about a female boss who advised her to be her own advocate and speak up. She believes that diverse perspectives are crucial for innovation and problem-solving. Meredith underscores the importance of listening, collaboration, and communication in achieving successful outcomes within teams. The conversation concludes with discussions about the challenges and potential future directions of spatial biology and drug development. Meredith expresses her desire to contribute to