Life Science Success

Send us a textIn this episode of Life Science Success, we sit down with Marc, an entrepreneur, certified coach, and a beacon of leadership in the life sciences and business coaching sectors. Marc shares his journey from the entrepreneurial services group at EY to founding and leading companies in the life sciences field, and how he leverages his vast experience to mentor and inspire others towards professional excellence and personal growth. Tune in for a deep dive into the intersection of business acumen and scientific innovation, and discover Marc's unique approach to fostering success in the competitive world of life sciences.   Marc Cote's background includes a transition from being a CPA at Ernst & Young to becoming an entrepreneur and certified coach, focusing on leadership within the life sciences. He credits his father, a second-generation business owner, for influencing his career path and emphasizing the importance of a strong business foundation. During his career, Cote identified a gap in leadership and soft skills training among highly technically trained professionals in the life sciences. He aims to help these individuals realize their potential not only as scientists but also as visionary leaders and effective managers. Cote discusses his journey from consulting at Ernst & Young to launching his own companies that supported biotech and small pharmaceutical companies. He emphasizes the value of leadership coaching to enhance emotional intelligence (EQ), crucial for effective leadership. The podcast conversation covers Cote's approach to coaching, focusing on understanding and leveraging one's strengths and appreciating different leadership styles. He highlights the importance of continuous personal development and adaptability in achieving career advancement within the life sciences.

Send us a textIn this episode of Life Science Success, my guest is Darwin Shurig, founder and CEO of Shurig Solutions.  Darwin brings strategic value to medical device, life science, and pharma companies. Darwin is responsible for most, if not all, business processes, including project management, recruitment, sales, operations, quality, and regulatory affairs, to mention a few.   Guest Introduction: Darwin Shurig, the guest, is introduced as the founder and president of a company involved in the recruitment industry, particularly within the life sciences sector. Darwin shares his journey of starting the business, highlighting his prior experience in clinical respiratory therapy and his transition to entrepreneurship nearly nine years ago. Business Challenges and Insights: Darwin discusses the challenges he faced as a newcomer to the business and recruitment industries. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, learning from failures, and the critical role of understanding market needs and analytics to sustain a business in a competitive environment. Recruitment Philosophy and Strategies: Throughout the interview, Darwin explains his approach to recruitment, focusing on the importance of specialization, understanding client needs, and delivering value without having to return fees. He stresses a high client acceptance rate and successful placement track record as indicators of his company's effectiveness. Industry Perspective and Future Outlook: Closing the conversation, Darwin reflects on the broader industry trends, including the impact of technology like AI on recruitment and other business processes. He is optimistic about the potential of new technologies to enhance business efficiency and expresses curiosity about future developments in life sciences and AI.

Send us a textIn this episode of Life Science Success, host Don Davis has a conversation with Dr. Mohit Jain, a physician scientist with extensive experience in physiology, biomedicine, and mass spectrometry. Dr. Jain shares his unique journey from clinical training to leading breakthroughs in mass spectrometry and computational biology. He discusses the inception of Sapient Bio, a company that leverages mass spectrometry to unlock new horizons in drug discovery and patient diagnosis by analyzing thousands of molecules in the human body. They explore the future of medicine, emphasizing personalized therapy and the potential to diagnose diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer's years in advance. Dr. Jain also sheds light on the challenges and opportunities in biotech, the impact of computational biology, and the pivotal role of Sapient Bio in pioneering the field of drug discovery. The conversation concludes with Dr. Jain's reflections on leadership, inspiration, concerns, and what excites him about his work, offering deep insights into the promising future of life sciences.   Key Highlights:  01:23 Introducing Dr. Mohit Jain: A Multifaceted Scientist 02:04 The Journey to Sapient Bio: Unraveling Dr. Jain's Career Path 03:39 The Evolution of Mass Spectrometry and Its Impact on Health 06:45 Sapient Bio: Democratizing Access to Advanced Technologies 13:33 Challenges and Opportunities in Leading a Biotech Company 16:54 The Future of Drug Discovery and Personalized Medicine 23:47 Sapient Bio's Differentiation and Future Prospects 29:24 Leadership Insights and Personal Reflections from Dr. Jain    

Send us a textJennifer Hawks Bland is a distinguished leader in the life sciences sector, serving as the Chief Executive Officer of NewYorkBIO, an organization at the forefront of advancing New York's life sciences ecosystem. With a rich background spanning legal practice, government affairs, and executive leadership in companies like Merck and GlaxoSmithKline, she brings a wealth of experience and insight to her role in fostering innovation and growth within the industry.   Jennifer Hawks Bland, CEO of New York Bio, discussed her unique path into life sciences, transitioning from a legal background where she initially engaged with the pharmaceutical industry through mass tort defense litigation, to advocacy and lobbying roles, eventually leading her to her current position. She detailed the mission and operations of New York Bio, highlighting its role in advancing New York’s life sciences ecosystem by collaborating with early-stage companies, academic medical centers, and leveraging the state’s rich resources in life sciences for regional and statewide economic development. Hawks Bland emphasized the importance of storytelling in advocacy, drawing on her legal and lobbying background to influence policy and support the life sciences industry, both at the state and federal levels, and how this skill has been crucial in her roles leading up to and including her leadership at New York Bio. The conversation also covered the challenges and opportunities facing the life sciences sector, particularly in New York, from fostering startup growth to navigating policy and funding landscapes. She stressed the significance of collaboration across various stakeholders, including government, academia, and the private sector, to drive innovation and support the ecosystem. Hawks Bland shared her excitement for the future of life sciences, reflecting on the potential for breakthroughs in health and medicine, and the critical role of advocacy and strategic partnerships in overcoming challenges and capitalizing on opportunities within the industry.

Send us a textIn this episode of Life Science Success, we're thrilled to welcome Britney Winterberger, the Senior Director of North America Project Management and Clinical Operations at Tigermed. Britney brings a wealth of experience in clinical trials across various therapeutic areas and a deep personal commitment to advancing patient treatments, particularly in the fight against cancer.   Britney Winterberger is the Senior Director of North America Project Management and Clinical Operations at Tigermed, with a rich career history in life sciences, inspired by a personal loss to leukemia. She initially aspired to be a pediatric oncologist but shifted towards clinical research to contribute to cancer treatment advancements. Winterberger, who was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, has a Marquette University undergraduate degree in biological sciences as well as study abroad experiences. She is also a family person, emphasizing the importance of travel, outdoor activities, and being sports enthusiasts with her husband and two children. Her journey into the field of life sciences was somewhat unintentional, transitioning from a goal in pediatric oncology to clinical research due to the emotional challenges of the former. She transitioned because of a special opportunity through a family connection, which led her to a career in clinical research organizations (CROs). Throughout her career, pivotal moments included receiving a 'B' on a performance review, which was a significant learning experience for her, highlighting the importance of adaptability, innovation, and the need to work in a more agile and innovative environment. Joining Tigermed represented a culminating point where she found a space to innovate and drive meaningful change in the clinical research landscape. Winterberger discusses the evolution of clinical trials, emphasizing the shift towards patient-centric approaches, the integration of digital health technologies, and the push for decentralized clinical trials to improve patient access and compliance. She also highlights Tigermed's role in advancing clinical research through innovative trial designs and efficient patient recruitment strategies, underlining her commitment to making a difference in cancer treatment and patient care.

Send us a textIn this episode of Life Science Success my guest is Dr Dr. Rahul Kakkar we will dive into the life and innovations of his tremendous career. From founding groundbreaking biotech companies to his vital role at Tome Biosciences and balancing life as a practicing physician, Rahul's journey is nothing short of inspirational. Discover the cutting-edge of genomic medicine and get a peek into the mind of a true life sciences pioneer.   Dr. Rahul Kakkar's Journey: Dr. Kakkar, CEO of Tome Biosciences and a distinguished biotech executive and physician scientist, shares his journey from training in the Harvard Hospital System to his disillusionment with academia's limitations on drug development. This frustration led him towards a career in biotech, underscored by his entrepreneurial spirit and the significant influence of mentors who supported him at pivotal moments. Entrepreneurial Shift and Tome Biosciences: His experiences, particularly at AstraZeneca, highlighted the challenges of navigating entrenched corporate cultures, sparking his entrepreneurial journey. This journey includes the founding of Corvidia Therapeutics and ultimately leading to his current role at Tome Biosciences, where he emphasizes a flat, open company culture focused on innovative drug development. Balancing Medicine and Leadership: Kakkar balances his roles as a physician and a biotech leader, finding real-world clinical experiences vital for grounding his work in biotech. He maintains an active part in patient care, which he finds complements his leadership in biotech, keeping his work relevant and impactful. Advancements in Biotech and Tome's Focus: Kakkar discusses the evolution of biotechnology, from monoclonal antibodies and nucleotide-based therapeutics to the future of DNA editing. At Tome Biosciences, the focus is on programmable genomic integration, aiming to create differentiated, impactful drugs. This approach underscores the importance of technology in developing meaningful new therapies. Leadership Philosophy and Inspiration: Sharing insights on leadership, Dr. Kakkar emphasizes the importance of resilience, adaptability, and making the best of situations. He finds inspiration in the human spirit's perseverance, whether in family, healthcare, or scientific discovery, driving him to overcome challenges in healthcare and biotech innovation.

Send us a textThis week on Life Science Success, we are thrilled to welcome back Elizabeth Smalley as our guest. Elizabeth is the VP, Product Management, Data & Analytics at ArisGlobal, where she plays a pivotal role in steering the company’s strategic initiatives in the realms of artificial intelligence and machine learning within the life sciences sector. With an impressive background that bridges technology and life sciences, Elizabeth has been instrumental in the formation and launch of the GenAI Council, an innovative effort aimed at harnessing generative AI to revolutionize research and development in life sciences. Introduction of Guests and Focus: Don, a consultant in life sciences, introduces Elizabeth Smalley, VP of Product Management, Data, and Analytics at ArisGlobal. The discussion emphasizes the transformative power of generative AI (GenAI) in the life sciences sector, with a particular focus on Elizabeth's leadership in strategic AI initiatives at ArisGlobal. Elizabeth Smalley's Background and Journey: Elizabeth recounts her diverse experience in product management across e-commerce, manufacturing, and healthtech. Her story highlights the central role of AI in her career, including significant achievements in developing AI-driven clinical solutions at Teladoc Health and her progression to leading ArisGlobal's data, analytics, and AI strategies. ArisGlobal's Innovations and Role: The conversation explores ArisGlobal's impact on life sciences, especially its innovative use of AI in pharmacovigilance and regulatory processes. Elizabeth points out ArisGlobal's pioneering introduction of AI into case processing workflows and its leadership in adopting generative AI, aiming to enhance efficiency and patient safety in the sector. Generative AI: Challenges and Opportunities: Elizabeth discusses the economic potential of generative AI in life sciences, acknowledging regulatory challenges and the necessity of industry-wide collaboration to navigate these. She emphasizes the importance of creating a responsible AI adoption playbook, addressing transparency, and fostering innovation within a regulatory framework. Vision for the Future: The interview concludes with a forward-looking view on how generative AI could revolutionize patient care, streamline drug development, and optimize regulatory compliance. Elizabeth advocates for a collaborative approach to leverage AI responsibly, aiming to improve health outcomes, enhance operational efficiencies, and ensure patient safety in the evolving landscape of life sciences.  

Send us a textThis week on the Life Science Success Podcast, my guest is Dr. Tiago Reis Marques Dr. Marques is a psychiatrist and currently the Chief Executive Officer of Pas i thea Therapeutics. Pasithea is developing new molecular entities for the treatment of CNS disorders, including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Multiple Sclerosis, Neurofibromatosis type 1 and Noonan syndrome.   On this episode of Life Science Success, Don Davis interviews Dr. Tiago Reis Marques, the CEO of PACEA Therapeutics. They discuss Dr. Marques's journey in psychiatry, the company's focus on CNS disorders, their pipeline of drugs targeting neurological conditions like schizophrenia and ALS, and the impact of their research on rare disorders like neurofibromatosis type one. The conversation also touches on leadership advice, inspiration, concerns about global issues, and what excites them. Dr. Tiago Reis Marques, a psychiatrist, is the CEO of Pasithea Therapeutics, a company focused on central nervous system (CNS) disorders. His background in medical research and his transition from academia to biotech were driven by a desire to apply his knowledge to develop treatments that benefit patients. Pasithea Therapeutics, co-founded with Professor Steinman from Stanford, aims to create innovative therapies for unmet needs in CNS disorders. The company's approach balances new drugs targeting novel mechanisms of action with known drugs repurposed for new applications. One of the company's focuses is on neurofibromatosis type one, a disorder affecting around 100,000 patients in the US, highlighting the company's commitment to tackling rare and challenging diseases with significant unmet needs. Marques emphasizes the importance of precision psychiatry and targeting specific subtypes of disorders, drawing parallels to how cancer treatments have evolved to focus on specific biomarkers and subtypes, reflecting a broader trend towards personalized medicine. His experiences and work in brain imaging, specifically with positron emission tomography (PET) and psychopharmacology, underscore his multidisciplinary approach to understanding and treating CNS disorders, leveraging his academic background to inform his leadership and strategic direction at Pasithea Therapeutics.

Send us a textIn the interview, Don Davis PhD, MBA talks to Toban Zolman about his company, Kivo. Zolman takes us through his impressive journey of over 20 years in life sciences and the transformation he has witnessed in the industry. He further details the services of Kivo, stating that the company helps businesses involved in life sciences, specifically those developing clinical trials for pharmaceutical, medical device, and biotech companies, to streamline and optimize their processes.  He specifically speaks about the significant shift in the industry from large pharmaceutical companies running drug trials to now being dominated by smaller companies without a product in the market yet. Regarding emerging trends, Zolman anticipates artificial intelligence will have a transformational impact on the industry. He also highlights the importance of knowing when to say "no" and making definitive decisions based on customer's needs, aligning company focus to customer growth, and maintaining transparency in their operations.   5 Key Points:  Toban Zolman is the CEO of Kivo, with over 20 years of leadership experience in developing, deploying, and validating computerized systems for clinical trials. Zolman's career began in the early 2000s at an electronic submission company, pioneering the transition from paper to electronic submissions for pharmaceutical companies globally, impacting 47 out of the top 50 Pharma companies in 16 countries. At Kivo, Zolman leverages his extensive background to innovate in life sciences by integrating technology and regulatory best practices to support emerging companies in developing and marketing new drugs efficiently. Kivo stands out in the life sciences space by blending deep clinical and regulatory experience with enterprise SaaS expertise, offering a unique approach to accelerating drug development and approval processes. Zolman emphasizes the importance of adaptability, saying no to maintain focus, and the potential transformative impact of AI on drug development, viewing it as both an intimidating and exciting challenge for the future.

Send us a textRevolutionizing Patient and Physician Experiences through Digital First Strategies - In this week's episode of Life Science Success, we dive into the intersection of digital innovation and healthcare commercialization with leaders from Indegene, a company revolutionizing patient and physician experiences through digital-first strategies. We'll explore the journeys of Nancy Phelan, a biopharma commercial strategy expert; Jeff Rothstein, a marketing visionary who has significantly expanded Indegene's brand and capabilities; and Kevin Patterson, a strategic thinker in medical solutions, as they share insights on driving healthcare forward in today's complex landscape.   Key Takeaways: Interdisciplinary Innovation: The convergence of diverse backgrounds and expertise is driving innovation in healthcare, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and engagement in healthcare marketing. Digital Transformation: The shift towards digital and data-driven strategies is revolutionizing patient and physician experiences, making healthcare more personalized and accessible. AI's Growing Influence: Artificial intelligence is poised to transform healthcare delivery and treatment, with current applications representing just the tip of the iceberg. Navigating Market Access Challenges: Successfully bringing new treatments to market requires overcoming regulatory and accessibility hurdles, highlighting the need for strategic market access planning. Optimism for the Future: Despite challenges, there's a strong sense of optimism about the future of healthcare, driven by technological advancements and a commitment to improving patient care.