OnPoint: The Mentor Sessions

Paul Ward has spent thirty years in Medical Affairs — from selling antibiotics at Beecham Laboratories to leading field medical oncology, hematology, medical value, and access at BeOne Medicines. He has attended the American Society of Hematology for twenty-three consecutive years. His point of view is earned in the arena, and in this episode, he shares it. In this conversation with Linda Traylor, Paul covers the mindset shift that transformed his MSL career, what he learned leading a team through a drug withdrawal, why the worst career advice in field medical is to rush to the next title, and what he would put on a billboard for every Medical Affairs professional in the world. In this episode: The pivot that changed everything: from trying to know every answer to becoming a better student Leading through the Iressa withdrawal — the 6:30 AM call, the KOL conversations, and the decision to stay What Dr. Steven Paul said about molecules vs. people — and why Paul still thinks about it thirty years later Why MSLs shouldn't rush the gears — and what gets lost when they do AI in Medical Affairs: embrace it, but don't lose the human connection that makes this role irreplaceable Books and Resources Mentioned: Recommended by Linda Traylor: A Message to Garcia by Elbert Hubbard — a short, classic read on dependability and getting things done without being told how. Linda gifts it frequently and calls it one of the best books she's ever received. Paul hadn't heard of it — and wrote it down. Recommended by Paul Ward: MSL Talk (podcast) — hosted by Tom Caravela, Managing Partner of The Carolan Group. Paul recommends it to everyone in field medical. Nearly 200 episodes, 30–40 minutes each, built around inspiring Medical Affairs leaders.  Listen Now: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS7XTUuk1XF5Tm5InADY6cA PharmaVerse (podcast) — hosted by Michael Pietrack. Broader than Medical Affairs alone — guests have included CEOs, R&D leaders, and figures like Mark Cuban on PBMs. Paul listens regularly.  Listen Now: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePharmaversePodcast About Paul Ward: Paul Ward is Head of Field Medical Oncology, Hematology, Medical Value and Access at BeOne Medicines. With thirty years in Medical Affairs, his career spans field medical, regional and national director roles at companies including Lilly Oncology, AstraZeneca, and Astellas. He is a longtime member of the MSL Society Advisory Board and has attended twenty-three consecutive years of the American Society of Hematology. Connect with Paul Ward on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-ward-95302b15/ About OnPoint: The Mentor Sessions: OnPoint: The Mentor Sessions is a podcast series hosted by Linda Traylor, VP of Medical Excellence at Acceleration Point. Each episode is a candid conversation with an unsung hero in Medical Affairs or Field Medical — surfacing the mindset shifts, defining moments, and hard-won lessons that shape the leaders moving this field forward. OnPoint is available on several podcast platforms, including the Acceleration Point YouTube channel. Watch Now: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTXapuvAJzWZdDrMJFj-3FDz42Z3uJYAu 00:00 — Thirty Years in the Arena: How Paul Ward Found Medical Affairs 05:15 — The Mindset Shift Every MSL Needs: From Expert to Student 07:51 — When the Drug Fails: Leading Through the Iressa Withdrawal 14:12 — What Makes an Exceptional Leader: Molecules vs. People 20:49 — Don't Rush the Gears: Career Advice for Rising Field Medical Professionals 29:26 — The Future of Medical Affairs: AI, Human Connection, and What's Coming Next 37:30 — The Man in the Arena: Mentors, Mindfulness, and the Billboard

Tom Caravela has placed leaders across some of the most recognized Medical Affairs organizations in the industry. After 20+ years, he knows what elite looks like — and what holds people back. In this conversation with Linda Traylor, he doesn't hold back. This episode covers the evolution of the MSL role, what exceptional Medical Affairs leaders actually have in common, why adaptability is no longer optional, and where the profession is headed. Tom also shares the mindset shift that changed everything for him — and the habits he wishes he had built sooner. Whether you lead a field medical team, are building toward a leadership role, or are just entering Medical Affairs, this conversation has something for you. About Tom Caravela: Tom Caravela is the Managing Partner of The Carolan Group, a search firm dedicated to the Medical Affairs and MSL industry. He is also the host of the MSL Mastery podcast and the author of Job Search Mastery: How to Win Your Dream Job.   You can connect with Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomcaravela-executiverecruiter About OnPoint: The Mentor Sessions: OnPoint: The Mentor Sessions is hosted by Linda Traylor, VP of Medical Excellence at Acceleration Point. Each episode surfaces the unsung heroes of Medical Affairs — leaders whose work and wisdom deserve a wider audience. New episodes drop regularly. Subscribe so you don't miss one. 00:00 Chapter 1: The Accidental Recruiter — Tom's Origin Story 06:25 Chapter 2: Growth Mindset, Failure & Resilience 12:41 Chapter 3: What Elite Medical Affairs Leadership Actually Looks Like 20:58 Chapter 4: The MSL Role Has Changed — Are You Keeping Up? 25:43 Chapter 5: Adaptability, AI & the Future of Medical Affairs 32:03 Chapter 6: Habits, Mentors & the Legacy You're Building

In our inaugural episode of OnPoint: The Mentor Sessions, Linda Traylor, VP of Medical Excellence at Acceleration Point, begins a new podcast series designed to uncover the mindsets, habits, and behaviors that define exceptional leaders in Medical Affairs. Inspired by The Tribe of Mentors by Tim Ferriss, each episode follows a consistent set of reflective questions that reveal how accomplished mentors think, lead, and develop others. This series shines a light on the people behind the titles by talking to those who elevate teams through authenticity, curiosity, and purpose-driven leadership. To open the series, Linda welcomed Dr. Davida J. White, M.D., Head of CVM Field Medical Affairs (National Team, Strategy & Ops, Training & Development) at Johnson & Johnson. Together, they explore how mentorship, empowerment, and gratitude shape enduring leadership in Medical Affairs. Connect with Davida on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davida-j-white-m-d/ OnPoint: The Mentor Sessions Podcast delivers engaging conversations with Medical Affairs and Field Medical leaders on the power of mentorship and coaching. Hosted by Linda Traylor, each podcast uncovers practical strategies, personal stories, and lessons to inspire and prepare the next generation of medical leaders. OnPoint is available on several podcast platforms, including the Acceleration Point YouTube channel. Davida’s Recommended Book:  Mindset: Changing the Way You Think to Fulfill Your Potential by Dr. Carol S. Dweck [00:00]  Welcome to The Mentor Sessions: Why This Podcast Exists  [04:20]  Meet Dr. Davida White: A Leader with Purpose [10:15]  The Mindset Shift: Scaling Impact from One Patient to Many [17:40]  What Exceptional Leadership Looks Like in Medical Affairs [26:55]  Career Growth, Networking, and Lessons Learned [36:10]  Future-Ready Skills: AI, Agility, and the Power of Continuous Learning [44:50]  Habits, Mentors, and the Leadership Mindset [54:20]  What We Do Matters: Davida’s Message to Medical Affairs