Pathways in Life Science

Amir describes a non-linear path into science, switching from social sciences after rediscovering biology and finding organic chemistry intuitive and creative. She explains her PhD work at the University of Calgary in carbohydrate chemistry, synthesizing tumor-associated carbohydrates to support vaccine and detection research. Amir outlines how Affinity Immuno started with off-the-shelf ELISA kits, grew within PEI’s expanding biotech ecosystem, and pivoted during COVID-19 to pandemic research tools, rapidly scaling and engaging globally before facing a post-COVID downturn. She details the company’s customer-driven expansion into custom polyclonal chicken antibody production and method development/validation, while preferring organic growth as a small-to-medium business. She also discusses active transportation initiatives in Charlottetown and reflects on pandemic risk drivers, climate change impacts on disease spread, and the value of diverse career paths in life sciences.00:00 AI Intro and Welcome01:55 Finding Science Late03:52 Why Organic Chemistry05:04 PhD Cancer Carbohydrates05:34 From Pharma to Startup08:28 Active Transport Advocacy10:54 Cycling Origin Story13:08 Affinity Immuno Growth18:53 Pivoting by Customers21:36 Small Business Vision23:09 Next Pandemic Thoughts27:31 Closing Reflections We'd be honoured if you checked us out:Pat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tea/North Star Scientific on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIpR59D5c6N8iuYVBEVIShQNorth Star Scientific on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-star-scientific/Let's Navigate Science Careers Together!

What does it actually look like to be at the heart of the gene therapy revolution in 2026?In this episode of Pathways in Life Science, Pat pulls back the curtain on the gritty, high-stakes reality of the Gene Therapy Scientist. Forget the futuristic holograms and shiny brochures—this is a world of 7:15 AM starts, "moody" cell lines, and the constant hustle of "failing forward." From the "beat" of DNA sequences to the "GPS-guided missiles" of In-Vivo delivery, we explore why the next generation of breakthroughs won't come from people who think in straight lines, but from "Omni-Scientists" who can dance between wet labs, Python code, and the art of the possible. If you’ve ever wondered if you have the stomach for the coolest job on the planet, this deep dive is for you.Timestamps:0:00 - Welcome to 2026: Rewriting the biological software of disease.1:04 - The "Vibe" Check: Why the reality of biotech is grittier than the headlines.1:30 - The Drummer and the DNA: Seeing genomic sequences as a musical composition.2:28 - Typical Tuesday: Digital Twins, bioreactors, and the "sauna" of PPE.3:12 - Moody Cells: Why biology is like "programming wet spaghetti."3:56 - Wet Lab vs. Dry Lab: The vanishing wall between pipettes and Python.5:15 - The Scale-Up Struggle: Moving from a 10mL tube to a 200L tank.5:40 - The Frontier: Designing LNPs as GPS-guided missiles for the liver.6:22 - The "Friday Feeling": The high of watching a biological patch deploy.6:43 - Documentation and the FDA: Why your science doesn't exist if it isn't in the ELN.7:51 - The Omni-Scientist: Why you need coding, CMC knowledge, and an artsy brain.9:05 - Closing Thoughts: How to connect with Pat and North Star Scientific.We'd be honoured if you checked us out:Pat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tea/North Star Scientific on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIpR59D5c6N8iuYVBEVIShQNorth Star Scientific on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-star-scientific/Let's Navigate Science Careers Together!

Are you a "bench nerd" who’s a little too loud for the lab? In this session, Pat strips away the corporate jargon to explore the world of Medical Science Liaisons. Pat look's at the MSL role not as a sales position, but as the front-of-house engineer of drug discovery—making sure the science sounds exactly like it’s supposed to when it reaches the ears of the world’s top doctors.We dive into the reality of the hustle, the importance of "soft gear," and why your reputation is the most important instrument you’ll ever play. Whether you're a grad student feeling stuck or a mid-career pro looking for a change, this episode provides a roadmap for finding your "true north" in the field.Timestamps00:00 – Welcome to Pathways in Life Science: Introduction to the mission of North Star Scientific.00:51 – The Rock Concert Analogy: Why the MSL is the "roadie" and "soundboard engineer" of the pharma world.01:48 – The Accidental Discovery: Why most MSLs start as "bench nerds" and how to recognize the "MSL spark" in yourself.02:50 – The "Why" Behind the Role: Moving from the vacuum of research to seeing science save lives in real-time.03:23 – Life on Tour: The reality of travel, Marriott points, and being a peer to Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs).05:22 – The Regulatory Dance: Why you must never "spin" the science and the importance of compliance.05:44 – Joining the Band: A three-step action plan to break into the MSL gig (Soft gear, specialization, and the "sound check" network).07:33 – The Human Element in 2026: Why AI and data will never replace the need for trusted human expertise.We'd be honoured if you checked us out:Pat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tea/North Star Scientific on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIpR59D5c6N8iuYVBEVIShQNorth Star Scientific on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-star-scientific/Let's Navigate Science Careers Together!

What if your next "debugging" session didn't happen on a MacBook, but inside a yeast cell? Welcome to the era of the Synthetic Biology Architect.In this episode of Pathways in Life Science, Pat peels back the lab coat on one of the most pivotal roles in the 2026 bio-economy. We’re moving past the "Discovery" era of biology and straight into the "Design" era—where we aren’t just reading the book of life; we’re opening a Word doc and writing new chapters.In this deep dive, we explore:The Genetic Circuit: How "IF/THEN" logic is being built into probiotics to create internal pharmacies.Coding the Climate: Why microbes on factory exhaust stacks are our best bet against CO2.Living Materials: The reality of vat-grown leather and self-healing bricks.The Architect Starter Pack: The exact "Wet" and "Dry" skills you need to pivot into this role without a 40-year PhD.Whether you're a computer scientist curious about the "wetware" of biology or a scientist looking to learn Python, this episode is your blueprint for the future of the bio-economy.Connect with Pat on LinkedIn to suggest which life science role we should break down next! https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tea/⏱️ Episode Timestamps[00:00] – The Sci-Fi Reality: Why "debugging a circuit" now applies to DNA.[00:50] – The Design Era: Moving from biological discovery to biological authorship.[01:25] – Defining the Architect: Why these are the software engineers of the physical world.[02:10] – Genetic Logic Gates: How we build "IF/THEN" statements inside living gut probiotics.[03:05] – A Day in the Life: In-Silico design, managing "Metabolic Load," and keeping cells happy.[04:00] – Microbial Operations Managers: Why nature is the ultimate manufacturing plant.[04:35] – Solving the Climate Crisis: Engineering microbes that "breathe" CO2 and "poop" fuel.[05:20] – The "Undo" Button: Safety kill-switches in CAR-T cell therapy.[06:10] – Self-Healing Bricks: The rise of the living materials sector.[07:05] – The Career Pathway: How the "Hybrid" model replaced the traditional PhD.[07:35] – The Architect Starter Pack: Essential Wet Skills (CRISPR) vs. Dry Skills (Python/Bioinformatics).[08:45] – 2030 Vision: The future of AI co-pilots in DNA blueprinting.[09:30] – Final Call to Action: Tips for recruiters, scientists, and fans of the show.We'd be honoured if you checked us out:Pat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tea/North Star Scientific on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIpR59D5c6N8iuYVBEVIShQNorth Star Scientific on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-star-scientific/Let's Navigate Science Careers Together!

How do you turn complex scientific data into a compelling narrative that drives sales and investment? In this episode, of the PATHWAYS IN LIFE SCIENCE podcast, we sit down with Paul Naphtali, founder of GenoWrite, to discuss the critical role of storytelling in the life sciences and biotech industries.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: Science isn’t just about the data; it’s about making that data knowable and approachable. Whether you are a scientist, an investor, or a business development professional, this conversation explores:Why "human-led" storytelling is still vital in the age of AI.How to translate complex research into accessible blog posts, white papers, and social content.The connection between clear communication and commercial success in the life sciences.Paul’s journey from a Biochemistry Graduate to becoming a leading science writer.ABOUT OUR GUEST: Paul Naphtali, MSc., is a biotechnology professional and the founder of GenoWrite. With a deep background in microbiome research and biochemistry from McMaster University, Paul now helps biotech companies tell the stories behind their innovations to inspire understanding and action.ABOUT NORTH STAR SCIENTIFIC: North Star Scientific is a premier sales and lead generation agency dedicated to helping life science, biotech, and pharma companies accelerate their growth. We act as the "essential muscle" to ensure groundbreaking scientific innovations reach the market faster.[Timestamps] 00:00 - Introduction to Paul Naphtali 05:00 - The importance of science storytelling 12:30 - Breaking down complex data for investors 18:45 - How GenoWrite helps biotech companies 25:00 - The future of science writing and AI 29:00 - Closing thoughts and where to connectCONNECT WITH US: Visit North Star Scientific: https://www.northstarsci.com/ Learn more about GenoWrite: https://genowrite.com/ 🔗 Connect with Paul Naphtali on LinkedIn: [Link] We'd be honoured if you checked us out:Pat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tea/North Star Scientific on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIpR59D5c6N8iuYVBEVIShQNorth Star Scientific on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-star-scientific/Let's Navigate Science Careers Together!

In this episode, we sit down with David Remedios, National Sales Digital Pathology Specialist at Leica Biosystems, to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of digital pathology and the intersection of science and technology in modern healthcare.From the halls of the innovative Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital to remote diagnosis in Newfoundland, David shares his insights on how automation and digitization are solving critical labor shortages and changing the way doctors work. We also dive into his personal journey from a UofT neurobiology major to a leader in clinical sales.In this video, we discuss:The Digital Shift: How hospitals are moving from glass slides on snowmobiles to instant remote sign-outs [02:10].AI vs. Pathologists: Will algorithms replace doctors, or are they simply the ultimate pattern-recognition tool? [04:15].Regulatory Hurdles: The differences between Health Canada and FDA approval processes [05:42].Career Advice: Why you don’t always need an MBA to reach leadership roles in the life sciences [14:22].Sales Strategy: The importance of "discovery" and in-person connections in a complex, 2–4 year sales cycle [26:05].Funding Innovation: How hospitals navigate capital projects using foundation funds and "Dragon's Den" style pitches [27:35].Whether you are a pathology professional, a science student, or interested in the business of medical devices, this conversation provides a deep dive into the future of Canadian healthcare. We'd be honoured if you checked us out:Pat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tea/North Star Scientific on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIpR59D5c6N8iuYVBEVIShQNorth Star Scientific on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-star-scientific/Let's Navigate Science Careers Together!

In this episode of North Star Scientific, we explore the unconventional journey of Rob, who transitioned from a high school history teacher to a 15-year veteran in the life sciences sales industry.Rob shares his unique philosophy on being a "Chief Happiness Officer"—focusing on empathy, transparency, and helping customers succeed rather than just closing a deal. We also dive into how technology and AI are transforming the way sales professionals interact with scientists and what the future of lab demos might look like in a virtual world.In this video, we discuss:The Career Pivot: How a history degree builds the research skills needed for technical sales [03:14].The Evolution of the "Cold Call": Why walking hospital halls is a thing of the past and how AI enables "warm calling" [13:09].Chief Happiness Officer: Why focusing on customer happiness leads to long-term success and loyalty [10:00].AI vs. Personal Relationships: Will AI ever replace the face-to-face connection in high-stakes biotech sales? [23:47].The Future of Lab Demos: Could VR goggles and "digital twins" replace shipping heavy equipment for trials? [27:13].Sales Frameworks: A breakdown of Spin, Challenger, and EPIC selling methodologies [31:32].The "Nice Guy" Myth: Why compassion and empathy are actually competitive advantages in business [35:17].Whether you're looking to break into the life science industry or you're a seasoned pro wanting to refine your consultative approach, this conversation offers a masterclass in modern relationship-based selling. We'd be honoured if you checked us out:Pat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tea/North Star Scientific on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIpR59D5c6N8iuYVBEVIShQNorth Star Scientific on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-star-scientific/Let's Navigate Science Careers Together!

What happens when a molecular biology major realizes they aren't meant for the lab bench? In this episode of North Star Scientific, we sit down with David Nathan, CEO of Scaler Marketing, to explore the intersection of science, storytelling, and entrepreneurship.David shares the raw reality of starting a business with a family of five, the unconventional lessons he learned from Amway, and how he transitioned from selling $5,000 websites to running a specialized agency for major scientific companies. We also dive into the future of SEO, the "empty" side of AI creativity, and why every science professional needs a community like SAMPS.00:00:00 - Intro: The power of being active on LinkedIn00:01:54 - Growing up in the lab: From Princeton to New England Biolabs00:03:57 - The Epiphany: Why I wasn't meant for the lab bench00:05:22 - The "Storytelling Gap" in scientific companies00:07:05 - Lessons from Amway: Redesigning your life path00:10:31 - Starting a business with triplets and a $0 salary00:14:12 - How my wife "kicked me out" to find my first client00:15:53 - Handling a 6-month sales drought00:19:35 - How to scale: "Make a mess, then clean it up"00:23:00 - Moving from $5K websites to $100K projects00:24:31 - Is SEO still relevant in the age of AI?00:27:45 - How AI pulls information: The role of backlinks00:29:18 - Simon Sinek and the "Struggle" of creativity vs. AI00:30:51 - What is SAMPS? A community for science commercial professionals00:34:04 - Closing thoughts and future collaborations We'd be honoured if you checked us out:Pat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tea/North Star Scientific on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIpR59D5c6N8iuYVBEVIShQNorth Star Scientific on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-star-scientific/Let's Navigate Science Careers Together!

"People make the difference." We sit down with Berendia Jackson, a high-impact sales leader in the biotech industry.Berendia shares her unique journey from the lab bench to leading commercial teams for global life science giants. We discuss the critical balance between technical expertise and soft skills, how the "customer journey" has evolved over two decades (from Palm Pilots to AI), and the honest reality of being a minority in executive leadership. This is a must-watch for anyone looking to understand the human side of high-stakes scientific sales and the future of diversity in the boardroom.00:00:00 - Introduction: Meeting a powerhouse leader00:01:10 - The Journey: From aspiring doctor to life science sales00:01:55 - "People Make the Difference": The technical vs. commercial balance00:02:54 - Lessons from a Field Application Scientist (FAS) role00:04:18 - 20 Years of Change: From Palm Pilots and paper maps to digital tools00:05:40 - The Modern Customer: More knowledgeable and AI-empowered00:06:45 - AI in Sales: Will robots replace the human connection?00:08:44 - The Peak of Human Intelligence? AI’s potential for EQ00:10:47 - Transactional vs. Million-Dollar Deals: Where AI fits00:13:51 - AI in Healthcare: Predictive modeling and self-diagnosis00:16:30 - Diversity in Leadership: Breaking the glass ceiling00:18:28 - Executive Champions: The importance of diversity in thought and background00:19:40 - Mentoring the Next Generation: Volunteering with Women in Bio00:20:55 - Why the Boardroom Needs to Reflect the Real World00:22:50 - The Responsibility of Representation: Doing the job well first00:25:15 - Overcoming Unconscious Bias in Hiring00:26:55 - Healthcare Disparity: Diversity’s impact on clinical trials00:28:05 - The Next Chapter: Moving downstream toward diagnostics00:30:45 - Leading from the Trenches: Berendia’s leadership philosophy#SalesLeadership #LifeSciences #Biotech #DiversityInSTEM #AIinHealthcare #WomenInBio #CommercialExcellence #DiversityAndInclusion #CareerJourney #NorthStarScientific We'd be honoured if you checked us out:Pat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tea/North Star Scientific on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIpR59D5c6N8iuYVBEVIShQNorth Star Scientific on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-star-scientific/Let's Navigate Science Careers Together!

Your degree only goes so far. Practical application is what makes you valuable.In this episode of the Pathways in Life Science podcast, we sit down with our own Managing Partner, Jeff Storelee, to discuss his transition from the QC lab at Bio-Techne to leading major sales teams. Jeff opens up about the "hard lessons" of the Northeast sales territory, why being an introvert didn't stop him from succeeding in sales, and the importance of telling customers the truth—even when it means losing a commission.Whether you're a student facing "career burnout" or a professional looking to move into business development, Jeff’s story provides a roadmap for stepping outside your comfort zone and building a career based on trust and results.00:00:00 - Introduction: The "Illustrious" career of Jeff Storelee00:00:54 - Childhood Dreams: Why I wanted to be a doctor (or a hockey player)00:01:42 - Junior Year Burnout: Pivoting away from med school00:02:35 - Starting Small: My first $27,000 lab job at R&D Systems00:04:02 - The Lab Advantage: Why every sales rep should spend time at the bench00:05:46 - Learning "Pain Points": How lab experience makes you a better consultant00:06:40 - The "Shy Kid" in Sales: Can introverts succeed in business?00:07:34 - Best Career Advice: "You don't get anything without asking"00:09:44 - Building Loyalty: Why I refused to sell a "piece of crap" instrument00:11:41 - The Myth of the Extroverted Salesperson00:13:16 - Selling in Boston: Developing thick skin and negotiation skills00:14:38 - Sales in 1999 vs. 2025: Competition, Pressure, and Tech00:16:45 - The Loss of In-Person Connection: Why handshakes still matter00:18:50 - The Art of Small Talk: Building professional friendships00:20:54 - Corporate vs. Startup: The freedom of being nimble at North Star00:23:23 - Advice for Graduates: Don't be narrow-minded with your career We'd be honoured if you checked us out:Pat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tea/North Star Scientific on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIpR59D5c6N8iuYVBEVIShQNorth Star Scientific on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-star-scientific/Let's Navigate Science Careers Together!

We vastly overestimate what’s possible in 2 years, but we vastly underestimate what’s possible in 10.In this episode of Pathways in Life Science, we speak with R.J. about the early 90s origins of AI and his journey through the "dot-com bubble" to founding a healthcare-focused software firm. R.J. breaks down why AI isn't just about writing poems. It's about detecting gender in retinal images, managing chronic conditions like diabetes through real-time agents, and enabling "aging in home" through invisible, non-invasive sensors.We dive deep into the ethics of AI, the importance of "ambient listening" to reduce doctor burnout, and why the biggest hurdle in health tech isn't the technology itself. It's the human process and workflow.00:00:00 - Introduction: A non-traditional path to life sciences00:00:43 - The Early 90s AI: Why R.J. chose the workforce over a PhD00:01:40 - Solving New Problems: Moving from inventory management to digital health00:02:13 - The Birth of Estenda: Launching a consulting firm during a downturn00:03:51 - AI Strategy: How GenAI has shifted from "robotics" to "creativity"00:05:44 - The Experimental Phase: Why we can't fully trust AI for coding... yet00:06:35 - Retinal Imaging: AI seeing patterns (like gender) that humans can't detect00:08:50 - The Future of Wearables: Biometric-driven food orders and health agents00:10:30 - Project Health Design: Visualizing the "Personal Health Record" in 200800:12:14 - Aging in Place: Using AI sensors to help seniors stay independent00:14:52 - Rare Diseases & Off-Label Uses: AI's ability to scan the world's research00:16:35 - Ambient Listening: Freeing doctors from their computer screens00:17:33 - Privacy & Regulation: Why R.J. isn't worried about HIPAA in the AI age00:20:14 - The Printing Press Analogy: Navigating the fear of game-changing tech00:22:11 - Ethics & Suicide Prevention: The boundaries of AI in mental health00:26:13 - The Workflow Bottleneck: Why mass adoption is a people problem00:29:18 - Productive Harmony: R.J.’s upcoming book on energy management#DigitalHealth #HealthTech #AIinHealthcare #SoftwareDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #MedTech #Biotech #LifeSciences #PatientCare #STEMCareers #PathwaysInLifeScience We'd be honoured if you checked us out:Pat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tea/North Star Scientific on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIpR59D5c6N8iuYVBEVIShQNorth Star Scientific on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-star-scientific/Let's Navigate Science Careers Together!

Culture isn't the people. It's the space between the people.In this podcast episode of Pathways in Life Science, we explore why even the best science and the most funding can't save a biotech company with a broken culture. Tom Froggatt, CEO of Singular, breaks down his "7 Building Blocks" framework for creating an environment that scales, retains talent, and navigates the unique challenges of the life sciences industry.We discuss the "Five Monkeys" experiment on cultural behavior, why hiring for "culture fit" can actually hurt your company, and how to transition a culture as a company moves from R&D to commercialization.00:00:00 - Introduction: The importance of culture in hard times00:01:14 - The Accidental Career: From English Literature to Life Sciences00:02:42 - Scaling to 500 People: Lessons from global recruitment00:03:07 - Why Science Isn't Enough: Why successful biotechs win00:04:43 - Culture as the "Ultimate Lever" for ROI00:05:46 - Environment vs. Individual Effort: Creating sustainable results00:06:57 - The Hiring Dilemma: Technical skills vs. cultural alignment00:08:44 - The "Software Engineer" Stereotype: Diversity in expression00:10:00 - The Mistake of "Culture Fit" vs. Diversity of Thought00:11:47 - The Pendulum of Culture: Navigating R&D to Commercial transitions00:13:43 - When do companies start caring about culture?00:15:43 - The "Five Monkeys" Experiment: Why changing people doesn't change culture00:19:11 - Environment shapes behavior: A personal story00:20:54 - Inspiring Leadership: The alpha monkey effect00:22:22 - The 2-Minute Elevator Pitch: Recruit, Engage, Develop00:23:00 - Deep Dive: The 7 Building Blocks to a Brilliant Culture00:25:38 - Framework for Action: Where to start when culture is subtle#Biotech #CompanyCulture #Leadership #LifeSciences #OrganizationalDevelopment #StartupAdvice #TalentRetention #HumanResources #NorthStarScientific #ExecutiveSearch We'd be honoured if you checked us out:Pat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tea/North Star Scientific on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIpR59D5c6N8iuYVBEVIShQNorth Star Scientific on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-star-scientific/Let's Navigate Science Careers Together!

Every time I fail at a venture, I learn something new and that’s how I get better.In this episode of the Pathways in Life Science podcast, we sit down with Mark Whittaker, founder of flywheel bio-conversion and co-founder of Abide Analytical. Mark shares his fascinating transition from a 20-year career at Bio-Techne to becoming a "kinetic learner" in the world of startups.We dive into unconventional topics like upcycling grocery waste into black soldier fly fertilizer, the impact of Canadian potash tariffs on US farmers, and why Mark decided not to open a cannabis testing lab despite having the funding ready. Mark also provides a grounded perspective on the future of AI. Viewing it not as a replacement for human thought, but as a "child" that we must carefully mentor.00:00:00 - Intro: The shared pain of serial entrepreneurship00:00:49 - 20 Years at Bio-Techne: From protein R&D to failure analysis00:02:25 - The Side Hustles: Aquaculture, walleye, and yellow mealworms00:03:07 - Black Soldier Flies: Turning grocery waste into value-added fertilizer00:04:26 - The Potash Problem: How tariffs are impacting North American farmers00:06:00 - The "Polymath" Personality: Why some people are driven to try everything00:07:31 - Knowing When to Walk Away: Why we didn't open a cannabis testing lab00:09:00 - Breaking Stereotypes: The sophisticated business side of the cannabis industry00:10:15 - Regulation Realities: How state vs. federal laws shape US cannabis00:11:33 - https://www.google.com/search?q=AminoAcids.com: Running a boutique analytical firm with 550+ global customers00:13:30 - The Sales Transition: From scientific discovery to making a profit00:15:30 - The Long Game: Why authenticity and being a "loss leader" builds loyalty00:18:00 - The Post-COVID "Blip": Why the biotech sector is currently stumbling00:20:17 - Will there be another pandemic? The concern over Bird Flu00:22:00 - Advice for Grads: Listen to the veterans, not just your PhD00:22:46 - AI in Life Sciences: Why it "hallucinates" and how to use it as a tool00:24:00 - Collaboration: Developing AI models for CAR-T cell culture optimization We'd be honoured if you checked us out:Pat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tea/North Star Scientific on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIpR59D5c6N8iuYVBEVIShQNorth Star Scientific on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-star-scientific/Let's Navigate Science Careers Together!

Your target audience doesn't just care about specifications. They care about the job they have to do.In this conversation on the Pathways in Life Science podcast, Jasmine walks us through her pivot from an NIH post-doc studying protein-associated fat droplets to leading marketing at companies like Amersham, GE Healthcare, and Gyros Protein Technologies. We explore the "myth" that scientists only care about data and why the life science industry should take a page from Apple’s "1,000 songs in your pocket" playbook.Jasmine also discusses her experience starting a consulting firm, the role of AI in diagnostics (specifically for non-small cell lung cancer), and her work with SAMPS (Sales and Marketing Professionals in the Life Sciences). We even touch on the recent "extra spine" grown by Canadians in the face of international political shifts.00:00:00 - Introduction: A fellow Canadian and montrealer00:00:54 - The Algonquin Frog Survey: Detecting one of the largest known viruses00:02:40 - The NIH Pivot: Leaving academia for the business of science00:03:30 - Product Marketing 101: Translating lab pain points into messaging00:05:10 - The Digital Evolution: From phone calls and conferences to SEO and webinars00:06:50 - The Multi-Touch Approach: Why people need to see a message 7 times00:07:44 - AI as a Partner: "Madame Chat" and the future of protein sciences00:09:12 - Machine Learning in Diagnostics: Mass spectrometry for lung cancer tests00:11:10 - The Human Interaction: Why bots will never replace a visit from "Pat"00:13:40 - The Consulting Jump: Testing if marketing skills work outside of science00:15:30 - The Scientist-Marketer Myth: Why technical jargon is holding the industry back00:17:10 - The Apple Lesson: Selling the "1,000 songs," not the specs00:19:15 - Trends in Outsourcing: Using specialized agencies for SEO and content00:20:10 - Lean Focus & SAMPS: Building efficient processes and professional networks00:22:30 - Politics and Science: The danger of "politicizing facts"00:24:23 - Canadian Pride: Facing global challenges with a new "spine" We'd be honoured if you checked us out:Pat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tea/North Star Scientific on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIpR59D5c6N8iuYVBEVIShQNorth Star Scientific on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-star-scientific/Let's Navigate Science Careers Together!

Every path is winding, and it doesn't matter where you start, you can always make an impact in the life sciences.In this podcast episode of Pathways in Life Science, we sit down with Carl, the man often described as the "quarterback" of Montreal’s scientific community. Carl discusses his early days in the travel industry and how a single billboard from Air Canada signaled the end of the brick-and-mortar travel agency era, prompting his shift toward the medical and biotech sectors.We explore his work at TechnoPark Montreal and AdMare BioInnovations, where he focused on turning industrial parks into "destinations." Carl also dives into the financial advantages of investing in Quebec’s biotech scene—from hydro-electric savings to competitive lab space and why he has shared one "encouraging news of the day" every single morning for the last five years.00:00:00 - Introduction: A colorful pathway from car rentals to the lab00:01:03 - The Alamo Days: Building global relationships in the travel industry00:02:10 - Travel Cuts & The Digital Shift: Predicting the end of brick-and-mortar00:03:25 - The "Sydney, Nova Scotia" Mistake: Why humans still matter in travel00:04:45 - Pivoting to Opthalmology: Getting closer to the medical sector00:05:31 - TechnoPark Montreal: Promoting a site for international investment00:06:17 - "Bringing Life to Life Sciences": The birth of the Ambassador role00:07:23 - The AdMare Merger: Creating a powerhouse for bio-innovation00:09:00 - The Serial Networker: Why Carl can't be confined to a 9-to-5 desk00:10:55 - Technopark as a Destination: Running trails, restaurants, and ecosystems00:12:43 - The Quebec Advantage: Tax breaks, Hydro-Quebec, and Lab space costs00:14:43 - Research vs. Revenue: How biotechs survive the "pre-market" years00:16:30 - Global Missions: Promoting Canadian talent in the US market00:18:03 - The 5-Year Streak: Why Carl posts "Good News" every single morning00:19:15 - Future Tech: AI, virtual labs, and the quest for personalized medicine00:20:54 - Life is Beautiful: Why Carl relates his career to the movie La Vita è BellaWe'd be honoured if you checked us out:Pat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tea/North Star Scientific on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIpR59D5c6N8iuYVBEVIShQNorth Star Scientific on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-star-scientific/Let's Navigate Science Careers Together!

Sometimes laziness is the mother of ingenuity—I was just too shy to cold call.In this episode of Pathways in Life Science, we sit down with Guillaume, founder of Biotech Connect. Guillaume explains how his hatred for cold calling led him to start hosting coffee-and-donut socials at the University of Montreal, which eventually snowballed into Canada’s premier turnkey event service for life science manufacturers.His story is a masterclass in resilience. We discuss the $10,000 "leap of faith," the reality of being acquired by a larger media company only to be fired two years later, and how he bought his own company back to rebuild it from the ashes. We also dive into the "Phoenix" moment post-pandemic, where the industry’s hunger for in-person connection led to 100% occupancy for his shows.00:00:00 - Introduction: Solving the "distribution gap" for manufacturers00:01:15 - The First Job: Antibody production and the struggle of "shy" sales00:02:45 - The Coffee & Donut Strategy: Avoiding cold calls by gathering customers00:03:51 - Genesis of Biotech Connect: Partnering with Simon to build a business00:05:40 - The Leap of Faith: Starting with $10,000 and zero security00:07:05 - Growing Pains: The early days of five-company events00:08:14 - The Acquisition: Selling Biotech Connect to LabX00:10:42 - The Plot Twist: Being fired from his own company and buying it back00:12:44 - Pandemic Panic: Canceling the 2020 schedule and launching a podcast00:14:00 - Back to the Bench: Working as a research assistant to survive COVID-1900:16:03 - The Phoenix Moment: The massive boom in post-pandemic registrations00:17:33 - The New Normal: Why working from home has made trade shows more valuable00:19:32 - The 8-Year Milestone: When he finally felt "confident" as a full-time CEO00:22:50 - Ego vs. Success: Being trained by a Master's student after a PhD We'd be honoured if you checked us out:Pat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tea/North Star Scientific on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIpR59D5c6N8iuYVBEVIShQNorth Star Scientific on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-star-scientific/Let's Navigate Science Careers Together!

Breakthroughs in medicine are useless unless patients can access them.In this episode of the PATHWAYS IN LIFE SCIENCE podcast, Kaitlyn Sai shares her harrowing journey of being diagnosed with ITP, a condition where the immune system destroys its own platelets. After traditional treatments failed and she ended up in the emergency room with life-threatening bleeding, her doctor prescribed a game-changing drug called Eltrombopag (Promacta).The catch? Her insurance company denied coverage, leaving her with an impossible $8,000 per month bill. Kaitlyn discusses the "contract exclusions" that nearly cost her her life, the incredible community effort that raised $22,000 for her first dose, and why she is now adding "patient advocate" to her medical school journey.00:00:00 - Introduction: The "other side" of life science research00:02:19 - Diagnosis: Discovering ITP and the biology of low platelets00:03:52 - Treatment Phase 1: Corticosteroids and the limits of steroids00:04:43 - Treatment Phase 2: Rituximab and the mouse-human antibody connection00:05:16 - The ER Visit: When ITP becomes life-threatening00:06:04 - The Breakthrough: How Eltrombopag (Promacta) works00:07:26 - Sticker Shock: The $8,000/month pharmacy bill00:08:25 - The Insurance Battle: Prior authorizations and denied appeals00:09:41 - Community Hope: How a LinkedIn post and GoFundMe saved her life00:12:32 - The "Contract Exclusion" Loophole: Reading the denial letter00:13:46 - Systemic Failure: Why US laws on insurance transparency need to change00:15:43 - Advocacy: Why scientists must fight for patient access00:18:03 - The Road Ahead: Balancing Med School with a new mission00:18:50 - The Reality of Medical Bankruptcy in the US#HealthcareReform #RareDisease #ITP #PatientAdvocacy #Biotech #HealthInsurance #MedStudent #MedicalBankruptcy #LifeSciences #STEM #NorthStarScientificWe'd be honoured if you checked us out:Pat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tea/North Star Scientific on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIpR59D5c6N8iuYVBEVIShQNorth Star Scientific on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-star-scientific/Let's Navigate Science Careers Together!

Every path is winding, and most of the time it goes up and down.In this episode of the Pathways in Life Science podcast, we sit down with Sarah, Sales Manager at Atelerix, to talk about the reality of finding your place in the life sciences. Sarah opens up about her "chaotic" background—starting with a biotechnology degree and a year-long stint testing dishwashing pods that made her never want to step foot in a lab again.We explore her transition into teaching and recruitment, where she spent over a decade learning the "professional nosiness" required to build deep relationships. Now, she’s leading the charge for a game-changing technology that preserves cells and tissues at room temperature, eliminating the need for complex cold-chain logistics.00:00:00 - Introduction: The winding paths of life science careers00:01:03 - The Biotech Degree: Hopes for medicine vs. reality00:01:41 - The Dishwasher Phase: Formulation science at Proctor & Gamble00:03:58 - The "Why" Gap: Why the lab environment wasn't a fit00:04:42 - Graduating in a Crisis: Working as a support worker in 200900:04:55 - Teaching Science: Re-engaging teens with vocational science00:06:51 - Soft Skills: Learning the "Business Email" and Outlook00:08:12 - ADHD and Career Fit: Why repetitive work is a dealbreaker00:09:18 - Breaking into Recruitment: From job seeker to headhunter00:10:30 - The "Sales" Stigma: Transitioning from retail targets to consultative partnerships00:11:43 - The 15-Pound Holiday: Selling bed linen and electricity00:13:15 - Discovering Adalierix: Why the "Hedgehog" technology blew her mind00:16:20 - Room Temperature Logistics: Solving the cell-shipping nightmare00:17:29 - Scaling Global Business: Replacing hand-delivered cell models00:19:18 - Sales Strategy: Persistence and the "Volume Game" in disruptive tech00:22:50 - Advice for Graduates: Exploring roles beyond the bench00:24:31 - The Weirdest Encounter: Recruiting for a "fragrance house" (The armpit sniffer)00:26:43 - Condom Quality Assurance: The reality of customer returns#LifeSciences #CareerJourney #Biotech #SalesStrategy #Recruitment #CellPreservation #CareerAdvice #STEMCareers #NorthStarScientific #WomenInScience We'd be honoured if you checked us out:Pat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tea/North Star Scientific on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIpR59D5c6N8iuYVBEVIShQNorth Star Scientific on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-star-scientific/Let's Navigate Science Careers Together!