Being a Life Sciences Leader

Send a textTune in to the Season 8 finale of Being a Life Sciences Leader featuring Will Kane. In this episode, Will reflects on his leadership experiences that span startups and global organizations. Learn about his role leading organizations through clinical trials, funding, acquisitions and commercialization, the evolution of his leadership style and advice for aspiring leaders in the life sciences industry.

Send a textTune in to this episode featuring David Fajgenbaum, MD, MBA, MSc, as he shares his remarkable journey from being diagnosed with Castleman disease to identifying a repurposed drug that ultimately saved his life. Learn how his experience led to the founding of Every Cure and how drug repurposing is creating new hope for patients living with rare diseases.

Send a textTune in to this episode featuring Kris, Vaddi, PhD, as he shares his insights on leadership, vision and resilience. From founding successful biotech and therapeutic companies to pioneering a product that generates nearly $5 billion in worldwide sales, Kris reflects on the lessons that shaped his career and offers advice for leaders entering the biotech and pharmaceutical space. 

Send a textTune in to this episode to hear from Jeanne Cunicelli as she discusses her role as the President of UPMC Enterprises. Learn about her experience as a venture capitalist, leadership advice for emerging leaders in the industry, the opportunities coming out of UPMC Enterprises and what the future holds for the city of Pittsburgh.

Send a textTune in to this episode to hear from Ger Brophy as he discusses his global leadership success. Learn about his career spanning the UK, Sweden, Ireland and the United States, his role in the completion of a $3.33 billion IPO and advice for aspiring leaders on what it takes to be a successful leader in the life sciences.

Send a textIn this episode, Nick shares his career journey spanning almost 30 years of clinical and industry experience in the life sciences, including orthopedic surgery, med tech and biotech. Learn about Nick's career path and his advice to aspiring leaders in the industry shaped by his experience as an operator, board member, advisor and investor.

Send a textEpisode 3 features Jonathan Steckbeck, PhD, MBA, CEO & Founder, Peptilogics. Tune in as Jonathan shares his career journey, the inspiration behind starting Peptilogics - a company that revolutionizes the discovery process for novel peptide therapeutics and his advice for emerging leaders in the industry.

Send a textThis episode features Teresa Whalen, CEO, CytoAgents. Learn about Teresa's motivation to keeping patients at the forefront of her work, her experience as a leader in the life sciences industry, advice on how to fundraise in a difficult environment and how CytoAgents was able to secure NIH funding to advance the research on cytokine release syndrome (CRS).

Send a textThis episode features Caroll Neubauer, Executive Advisor, Water Street Healthcare Advisors. Learn about Caroll's career spanning over 3 decades in the med tech industry, his leadership role as the Chairman and CEO at B. Braun USA and advice for aspiring leaders in the industry.

Send a textTune in and learn about the $660 million public offering Madrigal Pharmaceuticals received to deliver novel therapeutics for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Hear from Bill Sibold as he shares his experience leading one of the year's most significant biotech fundraisings, the preparations and strategies behind the raise and how this milestone positions Madrigal to bring innovative treatments to patients.

Send a textJoin us as Senator Robinson discusses his key role in passing SB954 - which provides Pennsylvanians better access to personalized treatments following a diagnosis of cancer and other specific diseases through biomarker testing and precision medicine. Learn about Senator Robinson's journey as the bill's prime sponsor, the collaborative efforts to get it unanimously passed in the Senate and what this milestone means for patients and Pennsylvania's healthcare system.

Send a textTune in to this episode with Representative Mullins, recipient of the 2024 State Official of the Year Award, and learn about his pivotal role in passing HB 1754 - which requires all state-regulated health plans to cover comprehensive biomarker testing. Hear about the personal motivation Representative Mullins had to be the prime sponsor of this bill, the collaborative efforts leading to this near unanimous passage in the House of Representatives and what this milestone means for patients and the Pennsylvania Healthcare system moving forward.

Send a textBen Doranz, recipient of the 2024 Frank Baldino Bioscience CEO of the Year Award, joins Chris and Rachael this episode to discuss how he led his team through a transformative year in 2024. Under Ben's leadership, Integral Molecular secured an $8 million contract from NIAID to combat emerging viruses, as well as $2.7 million award to advance the Membrane Proteome Array for FDA qualifications as a drug development tool. If that wasn't enough, Ben also discussed the launch of Cell Surface Bio, a transformative antibody startup that will position itself as a key plater in the antibody reagent market. Hear how his vision will transform the industry, and how he takes steps to give back to the Philadelphia and PA life sciences community. 

Send a textThis episode features Adrian (Ad) Rawcliffe, CEO, Adaptimmune, recipient of the Life Sciences PA 2024 Patient Impact Award.Ad shares the story behind TECELRA - the first FDA approved engineered cell therapy for a solid tumor. Learn about the journey leading up to this groundbreaking approval, the challenges of bringing a cell therapy to market and the next steps for Adaptimmune in the landscape of tumor treatments.

Send a textThis episode features Fred Vogt, Interim CEO at Iovance Biotherapeutics, recipient of the 2024 Patient Impact Award. In this episode, Fred shares the journey behind AMTAGVI - the first FDA approved tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy. Learn about the clinical trial process, how they brought this groundbreaking treatment to market, the impact the Iovance team has on the life sciences industry and how the state of Pennsylvania is supporting Iovance's efforts to treating patients. 

Send a textThis episode features Rob Albert, CEO of B. Braun of America, the organization receiving the 2024 Patient Impact Award. Hear from Rob and discover how B. Braun took decisive action during Hurricanes Helene and Milton to secure the supply of critical I.V. fluids to hospitals affected by these disasters. Learn how they collaborated with government agencies like the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), navigated challenges, and ensured patients had the necessary resources in a time of crisis. 

Send a textAdele Oliva, recipient of the 2025 Hubert J.P. Schoemaker Leadership Award joins Chris and Rachael to discuss her impact on the life sciences industry in PA supporting the growth of commercial stage healthcare companies. In this episode, hear how her career path ultimately led to finding a gap in the ecosystem and later found 1315 Capital. Learn about the best way to build a strong team and how she hopes the 1315 impact will live on for generations. 

Send a textThis episode features Jeffrey O'Donnell Sr., the recipient of the 2025 John Nash MedTech Leadership Award. This award recognizes an outstanding leader in the PA MedTech community who best exemplifies the spirit of innovation. Learn how Jeff's passion for medicine and curiosity led him to take leaps throughout his career that altered his life and the work of the med tech community in Pennsylvania and beyond. 

Send a textSeason 7 of Being a Life Sciences Leader launches with interviews with our 2025 Annual Award Honorees. Paul Frankhouser will be honored with the 2025 Scientific Achievement Award for his decades of experience bringing innovative technology to patients. Hear how Paul's 42 year career at Arrow International led to his participation in hundreds of patents and how he continues to give his expert advice to organizations in the medical technology space today

Send a textThe season finale of Being a Life Sciences Leader features a LIVE recording from our Patient Summit held in November 2024. Suzanna Masartis, CEO of the Community Liver Alliance, joins Chris and Allison Nicklin of Goodwin to discuss her journey from volunteering at a young age to advocacy and collaboration with other non-profit leaders to enact change. Hear best practices on working with your local and state legislators to educate them on legislation that affects patient access. 

Send a textEpisode 6 features Kyle Bryant, Senior Director, rideATAXIA & Spokesperson, Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA). Hear Kyle's inspiring story of living with a rare disease, Friedreich's Ataxia, and how he incorporates his passion of cycling to empower those living with Friedreich's Ataxia and raise funds for research. Kyle is also co-host of the Two Disabled Dudes podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts.

Send a textEpisode 5 features Rob Long, Executive Director, Uplifting Athletes. Rob tells his inspiring story of being a D1 athlete and NFL draft prospect to persevering through a rare form of brain cancer. Tune in to learn more about Rob's experience and how Uplifting Athletes is leveraging the platform of sports to build a community that invests in the lives of people living with rare diseases.

Send a textIn this episode, Lesa shares how her daughter's diagnosis of Krabbe disease and tragic passing launched her into a career of advocacy, ultimately leading to legislative action in Pennsylvania around newborn screening panels and access for patients. 

Send a textIn this episode hear Marie's inspiring story living with a rare disease, her motivation to help others facing rare conditions through her work with the Pennsylvania Rare Disease Advisory Council (PARDAC) and how the Conley Cushing's Disease Fund is contributing to promoting awareness. 

Send a textEpisode 2 features Pat Halpin-Murphy, President & Founder, and Joanne Grossi, Executive Vice President of the PA Breast Cancer Coalition. Listen to their inspiring stories and experiences, the reason hey are taking action in the fight against breast cancer, and the contributions they have made to finding a cure.

Send a textThe latest episode features Kristin Smedley, mother of two children with retinal blindness. Kristin explains how she went from school teacher to advocate, sharing anecdotes of "wins and losses" in her fight for patient access. 

Send a textIn this episode, John Crowley, recipient of the 2024 Hubert J.P. Schoemaker Leadership Award, discusses how his children's diagnosis of a rare disease altered his career path to becoming a leader in the life sciences. Learn more about John's motivation to improve the lives of patients through his new role as President & CEO at BIO.

Send a textIn this episode, Jeff Dayno, MD, recipient of the 2023 Frank Baldino Bioscience CEO of the Year Award, discusses his role as the CEO of Harmony Biosciences. Learn more about the leadership traits Jeff utilizes to combat external challenges, develop treatments for rare diseases and drive growth.

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Send a textA new episode of Being a Life Sciences Leader, honoring the 2023 Deal of the Year recipient, is now available to stream. In this episode, Jon Congleton, President and CEO of Mineralys Therapeutics, discusses the success of raising $192 million during Mineralys' IPO. Learn more about the growth of the company, how they found success in difficult markets, and the future of addressing unmet needs for patients.

Send a textA new episode of Being a Life Sciences Leader, honoring the 2023 Patient Impact Award recipient, is now available. In this episode, Krish Krishnan, Chairman & CEO, and Suma Krishnan, President of Research & Development, discuss Krystal Biotech's VYJUVEK - the first ever FDA approved redosable gene therapy.

Send a textIn this episode, United States Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan, recipient of the 2023 Federal Official of the Year Award, discusses her role as the first woman ever to represent Pennsylvania's 6th District in Congress. Learn more about Congresswoman Houlahan and how she co-sponsored legislation important to the life sciences, including the American Innovation and R&D Competitiveness Act and the Ensuring Patient Access to Breakthrough Products Act.

Send a textIn this episode, Lisa Witte, organization sponsor of the 2024 Scientific Achievement Award, discusses the characteristics Jerry McGinnis displayed that propelled his successful career. Learn about the progress of scientific achievements throughout Pennsylvania and the impact Jerry's work has made on the medical device community.

Send a textDavid Anderson, recipient of the 2024 John Nash MedTech Leadership Award, discusses his successful career in the medical device field. Learn more about David's exceptional achievements founding multiple companies and advancing innovation.

Send a textA new episode of Being a Life Sciences Leader has just been released. In this episode, Pennsylvania State Representative Tim Briggs, recipient of the 2023 State Official of the Year Award, discusses his role as co-chair of the House Life Sciences Caucus. Learn more about Rep Briggs and how he works to support the life science industry that plays a crucial role in both the local and state economies.

Send a textTune in to Season 5 of the Being a Life Sciences Leader podcast to hear from the Annual Award recipients. In this episode, Tim Sullivan, recipient of the President's Service Award, discusses his remarkable career in government affairs. Learn more about Tim's role in implementing the adoption of significant policy initiatives.

Send a textAs the year comes to an end, Chris Molineaux and Rachael Bushey take the mike one final time to discuss the major themes and top lessons. From a year with no shortage of challenges, hear the four best approaches our guests utilize to lead their teams and work toward a stronger future for their organization. 

Send a textTom Sellig, MBA, CEO of Adare Pharma Solutions, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of having a vision of collaboration and alignment within an organization. Learn more about Tom's journey in constructing a leadership team and discover key insights into effective decision-making practices. 

Send a textRandy Hubbell, MBA, former President & CEO of Carmell Corporation, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of humility and persevering as a leader in the life sciences industry. Learn more about Randy's experience in building a culture within a start-up company, his role in creating a new brand identity and how he led a successful transition to a publicly traded company.

Send a textPete DiBattiste, M.D., President & CEO of Prolocor, joins the podcast to discuss his journey from practicing medicine to pursuing the life sciences industry and the transition from large pharma to a start-up company. Pete emphasizes the importance of building a network and the abundance of scientific advancements inside and outside the walls of big pharma companies.

Send a textAl Gianchetti, President & CEO of XyloCor Therapeutics joins Chris and Rachael to discuss how more than 20 years in large pharma brought him to the opportunity of becoming the CEO of a biotech start-up. Learn Al's perspective on selecting the right team and how he has built his leadership traits over time. 

Send a textChris Burns, PhD, President & CEO of Venatorx, joins the podcast and discusses the importance of having confidence in life and leadership. Chris describes his personal journey fighting against external hurdles, the affect psychology has on all aspects of business and his passion for bridging the intersection of science and business.

Send a textJeffrey Dayno, MD, President & CEO of Harmony Biosciences, discusses the jump from academia to industry, including how to know the right time to make that decision in your career. Dr. Dayno shares his passion for making a broad impact and and how he took his insights from clinical medicine and applied them as he advanced his career, so that his teams could understand the art and the science of therapeutic decision making.

Send a textHear the ins and outs of starting a small business from Actuated Medical President & CEO Maureen Mulvihill. Maureen shares her expertise at optimizing capital and how utilizing government grants can propel your business forward. Learn how continuing education is important for servant-leaders who strive to make their employees feel secure. 

Send a textExperienced life sciences industry and academia leader Dr. Phil Johnson, CEO of Interius Biotherapeutics, discusses the importance of finding out what your people need to succeed and being an advocate for them. Find out how Phil advanced through his career, aided occasionally by a little bit of luck and by identifying and seizing opportunities.

Send a textJoe Truitt, CEO of iECURE, gives advice about how to build a culture as a CEO and how focusing on internal company needs leads to external success. As a non-scientist, Joe discusses how to evaluate opportunities in biotech without a scientific background and the importance of being aggressive while making future plans in biotech.

Send a textJohn Furey, CEO at Imvax, discusses the important qualities of leaders, including maintaining flexibility and curiosity while transitioning from technical prowess to leadership prowess. John also explains how hope and clarity are foundational traits for leaders to provide to their staff in order to build a successful team.

Send a textTom Anderson, CEO and Director of SwanBio Therapeutics, explains how a mentor influenced a change early on in his career. Through his experience at both large pharma and start-ups, Tom discusses the importance of having a credo in business and how to manage a board in a way that benefits your company.

Send a textAs an experienced biotech investor, Brian Halak, Managing Partner at Medical Excellence Capital, shares his perspective as a CEO/investor and what investors look for in a CEO. In this episode, learn about characteristics to look for in Board members and the importance of using communication skills to build a consensus on your team.

Send a textA new episode of Being a Life Sciences Leader is available now! Doug Manion became the new President & CEO of Aclaris Therapeutics January 1, 2023. In this episode, learn how taking the time to talk with each employee when you're the new leader of an organization can help ease a change of leadership. Doug discusses his career and the importance of passing on your leadership knowledge to proteges.