SpreadLove In Organizations

This episode is in partnership with Boston Biotechnology Summit, a bridge to collaboration and innovative synergies between healthcare stakeholders. In this conversation, we speak with Matthias Lambert, a scientist and patient advocate, who shares his remarkable journey from being a patient to becoming a scientist. Matthias was born with a rare neuromuscular disease. Despite being the only one in his family with this condition, he didn't know the genetic cause for 25 years. However, during his PhD, he discovered the gene responsible for his disease, TPM3. Matthias now works at a lab in Boston, focusing on neuromuscular diseases. He emphasizes the importance of patient scientists in drug discovery, highlighting that their work directly impacts their lives and the lives of others with similar conditions. Matthias discusses the challenges of working on rare diseases, including funding and the scarcity of research talent in the field. He explains the significance of innovation in gene therapy, particularly in finding effective delivery methods to target specific tissues. Matthias stresses the need for a more inclusive approach to research, with patients playing a crucial role in decision-making processes. Lastly, Matthias urges healthcare leaders to listen to patients, emphasizing that patients often know more about their own diseases than anyone else. He encourages patients to speak up and pursue their ideas, serving as an inspiration and beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges. "Our metric is to save lives" MEET OUR GUEST Matthias Lambert Senior Scientist in the division of Genetics and Genomics at Boston Children's Hospital. Matthias Lambert is a Senior Scientist in the division of Genetics and Genomics at Boston Children's Hospital, and Instructor in the department of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. Matthias identifies as a patient-scientist, navigating life with a rare congenital myopathy. His research focuses on studying the mechanisms that contribute to the pathogenesis of rare muscle diseases including his own genetic condition. He is actively engaged in pioneering efforts to advance cutting-edge therapies for these conditions. His work is supported by prestigious grants from the National Institutes of Health, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), and the AFM-Telethon. In 2024, Matthias plans to establish his own independent research group.

This episode is in collaboration with MIT Sloan Healthcare and BioInnovations Conference, an event that brings the healthcare ecosystem together. On today's episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Britt Wahlin, a passionate advocate for gender equity and reproductive justice. Britt shared her insights on the progress we've made in these areas, highlighting the development of more inclusive frameworks for discussing these crucial issues. She emphasized the importance of reproductive justice, a framework created by Black women that goes beyond just abortion rights to encompass broader issues like the right to have children, not to have children, and to raise children in safe communities. While acknowledging the progress made, Britt also discussed the setbacks we're facing in reproductive health and rights due to policies and politicians threatening bodily autonomy. We delved into Britt's work with Free the Pill, a coalition-driven campaign advocating for over-the-counter access to birth control. She explained how, after two decades of advocacy, the FDA approved the first over-the-counter birth control pill last year. However, Britt emphasized that the work is far from over, as they now focus on ensuring the product is accessible and affordable to all who need it. Britt also shared her leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of leading with values, collaboration, and principled partnerships. She discussed her approach to effective leadership, which prioritizes collaboration and empowerment. Finally, she offered valuable advice to healthcare leaders, encouraging them to prioritize innovation, listen to communities, and work towards expanding access to care. Britt's insights offer valuable lessons for anyone passionate about social impact and healthcare equity. "Leading with values, collaboration, and principled partnerships is key to making impactful and sustainable change" MEET OUR GUEST Britt Wahlin Vice President for Development and Public Affairs at Ibis Reproductive Health. Britt Wahlin is the Vice President for Development and Public Affairs at Ibis Reproductive Health, a global nonprofit research organization working to advance sexual and reproductive autonomy, choices, and health. She leads fund development, communications, and policy and advocacy initiatives and serves on the senior management team. Britt is proud to be part of the leadership of Free the Pill, a coalition-driven campaign operated by Ibis that aims to move birth control pills over the counter in the United States and ensure they are affordable, covered by insurance, and available to people of all ages without a prescription. Before Ibis, Britt created public engagement campaigns for social justice-themed films and worked in women’s and girls’ philanthropy. Britt obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Modern Thought and Literature and Master of Arts in Humanities from Stanford University. She lives in Charlottesville, Virginia, with her husband and two daughters.

This episode is in collaboration with MIT Sloan Healthcare and BioInnovations Conference, an event that brings the healthcare ecosystem together. In this episode, I sat with Michael McKeown Head of Research at Bullseye Biosciences. We discussed his journey from academia to entrepreneurship and his leadership experience in biotech. Michael highlights the importance of mentorship, learning from others, and the need for humility in leadership. He emphasizes the significance of reducing mistakes in scientific endeavors and adapting to new technologies and methodologies. We also discuss the future of clinical trials, focusing on the importance of biomarkers, decentralization, and innovation. Michael advocates for leveraging biomarkers to match the right patients with the right drugs, as well as embracing decentralized trials to increase diversity and accessibility. "Science is hard. We've got to reduce our incidents of mistakes that we could have prevented." MEET OUR GUEST Michael McKeown Head of Research at Bullseye Biosciences. Michael McKeown is CSO/head of research for a stealth start-up at the Pagliuca Harvard Life Labs. Michael started out in California getting his BS in Chemistry at UCSD and working in the Nobel Prize winning Tsien lab on fluorescent proteins. He then moved to Boston, earning a PhD in Chemical Biology from Harvard while working on novel cancer therapeutics at the DFCI. During this time, Michael contributed to several start-ups spun out the the lab, ultimately joining Syros Pharmaceuticals. As part of this work, he developed novel patient biomarker and pharmacodynamic markers to enable selection of the right patients and kinetic monitoring of response. With 10 years of industry drug discovery and development experience in the Boston area, Michael has contributed and led multiple successful programs. Most recently, he led pharmacology at Kronos Bio supporting combinations, biomarkers, and PD assays for the clinical programs as well as leading biology for their most advanced pre-clinical program generating an asset currently in IND enabling studies.

This episode is in collaboration with MIT Sloan Healthcare and BioInnovations Conference, an event that brings the healthcare ecosystem together. In this episode, I sat with JR Clark, whose story is a testament to adaptability and recognizing opportunities for growth and change, from consulting to addressing the crucial issue of access and healthcare affordability. We discussed the imperative of addressing financial toxicity and ensuring equitable access to care. JR underscores the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including health insurers, employers, and technology innovators, in advancing solutions to mitigate barriers to healthcare. He emphasizes the pivotal role of leadership in achieving those goals by promoting compassion, empathy, and inclusivity within healthcare organizations, ultimately striving for better patient outcomes and societal well-being. "People shouldn't have to make different decisions based upon whether or not they can pay for care" MEET OUR GUEST JR Clark Senior Vice President at Paytient. J.R. Clark is the Senior Vice President of Health Plan Product and Strategy at Paytient Technologies, where he partners with thoughtful employers, insurers, and health systems to help people better access and afford healthcare. J.R. is a former Director and Actuary of Anthem (Elevance), where he was known for his public exchange marketplace strategies and creation of alternative products in the Individual and Small Employer segments. Prior to that, he was an actuarial consultant with Watson Wyatt Worldwide (now known as Willis Towers Watson). He began his career as a nuclear engineer with Florida Power and Light in Juno Beach, Florida, where he developed optimization strategies for spent nuclear fuel. J.R. obtained a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Mechanical Engineering and completed graduate coursework in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He is an Associate of the Society of Actuaries and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries. J.R. resides in St. Louis, Missouri with his wife, son, daughter, and cat.

In this podcast interview, Joubin Hatamzadeh shares his journey from studying biomedical engineering in Iran to becoming a leader in sustainability. He emphasizes his diverse work experiences, from medical devices to quality control in manufacturing, which shaped his entrepreneurial mindset and problem-solving skills. Joubin stresses the importance of adaptability, drawn from his upbringing during the Iranian Revolution and wartime uncertainties. Discussing his role at Greentown Labs, a climate tech incubator, Joubin highlights the need for genuine leadership and intentionality in driving impactful change. He emphasizes empathy and human connection, as crucial for organizational success. Joubin's optimism stems from the growth of climate tech startups and evolving corporate attitudes toward environmental responsibility. He underscores the importance of innovation and collaboration for a more sustainable future, advocating for spreading love and empathy within organizations to drive meaningful progress. "As long as you work with humans, have empathy" MEET OUR GUEST Joubin Hatamzadeh Chief Operating Officer at Greentown Labs. Joubin Hatamzadeh Chief Operating Officer at Greentown Labs, a community on a mission to solve the climate crisis through entrepreneurship and collaboration. Prior to joining Greetown Labs, Joubin served as the Head of Operations and Administrative Services at French Tech Hub, where he led a team that helped international technology companies expand and succeed in the US market. He has also worked at MDL Corporation and NeuroRx Research.

In this episode, Moktar Diallo, a seasoned leader in healthcare, shared his remarkable journey from a rebel student to a passionate advocate for data optimization in healthcare. Moktar's trajectory into the pharmaceutical realm was serendipitous, stemming from an early knack for computing and various interim jobs. Throughout his career spanning various companies like BMS and Sanofi, Moktar was struck by the inefficiencies in managing data, driving him to harness his talent for data management to generate savings and improve practices. Moktar's journey elucidates the critical role of data in revolutionizing healthcare. His insights underscore the pressing need for organizations to transcend data silos and embrace a unified data ecosystem. He advocates for transparency and shared knowledge, emphasizing that transparent data sharing facilitates better decision-making and fosters healthier, more equitable outcomes. Moktar's leadership philosophy revolves around embracing change, valuing transparency, and leveraging data to drive impactful decisions. "Data transparently shared becomes a tool of performance, empowering individuals and fostering healthier, more equitable outcomes" MEET OUR GUEST Moktar Diallo Chief Executive Officer at Mangabey. Moktar Diallo founded Mangabey in 2022 and brings over two decades of expertise in creating cutting-edge business intelligence systems. Dedicated to transforming global pharma data interactions, Moktar is a leading authority on international change management and transformative data architecture for multinational commercial operations. Having spent the past 20 years shaping the business intelligence landscape, Moktar has consistently been at the forefront of innovation. At Mangabey, he leads a team of data and analytics experts, driving commercial data operations focusing on lean, open, and unified data ecosystems. Moktar’s impact extends beyond technology and operations; he is passionate about helping top-level business leaders navigate enterprise-wide change. Prior to Mangabey, Moktar’s transformative leadership at Sanofi revolutionized the company's Business Intelligence capabilities, contributing to substantial sales growth across a global footprint. His strategic initiatives included successful acquisitions and operational optimizations that led to significant cost savings. During his impactful tenure at Bristol Myers Squibb, Moktar centralized and automated performance management, created a fully integrated information system, and led a team of high-performing analysts, earning recognition for his contributions. Moktar Diallo is not just a CEO; he is a seasoned expert, guiding businesses toward success through innovation, strategic vision, and a passion for transformative change.

Adam Castano, a renowned figure in the fields of cardiology and biotechnology, shared his compelling journey from a childhood influenced by his parents' professions—his mother, a Freudian psychoanalyst, and his father, a cardiologist—to his current role in the biotech world. Growing up in an international setting, he developed a passion for science and medicine, leading him to pursue studies in molecular biology and medicine. During his medical training, Adam discovered his interest in cardiology, particularly in rare diseases like cardiac amyloidosis. Motivated by a desire to make a global impact, he transitioned from academia to the biopharmaceutical industry, joining Pfizer and later Bridge Bio. Throughout his career, Adam emphasizes the importance of humility, purpose, and patient-centered care. He encourages leaders to maintain a focus on health equity, uphold ethical standards, and foster a culture of love and passion within their organizations. Reflecting on his experiences, Castano underscores the interconnectedness of heart and mind in leadership, advocating for a holistic approach that prioritizes patient well-being, intellectual rigor, and emotional commitment. He concludes with a call for healthcare leaders worldwide to prioritize purpose, intellectual excellence, and compassionate leadership to drive meaningful change in healthcare. "Character is at the heart of leadership. People follow those who display ethical and moral character." MEET OUR GUEST Adam Castano Senior Medical Director in Global Clinical Development at Merck & Co. Adam Castaño, MD MS is a Senior Medical Director in Global Clinical Development at Merck & Co. He is a board-certified cardiologist and industry professional dedicated to the singular unifying purpose of bringing about innovative therapies and breakthroughs that improve patients’ lives. Previously he led development programs in cardiac amyloidosis at BridgeBio and Pfizer Inc. He also served as Assistant Professor and Co-Director of the Center for Cardiac Amyloidosis at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons. Personally, Adam enjoys living in New York City’s Upper East Side with his wife Maria, son Marty, and Norwich Terrier, Buzz Aldrin. He enjoys nature, Legos, tennis, traveling the world, and the cultivation of great conversations with friends over wine and good food. This episode is in partnership with Jill Donahue. Jill published her third book recently A Dose of Inspiration: 100 Purpose Stories From Pharma Leaders and we partnered together to bring to light those incredible stories. You can find here or wherever you podcast more episodes with some of those executives. Download the ebook now for a free dose of inspiration here: excellerate.ca/freebook/

In this heartfelt and insightful conversation, Kate Isaacs, a passionate advocate for connecting individuals with their deeper purpose and fostering positive change, shared her journey and wisdom with me. Kate, drawing from her background in social psychology and leadership development, emphasized the importance of aligning personal and organizational purpose with values to create meaningful impact. She highlighted the power of storytelling in driving change, citing examples of how compelling narratives can inspire action and mobilize communities. Throughout this conversation, we talked about the significance of embracing polarities and cultivating a culture of empathy and understanding, especially in navigating complex societal issues. Kate encouraged us as leaders to foster environments where diverse perspectives are valued and collaboration is prioritized, emphasizing the transformative potential of collective dialogue and shared purpose. In closing, Kate left us with a poignant reflection: "Where do I feel alive?" Encouraging us to seek out spaces and endeavors that ignite our sense of purpose and joy, she underscored the profound connection between personal fulfillment and meaningful impact. With her profound insights and compassionate approach, Kate illuminated a path forward for leaders seeking to navigate complexity, drive change, and spread love within their organizations and beyond. "Go where you feel most alive" MEET OUR GUEST Kate Isaacs Teacher, scholar, speaker, strategy advisor. Storyteller, gardener, ecologist, mom. Teaching @MIT Sloan. Creating systems for people & places to thrive. Kate Isaacs is a scholar, teacher, and strategy advisor who designs organizations and stakeholder partnerships for people and places to thrive. She draws on design thinking, system dynamics, and developmental psychology to help leaders create conditions for collective intelligence, agile performance, and transformative change. Kate is a Senior Lecturer at the MIT Sloan School of Management. A recent interview with Isaacs and her colleagues about their work on Nimble Leadership was selected for publication in HBR at 100: The Most Influential and Innovative Articles from Harvard Business Review’s First Century. Kate is cofounder of a new MIT Sloan Executive Education program in 2024, Businesses for Inclusive Local Thriving Lab (BILT-Lab) for business-led teams to accelerate their impact on local talent development, workforce participation, and community prosperity. She also teaches short courses on topics of Leading with Purpose, Optimizing Team Performance, and Adaptive Distributed Innovation, all with a focus on inclusive innovation and human thriving. Kate consults with organizations in all sectors on strategy and culture change, and she specializes in designing peer-based learning experiences and facilitating multi-stakeholder collaborations. She is a certified Shadow Work coach and is trained in Internal Family Systems therapy. She emphasizes the positive potential in people and organizations—noticing and expanding what is already working—and releasing obstacles that block our natural orientation towards joy, creativity, growth, and health. She is a dynamic and engaging speaker who delivers inspiring keynote addresses to large corporate audiences. She is a frequent author on topics of leadership, innovation, systems change, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and corporate sustainability for publications including the Harvard Business Review, the Sloan Management Review, strategy+business, Chief Executive, The Hill, and The Conversation. Kate holds a PhD in organization studies from the MIT Sloan School of Management, an MS degree in technology and policy from the MIT Engineering Systems Division, an MS degree in conscious evolution from the Graduate Institute, and a BS in biology from the Oakland University Honors College.

In this podcast episode, Naji Gehchan interviews Vinit Nijhawan, a seasoned entrepreneur and investor, exploring his journey and insights into building successful startups and leading high-performing teams. Vinit shares his simple yet impactful journey from founding and scaling startups in tech to transitioning into a role where he mentors and invests in other entrepreneurs. He emphasizes the importance of a strong team, good technology, and timing in the success of startups. Vinit also highlights the qualities he looks for in a founding team, including coachability and a balance of determination and flexibility. The conversation delves into the nuances of building teams, navigating cultural differences, and fostering trust within organizations. Vinit stresses the significance of trust, generosity, and genuine care in leadership, advocating for an entrepreneurial mindset that constantly questions the status quo and seeks innovative solutions. "Leadership is about genuine care and generosity; it's the ultimate empathy in action" MEET OUR GUEST Vinit Nijhawan Investor, Entrepreneur, and Academic. Vinit Nijhawan is a strategic visionary who has conceived and built several technology organizations that have been acquired by companies such as Boeing, Motorola and Qualcomm. He is an admired leader and mentor who has built or inherited and then effectively managed several high-performance teams. He has worked in many industries: computing, aerospace, logistics, supply chain, manufacturing, telecommunications, medical devices, biopharma, synthetic biology, advanced materials, etc. Vinit is an empathetic and collaborative team member and stays connected with all his past supervisors, mentors and many of his former employees and students. In 2008, Vinit intentionally pivoted his career from technology entrepreneur and CEO, to helping other entrepreneurs with a special focus on academia. He began teaching Entrepreneurship at Boston University and subsequently led the Office of Technology Development from 2010-2016 (he published a peer reviewed paper on that experience: Maximize Collisions, Minimize Friction). In this role, Vinit participated in several BU committees and organizations, such as the BUildLab, Faculty Innovation Network, Conflict of Interest Committee, Coulter Translational Program, Fraunhofer Grants, CTSI and on the board of the National Academy of Inventors. Additionally, he has represented BU on several boards and business plan/grant review panels. Subsequently, Vinit took the OTD experience and launched a national academic IP monetization program with 40 institutions engaged, including UC Berkeley and UCLA. He launched Waterloo Alumni Angels at his alma mater. Most recently, Vinit is the Managing Director of MassVentures. Steeped in respect for diversity and with a deep passion for exploration and adventure, Vinit is strong in his commitment to family, friends and colleagues.

In this insightful podcast episode, Naji engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Richard Dale, a seasoned leader with a background in startups, corporate groups, and executive coaching, particularly in healthcare. Richard reflects on his journey as a leader, describing a shift towards conscious leadership over the past 10 years. He emphasizes the importance of understanding leadership as the invisible medium that shapes organizational culture. Richard underscores the significance of psychological safety in fostering high-performing teams. He shares practical strategies, such as implementing root cause analysis, to create an environment where failures are examined without blame, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement. The discussion delves into the challenges and opportunities in healthcare innovation, with a focus on AI. Richard expresses enthusiasm for AI's potential to provide personalized information at the point of care, enhance diagnostics, and revolutionize drug development. Throughout the episode, Richard's wisdom shines, offering valuable insights for healthcare leaders navigating the complexities of their roles and striving for positive organizational impact. "Leadership is what shapes culture, it is that invisible medium, which generates the currents, which very often, nobody really sees." MEET OUR GUEST Richard Dale Executive Coach, Leadership and Impact Advisor, Board Member, Values-forward Leader, Innovator, Facilitator, Former President @ OptumLabs. Richard Dale is a seasoned, values-driven executive leader known for his strategic acumen and operational excellence. Richard has consistently delivered proven results by translating vision into market realities in startup, large company, and non-profit contexts. His leadership strengths lie in building robust teams and fostering powerful relationships with diverse stakeholders, achieving meaningful and sustainable business outcomes. Richard currently specializes in Executive and Leadership Coaching, Health Sector Advisory, Impact Consulting, and Team/Culture Facilitation. Richard has been an active coach for senior executives and high-potential leaders since 2000, emphasizing the invisible environment of leadership that significantly influences organizational success. Drawing on his diverse career experiences, he believes in creating awareness of rarely seen aspects of leadership and inspiring leaders to be the change for growth and success. Until recently, Richard held executive roles within Optum (part of UnitedHealth Group) for over ten years, where he played a pivotal leadership role in founding and operating OptumLabs, and subsequently as a Senior Vice President for Health System Alliances in Optum, leading efforts for multi-billion-dollar cross-enterprise partnerships and innovation collaborations. As COO and then President of OptumLabs, he spearheaded a big data research and innovation collaborative of 40+ complex partnerships, including Mayo Clinic, Harvard, Yale, Johns Hopkins, UMN, University of California, AARP, US Department of Health and Human Services (office of the CTO), Imperial College London, London School of Economics, and the National Health Service in the UK. Under Richard's leadership, OptumLabs delivered groundbreaking initiatives starting with hundreds of peer-reviewed scientific publications providing insights that led to improvements in various facets of the healthcare system, and data science innovations including real-time data exploration tools and deep-learning models. With an earlier background at Sigma Partners VC and before that as co-founder of Phase Forward (acquired by Oracle), Richard has a wealth of experience in venture capital, entrepreneurship, and high-tech startups. Beyond his professional work, Richard serves as a board member for Seeds of Peace, an interfaith and cross-border youth movement fostering peace-building initiatives globally. He previously served as the founding board chair for Adamah, the leading US Jewish environmental non-profit. Richard bakes sourdough challah and rides a recumbent bike. Richard has had at least one brush with fame: ask him how he came to have lunch with Bill Gates. Join Richard as he shares not just his wealth of experience but the transformative moments that shaped his approach to leadership in healthcare. Discover how innovation, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to positive change can redefine the future of healthcare leadership. Get ready for an inspiring journey that transcends the ordinary, led by a speaker who has consistently turned vision into market realities.

In this special podcast episode in partnership with Jill Donahue, I talk to Nejma Chami, the Global Head of Medical Affairs at Grünenthal. Nejma shares her inspiring journey from working in a medical practice to her leadership roles in medical affairs. As a purpose-driven leader, she emphasizes her mission to alleviate the suffering of individuals and improve lives. Nejma's leadership philosophy highlights her commitment to staying true to her North Star — placing the patient at the center of all actions. Throughout our chat, Nejma's responses underscore her humility, focus on serving others, and the belief in the positive impact that we, healthcare leaders, can achieve. "Leadership is about serving the people we work with, not managing them" MEET OUR GUEST Nejma Chami Global Head of Medical Affairs at Grünenthal. Nejma Chami is Global Head of Medical Affairs at Grünenthal. Nejma spent years working in a medical practice before joining the pharmaceutical industry. She has since served in several leadership roles in medical affairs at Abbott, Novo Nordisk and now at Grunenthal. Nejma is a purpose-driven leader with a mission to lighten the load of people who are suffering to make lives better. This episode is in partnership with Jill Donahue. Jill published her third book recently A Dose of Inspiration: 100 Purpose Stories From Pharma Leaders and we partnered together to bring to light those incredible stories. You can find here or wherever you podcast more episodes with some of those executives. Download the ebook now for a free dose of inspiration here: excellerate.ca/freebook/

In this episode in partnership with “A Dose of Inspiration Book from Jill Donahue”, I interviewed Angela Giannantonio, Senior Vice President Human Resources at Travere Therapeutics. Inspired by her mother's compassion, Angela found her purpose in HR, driven by a desire to help others. She emphasized the evolving role of HR, particularly during crises, highlighting the shift from a reactive to a pivotal, proactive function in supporting employees. Leadership transparency and the creation of a speak-up culture were key themes in Angela's approach. She viewed love as a powerful force, contributing to a positive and welcoming work environment. Her advice to healthcare leaders emphasized authenticity, recognizing quiet voices, and creating spaces for diverse perspectives, all essential elements for fostering a thriving organizational culture. "Create a speak-up culture where people feel safe to share what they're feeling and how they’re feeling" MEET OUR GUEST Angela Giannantonio Senior Vice President Human Resources at Travere Therapeutics. Angela Giannantonio is a senior vice president and member of the executive team at Travere Therapeutics. Ms. Giannantonio has more than 15 years of experience in human resources management, with a strong track record of delivering a best-in-class employee experience and keeping patients at the center, while also driving successful growth and innovation across complex and global organizations. Known for her relentless focus on employee experience and engagement, Ms. Giannantonio most recently was the head of human resources for Alexion Rare Disease where she led the company through its integration with AstraZeneca. She previously served as head of human resources for global commercial operations and corporate functions, leading the organization through hyper-growth and a complex pandemic while ensuring high employee engagement and performance worldwide. Earlier in her career, Ms. Giannantonio served in roles of increasing responsibility across the business, including director of human resources. Ms. Giannantonio holds an MBA from Clark University. This episode is in partnership with Jill Donahue. Jill published her third book recently A Dose of Inspiration: 100 Purpose Stories From Pharma Leaders and we partnered together to bring to light those incredible stories. You can find here or wherever you podcast more episodes with some of those executives. Download the ebook now for a free dose of inspiration here: excellerate.ca/freebook/

In this episode, I sat with Rob Perez, Operating Partner at General Atlantic, Founder and Chairman of Life Science Cares, and Co-Founder of BLOC: Biopharma Leaders of Color, and discussed his views of our industry, his key leadership learning, and the latest news from JP Morgan. Rob reflected on the pivotal role of culture in the success of companies and provided us with valuable insights on building authentic cultures that align with competitive strategies. We also talked about Life Science Cares, an organization and a collective effort of life science companies to eliminate the impacts of poverty. LSC leverages the extraordinary talent and passion of our biopharma industry to affect change and has had a tremendous impact on the communities it serves. We also delved into Rob's optimism about the biotech industry's rapid pace of innovation, increased capital availability, and potential groundbreaking advancements in the coming decade. "Let's harness the passion, enthusiasm, and compassion of our industry for a collective impact that transforms lives in our communities" MEET OUR GUEST Rob Perez Operating Partner, General Atlantic, Founder and Chairman, Life Science Cares, Co-Founder, BLOC: Biopharma Leaders of Color. Rob Perez is a biopharmaceutical operating executive with more than 30 years of experience in the industry. He is currently serving as an Operating Partner at General Atlantic, a global growth equity firm, providing strategic support and advice to the firm’s life sciences investment team and portfolio companies. Rob is also a member of the Board of Directors at Vir Bio, PathAI, Immunocore, Panther Rx and Third Harmonic Bio.    Rob is the Founder and Chairman of Life Science Cares, an organization that provides human and financial capital from the life sciences industry to the best non-profits working to alleviate the impact of poverty in the US. Life Science Cares now operates in Boston, San Diego, Philadelphia and the San Francisco Bay Area.  Additionally, Rob is the co-founder of Biopharma Leaders of Color (BLOC), a community of leaders united to advance the success and access of under-represented people of color throughout the life sciences industry.     Rob also serves on the Board of Trustees of The Dana Farber Cancer Institute. In 2022, Rob was selected by STAT News as one of 46 inaugural members of its’ STATUS List, which was described as “the most definitive and consequential accounting of leaders in health, medicine and science”.  Previously, Rob was the Chief Executive Officer of Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a public pharmaceutical development company, when the company was acquired by Merck in January 2015. He joined Cubist in August 2003 as Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, and led the launch of Cubicin® (daptomycin for injection). He also served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and President prior to becoming CEO.  Before joining Cubist, he served as Vice President of Biogen, Inc.’s US CNS business unit, where he was responsible for commercial leadership of an $800 million business. He joined Biogen in 1995, and was one of the architects of the commercial model that launched the company’s first commercial product, AVONEX®.  Rob earned a B.S. in business from California State University, Los Angeles and an MBA from the Anderson Graduate School of Management at the University of California, Los Angeles. Consider donating and helping Life Science Cares noble purpose: https://lifesciencecares.org/donate/

In this episode in partnership with "A Dose of Inspiration Book from Jill Donahue", I interviewed Julie Kim, President U.S. Business Unit at Takeda, and discussed her inspiring career journey. Julie emphasizes her commitment to inclusive leadership, sharing personal experiences and insights. She highlights the importance of giving everyone a voice, building trust and fostering a growth mindset. Tune in to hear the worst advice she was ever given as she started her career. The conversation concludes with a call for collaboration among healthcare leaders to build sustainable and thriving healthcare ecosystems globally. "Take the option that will stretch you more." MEET OUR GUEST Julie Kim President, U.S. Business Unit at Takeda. Julie Kim is President of the U.S. Business Unit, U.S. Country Head and member of Takeda’s Executive Team. The U.S. Business Unit portfolio encompasses gastroenterology, neuroscience, plasma-derived therapies and rare diseases. She joined Takeda in 2019 through the acquisition of Shire, where she held several diverse roles with increasing responsibility. As part of Takeda, she became the President of the Plasma-Derived Therapies Business Unit, the position she occupied until April of 2022, when she became President of the U.S. Business Unit and U.S. Country Head. Julie has 30 years of experience in health care, with leadership positions at global, regional, country and functional levels. In the biopharmaceutical industry, her experiences have spanned a variety of therapeutic areas, international market access, country and regional general management, marketing and emerging market development. Julie is known for strong, collaborative and inclusive leadership that enables Takeda to meet the needs of the people the company serves while driving innovations that will improve patients’ lives. Her global outlook, a result of having worked in many countries in Europe, Asia and Latin America, as well as having lived in the U.K., Switzerland and the U.S., have helped her create teams that are diverse in multiple dimensions to enable inclusive decision-making that keeps the patient at the center.   Julie serves on the boards of directors for PhRMA, an organization which represents the country’s leading innovative biopharmaceutical research companies, and Croda International, a company which leverages smart science to create high-performance ingredients and technologies that improve lives. She was named one of Boston’s 50 Most Influential Asian American Pacific Islanders in 2023, to The 2022 PharmaVoice 100 list and to Fierce Pharma’s list of 2020’s Fiercest Women in Life Sciences. She earned an MBA from the J. L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Dartmouth College. She resides with her family in the Boston area. This episode is in partnership with Jill Donahue. Jill published her third book recently A Dose of Inspiration: 100 Purpose Stories From Pharma Leaders and we partnered together to bring to light those incredible stories. You can find here or wherever you podcast more episodes with some of those executives. Download the ebook now for a free dose of inspiration here: excellerate.ca/freebook/

In this episode in partnership with "A Dose of Inspiration Book from Jill Donahue", I interviewed Kevin Williams, Chief Medical Affairs Officer at Pfizer. Kevin shared his powerful and inspiring journey. He grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where his father, the third African-American physician in the city, inspired him to pursue a career in medicine. After working in private practice, specializing in HIV and AIDS care during the height of the epidemic, he transitioned to the pharmaceutical industry, joining Pfizer in 2004. Throughout his career, he emphasized patient-centricity, health equity, and the importance of bringing the patient's voice into the development of medicines. As an executive, he encourages a purpose-driven approach, role modeling authenticity, and creating environments where teams feel nurtured. Kevin also emphasizes the need for leaders to step outside their comfort zones, believe in themselves, and continue growing. "Put people in a position to succeed and then let them do their job." MEET OUR GUEST Kevin Williams Chief Medical Affairs Officer, Global Medical Excellence & Innovation, at Pfizer. Kevin joined Pfizer in January 2004 as a Director, Regional Medical & Research Specialists working in the HIV disease area. After moving into a Team Leader position in July 2005, he has served in various leadership roles during his career in the company. Kevin is also Co-Chair, Board of Directors for SAGE, the country's leading national non-profit organization focused on advocacy and services for LGBT+ elders. Kevin received his medical degree from the UCLA School of Medicine, a Masters in Public Health and a Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School. This episode is in partnership with Jill Donahue. Jill published her third book recently A Dose of Inspiration: 100 Purpose Stories From Pharma Leaders and we partnered together to bring to light those incredible stories. You can find here or wherever you podcast more episodes with some of those executives. Download the ebook now for a free dose of inspiration here: excellerate.ca/freebook/

For the launch of her new book A Dose of Inspiration: 100 Purpose Stories From Pharma Leaders, I sat with Jill Donahue and discussed the story behind her inspiration to write it, what she has learned from interviewing hundreds of biotech and pharma professionals, and her call to action for all of us in the industry. Tune in to hear Jill discuss purpose, leadership, values and how they translate into impact for both the business and most importantly the patients we serve. "What makes your heart sing?" MEET OUR GUEST Jill Donahue Author, Speaker, Guest Faculty at Queen’s University and Founder of Excellerate. Jill Donahue is a global thought leader in pharma. Jill has won multiple awards for her work, author of 2 soon 3 books, delivering talks at global conferences, publishing in industry journals and serving pharma teams. Jill also co-founded The Aurora Project; a global volunteer group of thought leaders trying to illuminate commercial pharma’s path to patient centricity. Jill published her third book recently A Dose of Inspiration: 100 Purpose Stories From Pharma Leaders and we partnered together to bring to light those incredible stories. Episodes with some of those executives will air on our show soon - Stay tuned! Download the ebook now for a free dose of inspiration here: excellerate.ca/freebook/

In this conversation with Naji, Jeff French shares insights on leadership, generative AI, innovation, and fostering a sense of community in healthcare. For leadership, he emphasizes the importance of a community of leaders working toward common objectives. Regarding innovation, he advocates for purpose-driven innovation over opportunistic approaches, highlighting the need for meaningful impact. Lastly, on spreading love within organizations, he underscores the significance of a shared purpose, collaboration, and focusing on group ambitions to achieve positive outcomes. In a final word of wisdom for healthcare leaders, Jeff urges a transformative approach to technology and digital integration, emphasizing holistic change and differentiation in the healthcare space for greater opportunities and impact. "Purpose-led innovations achieve great things" MEET OUR GUEST Jeff French, a resilient, collaborative, and influential global leader who leverages deep expertise in digital and information technology. Jeff is considered a resilient, collaborative, and influential global leader and change agent who leverages deep expertise on digital and information technology, customer experience management, and brings broad business accountability experience in international sales, marketing, manufacturing, and finance in both the pharmaceutical and aerospace industries. He has held multiple regional and global leadership roles, digitally transforming organizations, re-engineering and standardizing business processes, establishing and embedding next-generation systems and capabilities, all in pursuit of building better customer experiences and driving real value generation. He is recognized as a thought leader, sitting on several Customer Advisory Boards for consultancies and service organizations supporting the Pharma industry, specifically on the challenges of digital and CX transformation, helping to define and drive industry standards and benchmarks. Jeff is currently a Senior Director at DT Consulting, a specialist strategy consulting organization supporting the pharmaceutical industry leadership in modernizing their organizations across commercial, medical, and R&D functions. Most recently, Jeff was the Chief Digital Officer at ViiV Healthcare and focused on building next-generation channels and services that leverage bold innovation and digital technology to deliver exceptional and unifying customer experiences, as well as valiant digital health innovations in the HIV therapy area. Prior to ViiV, Jeff worked for Biogen for 2 years and led the establishment of a global digital Centre of Excellence, focused on the commercial business transformation across global markets. His pharmaceutical experience, however, began at Eli Lilly in 1999, starting as a Senior Financial Analyst working on the Global Business Improvement Program, which then led to him joining the European IT organization in 2004. Here he held several roles in supporting manufacturing and commercial, eventually becoming accountable for all commercial digital and technology for the region. Prior to his pharmaceutical experience, Jeff had a short stint in consulting after working for Rolls-Royce Aerospace in various capacities including finance, process improvement and engine warranty sales. Jeff maintains a Bachelor’s degree in International Finance as well as an MBA, all from Ball State University, in Muncie, Indiana U.S.A. Jeff is an American living in the UK, married to a Spanish wife, has a son who was born in Germany (Lucas), three lovely daughters and another son who were all born in the UK (Daniela, Noa, Bela and Tyson).

Saloni Behl, a healthcare leader with over 16 years of experience, is who I sat with for this episode. We discussed her journey from her upbringing in Mumbai, India, to her current role in leading R&D at Otsuka Pharmaceuticals. Saloni emphasized her leadership philosophy of observing, understanding, and empowering teams. Her childhood experiences shaped her leadership style, leading her to prioritize inclusivity, diversity, and empathy. Saloni expressed excitement about advancements in neuropsychiatry, particularly in digital therapies and psychedelic-based treatments. She emphasized the need for healthcare leaders to address global health inequities and work collaboratively to solve pressing healthcare challenges. "From acute observer of life to active participant" MEET OUR GUEST Saloni Behl Global Product Lead Neuroscience at Otsuka Pharmaceutical Companies. Saloni Behl is an accomplished leader with over 16 years of experience in building high-impact strategies to grow companies and make them more efficient and effective in bringing transformative medications to patients. Over the last 10 years, Saloni has been in Otsuka Pharmaceuticals and has played a critical role in helping the company grow its portfolio within Neuroscience and Nephrology. She has undertaken leadership roles in New Product Planning, Business Development Strategy, and most recently R&D. Saloni believes in leading teams by observing, understanding, and empowering. Her childhood experiences have taught her to see things others might miss, to bounce back from challenges, and to truly value the people she works with. She is passionate about making a real difference in brain health.

In this interview, we welcomed Shawn Nason, former CEO of OFFOR Health, a company dedicated to transforming healthcare models for better access to care. Shawn emphasizes the importance of reimagining the human experience in healthcare, drawing on his diverse experiences in leadership roles. He shares his belief that success in healthcare lies in treating people with humanity. He recounts his involvement in disruptive healthcare models, such as the launch of Walmart Health clinics with a focus on affordability. The conversation delves into addressing challenges in healthcare, particularly the need to shift from a system built for paying claims to one centered around humane experiences. Shawn advocates for leadership transparency, building radical relationships, and a genuine love for people to foster positive change in the healthcare industry. "Let's strive for a healthcare system that goes beyond being human-centered; let's make it truly humane." MEET OUR GUEST Shawn Nason former CEO of OFFOR Health, CIO, and founder of Disruptor League. Shawn Nason, CEO of OFFOR Health, a company that reimagines outdated healthcare models to accelerate access to care for those who are under-served and under-resourced. With over 15 years of experience in creating and transforming experience ecosystems, Shawn is passionate about reimagining how people interact with health and wellness services and products. As a former Disney Imagineer, Chief Innovation Officer, and founder of the Disruptor League, Shawn has a proven track record of leading and executing innovative projects that generate significant revenue, customer loyalty, and social impact. Shawn is also an author, speaker, podcast host, and neurodiversity advocate.

In this episode with Rehan Ahmed, we discussed healthcare leadership and the importance of curiosity and problem-solving. Rehan shared his journey from a small town in Illinois to becoming a passionate ophthalmologist and entrepreneur. He emphasized the significance of genuine curiosity in leadership and how it helps bridge gaps and solve complex problems in healthcare. Rehan also highlighted the need for healthcare leaders to maintain a connection to patient care, even as they expand their impact. He stressed the importance of curiosity about the world, the people you work with, and the problems you aim to solve as a foundation for effective leadership. Hear more about Rehan's story and leadership beliefs in this inspiring conversation. "Healthcare is the most pressing problem facing the world. It's time to get to work." MEET OUR GUEST Rehan Ahmed an ophthalmologist passionate about improving eye care. Rehan Ahmed is an ophthalmologist passionate about improving eye care. Rehan has extensive experience in the patient eye care journey, from direct medical and surgical patient care, to retail optometric settings, medical OD/MD practice environments, drug development, and novel diagnostic and treatment modalities. His expertise is bridging strategic gaps between patient care, providers, payors, and regulatory agencies. Rehan is a practicing ophthalmologist, Medical Director in Global Clinical Development and Operations at Santen Pharmaceutical, founder of Texas Eye and Vision Associates, and Chief Medical Officer at Blink, a startup in remote ocular healthcare; he also advises multiple med-tech startups. Rehan received his MD degree from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. Rehan completed his internship at the University of Texas, residency in ophthalmology at Baylor College of Medicine, and MBA from MIT Sloan School of Management.