Pharmaverse Podcast

Welcome back to the Pharmaverse! 💉In this episode of the Pharmaverse podcast, host Michael Pietrack interviews Melissa Mims, the AVP of US Medical Affairs with Merck Oncology. Melissa shares her journey from drug discovery to field medical affairs and offers insights on leadership and team culture. She emphasizes the importance of building peer-to-peer leadership and establishing trust with team members. Melissa also discusses the need for leaders to listen, take feedback, and communicate the impact of their team's work. "People don't leave organizations, they leave managers." She encourages leaders to bring their authentic selves to work and create a culture where people feel appreciated and motivated. "Focus on 'we' not 'I' in leadership. The episode concludes with Melissa's advice on hiring and interviewing, focusing on finding individuals who align with the organization's mission and values.Takeaways: 🗝🧤Build peer-to-peer leadership and establish trust with team members.🔊Listen to feedback and communicate the impact of your team's work.💕Bring your authentic self to work and create a culture where people feel appreciated and motivated.✅When hiring, look for individuals who align with the organization's mission and values.Chapters00:00Introduction and Background02:11Transitioning from Peer to Manager06:25Putting on a New Set of Ears09:22Establishing Trust and Credibility13:36Being Your Authentic Self as a Leader16:29Collaborative Leadership and Minimizing the Ego21:16Creating a Culture of Trust and Appreciation26:21Hiring for Alignment with Mission and Values29:10Conclusion

In this episode of the Pharmaverse podcast, host Michael Pietrack interviews Jack West, the VP of Clinical Development at Summit Therapeutics. They discuss Jack's transition from being a practicing oncologist to working in the pharmaceutical industry, the importance of collaborations with pharma, and the challenges and rewards of working in a small pharma company. "Going into a pharma company is like riding a mechanical bull. The directions change frequently and sometimes you're not ready for them." Jack also shares his insights on leadership best practices and the top challenges facing the pharma industry. "Having well-defined roles and a clear value is important in leadership." The episode concludes with a discussion on Summit Therapeutics' recent positive press releases and Jack's social media presence.Takeaways:🤝Collaborations with pharma can be instrumental in making the leap from clinical practice to the pharmaceutical industry.💹Transitioning from clinical practice to pharma requires a willingness to adapt to new priorities and challenges.🕴Leadership in the pharmaceutical industry requires well-defined roles, clear value, and a culture of open communication and dissent.💊The pharma industry faces challenges such as evolving regulatory approvals, acceptance of data from different regions, and incorporating patient perspectives.🐟Working in a small pharma company offers agility, involvement in various processes, and the opportunity to make a significant impact.👐Stay open to new perspectives and be willing to modify your opinions based on new information.🩺Adapt to the evolving regulatory landscape and consider the challenges of generalizing data from different regions.🏥Recognize the changing role of patients in decision-making and incorporate their perspectives and priorities.💉Embrace the opportunities for growth and learning in a small company environment.💊Be bold, clarify your goals, and actively pursue your desired path.Chapters00:00Introduction and Background03:08Transitioning from Clinical Practice to Pharma10:45Leadership Best Practices in the Pharma Industry18:03Challenges Facing the Pharma Universe28:00The Rewards of Working in a Small Pharma Company36:12Summit Therapeutics' Positive Press Releases37:03

Welcome back to the Pharmaverse! Today's episode is a special one. Michael Pietrack our host sits down with THE Mark Cuban, world famous entrepreneur, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, a 'shark' on the beloved series Shark Tank, and most excitingly for our viewers, the co-founder of Cost Plus Drug Company. In this episode we discuss the need for transparency in the drug pricing landscape and how his company is disrupting the market. He explains that Cost Plus Drugs is a completely transparent pharmacy that shows the price, cost, and markup of medications. By offering lower prices and providing transparency, Cost Plus Drugs is making a significant impact on people's lives. Mark also shares his insights on leadership and building a winning culture. "We launched and what made us different is not only did we show you the price, something others had done a little bit, but we also showed you our cost." He heart-warmingly shares stories of patients whose lives have been changed forever by cost plus, saving them thousands of dollars a month, and allowing them to stop rationing their medications. Truly an incredible episode! Tune in.🗝Key Moments:👀Transparency is crucial in the pharmacy industry, and Cost Plus Drugs is disrupting the market by providing complete transparency in pricing and costs.💊Cost Plus Drugs offers lower prices for medications, making them more affordable for people and improving their access to necessary drugs.💕Mark Cuban emphasizes the importance of caring and aligning the mission of the organization with the employees' goals to be a good leader.📈Creating a winning culture involves understanding the product or service being offered, selling the experience, and appreciating the contributions of all team members.👫Mark's proudest leadership moment is not winning a championship in sports, but the potential impact of Cost Plus Drugs in making medications more affordable for everyone.Chapters00:00Introduction and Background02:42Transparency in the Pharmacy Industry06:09Disrupting the Market and Challenging PBMs08:56The Impact of Cost Plus Drugs on Local Pharmacies13:35Word of Mouth Marketing and Success22:11Leadership and Building a Winning Culture

In this special edition of the Pharmaverse podcast, host Michael Pietrack sits back down with Howard Matalon, an employment attorney and executive coach, about the recent FTC rule that may change the landscape of non-competes. Tune in to hear a deep dive on non-competes! The FTC rule, which goes into effect on September 4, 2024, declares non-competes to be an illegal restraint of trade. However, the rule has faced legal challenges and its fate is uncertain. Matalon advises senior executives to be cautious about new non-competes and suggests that existing non-competes may be null and void after the rule goes into effect. He also discusses the importance of defining the scope, duration, and geography of non-competes to ensure their enforceability. Howard's advice, "In the new reality, a non-compete would be really inapplicable for someone who is not considered a senior executive." Tune in to learn more!  Takeaways: ⚖The FTC rule, set to go into effect on September 4, 2024, declares non-competes to be an illegal restraint of trade. 📑The fate of the FTC rule is uncertain, as it is currently facing legal challenges. 👆 Senior executives should be cautious about new non-competes and existing non-competes may be null and void after the rule goes into effect. 🛑Defining the scope, duration, and geography of non-competes is crucial for their enforceability. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:40 Effective Date and Uncertainty 07:03 Impact on Senior Executives 12:09 Potential Supreme Court Ruling 18:05 Ensuring Enforceability of Non-Competes 20:22 Dealing with Broad Non-Competes 23:21 Seeking Legal Advice on Non-Competes 25:06 Conclusion

Welcome back to the Pharmaverse podcast! We are so excited to sit down with Leslie Meltzer, Chief Medical Officer at Orchard Therapeutics, shares her career journey and offers insights for aspiring leaders in the pharmaceutical industry. "My successes are all team successes." She emphasizes the importance of teamwork and acknowledges that her successes are team successes. Leslie discusses how she broke into the industry and quickly advanced in her first role by focusing on bringing value to her colleagues and building strong relationships. She also shares tips for leading in a therapeutic area where you may not be the expert, including the importance of continuous learning and building relationships with key opinion leaders. Leslie highlights the value of being a person of value and the importance of humility in leadership. She also discusses her experiences transitioning into different therapeutic areas and offers advice for landing a job in a different area. Finally, Leslie talks about the challenges of being a CMO and the transition from functional leadership to enterprise leadership.Takeaways💹Success in the pharmaceutical industry is a team effort, and it's important to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of others.🏗 To advance in your career, focus on bringing value to your colleagues and building strong relationships.👨‍⚕️ When leading in a therapeutic area where you may not be the expert, prioritize continuous learning and building relationships with key opinion leaders.✅Being a person of value and demonstrating humility are key traits for successful leadership.💉When transitioning into a different therapeutic area, emphasize your track record of versatility and your ability to quickly learn and adapt.🤝As a leader, think beyond your own department and consider the overall success of the company. Build relationships and bring value to the organization as a whole.Chapters00:00Introduction01:25The Power of Teamwork and Acknowledging Success as a Team05:15Bringing Value and Building Relationships for Career Advancement08:26Leading in a Therapeutic Area Where You're Not the Expert11:46The Importance of Continuous Learning and Humility in Leadership20:25Transitioning into Different Therapeutic Areas: Versatility and Adaptability29:38From Functional Leadership to Enterprise Leadership: Thinking Beyond Your Department

We are thrilled to be joined this week by Mark Frohlich, a Harvard-trained medical oncologist and CEO of Indapta on the Pharmaverse! He discusses his experience in the pharmaceutical industry and the challenges and advancements in immunotherapy. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the immune system and the need for cryopreservation in cell therapies. Frohlich also discusses the future of immunotherapy, including the integration of different approaches and the role of artificial intelligence. "For cell therapies, it needs to be cryopreserved to be really commercially viable." As a CEO, he highlights the importance of focusing on tasks that only he can do, giving honest feedback, and seeking out mentors for career development.  Key Points: 👨‍⚕️ Understanding the immune system is crucial in developing effective immunotherapies. 💉Cryopreservation is essential for the commercial viability of cell therapies. 🔜The future of immunotherapy lies in integrating different approaches and leveraging artificial intelligence. ✋As a CEO, focus on tasks that only you can do and delegate other responsibilities. 🔰Give honest and direct feedback to help employees perform at their best. 📚Seek out mentors for guidance and career development.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mark Froehlich and his Background in Immunotherapy 03:07 The Future of Immunotherapy: Integration and AI 06:18 Mark Froehlich's Transition from Engineering to Medicine 08:00 The Role of Engineering in Drug Development 11:14 Leadership Best Practices for CEOs 13:05 The Importance of Honest Feedback

Welcome to episode 10 of the Pharmaverse! We are thrilled to bring you Michael Cox, a leader in the pharmaceutical industry, who shares his journey and insights in this conversation. Learn about his transition from clinical operations to medical communications and the risks he took to pursue his dreams. He also talks about his experience leading teams in the U.S. and Europe and the challenges of working in the pediatric space. Throughout the conversation, Cox emphasizes the importance of having a dream, empowering others, and leaving the world a better place. Tune in for this great episode! Key Takeaways: 🔑 📈Take risks and pursue your dreams, even if it means pivoting your career. 💟Empower and hire people who are smarter than you. ☝Be a servant leader and show empathy towards your team. 🌍Leave the world a better place than you found it.  Chapters 📚 00:00 Introduction of Michael Cox 03:16 Pivoting from Clinical Operations to Medical Communications 05:39 Taking a Risk and Moving Overseas 08:35 Leading Teams in the U.S. vs. Europe 11:39 Leading an International Team 13:47 Taking a Risk and Joining Loxo Oncology 16:54 Moving to a Startup Setting 19:40 Joining Day One Biopharmaceuticals 23:37 Challenges in the Pediatric Space 29:40 Advice for Career Growth and Leadership

Welcome back to the Pharmaverse podcast! We are thrilled to welcome Mark Erlander PHD, CEO of Cardiff Oncology, shares his journey from a PhD in neuroscience to leading an oncology company. He discusses the calculated risks he took throughout his career and the importance of following your passion. Erlander emphasizes the need for leaders to be motivated and to create a team that is excited to work together. "Create a motivated team by fostering trust, respect, and providing resources" He tells up and comers to do something they are truly excited about, but also be be opportunistic and willing to take calculated risks. We jump in to discussions on the future of cancer treatments, including targeted therapies and personalized medicine.Key Points:❇Follow your passion and do something you are truly excited about🤗Create a motivated team by fostering trust, respect, and providing resources📈Be opportunistic and willing to take calculated risks❌Never settle for something that is less than what you want to achieve💊The future of cancer treatments includes targeted therapies and personalized medicine✨ Chapters ✨ 00:00Introduction to Mark Erlander01:01Taking Calculated Risks in Career Choices06:10Transitioning to the Oncology Space09:00Shifting Strategy Based on Data11:58The Future of Cancer Treatments15:31Leadership Nuggets from Mark Erlander26:07Advice for Aspiring Leaders29:01Closing Remarks and Plug for Cardiff Oncology

Welcome back to the Pharmaverse podcast with Michael Pietrack! We are joined today by Camille Pope, Chief Medical Lead at Acclinate, discusses the importance of diversity in clinical research and the impact of a health equity lens. She highlights regulatory and legal developments in clinical trial diversity and addresses the factors contributing to mistrust and exclusion in clinical trials. Pope also provides insights on how pharmaceutical leaders can engage with underrepresented communities and set up diverse clinical trials. Her leadership tip emphasizes the importance of mastering one's current role and striving for excellence.  🔬 Diversity, inclusion, equity, and health equity are key components in addressing clinical trial diversity. 💊 A health equity lens benefits both patients and pharmaceutical companies by ensuring safe and efficacious drugs for all populations. 📝 Regulatory and legal developments, such as FDA guidance and legislation, mandate pharmaceutical companies to prioritize diversity in clinical trials. ❌ Mistrust and exclusion are significant barriers to diversity in clinical trials, and understanding the historical context and validating community experiences is crucial. 🧠 Biases, assumptions, and lack of education contribute to the lack of diversity in clinical trials and should be addressed. 🤝 Engaging with underrepresented communities requires genuine partnerships, community involvement, and trust-building efforts. 🏢 Internal strategies for setting up diverse clinical trials include collaboration across functional areas and leveraging existing knowledge and resources. 🎯 Leaders should strive for excellence in their current roles and master the necessary skills before seeking new opportunities.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Camille Pope and her focus on diversity in clinical research 07:02 Breaking down the acronym DE&I (Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Health Equity) 09:33 The impact of health equity lens on patients and pharmaceutical companies 14:47 Regulatory and legal developments in clinical trial diversity 19:03 The importance of addressing mistrust and exclusion in clinical trials 23:07 Other factors contributing to lack of diversity in clinical trials 26:15 Engaging with underrepresented communities as a pharmaceutical leader 29:28 Internal strategies for setting up diverse clinical trials 32:42 Leadership tip: Master your current role and strive for excellence

Welcome back to the Pharmaverse!! In this episode, host Michael Pietrack interviews Ken Getz, an expert in drug development and a professor at Tufts School of Medicine. They discuss various topics related to clinical trials and drug development, including managing complexity, reducing costs, the impact of AI, challenges in patient enrollment and retention, high failure rates in phase III trials, and the impact of the pandemic on clinical trials. Ken also talks about the work of the Center for Information and Study of Clinical Research Participation (CISCRIP) and how listeners can support their cause. Listen in to learn about Clinical Trials and Drug Development from Ken!Takeaways:💊Managing the growing complexity of drug development is crucial for optimizing the process.💉Reducing drug development costs is a challenge, with factors such as patient recruitment and retention contributing to high expenses.⚙AI has the potential to reduce costs and improve various aspects of drug development, including patient identification and adverse event prediction.👨‍⚕️Challenges in patient enrollment and retention, as well as high failure rates in phase III trials, impact the success of drug development.🏥The COVID-19 pandemic has affected clinical trials, leading to delays and changes in enrollment.🤝Supporting organizations like the Center for Information and Study of 🖐Clinical Research Participation (CISCRIP) can help educate the public and improve patient engagement in clinical research.Sound BitesChapters00:00Introduction to Ken Getz01:01Ken Getz's Background and Involvement in Clinical Trials03:13Managing the Growing Complexity of Drug Development05:11Reducing Drug Development Costs07:51The Impact of AI on Drug Development13:25Challenges in Patient Enrollment and Retention16:01High Failure Rates in Phase III Trials19:33Collaborating with Tufts CSDD21:48The Impact of the Pandemic on Clinical Trials26:44Supporting the Center for Information and Study of Clinical Research Participation (CISCRIP)29:08Closing Remarks and Gratitude

Welcome back to the Pharmaverse! In Episode 6 our host Michael Pietrack sits down with Stephen Dodge, SVP of Global Medical Affairs at Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, about his leadership journey in the pharmaceutical industry. Stephen shares his early career experiences and how he quickly moved up the ranks from an MSL to a regional director. He provides insights into his strategic approach to career advancement and offers tips for hiring talent. Stephen also discusses the differences in leadership styles between small and large companies and the importance of understanding the payer environment. He shares his experience transitioning into a managed care health system liaison role and highlights the value of leadership development. The episode concludes with encouraging words for aspiring leaders.🚀 Take calculated risks and be willing to take on new challenges to advance your career.🔥 Develop leadership skills and seek opportunities for leadership development.🔍 Be clear about what you are looking for when hiring talent and involve others in the interview process.🏢 Adapt your leadership style to the size and structure of the company.💼 Understand the payer environment and the impact it has on the pharmaceutical industry.💪 Build strong relationships and advocate for the development of medical leaders.🌟 Approach your career as a jungle gym, not a ladder, and be patient in your journey.💡 Believe in yourself and your abilities, and don't be discouraged by the pace of your career progression.Chapters:00:00Introduction and Background01:24Early Career and Leadership Journey03:42Tips for Hiring Talent06:52Leadership Styles in Different Company Sizes19:21Transitioning to Managed Care Health System Liaison Role25:16Leadership Insights from Ken Massey29:41Encouragement for Aspiring Leaders32:05ConclusionEnjoy this episode, and be sure to check out our other episodes, comment and subscribe if you enjoyed!

🎙️ Thanks for joining our channel, in episode 5 of the Pharmaverse podcast, our host Michael Pietrack interviews Shawn Leland, a successful entrepreneur in the pharmaceutical industry. Leland shares his journey from the Rutgers Industry Fellowship to founding his own biotech company, Elevation Oncology. He discusses the challenges he faced and offers words of encouragement for aspiring leaders. The conversation highlights the importance of determination, networking, and taking risks in career advancement. Leland also addresses the challenges facing the pharma industry, such as financing and access to precision medicine. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights for professionals in the pharmaceutical industry.Takeaways 📝• Determination, networking, and taking risks are key factors in career advancement.• Access to precision medicine and financing are major challenges in the pharma industry.• Hiring A+ talent and test driving hires can lead to successful recruitment.• Being brave and taking the leap can lead to rewarding opportunities and life-changing experiences.Chapters 🕒 00:00 - Introduction 01:11 - Journey to the Rutgers Industry Fellowship 04:02 - The Impact of the Fellowship Program 05:17 - Transitioning from MSL to Business Development 10:45 - Founding Elevation Oncology 15:48 - Challenges of Starting a Company 20:31 - Hiring Strategies for a Growing Startup 24:21 - Challenges Facing the Pharma Industry 27:31 - Future Challenges for Pharma 30:07 - Words of Encouragement for Career Advancement 33:04 - ConclusionThanks for watching our channel!

In this episode of the Pharmaverse podcast, host Michael Pietrack interviews Samuel Blackman, the co-founder and head of R&D at Day One Biopharmaceuticals. Sam shares his experience trekking to Mount Everest Base Camp and the leadership insights he gained from the journey. The conversation covers topics such as vulnerability, facing fears, asking for help, and overcoming obstacles. Sam emphasizes the importance of authenticity and storytelling in leadership and offers recommendations for those seeking personal and professional growth. Overall, the episode provides valuable lessons and inspiration for leaders in the pharmaceutical industry.Takeaways:-Authenticity and vulnerability are essential in leadership, allowing for deeper connections and support among team members.-Facing fears and asking for help are signs of strength, not weakness, and can lead to personal and professional growth.-Overcoming obstacles requires examining the situation, identifying what is holding you back, and finding creative solutions.-Storytelling is a powerful tool in leadership, enabling effective communication and creating emotional connections.Chapters:03:42Leadership lessons from trekking to Mount Everest Base Camp06:55The importance of vulnerability and authenticity in leadership08:21Facing fears and the power of asking for help14:34Overcoming obstacles and not giving up22:08Applying lessons from Mount Everest to leadership challenges26:32The power of storytelling in leadership

🎙️ Welcome to Pharmaverse Podcast Episode 3: Unleashing Leadership Potential with Michael Geffner, MD MBA 🌐In this thought-provoking episode, our host Michael Pietrack engages in a riveting conversation with the accomplished Michael Geffner, Chief Medical Officer and pharma giant! Get ready to dive into the world of pharmaceutical leadership as Geffner shares his invaluable insights and captivating stories from his journey in the industry.🚀 Key Takeaways:-Stretch Your Limits: Discover why stepping outside your comfort zone is the key to personal and professional growth.-Collaboration is Key: Learn the art of building relationships and collaborating with colleagues from diverse functions.-Surround Yourself with Brilliance: Understand the importance of assembling a team of experts and allowing them the freedom to excel.-Diversity of Thought: Embrace the power of diversity in backgrounds and experiences when forming high-performing teams.-Bridging the Gap: Explore the significance of developing an independent medical affairs function to connect clinical and commercial aspects.🗣️ Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Background: Meet Michael Geffner and delve into his rich background.01:29 Leading Global Clinical Operations: Learn about Geffner's impactful leadership role at Schering-Plough.06:12 Leadership Lessons: Gain insights from Geffner's mentors, Tom Havardy and Ken Massey.13:58 Building Great Teams: Explore the secrets behind forming exceptional teams.17:54 The Importance of Medical Affairs: Understand the critical role it plays in the pharmaceutical landscape.24:23 Independent Medical Affairs Function: Uncover the necessity of bridging the gap between clinical and commercial.26:44 Tips for Advancing to Chief Medical Officer Level: Get practical advice for aspiring leaders.30:54 Book Recommendations: Discover Geffner's top reads for leadership development.33:01 Conclusion: Wrap up the episode with key insights and takeaways.📚 Recommended Reading:'Speed of Trust' by Stephen M. R. Covey'What Got You Here Won't Get You There' by Marshall Goldsmith

Episode 2: Navigating Pharma Leadership with Robert AzelbyIn this episode of The Pharmaverse Podcast, host Michael Pietrack sits down with Robert Azelby, a distinguished figure with 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. From humble beginnings as a sales rep at Glaxo to ascending to the helm of two biopharma companies, Azelby shares his extraordinary career journey and imparts invaluable wisdom for aspiring leaders. 🚀 Key Discussion Points: Career Evolution: Explore Azelby's career trajectory, including his pivotal role at Amgen and the leadership skills honed in building teams from the ground up. Gain insights into Azelby's experience leading companies, taking them public, and transitioning into a board member role. Industry Reflections: Uncover the current challenges facing pharmaceutical companies and Azelby's perspective on addressing them. Leadership Nuggets: Receive practical advice on seeking feedback, fostering trust within teams, and actively steering your career towards growth.📚 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background01:12 Career Journey at Amgen04:08 Leadership Skills in Building a Team from Scratch 10:37 Leading a Company as CEO14:21 Taking a Company Public18:31 Becoming a Board Member20:09 Challenges Facing Pharma Companies22:36 Leadership Advice and Insights27:38 Encouragement for Aspiring Leaders

Welcome to our inaugural episode of the Pharmaverse Podcast hosted by Michael Pietrack! Today we chat with the dynamic Jodie Gillon, President, and CEO of BioCT. Get ready to dive deep into the world of life sciences and leadership as we unravel BioCT's mission and focus, exploring the captivating journey that led Jodie through Pfizer, Novartis, AstraZeneca, Abeona Therapeutics, Peptilogics, and the helm of a thriving Biotech research organization.Jodie opens up about the challenges female leaders face, drawing from her own experiences. From being a minority in leadership roles to juggling high demand, she opens up about her career journey. Beginning at her early job working for her grandparents' hardware store, and unveiling the foundational leadership skills she gained. Plus, her father's sage advice becomes a compass for aspiring leaders, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating abilities and following trusted mentors.Jodie spills the beans on her unique leadership style, focusing on team development, understanding strengths and weaknesses, and strategically surrounding herself with the right people. We explore the challenges confronting pharma companies, including the intricacies of drug development, FDA approvals, and the impact of price controls. And here's a gem—allowing top talent to explore passions, even outside the company, is a secret sauce for greater success and engagement.Be sure to catch the advice for female leaders to insights on setting up patient advocacy programs. Tune in, to find out Jodie’s book recommendation for leaders navigating tough decisions! Buckle up for our journey into the Pharmaverse, we are so excited for you to join us! Be sure to subscribe to our youtube channel for first access to more content just like this!