BIO from the BAYOU: Build Your Biotech Network with Key Opinion Leaders and Investors

James Zanewicz
  • 5.0 (12)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

Are you struggling to find investors, funding, collaborators, and strategic connections in the ever-changing world of biotech? This show empowers biotech leaders with the tools, assets, and expertise to improve healthcare outcomes. Listen to “Bio from the Bayou” to learn how to: - Expand your network - Advance your product line - Make your company thrive With over two decades of experience in biotech and business development each, hosts James Zanewicz and Elaine Hamm (from Tulane University School of Medicine) talk with  their friends from the Gulf South and beyond to offer advice on networking, communication, and innovation, as well as unprecedented access to interviews with key opinion leaders in biotech. Every Wednesday, tune in to hear 15–20-minute episodes centered around solving biotech’s greatest challenges. If you’re ready to take the necessary steps towards success, start with fan-favorite Episode 58: Top Ways to Build Your Network as an Introvert in Biotech.

  1. 19h ago

    Episode 147: The Biotech Networking Playbook Part 3 – How to Turn New Connections into Lasting Relationships

    Have you ever left a conference with a stack of business cards… only to realize weeks later that you never followed up with the people you were most excited to meet? In the final installment of their three-part networking series, Elaine Hamm, PhD, is joined once again by special guest host James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP, CEO of Connect, to discuss what many professionals overlook: everything that happens after the event. From thoughtful follow-up emails and LinkedIn outreach to handwritten notes, CRM systems, and long-term relationship building, they share practical strategies for transforming brief conversations into meaningful professional connections that can create opportunities years down the road. In this episode, you'll learn: How to follow up after conferences in a way that feels authentic, memorable, and relationship-focused. Practical strategies for organizing and maintaining your professional network using notes, CRM tools, and consistent touchpoints. How genuine curiosity and generosity can lead to unexpected opportunities years later. Whether you're returning home from your first conference or your fiftieth, this episode will help you make sure your best conversations don't end when the event does. Links: Connect with James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP, and learn about Connect and IDEA Week, as well as his new podcast The Connect Current. Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine. Check out Elaine’s book recommendations: The Fine Art of Small Talk, The Speed of Trust, How to Talk to Anyone, and The Vault Guide to Schmoozing. Connect with Daniela Gama and Bruce Taillon, PhD. Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer. Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast.   Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.

  2. Jul 22

    Episode 146: The Biotech Networking Playbook Part 2 – How to Make Meaningful Connections at Events

    How do you turn a room full of strangers into meaningful professional relationships? In the second installment of their three-part networking series, Elaine Hamm, PhD, is joined once again by special guest host James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP, to discuss what happens after you've done the preparation and finally walk into the room. From making authentic introductions and asking better questions to reading body language and ending conversations gracefully, they share practical strategies for building genuine connections at conferences, partnering events, and networking receptions. In this episode, you'll discover: Why the best networkers focus on listening, curiosity, and making others feel comfortable - not delivering the perfect pitch. Practical techniques for starting conversations, introducing others, navigating networking events, and exiting conversations naturally. How to make the most of unexpected networking opportunities, manage your energy throughout long conference days, and capture important follow-up notes before they're forgotten. Whether you're attending BIO International, JPM, or your local life sciences event, this episode offers actionable advice to help you network with confidence and purpose. Links: Connect with James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP, and learn about Connect. Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine. Check out Elaine’s book recommendations: The Fine Art of Small Talk, The Speed of Trust, How to Talk to Anyone, and The Vault Guide to Schmoozing. Connect with Rafael Rosengarten, PhD, Kay Genemaras, PhD, and Andrew Latham, PhD. Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer. Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast.   Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.

  3. Jul 15

    Episode 145: The Biotech Networking Playbook Part 1 – How Preparation Creates Better Connections

    Why can some people effortlessly build professional relationships through networking? The work starts long before they ever walk into the room. In this first installment of a three-part networking series, Elaine Hamm, PhD, is joined by special guest host James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP, to explore why preparation is the most overlooked part of successful networking. From researching attendees to refining your personal pitch, they share practical strategies that help professionals build authentic relationships with greater confidence and purpose. Whether you're attending a major biotech conference, investor meeting, or local networking event, the right preparation can make every conversation more meaningful. In this episode, you'll learn: How researching attendees and defining your networking goals can make every event more productive. Why a well-prepared story, elevator pitch, and leave-behind materials create stronger first impressions. Practical ways to use LinkedIn, AI tools, and thoughtful preparation to reduce anxiety and build genuine professional relationships. Join Elaine and James as they kick off this three-part series on networking by showing why the most successful conversations begin long before you ever step into the room. Links:  Connect with James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP, and learn about Connect. Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine. Check out Elaine’s book recommendations: The Fine Art of Small Talk, The Speed of Trust, How to Talk to Anyone, and The Vault Guide to Schmoozing. Learn more about The Alliance for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare. Check out our previous episode on Networking for Introverts. Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer. Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast.   Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.

  4. Jul 8

    Episode 144: Night Science – Exploring Curiosity and Creativity in Research and Biotech (RE-RELEASE)

    Where do scientific breakthroughs really begin, and how much space do we leave for curiosity, intuition, and creative thinking along the way? In this episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, is joined by Auni Williams, PhD, a postdoctoral scholar at Penn State University, for a thoughtful and refreshing conversation about “night science.” Together, they explore the idea that behind every polished grant, publication, or protocol is a messier, more human process driven by curiosity, imagination, and the freedom to explore unconventional ideas. From historical examples of scientific breakthroughs to personal stories from the lab, this episode invites listeners to rethink how discovery really happens. In this episode, you’ll learn: What “night science” is and why embracing early, unpolished ideas is critical for innovation and discovery. How modern research culture can unintentionally suppress creativity – and what institutions and leaders can do to protect exploratory thinking. Why communicating science as a human, curiosity-driven process is essential for engaging both scientists and the public. Tune in to learn how making space for curiosity, creativity, and night science can reignite passion for research and lead to the next generation of scientific breakthroughs. Links: Connect with Auni Williams, PhD, and learn more about Penn State University. Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine. Learn more about François Jacob, Barry Marshall, August Kekulé, Operation Everest, American Heart Association Funding, and Cormac McCarthy's essay. Listen to our previous episode with Walter Isaacson. Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer. Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast.   Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.

  5. Jul 1

    Episode 143: Why Animal Health Is the Next Frontier for Biotech Innovation

    What can the world of animal health teach us about the future of biotech innovation, vaccine development, and global healthcare? In this episode, Elaine Hamm, PhD, sits down with Patrik Erlmann, PhD, Global Head of Biological Development in Animal Health at Boehringer Ingelheim, to explore the role of drug development in animal health. Drawing from his experience in startups, human pharmaceuticals, and now animal health, Patrik shares how biologics are transforming veterinary medicine, why developing therapies for animals requires a different mindset, and where opportunities exist for researchers, startups, and academic innovators. In this episode, you'll discover: How animal health development differs from human pharmaceuticals and where the two industries overlap. Why vaccines and biologics are becoming increasingly important for improving animal health while combating antimicrobial resistance. What startups, universities, and technology transfer offices should know when developing innovations for the animal health market. Tune in to discover why animal health is becoming one of biotech's most exciting areas of innovation, and how breakthroughs in veterinary medicine can create benefits that extend far beyond the farm and the clinic. Links: Connect with Patrik Erlmann, PhD, and learn about Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health. Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine. Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer. Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast.   Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.

  6. Jun 24

    Episode 142: How ARPA-H is Reimagining Women’s Health and Maternal Care

    What happens when you combine ambitious ideas, breakthrough technology, and a mission to transform healthcare decades into the future? In this episode, Elaine Hamm, PhD, sits down with Kate Arnold, MD, MBA, Program Manager at ARPA-H (Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health), to discuss how the agency is tackling some of healthcare's toughest challenges through high-risk, high-reward innovation. From next-generation fetal monitoring systems to novel diagnostics that could transform pregnancy care, Kate offers an inside look at how ARPA-H is accelerating breakthroughs that have the potential to redefine healthcare delivery. In this episode, you'll discover: How ARPA-H differs from traditional funding agencies and why it embraces ambitious, high-risk ideas that could fundamentally change healthcare. The vision behind the Making Obstetrics Care Smart (MOCS) program and how new technologies could improve maternal and infant outcomes. Why women's health remains one of the most promising areas for innovation and what opportunities exist beyond today's standard approaches to fertility and pregnancy care. Tune in to learn how ARPA-H is helping bring healthcare's future closer to reality, and why some of the biggest opportunities in biotech may be hiding in plain sight. Links: Connect with Kate Arnold, MD, MBA, and learn about ARPA-H and MOCS. Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine. Check out ARPA-H’s exciting funding announcement! Check out career opportunities at ARPA-H. Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer. Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast.   Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.

  7. Jun 17

    Episode 141: From Bench Science to Biotech Investment and Venture Funding

    What does it take to move from the lab bench to the venture side of biotech, and what are investors looking for in the next generation of breakthrough companies? In this episode, Elaine Hamm, PhD, sits down with Kevin White, PhD, Executive Director of the Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund, to discuss his journey from academic science to pharmaceutical R&D and ultimately to venture investing. Kevin shares how his scientific background shapes his investment philosophy, what it's like joining one of biotech's leading corporate venture funds, and the therapeutic areas he believes will define the future of healthcare. Along the way, he offers candid advice for founders navigating today's investment landscape and explains why curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace discomfort are essential for success.  In this episode, you'll discover: Why being uncomfortable can be one of the best catalysts for growth.  How the Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund approaches investing, from exploring "white space" opportunities to supporting innovations aligned with the company's therapeutic priorities.  Why emerging areas such as women's health, targeted drug delivery, in vivo cell engineering, and healthy aging are attracting growing attention from investors. Tune in to hear Kevin's perspective on the future of biotech investing and what it takes to turn breakthrough discoveries into transformative therapies. Links:   Connect with Kevin White, PhD, and learn about the Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund.   Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine.   Learn about the Tulane Center of Excellence in Sex-Based Precision Medicine.   Register for the Fat Tuesday Reception at BIO 2026 and check out Elaine’s panel on Tuesday 6/23.   Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer.   Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast.   Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.

  8. Jun 10

    Episode 140: The Growing Role of AI in Healthcare, Biotech, and Drug Development

    How can artificial intelligence help get the right drugs to the right patients faster, but without losing sight of the human side of healthcare? In this episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, sits down with Rafael Rosengarten, PhD, CEO and Co-Founder of Genialis, for a thoughtful conversation about the evolution of AI in biotech and its growing role in precision oncology. Drawing on more than a decade of experience at the intersection of machine learning and life sciences, Rafael shares how Genialis is building AI-powered foundation models of cancer biology to help pharmaceutical companies improve clinical trial success and accelerate drug development. The discussion also explores the promises and challenges of AI, from data quality and bias to the broader societal implications of increasingly intelligent technologies.  In this episode, you'll discover: How AI foundation models are being used to reduce clinical trial failure in oncology. How new approaches to AI can unlock valuable insights from limited clinical datasets. The opportunities and risks of AI in healthcare, education, and society – and why human judgment remains essential. Tune in to hear what it takes to build trustworthy AI healthcare technologies and why the future of biotech still depends on human creativity and critical thinking. Links: Connect with Rafael Rosengarten, PhD, and learn about Genialis and The Alliance for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare. Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine. Register for the Fat Tuesday Reception at BIO 2026 and check out Elaine’s panel on Tuesday 6/23. Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer. Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast. Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.

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Are you struggling to find investors, funding, collaborators, and strategic connections in the ever-changing world of biotech? This show empowers biotech leaders with the tools, assets, and expertise to improve healthcare outcomes. Listen to “Bio from the Bayou” to learn how to: - Expand your network - Advance your product line - Make your company thrive With over two decades of experience in biotech and business development each, hosts James Zanewicz and Elaine Hamm (from Tulane University School of Medicine) talk with  their friends from the Gulf South and beyond to offer advice on networking, communication, and innovation, as well as unprecedented access to interviews with key opinion leaders in biotech. Every Wednesday, tune in to hear 15–20-minute episodes centered around solving biotech’s greatest challenges. If you’re ready to take the necessary steps towards success, start with fan-favorite Episode 58: Top Ways to Build Your Network as an Introvert in Biotech.

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