She Leads Biotech

Sharron Cox

5.0 (2)
Business
Updated Weekly

This is She Leads Biotech, a podcast where we have real conversations with women leading the charge in innovation, research, and entrepreneurship in the bioscience space. Each episode offers a candid look at what it takes to succeed in a historically male-dominated field, and how to lean into your strengths to get where you want to go. We’re not just talking about the science; we’re getting to know the people behind the job titles!

5d ago

S4 E25, Dr. Nerissa Kreher - Chief Medical Officer of Alltrna

Reimagining Rare Disease Drug Development with Nerissa Kreher In this episode of She Leads Biotech, I’m joined by Nerissa Kreher, Chief Medical Officer of Alltrna, for a conversation about rare disease innovation, precision medicine, and the future of drug development. With more than 20 years of experience in rare diseases, Nerissa shares her journey from pediatric endocrinologist to biotech executive and explains how Alltrna is taking a novel approach to treating genetic diseases through mutation-defined therapies. A fascinating discussion about science, innovation, leadership, and hope for families living with rare diseases. Chapters 00:00 Introduction02:00 From Medicine to Biotech05:00 Falling in Love with Rare Disease Research08:00 Understanding Rare Disease Communities12:00 The Challenge of Clinical Trials in Rare Diseases16:00 Mutation-Defined Therapies Explained21:00 How Alltrna Is Rethinking Drug Development26:00 Regulatory & Clinical Development Challenges31:00 Public vs Private Company Leadership35:00 What Makes a Great Biotech Executive39:00 Leadership, Mentorship & Authenticity43:00 The Role of Patients in Drug Development47:00 The Future of Rare Disease Innovation51:00 Bringing Hope to Patients & Families #SheLeadsBiotech #RareDisease #PrecisionMedicine #GeneTherapy #BiotechLeadership #WomenInBiotech #CNAUSAExecutiveSearch

32 min
Jun 19

S4 E24, Sarah DiSalvatore, Fractional SVP of Clinical Operations & Biotech Executive

Leading with Purpose in Rare Disease with Sarah DiSalvatore In this episode of She Leads Biotech, I’m joined by Sarah DiSalvatore, Fractional SVP of Clinical Operations & Biotech Executive, for a conversation about leadership, rare disease, and the realities of bringing innovative therapies to patients. Sarah shares her journey from bench research to executive leadership, why quality and compliance are fundamental to successful clinical development, and how fractional leadership is helping early-stage biotech companies build smarter and more efficiently. We also discuss the deeply personal experience of becoming a rare disease parent, and how that has transformed the way Sarah approaches patient advocacy, programme development, and the importance of building centres of excellence for underserved communities. A thoughtful conversation about resilience, strategy, and keeping patients at the centre of every decision. Chapters 00:00 Introduction02:00 A Childhood Dream of Medicine06:00 From Bench Research to Clinical Operations11:00 Why Quality and Compliance Matter16:00 Growing into Leadership20:00 The Rise of Fractional Executives25:00 Becoming a Rare Disease Parent30:00 How Personal Experience Changed Clinical Development34:00 Building Centres of Excellence for Rare Diseases38:00 The Future of Clinical Operations42:00 Advice for Parents, Caregivers & Leaders #SheLeadsBiotech #RareDisease #ClinicalOperations #BiotechLeadership #GeneTherapy #WomenInBiotech #CNAUSAExecutiveSearch

45 min
Jun 12

S4 E23 - Melody Keel, CEO of The Research Associate Group

Beyond Burnout: Rethinking Leadership and Identity with Melody Keel In this episode of She Leads Biotech, I’m joined by Melody Keel, CEO of The Research Associate Group, for a candid conversation about clinical operations, leadership, burnout, and building a life beyond your job title. With more than 20 years of experience in clinical operations, Melody shares what she’s learned about leading teams, navigating high-pressure environments, and why empathy is one of the most powerful tools a leader can have. We also discuss the changing biotech job market, the importance of personal branding, and why your career should never become your entire identity. Whether you work in clinical operations or any area of life sciences, this episode is packed with practical insights and honest reflections. Chapters 00:00 Introduction02:10 Falling into Clinical Operations05:00 Why Great Leaders Put People First09:30 The Reality of Burnout in ClinOps14:00 Sponsor vs CRO Life17:20 A Personal Wake-Up Call20:00 Building a Life Beyond Work23:00 The Future of Careers in Biotech27:00 Why Your Personal Brand Matters30:00 Supporting Women Through Career Change33:00 Finding Your Purpose Beyond Your Job #SheLeadsBiotech #ClinicalOperations #Leadership #WomenInBiotech #CareerGrowth #LifeSciences #CNAUSAExecutiveSearch

36 min
Jun 5

S4 E22, Dr. Jennifer Daily - Biotech Executive & Founder

Building Your Own Table with Jennifer Daily In this episode of She Leads Biotech, I’m joined by Jennifer Daily, neuroscientist, biotech executive, and founder, for a conversation about leadership, drug development, and the journey from employee to entrepreneur. Jennifer shares how working across clinical development, regulatory affairs, manufacturing, and preclinical research gave her a unique perspective on what it really takes to move therapies from concept to patient. We also discuss the realities of gene therapy, why execution is often more important than great science alone, the power of building a strong network, and what inspired her to launch her own company in the neuroscience space. A thoughtful conversation about leadership, risk-taking, and creating opportunities instead of waiting for them. Chapters 00:00 Introduction02:30 Discovering Science & Neuroscience05:00 Moving from Academia to Industry08:00 What Industry Looks for in Scientists10:00 Seeing the Full Drug Development Picture13:00 Why Great Science Isn't Enough16:00 Funding Plans, Not Hope19:00 From Executive to Founder22:00 Building a Company in Neuroscience25:00 Creating a Culture Where Every Voice Matters28:00 Risk, Decision-Making & Leadership31:00 The Future of Gene Therapy34:00 Career Advice, Networking & Growth #SheLeadsBiotech #WomenInBiotech #BiotechLeadership #GeneTherapy #Neuroscience #FemaleFounder #CNAUSAExecutiveSearch

36 min
May 29

S4 E21, Ivana Muncie-Vasic - CEO & Founder of Vitra Labs

Rethinking IVF with Ivana Muncie-Vasic In this episode of She Leads Biotech, we’re joined by Ivana Muncie-Vasic, CEO & Founder of Vitra Labs, for a conversation about fertility innovation, bioengineering, and building a biotech company from the ground up. Ivana shares how her work in stem cell biology led to the development of hormone-free IVF technology designed to reduce the physical and financial burden of fertility treatment for patients. We also talk about the realities of becoming a first-time founder, navigating imposter syndrome, building resilience as a CEO, and how becoming a new mother has deepened her connection to the mission behind Vitra Labs. Chapters 00:00 Introduction02:00 Finding Bioengineering & Stem Cell Research07:00 Why Patient Impact Became the Focus10:00 From Academic Research to Founding Vitra Labs14:00 The Science Behind Hormone-Free IVF19:00 Why Traditional IVF Is So Difficult on Women23:00 Becoming a First-Time CEO27:00 Panic Attacks, Pressure & Founder Reality31:00 The Importance of Support & Coaching34:00 Becoming a Mother While Building a Startup37:00 Advice for Future Founders #SheLeadsBiotech #WomensHealth #FertilityInnovation #IVF #WomenInBiotech #CNAUSAExecutiveSearch

38 min
May 22

S4 E20, Saundra Pelletier & Mitch Rosen from EvoFem Biosciences

Changing the Conversation Around Women’s Health with Saundra Pelletier & Mitch Rosen In this episode of She Leads Biotech, we’re joined by Saundra Pelletier and Mitch Rosen from Evofem Biosciences for a candid conversation about women’s health, education, intimacy, and the importance of normalizing these discussions. We explore why women deserve more options, why men need to be part of the conversation too, and how a new generation is changing the way people think about sexual health and communication. From access and advocacy to stigma, healthcare gaps, and the power of education, this episode is honest, insightful, and surprisingly fun. Chapters 00:00 Introduction03:00 Evofem, Phexxi & Women’s Choice07:00 The “Say Vagina” Campaign12:00 Why Men Need to Join the Conversation16:00 How Mitch Found Women’s Health21:00 What’s Changing in Women’s Healthcare26:00 Shared Responsibility & Communication31:00 Generational Shifts Around Intimacy35:00 Myths & Misconceptions in Women’s Health40:00 AI, Access & The Future of Care45:00 What Real Progress Looks Like49:00 Final Advice & Takeaways #SheLeadsBiotech #WomensHealth #HealthcareInnovation #WomenInBiotech #CNAUSAExecutiveSearch

40 min
May 15

S4 E19, Anna Polak-Andersen, CEO of AnRes Clinical

Trusting Your Judgement in Biotech with Anna Polak-Andersen In this episode of She Leads Biotech, we’re joined by Anna Polak-Andersen, CEO of AnRes Clinical, for a thoughtful conversation about clinical development, leadership, and navigating the biotech industry across Europe. Anna shares her journey from studying pharmacy in Poland to leading a clinical development consultancy supporting biotech companies and rare disease programs across the industry. We talk about the realities of clinical research, the importance of strategic thinking in development, the current European biotech landscape, and why learning to trust your own judgement is one of the most important leadership lessons of all. Chapters 00:00 Introduction03:00 Why Anna Chose Clinical Development08:00 Early Career at Pfizer11:00 Staying Connected to Patient Impact15:00 What Makes AnRes Clinical Different20:00 Choosing the Right Clients & Partnerships24:00 European Biotech & Funding Challenges28:00 Women in Leadership & Self-Doubt32:00 Trusting Your Own Judgement35:00 Advice for the Next Generation #SheLeadsBiotech #ClinicalDevelopment #WomenInBiotech #BiotechLeadership #CNAUSAExecutiveSearch

34 min
May 8

S4 E18 - Dr Stella Vnook, Chief Executive Officer of AVIVA VENTURES

Building a biotech company takes more than science. In this episode of She Leads Biotech, Dr. Stella Vnook, CEO of Aviva Ventures, shares her journey from arriving in the US with nothing to leading multiple biotech ventures and supporting the next generation of founders. We explore the realities of building in biotech, from self-doubt and uncertainty to navigating the business side of science, and why so many great ideas never get started. A practical and honest conversation about resilience, leadership, and what it really takes to turn science into impact. Chapters 00:00 Introduction01:30 Stella’s Early Journey05:00 Building a Career in Life Sciences09:00 Self-Doubt and Leadership13:00 From Pharma to Entrepreneurship18:00 Starting Without Knowing How23:00 Common Mistakes Founders Make27:00 Building Multiple Companies32:00 The Story Behind Caerra36:00 Aviva Ventures and Supporting Founders40:00 Advice for Early-Stage Founders44:00 What Success Looks Like #SheLeadsBiotech #WomenInBiotech #BiotechLeadership #LifeSciences #CNAUSAExecutiveSearch

36 min

5

out of 5

2 Ratings

This is She Leads Biotech, a podcast where we have real conversations with women leading the charge in innovation, research, and entrepreneurship in the bioscience space. Each episode offers a candid look at what it takes to succeed in a historically male-dominated field, and how to lean into your strengths to get where you want to go. We’re not just talking about the science; we’re getting to know the people behind the job titles!

Creator

Sharron Cox
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

84
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Sharron Cox
Show Website

She Leads Biotech