Leading Beyond The Lab

ARTO Talent

97% of our listeners don't realise they aren't followed, please double check, thank you! The Leading Beyond The Lab Podcast is hosted by Lawrence Rose, one of the Directors at ARTO, a talent solutions agency specialising in leadership roles within the Life Sciences sector globally. This podcast provides insightful discussions with industry experts, leaders and innovators, shaping the future in drug development and clinical devices. We talk with biotechnology and/or pharmaceutical executives, and find out from them their stories, personal career development and analyse their opinion on how to become successful in this space. We talk on a range of topics including soft skills, oncology, leadership, micromanagement, investment, cardiology, AI, dementia, addiction, hematology, dermatology, and much more. This podcast applies broadly to all types of connections in the Life Sciences Industry, and aims to educate and inspire those who want to excel in leadership.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Will the Drug Work? Engineering a New Future for Oncology - BioCortex

    MAR 3

    Will the Drug Work? Engineering a New Future for Oncology - BioCortex

    90% of our listeners don't realise they aren't subscribed - please check! What if we could predict whether a drug will work, before it ever reaches a patient? This week, in another episode of Leading Beyond the Lab, we host a co-guest episode featuring Nik Sharma, CEO & Co-Founder of BioCortex, a trained neurologist with years of experience spanning clinical medicine, ALS research, academia (Cambridge, NIH) and more. And Muhannad Alomari, CTO & Co-Founder, with over a decade of experience spanning aerospace engineering, AI leadership and physics-based systems modelling. In this episode, the duo covers: Why bacteria inside tumours may explain clinical trial variability, how “in silico bridge trials” could reshape oncology development, and how BioCortex plans to translate that science into commercial inflection points, global licensing models, and long-term value creation without taking traditional pipeline risk.From partnerships with CD BioPharma, they explain how global clinical strategy, particularly leveraging innovation and trial infrastructure emerging from China, is reshaping how oncology assets are advanced and positioned for global success.They also discuss investor backing from Edward Kliphuis from Sofinnova, Hussein Kanji from Hoxton Ventures and Draper Associates, and how capital discipline combined with deep-tech engineering principles (inspired by Rolls-Royce and even NASA) is shaping a new model for oncology drug development.They also reflect on visiting leading oncology centres in China alongside HSBC and AstraZeneca, highlighting the sheer scale and speed of patient recruitment, momentum that was clearly visible in multiple back-to-back presentations at ASCO, signalling a structural shift in global cancer innovation. This is a conversation about speed, probability, biology, engineering, and ultimately, time. Because for patients, time is everything. To listen to (or watch) the full episode, search “Leading Beyond the Lab BioCorteX” on wherever you get your podcasts, or click on the first link in the comments below. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    58 min
  2. A Single Injection set to Eliminate Cancer? CEO of Candel Therapeutics - Paul Peter Tak

    FEB 24

    A Single Injection set to Eliminate Cancer? CEO of Candel Therapeutics - Paul Peter Tak

    What if a single injection could teach the immune system to eliminate cancer, and keep it away? This week, in another episode of Leading Beyond the Lab, Lawrence Rose sits down with Paul Peter Tak, MD, PhD, FMedSci, President & CEO of Candel Therapeutics, one of the most quietly compelling stories in cancer immunotherapy today. With over 30 years of experience spanning academic medicine, clinical immunology, rheumatology, oncology, and global pharmaceutical leadership, Paul Peter brings a rare clinician-scientist perspective to biotech leadership. Prior to Candel, he served as Chief Immunology Officer and Global Head of Development at GSK (led by Luke Miels) , where he helped shape immunology and oncology strategy at scale. Paul Peter is also founder and previous chair of the dept of clinical immunology and rheumatology at Amsterdam UMC. In this episode, Paul Peter covers: - The mission behind Candel Therapeutics and why viral immunotherapy represents a fundamentally new modality, shifting the goal from helping patients live longer with cancer to helping them live without cancer. - Why Candel’s lead programs (including CAN-2409) are gaining serious scientific credibility, supported by leaders such as Nobel laureate James P. Allison and the "father of CAR-T cell therapy" Carl June, and how this external validation is changing industry and investor perception. - Lessons from past paradigm shifts in medicine, drawing on his early academic work at Leiden University, where once-dismissed antibody therapies later became standard of care, a parallel to today’s scepticism around viral immunotherapy. - How leadership, culture, and decision-making drive biotech success, shaped by his experience building teams in academia, transforming R&D at GSK, and learning large-scale leadership from mentors like Lord Patrick Vallance. - Why flexible operating models matter in biotech, including Candel’s approach to commercialisation through partners such as IDEA Pharma (led by Mike Rea) and Globe Life Sciences (Jonathon Mitchell), and cautionary lessons from companies like Oncorus and Replimune. Be sure to check out this episode to hear how Paul-Peter Tak is helping redefine what’s possible in cancer immunotherapy - and what it takes to lead beyond the lab. Follow ARTO LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalent Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kEcRZOiJChOoN1KF2n1ng Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arto.talent?igsh=MWdhbWl5N204a253NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@artotalent?_t=ZG-8tHbGACAZaj&_r=1 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-beyond-the-lab/id1783115575 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@life_sciences Website: https://arto-talent.com Paul Peter Tak CEO at Candel Therapeutics LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-peter-tak-md-phd-fmedsci-1b44749/ Lawrence Rose Co-Founder + Talent Solutions Director At ARTO LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencerose/ Timestamps: 01:50 Candel's Mission 19:51 The US Promising Future for Candel 35:44 Culture at Candel 40:44 Paul Peter's Motivations as CEO Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 1m
  3. Is AI About to Collapse the Cost of Healthcare — Or Is This Another Tech Bubble? | Edward Kliphuis

    FEB 3

    Is AI About to Collapse the Cost of Healthcare — Or Is This Another Tech Bubble? | Edward Kliphuis

    If AI is collapsing the cost of healthcare — are we on the brink of a historic breakthrough… or another bubble? This week on Leading Beyond the Lab, we sit down with @Edward Kliphuis, Partner at @Sofinnova Partners, one of Europe’s leading life-sciences venture capital firms. With over 20 years of experience spanning venture capital, digital health, tech-bio investing, and global life-sciences strategy, Edward has been at the forefront of investing where biology, computation, and healthcare collide. In this episode, Edward covers: - What’s genuinely different about AI in drug discovery and digital medicine today, and how collapsing healthcare costs could unlock a $10 trillion opportunity by reshaping long-term global supply–demand dynamics. - Edward explains how @Excelsior, backed by Sofinnova Partners, @Khosla Ventures and @Deerfield Management, and led by @Mike Foley, is using an AI-driven, modular chemistry platform, originating from @Marty Burke at the @University of Illinois, to create entirely new, de novo small-molecule drugs. - Why the US pharma & tech landscape may resemble a bubble, or a once-in-a-generation inflection point - He talks about @Latent Labs, (led by @Simon Kohl) a Sofinnova-backed company designing entirely new proteins that do not exist in nature, unlocking new therapeutic possibilities. - Edward outlines Sofinnova’s investment in @Bioptimus and discusses @Moon Surgical, exploring how AI and robotics are improving drug discovery and augmenting clinicians in complex procedures. - Edward reflects on the broader AI landscape, referencing an @HSBC investment banking report questioning the long-term economics underpinning large AI models such as @OpenAI, before highlighting comments from @Geoffrey Hinton on the scalability limits of current AI architectures. From AI-driven drug discovery and robotics in surgery, to healthcare economics, venture capital philosophy, and Europe vs the US innovation gap, this is a deep, unfiltered look at where life sciences is heading next. To listen to (or watch) the full episode, search "Leading Beyond The Lab Edward Kliphuis" on your preferred streaming platform, or click on the first link in the comments below! Follow ARTO LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalent Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kEcRZOiJChOoN1KF2n1ng Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arto.talent?igsh=MWdhbWl5N204a253NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@artotalent?_t=ZG-8tHbGACAZaj&_r=1 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-beyond-the-lab/id1783115575 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@life_sciences Website: https://arto-talent.com Edward Kliphuis Partner at Sofinnova Partners LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ekliphuis/ Lawrence Rose Co-Founder + Talent Solutions Director At ARTO LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencerose/ Timestamps: 00:00 Sofinnovas Partner's Investments 17:41 The US Pharma "Bubble" & AI 28:02 Investing in the Right CEO / Company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    41 min
  4. Parkinson’s Breakthrough Could Be Just Around the Corner | BlueRock Therapeutics

    JAN 29

    Parkinson’s Breakthrough Could Be Just Around the Corner | BlueRock Therapeutics

    From science fiction to clinical reality. What happens when cell therapy moves from promise to proof in patients who have run out of options? This week on Leading Beyond the Lab, Lawrence Rose sat down with Amit Rakhit, Chief Medical Officer at BlueRock Therapeutics, to explore how regenerative medicine, leadership, and culture intersect at the most pivotal stages of biotech development. A physician by training, Amit has built his career across large pharma and early stage biotech, including experience at Bristol Myers Squibb and Biogen, working on programmes ranging from rare disease to neurodegeneration. He is also a visible advocate for authenticity and inclusion within the life sciences industry. In this episode, Amit covers: • How BlueRock Therapeutics is translating the promise of cell therapy into real clinical trials for Parkinson’s disease, and why this moment is so significant for patients who have exhausted existing treatments (01:09) • What it takes to balance bold scientific vision with realism, credibility, and execution when leading clinical programmes at a pivotal stage (03:29) • The real differences between CEO and CMO roles, why leadership is not about hierarchy, and how self-awareness shapes long-term career impact (04:58) • Why authenticity, diversity of thought, and culture consistently separate successful biotechs from those that struggle, more than metrics alone (06:37) • Lessons from a career spanning programmes such as Plavix and Spinraza at Biogen, and what physician scientists should consider when transitioning into industry roles (12:00) If you want to understand how science, leadership, and empathy come together to shape medicines that can truly change lives, this is an episode worth your time. Check out the full conversation and hear directly from one of the industry’s most thoughtful clinical leaders. Follow ARTO: https://linktr.ee/arto_talent Amit Rakhit LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amit-rakhit/ Lawrence Rose LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencerose/ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and background 01:09 Cell therapy and BlueRock Therapeutics’ mission 03:29 Leadership, credibility, and execution 04:58 CEO vs CMO roles in biotech 06:37 Authenticity, inclusion, and culture 09:24 What separates successful biotechs 12:00 Physician scientists transitioning into industry 18:34 Career-defining moments and resilience 22:38 The future of cell therapy and emerging modalities 24:32 AI in drug discovery and clinical development 26:26 Closing thoughts and where to connect #LeadingBeyondTheLab #ARTOTalent #CellTherapy #BiotechLeadership #RegenerativeMedicine #LifeSciences #ClinicalDevelopment Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    29 min
  5. How Smart Capital Is Shaping the Future of Biotech - Jonathan Tobin

    JAN 20

    How Smart Capital Is Shaping the Future of Biotech - Jonathan Tobin

    97% of our viewers don't realise they aren't followed, please double check, thank you! What does it really take to back and build world-class biotech companies from idea to FDA approval? This week on Leading Beyond the Lab, Lawrence Rose sat down with Jonathan Tobin, Partner at Brandon Capital, to explore what truly drives success in life-science venture capital. With over 20 years' experience spanning biotech investment, company creation, board leadership, and early-stage venture building, Jonathan has played a key role in building and scaling biotech companies across Europe, Australia and the US. In this episode Jonathan covers: - How Brandon Capital was co-founded in Australia by Chris Nave and Stephen Thompson, who grew it into a globally respected life sciences VC firm spanning company creation, long-term funding, and expansion in the US and UK. - Jonathan reflects on how Brandon Capital has helped shape the Australian biotech ecosystem over the last almost 2 decades. - Investments like AstronauTx, AdvanCell, Myricx Bio, and the stories from the frontline, including strategic pivots, tough decisions, successful exits, and the high-conviction bets that shaped portfolio outcomes. - Practical, investor-led advice for founders raising venture capital; covering readiness, storytelling, common mistakes, and how to stand out in competitive funding rounds. - How CatalYm has progressed deep into the clinic, and why Brandon Capital has supported the company through multiple funding rounds. - Jonathan’s outlook on the future of biotech, from neuroscience and radiopharmaceuticals, to overlooked white-space opportunities shaping the next innovation cycle. Be sure to check out the full episode of Leading Beyond the Lab, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with anyone building in biotech. To listen to (or watch) the full episode, search "Leading Beyond The Lab Jonathan Tobin" on your preferred streaming platform. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44 min
  6. Nikhil Thatte On Investing In Best In Class Biotech and Medtech Companies

    JAN 6

    Nikhil Thatte On Investing In Best In Class Biotech and Medtech Companies

    This episode is a masterclass in how world-class life sciences investors think about risk, conviction, and real patient impact. This week on Leading Beyond The Lab, Lawrence Rose sat down with Nikhil Thatte, Partner at Lumira Ventures, a leading Canadian life sciences venture capital firm, with over a decade of experience backing transformative biotech and medtech companies across North America. In this conversation, Nikhil shares how Lumira Ventures has built a top-quartile VC track record over multiple market cycles, investing across therapeutic areas including oncology, gene editing, gene therapy, immunology, cardiometabolic disease, and medical devices. He also reflects on his journey helping scale globally impactful healthcare companies while staying grounded in patient outcomes. In this episode, Nikhil covers: • How Lumira Ventures evaluates investment opportunities in today’s biotech market, including why clinical data, valuation discipline, and a clear path to liquidity now matter more than ever (08:38) • Lessons from Lumira’s major exit successes, including Histosonics and Endotronix, and what made these companies stand out from an investor perspective, with insights into leadership, timing, and execution alongside Mike Blue at Histosonics (02:33) • What truly differentiates exceptional founders and management teams, with real examples of conviction moments backing leaders such as Joanna Stanicka at Axonis and Jade Doucet-Martineau at Puzzle Med (22:08) • Why Canada punches above its weight in life sciences innovation, the structural challenges holding the ecosystem back, and what must change to retain value domestically, including reflections on Canadian success stories discussed throughout the episode (17:40) • The vision behind the Cancer Breakthrough Fund, Lumira’s partnership with the Terry Fox Foundation, and how this model brings new capital, clinical expertise, and impact-driven investors into oncology innovation (31:08) If you want a rare, honest look inside how top life sciences VCs assess opportunity, leadership, and long-term value creation, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Follow ARTO: https://linktr.ee/arto_talent Nikhil Thatte LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikhil-thatte-72372333/ Lawrence Rose Director at ARTO LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencerose/ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Nikhil Thatte and Lumira Ventures 02:33 Major exits including Histosonics and Endotronix 05:30 Fund V and what drives LP conviction today 08:38 How Lumira evaluates deals in the current biotech market 17:40 Canada’s competitive advantages and ecosystem challenges 22:08 Backing exceptional founders and leadership teams 31:08 The Cancer Breakthrough Fund and Terry Fox Foundation partnership 37:00 Technologies and trends shaping the next 5–10 years 41:16 Patient impact and what ultimately motivates long-term investing #LeadingBeyondTheLab #ARTOTalent #LifeSciences #BiotechVC #Medtech #VentureCapital #CanadianInnovation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    45 min
  7. How NodThera’s NLRP3 Marks A New Era for Obesity Treatment

    12/18/2025

    How NodThera’s NLRP3 Marks A New Era for Obesity Treatment

    Cardio-metabolic diseases are the world’s biggest killer. But what if the next generation of treatments could change everything? This week on Leading Beyond The Lab, Lawrence Rose sat down with Jyothis George, CMO of Nodthera, and a global thought leader in the obesity space, shaping the future of cardio-metabolic and inflammatory disease innovation. Jyothis has led global programs across GLP-1, SGLT2, PCSK9 and now the emerging NLRP3 inhibitor class. His work spans companies such as Novo Nordisk, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim and his move into biotech with NodThera marks a shift from big-Pharma leadership into next-wave therapeutic development. In this episode, Jyothis covers: - How NodThera is shaping the future of metabolic and inflammatory disease treatment. - A look at the mindset and challenges behind leading in a high-stakes biotech environment. - Why the right investors often play a critical mentorship role in biotech growth. - Exploring why endocrinology remains underfunded and overlooked in biotech circles. - How he previously worked with Eli Lilly (led by David Ricks), contributing to their efforts in the cardiometabolic space. - Reflections on personal legacy, long-term impact, and how to get in touch. If you’re interested in cardio-metabolic innovation, GLP-1 evolution, biotech strategy or leadership at the cutting edge of science, this episode is worth your time. Follow ARTO LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalent Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kEcRZOiJChOoN1KF2n1ng Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arto.talent?igsh=MWdhbWl5N204a253NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@artotalent?_t=ZG-8tHbGACAZaj&_r=1 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-beyond-the-lab/id1783115575 Website: https://arto-talent.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@life_sciences Jyothis George CMO at NodThera LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jyothisgeorge/ Lawrence Rose Co-Founder + Talent Solutions Director At ARTO LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencerose/ Timestamps: 01:40 NodThera's Role in Future Endocrinology 10:48 Leadership in Biotech 21:05 Investment and Mentorship 30:58 Endocrinology's Underinvestment 38:13 Jyothis George: Legacy & Contact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    42 min
  8. How To Get Investment from Joey Mason | 25 Years In Life Sciences VC

    12/09/2025

    How To Get Investment from Joey Mason | 25 Years In Life Sciences VC

    25 years of life sciences venture experience in one episode. This week on Leading Beyond The Lab, @Lawrence Rose sat down with @Joey Mason, a venture investor with 25 years of experience across venture debt, venture capital and company building. Joey’s background spans senior roles with @Claret Capital Partners, @Sofinnova Partners, and earlier positions in investment banking and CRO services. His track record includes multiple successful exits, advising boards, working across Medtech, Biotech, digital health and Techbio, and supporting companies through regulatory approval, clinical development and commercial scale. In this episode, Joey covers: Joey dives into his career spanning 25 years of Life Sciences experience, from early biotech to leading global investment firms.He unpacks the frameworks and philosophies that guide his investment decisions across the Life Sciences ecosystem.Joey reflects on a standout investment, what made it succeed, and the lessons it offers future founders.A candid discussion on what strong leadership looks like in high-growth Life Sciences ventures.Joey shares exactly what he looks for in a pitch, and what turns him off instantly.Looking ahead, Joey reveals where he’s placing bets and what excites him most about the next wave of Life Sciences innovation. Check out this episode if you want a grounded, practical understanding of how life sciences companies are assessed, funded and supported behind the scenes, and how founders can communicate, hire and plan more effectively on the path to scale. Follow ARTO! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalent Spotify: Leading Beyond The Lab Instagram: Instagram (@arto.talent) TikTok: artotalent on TikTok Apple Podcasts: Leading Beyond The Lab Website: Home Youtube: ARTO Recruitment Lawrence Rose Co-Founder + Talent Solutions Director at @ARTO LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencerose/ Joey Mason Venture Advisor @Sofinnova Venture Partner @Claret Capital Partners LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joey-mason/ Timestamps 01:09 Joey’s Career 05:14 Investment approaches 19:17 Most successful investment 28:20 Leadership 32:46 How to pitch to Joey Mason 42:21 Future plans #LeadingBeyondTheLab #ARTOTalent #LifeSciences #VentureCapital #VentureDebt #Medtech #Biotech #TechBio #DigitalHealth #IrelandEcosystem #Pharma #InvestmentStrategy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    52 min

About

97% of our listeners don't realise they aren't followed, please double check, thank you! The Leading Beyond The Lab Podcast is hosted by Lawrence Rose, one of the Directors at ARTO, a talent solutions agency specialising in leadership roles within the Life Sciences sector globally. This podcast provides insightful discussions with industry experts, leaders and innovators, shaping the future in drug development and clinical devices. We talk with biotechnology and/or pharmaceutical executives, and find out from them their stories, personal career development and analyse their opinion on how to become successful in this space. We talk on a range of topics including soft skills, oncology, leadership, micromanagement, investment, cardiology, AI, dementia, addiction, hematology, dermatology, and much more. This podcast applies broadly to all types of connections in the Life Sciences Industry, and aims to educate and inspire those who want to excel in leadership.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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