The Biometrics Leadership Lab Podcast

Amanda Cross
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The Biometrics Leadership Lab Podcast helps clinical trial biometrics professionals grow from functional leads into confident, collaborative leaders. Hosted by Amanda Cross, a seasoned biometrics executive and coach, the show shares practical strategies, expert panels, and real world insights across data management, statistics, statistical programming, and medical writing.

Episodes

  1. FEB 2

    From CRO to Sponsor: A Conversation With Michael Inkman

    What really changes when you move from the CRO side to the sponsor side and what lessons carry through no matter which side you’re working on? In this episode, I talk with Mike Inkman, a clinical data leader with more than 20 years of experience across CROs and sponsors, about his career journey and what crossing the CRO - sponsor divide taught him about leadership, oversight, and risk. We explore how early CRO roles shape flexibility and execution, why sponsor-side oversight feels fundamentally different, and how data management often identifies trends and risks others miss. Listen as Mike shares candid reflections on leadership growth, transparency, sponsor pressure, and the realities of managing data in complex clinical trials. What You’ll Learn How many careers in clinical research begin by “falling into” the industryWhy early CRO roles build adaptability and prioritization skillsWhat it’s really like managing multiple studies across multiple sponsorsHow CRO teams balance disclosure with solution-buildingWhat changes when responsibility shifts from delivery to oversightHow scope limitations shape CRO data management workWhy data management often sees trends and risks before othersHow leadership evolves from authority to advocacyWhat Mike would tell his younger self about discretion and resilienceQuote of the Episode “Nobody’s going to be better at overseeing a CRO than someone who has worked at a CRO.” Resources Follow Mike Inkman on LinkedIn Follow Amanda Cross on LinkedIn Subscribe to the Biometrics Leadership Lab newsletter on LinkedIn Please like and subscribe! Thank you for listening!

    49 min

  2. JAN 14

    CV and Interviews: A Discussion with Mark O’Brien

    Episode SummaryIn this episode of the Biometrics Leadership Lab podcast, I sit down with Mark O’Brien, Founder and CEO of Warman O’Brien to talk candidly about what it takes to stand out in today’s life sciences job market. With more than 20 years in recruitment and deep specialization in biometrics placements, Mark shares practical guidance on CV structure, interview strategy, LinkedIn presence, and how hiring has changed in a post-COVID world. Whether you’re actively job hunting or quietly preparing for your next move, this conversation focuses on what matters now in your job search.What You’ll Learn What three must-have sections every life sciences CV needsWhy accomplishments matter more than job descriptionsWhat recruiters really mean when they say “formattingmatters”How to handle employment gaps with confidenceWhen a one-page CV works and when it doesn’tWhat red flags hiring managers notice immediatelyHow to ask about work-life balance without asking about work-life balanceWhen the LinkedIn “Open to Work” banner helps and when it doesn’tQuote of the Episode: “If it’s not written on your CV, it didn’t happen.” Resources/Show Notes Follow Amanda Cross on LinkedInFollow Warman O’Brien on LinkedInSubscribe to the Biometrics Leadership Lab newsletter for more professional development insights, tips, and strategiesWarman O’Brien website Warman O’Brien salary survey Thank you for listening! Please subscribe and hit the like button!

    49 min

  3. 12/30/2025

    Leading With Heart and High Standards: Leadership Lessons with Marla Husnik

    In This EpisodeIn this episode of the Biometrics Leadership Lab podcast, I talk with biostatistician and clinical research leader Marla Husnik, PhD about her 20+ year journey across public health, academic CROs, and global pharma.   Marla shares how she built high-performing biometric teams, why communication matters more than technical brilliance, and what new managers often overlook when stepping into leadership roles. We explore the realities of managing people instead of projects, navigating team conflict before it takes root, andcreating connection across cultures and time zones. What You’ll Learn What really changes when you move from individual contributor to managerWhat matters more than technical skills when building a teamHow to spot early signs that a team is strugglingHow to support individuals while also aligning to organizational goalsWhy celebrating wins, large and small, keeps teams resilient and motivatedHow remote and global leaders can build genuine camaraderieQuote of the Episode“To be really effective, you have to be in the mindset of being more of a giver than an achiever.”  Tune In If You Are: A new manager learning how to balance technical depth with people leadershipA statistician, programmer, or biometrics professional curious about team dynamicsA director or VP navigating team performance and cross-functional collaborationAnyone interested in leadership that blends compassion with accountabilityResources/Show Notes: Follow Amanda Cross on LinkedIn Follow Marla Husnik on LinkedIn Subscribe to the Biometrics Leadership Lab newsletter for more professional development insights, tips, and strategies

    53 min

  4. 12/02/2025

    Pricing, Profitability, and the Financial Reality of Biometrics

    In This Episode Ready to be a biometrics leader? Financial literacy matters more than you might realize. In this episode, I talk with Joel White, Founder of Marketcap Consulting, about the pricing, proposal strategy, and the financial reality behind biometrics work in CROs. We explore how pricing models, billing structures, andrevenue recognition actually work inside CROs and what leaders need to understand if they want to confidently participate in financial conversations. Listen as Joel shares insights from his two decades ofexperience in clinical research finance and demystifies the financial side of proposals, revenue recognition and sponsor billing. Listen and Learn How biometrics services are priced and why “hours times rates” still dominatesThe difference between pricing, billing, and revenuerecognition and why confusing them creates problemsHow vendor and pass-through costs really work insidecontractsWhen milestone-based billing makes sense (and when it does not)How resource location affects project profitabilityWhat FSP models actually are and why the term is oftenmisusedWhy Biometrics FSPs are more prevalent than other FSPsQuote of the Episode “The way you price something is not necessarily the way it’sinvoiced to the customer. And the way you invoice something is not necessarily how you recognize revenue.” Resources / Show Notes Joel White and MarketCap Consulting https://www.marketcapconsulting.com/ Follow Joel White on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelwhite01/ Follow Amanda Cross on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandacross/ Subscribe to the Biometrics Leadership Lab newsletter on LinkedIn Sir Dennis Gillings Video https://youtu.be/nrKBWX8GAAs?si=j9DYZzgUtYL7cF4n Financial Intelligence book mentioned in the episode (non-affiliate link) https://a.co/d/etdIkB1

    59 min

  5. 10/31/2025

    People First: Leadership Lessons with Charlene Dark

    In This EpisodeIn this episode, I talk with Charlene Dark, Chief Operating Officer at Avania, about her career journey from statistician to executive leader. We explore how curiosity, courage, and a people-first mindset shaped her path and how she continues to lead with authenticity and accountability. Charlene shares stories from her early days in clinical research, lessons from the mentors who influenced her most, and the leadership principles that have guided her through decades of change in the biometrics industry. Listen and Learn Why “people first” is more than a management philosophy: it’s a strategy for successHow to build trust, accountability, and empowerment across teams and functionsThe hardest transition in leadership (and why most new managers struggle with it)Why not every high performer should become a manager and what to do insteadHow curiosity and active listening drive innovation and connectionThe importance of aligning personal values with professional purposeHow to keep your critical-thinking skills sharp in an AI-driven world Quote of the Episode “If you get the right people in the right seats doing the job they love, that’s your biggest battle. The rest will follow.” — Charlene Dark Resources / Show Notes Mindset Reimagined by Charlene Dark — Available on AmazonFollow Charlene Dark on LinkedInFollow Amanda Cross on LinkedInLearn more at www.crossfieldcc.comSubscribe to the Biometrics Leadership Lab newsletter on LinkedIn⁠ for more professional development insights, tips, and strategies

    1h 3m

  6. 10/15/2025

    The 5-Minute Bid Defense

    In This Episode:Ever felt like the biometrics discussion gets lost in the shuffle of a full-service bid defense? At the end of an hours long meeting, data management, biostatistics, and medical writing frequently find themselves with just 5 minutes. Here’s how to make the most of your 5 five minutes so you can stand out and make a meaningful impact. Regardless of your role or your bid defense experience, you’lllearn with practical strategies to ensure you’re clear, concise, and compelling when it matters most. Listen and learn: What the bid defense is really for (it's not just about the slides)Why 5 minutes is all you needThe #1 mistake biometrics professionals make in a bid defenseHow to show your value without jargon or long explanationsWhy paying attention matters even when you are not presenting Quote of the episode: “You know you only have five minutes. Plan for it.” Resources/Show Notes  ⁠⁠Follow Amanda Cross on LinkedIn⁠Crossfield Coaching and Consulting⁠⁠Subscribe to the Biometrics Leadership Lab newsletter on LinkedIn⁠ for more professional development insights, tips, and strategies

    8 min

  7. 09/24/2025

    From Start-up to Strategy: Lessons in Leadership with Kathy Bradrick

    In This Episode: I sit down with clinical research executive Kathy Bradrick to explore her journey through the CRO world: from her early days in business operations at a startup to becoming CEO of her own company. Throughout the conversation, Kathy shares how business sense, asking good questions, and a strong work ethic helped her grow her career, and why small companies remain close to her heart. You’ll hear reflections on founding companies, navigating mistakes, learning through doing, and how people-centered leadership fuels sustainable growth. Plus, enjoy a bit of reminiscing as Kathy and I reflect on fun and formative moments from our intersecting careers over the past 25+ years. Listen and learn: What to do when you make a million-dollar mistake Why it’s important to understand the business beyond your role What small companies offer that large companies do not How you are networking every day—even if you think you’re not What being “patient-first” means in real clinical research settings Quote of the episode: “Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about curiosity, courage, and the willingness to keep learning.” Resources/Show Notes: ⁠Follow Amanda Cross on LinkedIn⁠Crossfield Coaching and ConsultingFollow Kathy Bradrick on LinkedInSpark Clinical ResearchSubscribe to the Biometrics Leadership Lab newsletter on LinkedIn for more professional development insights, tips, and strategies

    32 min

  8. 09/11/2025

    What is a Lead: Part 2 of 2

    The Biometrics Leadership Lab Podcast Episode 2: What Is a Lead? – Part 2 Episode Overview In Part 2 of our discussion, we explore the challenges biometrics leads face: working better with project management, managing performance, and balancing expectations. This episode dives deeper into the questions: What is a biometrics lead? and What makes a good lead a great lead? Here’s What You’ll Learn Key challenges leads face and how to manage themNavigating lead changes due to performance—and how to prevent the need for changeUnlocking positive relationships with Project ManagementBalancing workload and sponsor expectations (a critical skill for CRO leads)What to remember on the stressful days Stay Connected Listen to Part 1 Subscribe to the LinkedIn Newsletter Follow Amanda on LinkedIn: Amanda Cross

    27 min

  9. 08/26/2025

    What is a Lead? (Part 1 of 2)

    What does a functional lead actually do in clinical trial biometrics? In this first episode of The Biometrics Leadership Lab Podcast, we explore what makes a great functional lead across data management, statistics, and statistical programming, and how leads can excel. This episode features three expert panelists sharing lessons from the field: Adri Erasmus – Data Management Bobby Rachford – Statistics Evgeny Starostin – Statistical Programming If you're a current lead, someone who is working to become one, or a line manager wanting to learn more about collaborating with other functions, this is the episode for you. 📬 Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7255662947639652352 📺 Watch the original recording on YouTube:https://youtu.be/OKu6yEgM4Hk?feature=shared

    25 min

  10. SEASON 1, EPISODE 1 TRAILER

    Welcome to The Biometrics Leadership Lab

    Welcome to The Biometrics Leadership Lab Podcast! Hosted by Amanda Cross, this show is designed to help clinical trial biometrics professionals grow into confident, collaborative leaders. From functional leads to rising leaders, we share practical strategies, expert insights, and real-world experiences from across data management, statistics, programming, and medical writing. Subscribe now and take your next step in leadership. Want more insights from The Lab? Subscribe to my newsletter on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7255662947639652352 Subscribe to YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@CrossfieldCoachingandConsultin

    2 min

Trailer

About

The Biometrics Leadership Lab Podcast helps clinical trial biometrics professionals grow from functional leads into confident, collaborative leaders. Hosted by Amanda Cross, a seasoned biometrics executive and coach, the show shares practical strategies, expert panels, and real world insights across data management, statistics, statistical programming, and medical writing.

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