Inside Pharma Leadership

Keith Willis

On Inside Pharma Leadership, I sit down with leaders and thinkers across the life sciences to talk about what it takes to lead, perform, and execute in complex environments Each episode features conversations with executives, managers, and thought leaders from across the pharma and broader life sciences ecosystem. We explore what leadership really looks like behind the scenes—how decisions get made, where execution breaks down, and what it takes to build teams that perform in highly regulated, high-stakes environments. This podcast focuses on real-life experiences, including leading through change, managing performance, developing people, and translating strategy into effective day-to-day execution. Whether you work in sales, medical affairs, market access, training, operations, or leadership development, Inside Pharma Leadership offers insights, reflection, and lessons you can apply.

  1. Jul 2

    Ep12 - The Future of Pharma Learning: AI Agents, Trust & Human Judgment (Part 2) with Parth Khanna

    What does it take to successfully scale AI across life sciences—and why are so many AI initiatives falling short? In Part 2 of this conversation, I am joined once again by Parth Khanna, CEO and Co-Founder of ACTO, to explore how AI agents are transforming Learning & Development, commercial teams, and the future of work. Together, they discuss why trust, governance, and human judgment are the missing ingredients in enterprise AI adoption—and how L&D has an opportunity to become a strategic driver of AI success. Meet the GuestParth Khanna is the CEO and Co-Founder of ACTO, an AI-powered Intelligent Field Excellence platform trusted by leading pharmaceutical and biotech organizations. Passionate about the future of work, Parth helps life sciences companies leverage AI, agentic systems, and learning innovation to empower frontline teams, improve performance, and ultimately enhance patient outcomes. Key TakeawaysWhy AI adoption is less about technology and more about trust.The difference between building AI workflows and empowering an AI-enabled workforce.How role-based AI agents improve compliance, knowledge retrieval, and field performance.Why Learning & Development is uniquely positioned to lead AI governance and agent certification.The importance of balancing AI capabilities with human judgment, empathy, and accountability.Practical strategies for building AI systems that people actually trust and use. Connect with Parth Khanna 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parth-khanna/ 📞 Phone: 289-800-1600 Connect with Keith Willis & Inside Pharma Leadership Instagram: @coachtoachieveLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithawillis/ Email: kwillis@coremanagementtraining.com Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-pharma-leadership/id1882373713 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2FREHTkAhT3VdZDdFa3jCV?si=85102c378a05412f Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@coremanagementtraining86/videos

  2. Jun 11

    Ep11 - The Hidden Role of L&D in Shaping AI-Driven Future of Work with Parth Khanna

    AI is reshaping the future of work, but success depends on more than technology. In this episode of Inside Pharma Leadership, I sit down with Parth Khanna, CEO and Co-Founder of ACTO, to explore how AI, agents, and augmented intelligence are transforming learning & development, frontline leadership, and commercial excellence in life sciences. They discuss the evolving role of L&D, why frontline managers are at the center of AI adoption, and how organizations can move beyond experimentation to create real business impact. Meet the GuestParth Khanna is the CEO and Co-Founder of ACTO, an AI-powered platform trusted by leading pharmaceutical and biotech organizations to improve field force effectiveness and accelerate therapy adoption. With over 50,000 field professionals using ACTO across many of the world's top life sciences companies, Parth is a recognized thought leader in AI, learning & development, and the future of work. Key Takeaways✅ Why AI should be viewed as Augmented Intelligence, not Artificial Intelligence ✅ How L&D teams can move from tactical support functions to strategic business partners ✅ The difference between Generative AI, AI Assistants, Agents, and Agentic AI ✅ Why frontline managers will be the key drivers of successful AI adoption ✅ How context and empathy improve AI performance and user trust ✅ The role of confidence, coaching, and personalized learning in AI-powered development ✅ Why job descriptions may be the blueprint for identifying AI opportunities ✅ How organizations can balance human connection, strategy, and judgment with AI automation Connect with Parth Khanna🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parth-khanna/ 📞 Phone: 289-800-1600 Connect with Keith Willis & Inside Pharma Leadership Instagram: @coachtoachieveLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithawillis/ Email: kwillis@coremanagementtraining.com Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-pharma-leadership/id1882373713 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2FREHTkAhT3VdZDdFa3jCV?si=85102c378a05412f Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@coremanagementtraining86/videos

  3. May 29

    Ep10 - The Black Box of Drug Discovery with David White

    In Episode 10 of Inside Pharma Leadership, I sit down with David White to explore the journey from scientific discovery to real-world patient impact. From drug development and commercialization to venture capital and biotech innovation, this episode dives into the business and science behind bringing life-changing therapies to market. Meet the Guest David White is a biopharma executive with more than 20 years of experience in drug discovery, strategic partnerships, and platform development. As SVP of Drug Discovery at ProteinQure, David has helped bridge the gap between cutting-edge science and commercially viable therapies across biotech, pharma, and venture-backed organizations. Key Takeaways Value creation and resource management in biopharmaDecision-making based on unmet medical needs and landscape analysisThe black box of early drug discovery and its excitementTransition from early discovery to commercialization with Target Product ProfilesDrug repurposing and repositioning strategiesRemote work and technology in drug discoveryChallenges of raising capital in biotechBuilding a strong scientific advisory board for investmentBalancing scientific innovation with business strategyTime as a critical resource in drug development Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Biopharma Leadership01:13 The Journey of a Biopharma Leader02:22 Value Creation in Drug Development04:05 The Shift in Drug Discovery Dynamics06:16 The Excitement of Early Drug Development08:34 Transitioning from Discovery to Commercialization12:15 The Process of Drug Repurposing17:54 Business Aspects of Drug Development21:24 Challenges in Raising Capital26:14 Navigating Capital and Time Constraints27:59 Closing Thoughts on Drug Discovery Connect with David White LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-white-pharmaceuticals-biopharmaceuticals/Email: david@proteinqure.com Connect with Keith Willis & Inside Pharma Leadership Instagram: @coachtoachieveLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithawillis/ Email: kwillis@coremanagementtraining.comApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-pharma-leadership/id1882373713

  4. May 12

    Ep9 - The Hidden Cause of Veteran Suicide: Why Community Is the Real Cure with Marshall Spring

    In this episode, I’m joined by Marshall Spring to discuss the realities behind veteran suicide, the impact of isolation after service, and why rebuilding purpose and community is critical to recovery. Marshall shares how the Combat Recovery Foundation is helping veterans reconnect through service, resilience training, mentorship, and community-driven missions. Meet the Guest Marshall Spring is a combat Marine Corps Explosive Detection Dog Handler, former police officer, and founder of the Combat Recovery Foundation. After losing his business partner, a fellow Marine, to suicide in 2019, Marshall dedicated his life to suicide prevention, resilience coaching, and helping veterans navigate life after service. Key Takeaways Isolation is one of the biggest drivers of veteran suicidalityCommunity, belonging, and purpose are essential to recoveryVeterans often struggle more with asking for help than offering helpService-based missions can help veterans reconnect and healPeer mentorship and one-on-one coaching can bridge the gap before group supportFamilies and friends should watch for changes in behavior, mood, and increased isolationSuicide rates among veterans may be significantly higher than officially reported Connect with Marshall Spring Website: combatrecoveryfoundation.orgYouTube: Combat Recovery Foundation Instagram: @combatrecoveryfoundationLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marshallspring/ Connect with Keith Willis Instagram: @coachtoachieveLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithawillis/ Email: kwillis@coremanagementtraining.com

  5. Apr 23

    Ep7 - Magic at Your Fingertips: How Maria Uses AI and UX to Disrupt Digital Design with Maria DeBuen

    In this episode of Inside Pharma Leadership, I sit down with Maria De Buen, founder of BluePixel, a premier international UX/UI design and software development firm. Maria shares her journey from starting a business straight out of college to leading a 60-person remote team that works with global giants like Office Depot and Philip Morris. The conversation dives deep into the evolution of digital design, the critical role of user experience in healthcare, and how generative AI is democratizing software development. Meet the GuestMaria De Buen is the founder of BluePixel, a premier international UX/UI design and custom software development firm. Originally trained as an industrial designer, Maria pivoted into the technology sector after identifying a significant gap in the Mexican market for specialized boutique firms that prioritize user experience.  Over the last decade, she has successfully transitioned from a solo freelancer to a business leader, scaling her company into the #1 ranked UX/UI firm in Mexico. An expert in systemizing creative growth and integrating generative AI into design workflows, Maria is widely recognized for her ability to bridge the gap between complex engineering and intuitive, human-centric design for global brands. Key Takeaways1. The Freelancer vs. Entrepreneur MindsetMaria highlights the difficult transition from being a "do-it-all" freelancer to a business leader. Scaling required her to stop expecting employees to be clones of herself and instead focus on systemization, delegation, and specialized roles. 2. UX/UI: The "Brain" of Digital ProductsMaria explains that technology fails if it isn't intuitive. UX (User Experience): The research-heavy logic, information architecture, and psychological understanding of the user journey.UI (User Interface): The creative, visual layer that makes the product accessible.Healthcare Application: In life sciences, design isn't just about "looks"—it's about accessibility (e.g., font size and button placement for elderly patients) and reducing errors in high-stakes environments.3. AI as a "Magic" Force MultiplierRather than fearing AI as a job-killer, Maria views it as an operating system for the brain. Speed: Tasks that once took months (like market research or initial prototyping) can now be compressed into a single week.Democratization: Tools are allowing non-technical leaders to build "decent" functional apps, though professional firms are still needed for high-level security, scalability, and complex databases. Connect with Maria and BluePixelStay updated on the latest in UX/UI and digital innovation: LinkedIn: Maria De Buen Instagram: Maria De Buen Tiktok: Maria De Buen Website: BluePixel Connect with Keith LinkedIn: Keith Willis Email: kwillis@coremanagementtraining.com

  6. Apr 16

    Ep6 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Finance with Karthik Sriram

    Karthik Sriram joins me to share how biotech finance leaders balance science, strategy, and capital to drive innovation. From his journey into the industry to raising over $800M, we unpack what it really takes to fund and scale life sciences companies—and why emotional intelligence is just as critical as financial expertise. Meet the GuestKarthik Sriram is a biotech finance executive currently leading Financial Planning & Analysis at Parabilis Medicines. With a background in biomedical engineering and an MBA from Wharton, he brings a unique ability to translate complex science into business strategy. He has helped secure more than $800M in capital, supporting clinical development, extending cash runway, and positioning companies for growth and partnerships. Key TakeawaysCareer paths aren’t linear—unexpected experiences often shape long-term directionEmotional intelligence is critical in finance, especially when influencing decisions and budgetsStrong relationships and trust are essential to doing the job effectivelyOPEX vs. CAPEX decisions are foundational in biotech and directly impact scalabilityRaising capital requires honesty, clarity, and deep knowledge of your numbersUnderstanding the science—even at a high level—builds credibility with investorsAI is accelerating drug development, especially in chemistry and early modelingThe future of finance teams in biotech may be smaller, more automated, and AI-drivenEarly-stage companies face real barriers in adopting tools due to cost structuresFlexibility—not fully remote or fully in-office—is the most effective operating model Connect with KarthikLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karthiksriram X (Twitter): https://x.com/KarthikSriram_ Email: ksriram@parabilismed.com Connect with Keith LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithawillis/ Email: kwillis@coremanagementtraining.com

About

On Inside Pharma Leadership, I sit down with leaders and thinkers across the life sciences to talk about what it takes to lead, perform, and execute in complex environments Each episode features conversations with executives, managers, and thought leaders from across the pharma and broader life sciences ecosystem. We explore what leadership really looks like behind the scenes—how decisions get made, where execution breaks down, and what it takes to build teams that perform in highly regulated, high-stakes environments. This podcast focuses on real-life experiences, including leading through change, managing performance, developing people, and translating strategy into effective day-to-day execution. Whether you work in sales, medical affairs, market access, training, operations, or leadership development, Inside Pharma Leadership offers insights, reflection, and lessons you can apply.