Conversations Life Science Leaders Aren't Having

Jeff Harmon
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The show where Jeff and senior leaders in biotech and pharma dive into topics that aren't typically discussed but are keys to success in life, leadership, and in developing life changing solutions for patients around the world.

  1. 14 THG 4

    No Pretense, Just Purpose: Leading with Heart in Life Sciences with Jason Matuszewski

    Welcome back to Conversations Life Science Leaders Aren’t Having. In this episode, we sit down with Jason Matuszewski, CEO of BioStem Technologies, a regenerative medicine company based in South Florida focused on advanced wound care solutions using placental tissue. From the outset, what stands out most about Jason is his authenticity—he leads without pretense and brings a genuine passion for patients, his team, and the broader mission of BioStem. In our conversation, Jason takes us through the winding journey of BioStem’s evolution—from its roots in medical tourism treating high-net-worth individuals and professional athletes, to its current focus on serving underserved patient populations dealing with chronic wounds. He shares how the company pivoted in 2018, riding the waves of the COVID-19 pandemic and using that time to innovate and develop a proprietary processing technology called BioRetain. Reflecting on more than a decade of leadership, Jason opens up about who he’s become in the process—an evolving public company CEO who has learned to lead through uncertainty and build an empowering, family-oriented culture he refers to as “The Stem.” He shares how mentorship, humility, and a flat organizational structure have helped shape a culture where every team member—from lab to accounting—feels connected to the patient impact of their work. A unique part of this culture includes a weekly “Opening Bell” meeting, where Jason highlights real patient stories to keep the mission front and center. Jason doesn’t shy away from tough industry topics either. He challenges his peers in the life sciences—particularly in wound care—to engage in more collaborative conversations around coverage, payment, and innovation. He points out that fragmentation in the industry has stalled progress and hurt patients, and he’s committed to being "an adult in the room" to drive change, influence policy, and reduce systemic inefficiencies that delay product delivery to those who need them most. As BioStem looks ahead, Jason envisions expanding the product portfolio, continuing to advocate for patients at both commercial and government levels, and solidifying South Florida as a hub for medtech innovation. He closes with a heartfelt reminder of why this work matters—every wound healed, every limb saved, is a life impacted—and that is what keeps him and his team energized each day. To learn more about BioStem and follow Jason’s journey, visit biostemtech.com or connect with him on LinkedIn. Stay tuned for more powerful conversations just like this one.

    32 phút

  2. 17 THG 3

    From Curiosity to Impact: Leading Biotech with Purpose with Arun Swaminathan

    In this episode of *Conversations Life Science Leaders Aren't Having*, host Jeff Harmon sits down with Arun Swaminathan, CEO of Coya Therapeutics, for a deep dive into leadership, innovation, and the mission to transform patient lives. Arun shares his journey from scientist to CEO, reflecting on the pivotal moments that shifted his perspective from career growth to a passion for turning science into real-world impact. He recounts the profound influence of working alongside pioneers in transplant immunology and the leap of faith that led him to co-found a biotech company a decade ago. Now leading Coya, Arun is focused on advancing therapies for ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases, with a vision of improving patient outcomes and quality of life. The conversation explores the evolving role of curiosity in leadership—how Arun continues to foster a learning mindset beyond the lab and into the boardroom. He discusses the critical balance of maintaining passion while implementing operational excellence, ensuring that bold ideas translate into actionable success. A particularly insightful segment revolves around company culture and leadership write transition. Arun reflects on taking the reins from founding CEO Howard Berman, whose personal connection to ALS shaped the company’s mission. While bringing his own leadership style, Arun emphasizes the importance of maintaining the organization’s DNA—keeping the patient at the center of every decision. He candidly shares how Coya fosters psychological safety within its team, encouraging cross-functional problem-solving and idea-sharing across traditional silos. Jeff and Arun also tackle a broader challenge in the biotech industry—the need for increased collaboration among competitors. Arun advocates for more open dialogue between leaders to address shared barriers, from patient recruitment to regulatory pathways, while still maintaining competitive innovation. He challenges himself and his peers to dedicate time to industry-wide problem-solving, likening it to building a better highway for all companies while each focuses on perfecting their individual vehicles. As the discussion winds down, Arun outlines Coya’s ambitious plans for 2025, including advancing its Phase 2B clinical trial for ALS and exploring new applications for its therapies in neurodegenerative diseases. His dream? To see Coya’s work lead to a future where ALS patients can maintain their quality of life, a goal that fuels every aspect of his leadership. This episode is a must-listen for biotech professionals, leaders navigating cultural shifts, and anyone passionate about the intersection of science and impact. Follow Coya Therapeutics on their website, LinkedIn, and social media to stay updated on their groundbreaking work. Links mentioned: - Coya Therapeutics Website: https://coyatherapeutics.com/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coya-therapeutics/ - Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/CoyaTx - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTG29yxsbR7vcA8ZAMNPi4Q Tune in and be inspired by Arun’s leadership philosophy and the powerful mission driving Coya forward!

    41 phút

  3. 3 THG 3

    A Masterclass in Innovation and Execution with Dr. Hernan Bazan

    In this episode, Jeff sits down with Dr. Hernan Bazan, a vascular surgeon, biotech entrepreneur, and CEO of South Rampart Pharma, to explore a groundbreaking approach to pain management and drug development. Dr. Bazan shares his journey from the operating room to leading a life sciences company, discussing the unique approach his team has taken to develop SRP-001, a novel, non-opioid pain treatment that has received FDA fast-track designation. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Bazan highlights how his dual perspective as a practicing physician and a biotech leader allows him to challenge the traditional drug development model. He dives into the importance of capital efficiency, leveraging NIH funding, and assembling a world-class team without the typical overhead of a life sciences company. He also reflects on his leadership philosophy, emphasizing that leadership is relationships and that true execution requires understanding every aspect of the business—not just delegating. Jeff and Dr. Bazan discuss the broader landscape of pain management, the growing investor and regulatory interest in alternatives to opioids, and what it takes for clinicians with innovative ideas to turn them into reality. The episode is a must-listen for anyone in the life sciences space looking to rethink execution, funding, and leadership in biotech. Key Takeaways: 🔹 How Dr. Bazan transitioned from vascular surgery to biotech innovation 🔹 The unique, capital-efficient model South Rampart Pharma is using to develop new drugs 🔹 Why having a practicing physician’s perspective is valuable in biotech 🔹 The importance of relationships in leadership and execution 🔹 The growing momentum in the pain management space and what it means for investors 🔹 Advice for clinicians and scientists looking to bring new medical innovations to market Resources & Links: 🔗 Learn more about South Rampart Pharma: www.southrampartpharma.com 🔗 Follow South Rampart Pharma on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/south-rampart-pharma-llc/ 🔗 Read the latest coverage in BioSpace - https://www.biospace.com/drug-development/vertexs-journavx-changes-the-pain-treatment-landscape-but-opioids-here-to-stay Dr. Bazan’s insights provide a mini-masterclass in executing innovation in biotech. If you're an entrepreneur, investor, or clinician with an idea, this episode will challenge you to think differently about leadership, funding, and bringing novel treatments to patients.

    37 phút

  4. 3 THG 2

    The Power of Connection with Tony Martignetti

    In this episode of Conversations Life Science Leaders Aren't Having, Jeff Harmon welcomes leadership advisor and coach Tony Martignetti for an insightful discussion about connection, mentorship, and leadership transformation in the life sciences industry. Tony, the founder of Inspired Purpose Partners, has dedicated his career to guiding highly technical professionals—what he calls “outlier leaders”—who have the potential to make a massive impact but often struggle with communication and connection. Having spent years in life sciences as a finance and strategy leader, Tony understands the challenges of translating technical expertise into leadership that inspires and influences. He shares his personal journey of breaking free from an analytical-only identity to embrace his true strengths—helping others uncover their brilliance and bring it forward. Throughout the conversation, Jeff and Tony explore the importance of mentorship, the power of vulnerability in leadership, and the necessity of breaking down silos in biotech and pharma. Tony shares real-life experiences of when diverse perspectives led to better decision-making—and when the lack of them led to failure. They discuss how leaders can create safe spaces for meaningful conversations and the essential role of self-awareness in professional growth. Tony also introduces his program, Campfires of Connection, designed to deepen relationships within organizations and drive innovation through stronger human connection. He offers thought-provoking questions for senior life science leaders, challenging them to redefine success, think beyond traditional industry borders, and ask, Who else should we be talking to? Join Jeff and Tony for a conversation that will change the way you think about leadership, connection, and the future of innovation in life sciences. Key Takeaways: Why connection is critical for technical leaders looking to inspire and influence The role of mentorship and how leaders can foster meaningful, open conversations How breaking down silos and engaging diverse perspectives leads to better outcomes The balance between hard technical expertise and “soft skills” that drive real results Why life science leaders must redefine success to balance innovation with humanity Resources & Links: 🔗 Connect with Tony on LinkedIn: Tony Martignetti 🔗 Learn more about Inspired Purpose Partners: iPurposePartners.com 🔗 Explore Campfires of Connection: https://www.ipurposepartners.com/campfiresofconnection Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share it with a colleague or leave a review. Your support helps bring more unspoken conversations to the forefront of life science leadership. 🎧 Listen, reflect, and keep the conversation going!

    31 phút

  5. 16 THG 1

    Creating Psychological Safety for High Performance and Humanity with Mehmet Baha

    Welcome to Conversations Life Science Leaders Aren’t Having, hosted by Jeff Harmon. In this insightful episode, Jeff sits down with Mehmet Baha, a world-renowned coach, teacher, and consultant specializing in psychological safety and fostering deeply human, high-performing workplace cultures. Based in Berlin and originally from Cyprus, Baha brings a unique perspective shaped by years of global experience, including his time as one of Facebook's first European employees and as a Fulbright Scholar. Baha’s approach combines compassion with actionable strategies, demonstrating that humanity and high performance are not mutually exclusive. In this episode, Baha shares his personal journey, which led him to champion psychological safety, drawing from both challenging and empowering experiences in his career. He reveals how environments with high psychological safety foster innovation and collaboration, while fear-based cultures can lead to burnout and disengagement. The conversation dives into key trends shaping workplaces in 2025, including employee well-being, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in preserving our humanity at work. Baha emphasizes that leaders must focus on building trust, fostering curiosity, and creating positive momentum by engaging "movers" within their organizations to drive meaningful cultural shifts. Listeners will also hear Baha’s practical advice on managing resistance to change, fostering collaboration, and ensuring psychological safety during turbulent times. He highlights real-world examples, such as the contrasting approaches of two companies to layoffs, to illustrate the importance of leading with empathy and clarity. As a father, musician, and lifelong learner, Baha offers personal insights into how curiosity, mindfulness, and prioritization shape his leadership philosophy. He leaves leaders with a powerful question to carry into the year: “How can we be humane, show compassion, and simultaneously achieve high performance?” Baha’s latest book, Creating Psychological Safety at Work, is a treasure trove of practical tools, inspiring stories, and thought-provoking questions to help leaders cultivate safer, more inclusive workplaces. Links and Resources: Baha’s book: Creating Psychological Safety at Work - https://a.co/d/0jV0sjB McKinsey Report on DEI and financial performance - https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/diversity-matters-even-more-the-case-for-holistic-impact Connect with Baha on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbaha/

    40 phút

  6. 6 THG 1

    Bold Decisions, Tough Conversations, and Life Science Success with David Schull

    In this insightful episode, Jeff Harmon sits down with David Schull, a partner at Russo Partners, for an in-depth conversation about leadership, life science communications, and staying passionate in a challenging industry. David shares the remarkable journey of Russo Partners, a boutique firm specializing in corporate communications for emerging healthcare companies. With over 30 years of experience, David explains how his team, composed of scientists, physicians, and industry veterans, uniquely supports biopharma, medtech, and healthcare services in shaping their stories for investors and strategic partners. David reflects on his early days in the field and the lessons he’s learned along the way—highlighting the importance of curiosity, a commitment to continuous learning, and building strong relationships. He emphasizes the core values that drive Russo Partners, including client focus, trust, forward thinking, and most notably, passion. Passion, he believes, is key to thriving in life sciences, an industry where innovation can truly change lives. Throughout the conversation, David and Jeff dive into some of the crucial but often neglected conversations that life science leaders need to have. David discusses the importance of knowing when to pivot or even stop a project, a reality check that too few executives are willing to face. As they look ahead to 2025, David highlights key trends, such as the continued focus on obesity treatment, advances in immuno-oncology, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in drug development. He also underscores the critical need for scientific entrepreneurs to develop strong business acumen. To close the episode, David offers a thought-provoking challenge. If you’re looking for inspiration and actionable insights into leadership and communication in the life sciences industry, this episode is a must-listen. For more information on David Schull and Russo Partners, visit www.russopartnersllc.com or connect with David on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidschull/

    37 phút

  7. 20/11/2024

    Breaking Boundaries & Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment with Manijeh Goldberg

    In this episode of Conversations Life Science Leaders Aren't Having, Jeff Harmon sits down with Manijeh Goldberg, founder and CEO of Privo Technologies. Privo is an innovative biotechnology company pioneering nanotechnology-based therapies designed to tackle cancer more effectively, reduce recurrence, and minimize the debilitating side effects of traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. Manijeh shares the inspiring journey that brought her from a career in medical devices to leading a groundbreaking biotech firm. Throughout their conversation, Manijeh delves into the challenges and rewards of running a biotech company, emphasizing the resilience and perseverance required to navigate this complex field. She reflects on her own pivot from engineering to nanotechnology and her decision to pursue advanced degrees later in life, demonstrating that it’s never too late to chase new dreams or make a profound impact. Manijeh's passion for innovation shines as she describes Privo's current clinical trials, which focus on a novel nano-engineered patch for treating head and neck cancers. The patch delivers highly potent chemotherapeutic agents directly to tumors, reducing systemic toxicity and improving patients’ quality of life. She also highlights an exciting extension of their work into veterinary oncology, where similar treatments are showing promise in companion animals like dogs, cats, and even penguins. This conversation offers invaluable insights into leadership, resilience, and the drive to create meaningful change. Manijeh also challenges the status quo in drug development, urging investors and leaders to look beyond traditional molds and recognize the transformative potential of innovative solutions. If you're inspired by stories of passion, perseverance, and innovation, you won’t want to miss this episode. Learn more about Privo Technologies at www.PrivoTechnologies.com, where you can explore their pioneering work in oncology for both humans and animals. Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a colleague or leave a review to support the show. Until next time, take care and keep going.

    45 phút

  8. 14/10/2024

    Building a Future of Kindness in Biotech and Beyond with Michael Neece

    In this episode of Conversations Life Science Leaders Aren't Having, Jeff Harmon sits down with keynote speaker and consultant Michael Neese, who is passionate about transforming organizations through kindness-centered leadership. Michael brings a wealth of experience from his 18 years in life sciences, particularly in clinical trials and drug development, and has recently shifted his focus to helping leaders and teams build more human-centered, compassionate workplaces. In their conversation, Michael shares his vision of a future where kindness is the driving force behind innovation and productivity, a future where "people are valued, and all voices are heard." Throughout the episode, Michael discusses his journey across five different industries and how a defining moment of reflection led him to realize that the key to success in both life and leadership is treating others with kindness. His latest book, In Kind, encapsulates this philosophy. He reflects on the times when staying true to his values, even in the face of difficult situations, has made all the difference, noting that "when I've been attentive to my colleagues and supervisors, everything has gone better." Michael offers insights on how life science leaders—and anyone in a corporate environment—can focus on supporting their teams through kindness and psychological safety, helping to foster an environment where people can thrive. He points out that the technical aspects of work are important, but true leadership lies in how we treat one another. As Michael notes, "if we’re not here for each other, then what’s the point?" Michael highlights that kindness is not just a "warm fuzzy" concept—it’s a powerful leadership tool that can transform teams and organizations. His parting wisdom? "Be courageous. Stand up for kindness, even when it’s hard." It’s a message that resonates deeply in a world where, as he and Jeff agree, the true reward of work isn’t what you get from it, but who you become by it. To learn more about Michael and his work: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yournextkeynotespeaker/ https://www.ourfutureiskind.com/

    43 phút
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The show where Jeff and senior leaders in biotech and pharma dive into topics that aren't typically discussed but are keys to success in life, leadership, and in developing life changing solutions for patients around the world.

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