Biotech Leader Ecosystem- Catharine Smith & Jason Cordeiro

In this episode of Spread Love in Organizations, Naji Gehchan welcomes Catharine Smith and Jason Cordeiro for a conversation on leadership, ecosystem building, and the future of biotech. Catharine Smith, an experienced healthcare and nonprofit leader, shares her journey from clinical and health system roles to leading the Tremier Institute, where she focuses on developing the next generation of biotech leaders. Jason Cordeiro, Chief Operating and Innovation Officer at MassBio, reflects on his path from scientific research to ecosystem leadership, emphasizing his passion for connecting innovators and enabling the development of new therapies for patients.

The discussion highlights the strategic partnership between the Tremier Institute and MassBio, including the creation of the Founder Link initiative. Both guests explain how this collaboration emerged from shared goals and parallel strategic planning processes, ultimately aiming to strengthen the early-stage biotech ecosystem in Boston and beyond. By combining MassBio’s extensive industry network with the Tremier Institute’s leadership development expertise, the partnership provides founders and executives with a structured space for connection, learning, and peer support.

The conversation also explores the evolving definition of leadership in healthcare and biotech. Catharine and Jason emphasize that leadership is not only a skill that can be learned but one rooted in empathy, human-centered thinking, and purpose. They stress the importance of community, resilience, and aligning innovation with patient impact. The episode closes with reflections on “spreading love in organizations,” underscoring the belief that kindness, authenticity, and strong relationships are essential to building meaningful, high-impact healthcare organizations.

"In biotech, progress happens when leadership, community, and science come together to improve humanity."

MEET OUR GUESTS Catharine Smith CEO of the Termeer Institute, & Jason Cordeiro Chief Operating & Innovation Officer, MassBio.

Catharine Smith is a mission-driven executive leader with more than 15 years of experience scaling high-impact organizations at the intersection of healthcare, innovation, and equity. As the inaugural CEO of the Termeer Institute, she has built an international leadership organization from the ground up, launching global partnerships and scaling programs that expand access and opportunity for emerging leaders across the biotechnology ecosystem. Prior to the Termeer Institute, Catharine served as the CEO of the Clinton Health Matters Initiative at the Clinton Foundation where she led a team focused on stigma reduction and overdose prevention related to the opioid epidemic. 

Known for her inclusive leadership and ability to bridge sectors, Catharine is a trusted voice on leadership, health equity, and innovation, regularly teaching and speaking at international forums. Catharine’s leadership is grounded in a deep commitment to advancing women and underrepresented leaders, supporting emerging talent, and building ecosystems where diverse voices shape the future of leadership.  Catharine is a Fulbright Scholar and holds a master’s degree in business administration from the Massachusetts Institute. 

Jason Cordeiro is the Chief Operating & Innovation Officer. He joined MassBio in September of 2018 as the Vice President of Consortium Operations. In his current role, Jason is responsible for helping drive MassBio’s strategic vision and ensuring the organization is always positioned to support the industry. He is responsible for leading the membership organization and focuses on industry partnering and early-stage company support through our Partnering programs and Edge services. In his tenure at MassBio, Jason has overseen the launch of several new programs, including MassBioDrive, Align Summit, and the MassBioHub.

Jason received a B.S. in Biology from Emmanuel College. He had worked at BIDMC researching the effects of NSAIDS on ovarian, prostate, and breast cancers and had spent nine years with Thermo Fisher Scientific in various commercial roles. Jason combines his professional talents and love for the outdoors as he sits on the board of Elevate Youth, a local organization. He currently resides on the South Shore with his wife and two children.

More Episode in partnership with the Termeer Institute can be found here. Give them a listen!