Conversations Life Science Leaders Aren't Having

Jeff Harmon
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Conversations Life Science Leaders Aren't Having

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 OCT

    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 min

  2. 30 SEPT

    Unlocking the Power of Patients with Jill Pellegrino

    In this episode of Conversations Life Science Leaders Aren't Having, Jeff Harmon welcomes Jill Pellegrino, CEO of AutoCruitment, to the show. AutoCruitment specializes in direct-to-patient recruitment for clinical trials, with a focus on creatively solving patient recruitment challenges. Jill, who became CEO in early 2024, shares her passion for leadership, mentoring women, and the joy she finds in helping people unlock their potential. In her role, she focuses on scaling the company while maintaining the innovative and collaborative spirit of a startup, all while ensuring her team prioritizes the patient experience in clinical trials. Jill discusses how AutoCruitment addresses the complex issue of patient recruitment, often seen as an afterthought in clinical trial planning. With a creative approach that merges marketing strategies with clinical requirements, her team works to unlock the power of patients by reaching underserved populations through broad digital campaigns while also ensuring patient qualification to optimize site referrals. Jeff and Jill explore how her leadership style has evolved from a focus on personal performance to one centered on impact, particularly in helping women in leadership roles grow their confidence. Jill emphasizes the importance of thinking creatively in life sciences and putting the patient at the center of clinical trial planning to truly drive innovation. Tune in to hear how Jill’s experience and leadership have shaped AutoCruitment’s approach to solving patient recruitment challenges and how her mission to unlock the power of the patient is driving success in the life sciences. To learn more about Jill and AutoCruitment: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-pellegrino-a85a963/ https://www.autocruitment.com/results/

    35 min

  3. 16 SEPT

    A Vision to Heal the World with Ira Spector

    In the first episode of season eight of Conversations Life Science Leaders Aren't Having, host Jeff Harmon welcomes Ira Spector, CEO of SFA Therapeutics, a biotech startup focused on revolutionary treatments for chronic inflammatory diseases. Ira shares his journey into drug development, recounting a pivotal moment in his career when an advisor told him that by working in research, he had the potential to impact millions rather than treating one patient at a time. This conversation dives into Ira’s passion for making a global impact and his mission to address disease progression, not just symptoms. Throughout the episode, Ira provides a fascinating look into his company's innovative approach to using substances from the GI microbiome to develop immunomodulating drugs. He explains the challenges and rewards of working in a startup environment, highlighting the need for quick decision-making, resource efficiency, and a patient-centered focus. Ira also discusses the mindset shift needed in the biotech industry. He advocates for a move away from treating symptoms toward addressing the root causes of diseases, something that he believes is crucial for the future of medicine. The episode wraps up with Ira’s vision for SFA Therapeutics and its potential to ignite a revolution in medicine by returning the body to homeostasis, with results that could change the landscape of how chronic diseases are treated. This episode is a thought-provoking exploration of leadership in biotech and the life sciences, as well as a call to action for innovation in drug development. To learn more about Ira Specter and SFA Therapeutics, listeners are encouraged to visit the company’s website and connect with Ira on LinkedIn.  https://sfatherapeutics.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ira-spector-00414310/

    42 min

  4. 8 JUL

    Innovating for Humanity with Mick Ebeling

    In the latest episode of "Conversations Life Science Leaders Aren't Having Today," host Jeff welcomes Mick Ebeling, the founder and CEO of Not Impossible Labs, an innovation incubator that devises solutions to social issues. Despite not fitting the typical guest profile of CEOs in drug development or biotech, Mick's work in life sciences is profoundly impactful. His projects range from enabling an artist with ALS to create again using ocular recognition technology to providing independence for amputees in Africa through 3D-printed limbs. The conversation highlights one of Not Impossible Labs' significant initiatives, Bento, which addresses food insecurity. Mick shares how his upbringing shielded him from the concept of food insecurity and how the pandemic intensified the need for innovative solutions like Bento. This initiative provides nutritious food access to those in need through a simple text-based system, delivering groceries curated for specific dietary needs directly to people's doors. Mick's fearless approach to tackling absurdities is a recurring theme. He explains that Not Impossible Labs thrives on facing fears head-on and viewing failure as a stepping stone to success. This mindset has led to revolutionary projects like Eye Rider and Bento, both of which have received significant recognition, including Time Magazine's Top Inventions list. Through engaging stories and profound insights, Mick emphasizes the importance of addressing basic human needs to unlock people's potential. He challenges life science leaders to consider how stabilizing fundamental needs like food can transform communities, reduce healthcare costs, and create a more equitable society. This episode is a testament to the power of innovation, empathy, and relentless pursuit of solutions to improve lives. To learn more… www.gobento.com www.notimpossiblelabs.com\

    46 min

  5. 24 JUN

    From the Moon Landing to BioTech Breakthroughs with Paul Wotton

    In this episode of "Conversations Life Science Leaders Aren't Having Today," Jeff welcomes Paul Wotton, the executive director of the Biotech Launchpad at Rice University. The Biotech Launchpad is a dynamic accelerator dedicated to translating the university's health and medical technology discoveries, particularly in the bioengineering and cell engineering departments, to commercialize their technologies swiftly to benefit patients worldwide. Paul is passionate about guiding companies at the Launchpad to envision the future impact of their technology and platforms. Paul's story is shaped by his early exposure to the Apollo 11 moon landing. As a young boy, Paul was captivated by the ambition and success of the US space program, which demonstrated the incredible possibilities achievable through innovation, planning, and determination. Throughout the conversation, Paul delves into his career journey, sharing insights on his role in turning platforms into products. He recounts his experiences in various companies, where he learned the importance of strategy and disciplined execution. Paul emphasizes the significance of understanding patient needs and the value of diverse, interdisciplinary teams in fostering innovation. Jeff and Paul discuss the challenges and opportunities in the biotech industry, with Paul advocating for a bold, visionary approach to problem-solving. He encourages life science leaders to engage in conversations with physicians and focus on impactful, patient-centric solutions. If you're passionate about biotech, innovation, and visionary leadership, you won't want to miss this episode. Paul challenges us to think bigger, solve bigger problems and move beyond “me too” strategies. To learn more about Paul and the Rice BioTech LaunchPad… https://biotechlaunchpad.rice.edu/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-w-15246612/

    42 min

  6. 10 JUN

    Saving and Advancing Good Science with Frank Knuettel II

    In this episode of "Conversations Life Science Leaders Aren't Having Today," Jeff welcomes Frank Knuettel, the CEO of Chromocell, a company dedicated to developing innovative, non-addictive alternatives for pain treatment. Frank is a "second mountain guy," someone who has transitioned from focusing on external measures of success to prioritizing people, process, and impact. Frank describes his excitement about being involved in the strategic planning at Chromocell, prioritizing projects, and exploring partnerships to maximize their resources. He explains that while his career began in technology, his recent board work in the life sciences led him to this field, particularly motivated by personal experiences with pain and opioid treatments. Jeff and Frank discuss the challenges and opportunities within the life sciences sector, particularly the need for innovative funding and the potential impact of price controls on drug development. Frank advocates for something akin to the CHIPS Act for the life sciences to ensure that valuable scientific research does not go unfunded. Internally at Chromocell, Frank ensures that good ideas receive attention by prioritizing projects and seeking partners to advance those they cannot pursue independently. He emphasizes the importance of having a team that is comfortable with the risks and variability of working in a small, dynamic company. The episode concludes with Frank expressing his concern about the potential loss of good science due to market downturns and stresses the need for ongoing innovation in pain management. For more information about Chromocell and to stay updated on their progress, listeners are encouraged to visit their website at www.chromocell.com and sign up for their news feeds.

    45 min

  7. 27 MAY

    Crafting Inclusive and Thriving Life Science Companies with Leslie Loveless

    In the latest episode of "Conversations Life Science Leaders Aren't Having Today," Jeff welcomes Leslie Loveless, CEO of Slone Partners, an executive search firm specializing in life sciences and healthcare leadership. Leslie discusses the evolution of Slone Partners, from its inception to its current state with 70 employees, and the importance of culture in their work. She shares the unique approach of implementing an employee-driven culture, which fosters ownership and commitment across the company. Throughout the conversation, Leslie reflects on her journey as a leader, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence, patience, and continuous improvement. She candidly discusses the challenges of balancing a commitment to excellence with the need for empathy and understanding. A significant portion of the discussion centers on diversity in the workplace. Leslie shares a personal story about her daughter's experience with diversity and how it has fueled her passion for creating inclusive environments. Leslie emphasizes that addressing diversity requires a strategic approach rather than a quick fix, and she encourages companies to integrate diversity into their core business strategies. This episode is packed with wisdom on achieving excellence through culture, diversity, and leadership, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to create a transformative impact in their organization. To learn more about Leslie or Slone Partners… https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslieloveless1/ https://www.slonepartners.com/

    48 min

  8. 13 MAY

    From Rugby Fields to Research Labs with Nigel McCracken

    In this episode of "Conversations Life Science Leaders Aren't Having," host Jeff welcomes Nigel McCracken, COO of Virax BioLabs, which focuses on diagnostics for chronic inflammation and T-cell exhaustion. Nigel's career spans 30 years in drug development, with significant contributions to infectious disease and oncology. Recently, his focus has shifted to diagnostics, particularly for post-viral syndromes like long COVID and chronic fatigue syndrome, emphasizing the critical role of early diagnosis in disease management. Nigel's journey reflects a blend of scientific rigor and a profound sense of personal drive, shaped early by his passion for rugby. He discusses how the resilience and team-oriented mentality fostered on the rugby field have influenced his leadership and work ethic in the biotech industry. He highlights the importance of emotional intelligence and team dynamics in leading effectively, acknowledging the need to adapt his leadership style to accommodate diverse team members' needs. As Nigel looks to the future, he's driven by the potential of diagnostics to transform patient care by enabling early intervention. He encourages personal responsibility in health management, suggesting that lifestyle changes could preemptively address conditions like chronic inflammation. His vision for Virax BioLabs includes developing innovative diagnostics that align with personalized medicine, ultimately improving quality of life and managing healthcare sustainability. To learn more about Nigel and Virax BioLabs… https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigel-mccracken-9834677/ https://www.viraxbiolabs.com/

    49 min
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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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