BIO from the BAYOU: Build Your Biotech Network with Key Opinion Leaders and Investors

James Zanewicz
  • 5.0 (11)
  • LIFE SCIENCES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Are you struggling to find investors, funding, collaborators, and strategic connections in the ever-changing world of biotech? This show empowers biotech leaders with the tools, assets, and expertise to improve healthcare outcomes. Listen to “Bio from the Bayou” to learn how to: - Expand your network - Advance your product line - Make your company thrive With over two decades of experience in biotech and business development each, hosts James Zanewicz and Elaine Hamm (from Tulane University School of Medicine) talk with  their friends from the Gulf South and beyond to offer advice on networking, communication, and innovation, as well as unprecedented access to interviews with key opinion leaders in biotech. Every Wednesday, tune in to hear 15–20-minute episodes centered around solving biotech’s greatest challenges. If you’re ready to take the necessary steps towards success, start with fan-favorite Episode 58: Top Ways to Build Your Network as an Introvert in Biotech.

  1. 6D AGO

    Episode 135: The Leaders Behind Discovery in Science - A Fireside Chat with Walter Isaacson (RE-RELEASE)

    What can today’s biotech innovators learn from the greatest thinkers in history? In this special episode, we’re bringing you a live recording from BIO on the BAYOU featuring a fireside chat between Elaine Hamm, PhD, and Walter Isaacson — renowned biographer of Steve Jobs, Jennifer Doudna, Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein, and other groundbreaking innovators. Together, they explore the power of curiosity, resilience, and imagination in shaping scientific discovery. From the origins of creativity to the ethical challenges of AI and gene editing, this conversation shines a light on the shared traits that drive humanity’s boldest breakthroughs. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why history’s greatest innovators were powered by relentless curiosity — not just intellect. What resilience looks like across centuries, from Leonardo da Vinci to modern-day misfits shaping the future. How scientists, universities, and the public can rebuild trust, communicate science better, and rekindle a shared sense of wonder. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that blends science, storytelling, and the timeless human drive to explore the unknown — straight from the BIO on the BAYOU stage. Links: Connect with Walter Isaacson and check out his new book The Greatest Sentence Ever Written. Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine. Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer. Check out BIO on the BAYOU. Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast. Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.

    34 min

  2. APR 29

    Episode 134: How to Connect with Family Offices for Biotech and Healthcare Investment

    Venture capital isn’t the only path for biotech founders seeking growth capital. What if some of the most valuable investors are looking for relationships first and pitch decks second? In this episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, sits down with Neil Greene, Founder and CEO of JABOY Productions, to discuss how startups can successfully engage family offices and alternative investors in the life sciences space. Neil shares what founders often misunderstand about family office investing, why trust and relationship-building matter more than hard selling, and where investor interest is growing across healthcare and biotech. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why family offices can be a powerful (and often overlooked) funding source for biotech startups. How founders should approach relationship-building, due diligence, and investor conversations differently than with traditional VCs. Which life science sectors are generating the most interest today from family offices. Tune in to learn how biotech founders can broaden their funding strategy and build meaningful investor relationships beyond traditional venture capital. Links: Connect with Neil Greene and learn about JABOY Productions. Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine. Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer. Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast. Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.

  3. APR 22

    Episode 133: How Tribal Nations Are Investing in Biotech and Shaping Healthcare Innovation

    What can biotech founders learn from how tribal nations invest in innovation and healthcare? In this episode, Elaine Hamm, PhD, sits down with Chris Shilling, MBA, Chief Innovation Officer for the Chickasaw Nation Department of Commerce, to explore how tribal nations approach investment, economic development, and healthcare innovation. From improving quality of life for their citizens to building sustainable ecosystems, Chris shares how mission-driven investment strategies can create meaningful impact while still driving growth and opportunity. In this episode, you’ll learn: How tribal nations approach investment differently, balancing financial returns with long-term community impact. Why building relationships and understanding each tribe’s unique goals is critical for founders seeking partnership. How tribes can serve as both innovation hubs and early adopters, creating opportunities for companies to scale. Tune in to learn how purpose-driven investment, strong partnerships, and a focus on community impact are shaping the future of healthcare innovation. Links: Connect with Chris Shilling, MBA, and learn about the Chickasaw Nation. Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine. Check out our previous episode on Women in Clinical Trials. Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer. Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast. Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.

  4. APR 15

    Episode 132: The Reality of Being a CEO – Leadership Lessons from the Front Lines of Biotech

    What does it really mean to be a CEO, and why does the role feel so different once you’re in the seat? In this episode, Elaine Hamm, PhD, sits down with James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP, CEO of Connect, to unpack the realities of leadership at the highest level. James shares what surprised him most about becoming a CEO, the weight of responsibility, and how his perspective on leadership has evolved since stepping into the role. Together, they explore the evolving nature of leadership, the importance of building the right team, and why being a CEO is less about control and more about empowerment. Whether you’re a founder, aspiring executive, or already in the role, this episode offers a grounded look at what it truly takes to succeed as a CEO. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why being a CEO can feel isolating, and how to build the right support system. How to navigate decision-making, prioritization, and uncertainty when the stakes are high. The importance of team building, self-awareness, and continuous learning in effective leadership. Tune in to hear real-world CEO insights and learn how to lead with clarity, resilience, and purpose in today’s biotech landscape. Links: Connect with James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP, and learn about Connect. Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine. Connect with Gretel von Son, MBA, Tre Braquet, Petra Stegmann, PhD, Lizbeth Dargi, Daniela Gama, and Rick Valencia. Learn more about OnWard. Check out the books The First 90 Days, The New CEO, and The Five Dysfunctions of a Team. Check out our previous episode on Board Composition. Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer. Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast. Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.

  5. APR 8

    Episode 131: The Connect Current Podcast – Amplifying Innovation and Entrepreneur Voices in Biotech and Beyond

    What does it take to build a podcast that not only shares stories, but actively helps founders grow, connect, and get funded? In this episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, is joined by special guest host James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP, to discuss the launch of Connect’s new podcast, The Connect Current. Designed to highlight the flow of innovation across San Diego’s ecosystem, the podcast will spotlight entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders across multiple sectors, including biotech, tech, climate, defense, and AI. More than just a content platform, this new show aims to give founders a voice, increase visibility, and create meaningful opportunities for connection and growth. In this episode, you’ll learn: How The Connect Current is designed to amplify entrepreneurs and help them build credibility with investors and partners. Why short-form, accessible content can be a powerful tool for storytelling, networking, and fundraising. How podcasts can serve as a strategic platform to strengthen ecosystems and connect founders with new opportunities. Tune in to learn how a well-designed platform can elevate founders, strengthen innovation ecosystems, and create new pathways for collaboration and growth. Links: Connect with James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP, and learn about Connect. Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine. Connect with Tre Braquet and Kylie Hovey. Learn more about Informuta and Resonate Recordings. Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer. Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast. Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.

  6. APR 1

    Episode 130: Bridging Collaboration Across Biotech Ecosystems for Greater Impact

    What happens when two distinct innovation ecosystems, one rooted in the Gulf South and the other on the West Coast, come together with a shared goal? In this episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, is joined by special guest host James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP, for a dynamic conversation on how regions like the Gulf South and the San Diego binational ecosystem can collaborate to accelerate biotech innovation. From cross-border partnerships and shared workforce models to creative approaches for connecting founders, investors, and institutions, this episode explores what real collaboration looks like beyond the buzzword. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why binational and cross-regional models can unlock new opportunities in biotech, from workforce to commercialization. How the Gulf South’s culture of collaboration creates a strong foundation for ecosystem growth. Practical ways to move from talking about collaboration to actually executing it, including shared events, partnerships, and accountability. Tune in to learn how intentional collaboration, complementary strengths, and a willingness to act can connect ecosystems and create new opportunities for biotech innovation across regions. Links: Connect with James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP, and learn about Connect. Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine. Connect with Patrick Reed, RTTP. Learn more about the Alliance for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Bio International. Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer. Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast. Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.

  7. MAR 25

    Episode 129: How to Fund Your Biotech Startup in Today’s Competitive Ecosystem

    Biotech is still open for business, but what does it really take to get funded in today’s market? In this episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, is joined by special guest host James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP, the CEO of Connect, for a candid conversation on the current biotech funding landscape and what founders are up against right now. From longer timelines and more selective investors to the growing importance of relationships, differentiation, and capital strategy, they break down what’s changed for early-stage companies. Drawing from both of their experiences, they explore how founders can navigate today’s environment with sharper focus, stronger storytelling, and a more disciplined approach to execution. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why strong science is no longer enough, and how founders must clearly demonstrate a path to value creation and return on investment. How to build a “patchwork” capital strategy across venture, non-dilutive funding, partnerships, and alternative sources. What founders should prioritize today, from milestone planning and capital efficiency to operational discipline and relationship building. Tune in to learn how to navigate a tougher biotech market, position your company for funding, and build a strategy that stands out in an increasingly competitive landscape. Links: Connect with James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP, and learn about Connect. Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine. Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer. Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast. Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.

  8. MAR 18

    Episode 128: The Return of James Zanewicz – Building a Lasting Biotech Innovation Ecosystem with Connect

    What can a 40-year-old innovation organization teach today’s startup ecosystems about staying relevant and driving impact? In this episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, is joined by special guest host James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP, the original voice behind this podcast and now CEO of Connect in San Diego. James shares insights from stepping into leadership at one of the nation’s most established innovation organizations, reflecting on Connect’s evolution from a hands-on startup support model to a globally recognized ecosystem builder. The conversation explores what it takes to sustain and grow innovation communities over decades, and how lessons from mature ecosystems can inform emerging regions like the Gulf South. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why even the most established innovation organizations must continuously evolve to stay impactful. How Connect is positioning itself as a “front door” to help entrepreneurs navigate dense ecosystems. What founders actually need from ecosystem support and how to deliver it in practical, actionable ways. Tune in to learn how leadership, adaptability, and a founder-first mindset can shape the future of innovation ecosystems in both mature and emerging regions. Links: Connect with James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP, and learn about Connect. Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine. Learn more about Cleantech, San Diego Sports Innovators, and Athena. Connect with Guy Kawasaki, MBA, Petra Stegmann, PhD, and Daniela Gama. Check out the book The First 90 Days. Check out our previous episode with Australia’s Alita Singer and David Brown. Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer. Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast. Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.

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Are you struggling to find investors, funding, collaborators, and strategic connections in the ever-changing world of biotech? This show empowers biotech leaders with the tools, assets, and expertise to improve healthcare outcomes. Listen to “Bio from the Bayou” to learn how to: - Expand your network - Advance your product line - Make your company thrive With over two decades of experience in biotech and business development each, hosts James Zanewicz and Elaine Hamm (from Tulane University School of Medicine) talk with  their friends from the Gulf South and beyond to offer advice on networking, communication, and innovation, as well as unprecedented access to interviews with key opinion leaders in biotech. Every Wednesday, tune in to hear 15–20-minute episodes centered around solving biotech’s greatest challenges. If you’re ready to take the necessary steps towards success, start with fan-favorite Episode 58: Top Ways to Build Your Network as an Introvert in Biotech.

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