She Leads Biotech

Sharron Cox

5.0 (2)
Business
Updated Weekly

This is She Leads Biotech, a podcast where we have real conversations with women leading the charge in innovation, research, and entrepreneurship in the bioscience space. Each episode offers a candid look at what it takes to succeed in a historically male-dominated field, and how to lean into your strengths to get where you want to go. We’re not just talking about the science; we’re getting to know the people behind the job titles!

3d ago

S4 E22, Dr. Jennifer Daily - Biotech Executive & Founder

Building Your Own Table with Jennifer Daily In this episode of She Leads Biotech, I’m joined by Jennifer Daily, neuroscientist, biotech executive, and founder, for a conversation about leadership, drug development, and the journey from employee to entrepreneur. Jennifer shares how working across clinical development, regulatory affairs, manufacturing, and preclinical research gave her a unique perspective on what it really takes to move therapies from concept to patient. We also discuss the realities of gene therapy, why execution is often more important than great science alone, the power of building a strong network, and what inspired her to launch her own company in the neuroscience space. A thoughtful conversation about leadership, risk-taking, and creating opportunities instead of waiting for them. Chapters 00:00 Introduction02:30 Discovering Science & Neuroscience05:00 Moving from Academia to Industry08:00 What Industry Looks for in Scientists10:00 Seeing the Full Drug Development Picture13:00 Why Great Science Isn't Enough16:00 Funding Plans, Not Hope19:00 From Executive to Founder22:00 Building a Company in Neuroscience25:00 Creating a Culture Where Every Voice Matters28:00 Risk, Decision-Making & Leadership31:00 The Future of Gene Therapy34:00 Career Advice, Networking & Growth #SheLeadsBiotech #WomenInBiotech #BiotechLeadership #GeneTherapy #Neuroscience #FemaleFounder #CNAUSAExecutiveSearch

36 min
May 29

S4 E21, Ivana Muncie-Vasic - CEO & Founder of Vitra Labs

Rethinking IVF with Ivana Muncie-Vasic In this episode of She Leads Biotech, we’re joined by Ivana Muncie-Vasic, CEO & Founder of Vitra Labs, for a conversation about fertility innovation, bioengineering, and building a biotech company from the ground up. Ivana shares how her work in stem cell biology led to the development of hormone-free IVF technology designed to reduce the physical and financial burden of fertility treatment for patients. We also talk about the realities of becoming a first-time founder, navigating imposter syndrome, building resilience as a CEO, and how becoming a new mother has deepened her connection to the mission behind Vitra Labs. Chapters 00:00 Introduction02:00 Finding Bioengineering & Stem Cell Research07:00 Why Patient Impact Became the Focus10:00 From Academic Research to Founding Vitra Labs14:00 The Science Behind Hormone-Free IVF19:00 Why Traditional IVF Is So Difficult on Women23:00 Becoming a First-Time CEO27:00 Panic Attacks, Pressure & Founder Reality31:00 The Importance of Support & Coaching34:00 Becoming a Mother While Building a Startup37:00 Advice for Future Founders #SheLeadsBiotech #WomensHealth #FertilityInnovation #IVF #WomenInBiotech #CNAUSAExecutiveSearch

38 min
May 22

S4 E20, Saundra Pelletier & Mitch Rosen from EvoFem Biosciences

Changing the Conversation Around Women’s Health with Saundra Pelletier & Mitch Rosen In this episode of She Leads Biotech, we’re joined by Saundra Pelletier and Mitch Rosen from Evofem Biosciences for a candid conversation about women’s health, education, intimacy, and the importance of normalizing these discussions. We explore why women deserve more options, why men need to be part of the conversation too, and how a new generation is changing the way people think about sexual health and communication. From access and advocacy to stigma, healthcare gaps, and the power of education, this episode is honest, insightful, and surprisingly fun. Chapters 00:00 Introduction03:00 Evofem, Phexxi & Women’s Choice07:00 The “Say Vagina” Campaign12:00 Why Men Need to Join the Conversation16:00 How Mitch Found Women’s Health21:00 What’s Changing in Women’s Healthcare26:00 Shared Responsibility & Communication31:00 Generational Shifts Around Intimacy35:00 Myths & Misconceptions in Women’s Health40:00 AI, Access & The Future of Care45:00 What Real Progress Looks Like49:00 Final Advice & Takeaways #SheLeadsBiotech #WomensHealth #HealthcareInnovation #WomenInBiotech #CNAUSAExecutiveSearch

40 min
May 15

S4 E19, Anna Polak-Andersen, CEO of AnRes Clinical

Trusting Your Judgement in Biotech with Anna Polak-Andersen In this episode of She Leads Biotech, we’re joined by Anna Polak-Andersen, CEO of AnRes Clinical, for a thoughtful conversation about clinical development, leadership, and navigating the biotech industry across Europe. Anna shares her journey from studying pharmacy in Poland to leading a clinical development consultancy supporting biotech companies and rare disease programs across the industry. We talk about the realities of clinical research, the importance of strategic thinking in development, the current European biotech landscape, and why learning to trust your own judgement is one of the most important leadership lessons of all. Chapters 00:00 Introduction03:00 Why Anna Chose Clinical Development08:00 Early Career at Pfizer11:00 Staying Connected to Patient Impact15:00 What Makes AnRes Clinical Different20:00 Choosing the Right Clients & Partnerships24:00 European Biotech & Funding Challenges28:00 Women in Leadership & Self-Doubt32:00 Trusting Your Own Judgement35:00 Advice for the Next Generation #SheLeadsBiotech #ClinicalDevelopment #WomenInBiotech #BiotechLeadership #CNAUSAExecutiveSearch

34 min
May 8

S4 E18 - Dr Stella Vnook, Chief Executive Officer of AVIVA VENTURES

Building a biotech company takes more than science. In this episode of She Leads Biotech, Dr. Stella Vnook, CEO of Aviva Ventures, shares her journey from arriving in the US with nothing to leading multiple biotech ventures and supporting the next generation of founders. We explore the realities of building in biotech, from self-doubt and uncertainty to navigating the business side of science, and why so many great ideas never get started. A practical and honest conversation about resilience, leadership, and what it really takes to turn science into impact. Chapters 00:00 Introduction01:30 Stella’s Early Journey05:00 Building a Career in Life Sciences09:00 Self-Doubt and Leadership13:00 From Pharma to Entrepreneurship18:00 Starting Without Knowing How23:00 Common Mistakes Founders Make27:00 Building Multiple Companies32:00 The Story Behind Caerra36:00 Aviva Ventures and Supporting Founders40:00 Advice for Early-Stage Founders44:00 What Success Looks Like #SheLeadsBiotech #WomenInBiotech #BiotechLeadership #LifeSciences #CNAUSAExecutiveSearch

36 min
May 1

S4 E17, Adrienne Mendoza - Chief Operating Officer of BBG Advanced Therapies

Solving More Than Science with Adrienne Mendoza Cell and gene therapy is advancing rapidly, but science alone isn’t enough. In this episode of She Leads Biotech, Adrienne Mendoza, Chief Operating Officer of BBG Advanced Therapies, shares what’s really needed to move the field forward, from improving access and infrastructure to rethinking how these therapies reach patients. We also explore her journey over the past year, building a stronger presence in the industry, translating complex science for broader audiences, and the realities of leading through a challenging and evolving market. A practical and honest look at where the field is today, and what it will take to get to the next stage. Chapters 00:00 Introduction02:00 Stepping into a New Role at BBG Advanced Therapies05:00 How the Role of a COO Evolves08:30 Building Presence and Community in CGT12:00 Making Complex Science Understandable16:00 The Mobile Leukapheresis Bus21:00 Access Challenges in Cell & Gene Therapy27:00 What Needs to Change in the System33:00 Industry Challenges and Optimism38:00 What the Next 5 Years Could Look Like41:00 Life Outside of Biotech #SheLeadsBiotech #CellAndGeneTherapy #BiotechLeadership #LifeSciences #CNAUSAExecutiveSearch

42 min
Apr 24

S4 E16, Allisa Song & Mackenzie Andrews from Mu Medical

Rethinking Eye Care: From NanoDropper to Mu Medical What started as a student project has turned into a company reshaping how eye care is delivered. In this episode of She Leads Biotech, we’re joined by Allisa Song, CEO of Mu Medical, and Mackenzie Andrews, CCO, to talk about the journey from an idea sparked in a research lab to a product now used across thousands of clinics. They share how a simple question, why are eye drops too big, led to a solution that improves patient outcomes, reduces waste, and is now evolving into something much bigger. We also get into co-founder dynamics, building in a complex healthcare system, and the reality of being young female leaders in a traditionally male-dominated space. A practical, honest conversation about building, scaling, and challenging assumptions in healthcare. Chapters 00:00 Introduction01:30 Meet Allisa & Mackenzie04:00 From Research Lab to Startup Idea08:30 The Eye Drop Problem Explained13:00 Building NanoDropper18:30 When It Became a Real Business22:00 Product Demo & Clinical Impact26:00 Go-to-Market Strategy30:00 Working with Insurers, Clinics & Pharma34:00 Evolving into Mu Medical38:00 Co-Founder Dynamics & Trust42:00 Being Women in a Male-Dominated Industry47:00 Advice for Founders51:00 What’s Next for Mu Medical Listen / Watch:Spotify | YouTube #SheLeadsBiotech #MedTech #HealthcareInnovation #WomenInBiotech #CNAUSAExecutiveSearch

54 min
Apr 17

S4 E15 - Connie Chang, Chief Operating Officer of ONL Therapeutics

Finding Your Path in Biotech with Connie Chang Careers in biotech rarely follow a straight line. In this episode of She Leads Biotech, we speak with Connie Chang, Chief Operating Officer of ONL Therapeutics, about a career that has spanned big pharma, academia, and emerging biotech, and how each step has shaped the way she leads today. Connie shares how early career decisions don’t always define where you end up, and why sometimes “the career picks you” rather than the other way around. We explore the reality of moving between very different environments, from highly structured global organizations to small, fast-moving biotech companies, and what it really takes to adapt and succeed in both. This conversation also highlights the importance of community throughout your career, the role academia plays in driving innovation, and the personal side of leadership, including navigating family decisions, career risks, and the pressure many women face as they progress into senior roles. A thoughtful and honest discussion on building a career, leading with intention, and continuing to grow, even when you’re already at the top. Chapters 00:00 Introduction01:30 How Connie Found Biotech04:00 Harvard, Community, and Early Influences06:30 Big Pharma, Academia, and Connecting the Dots10:00 Taking Career Risks and Moving to Michigan14:30 ONL Therapeutics and the Mission Behind the Science18:00 What a COO Role Really Looks Like in Biotech20:30 Building Teams in Small Biotech23:00 Leadership Style and Creating Trust26:00 Adapting Across Cultures and Environments29:00 Women in Leadership and Career Progression32:00 Being the Only One at the Table35:00 Self-Doubt, Growth, and Resilience37:30 What’s Next for ONL and Connie #SheLeadsBiotech #BiotechLeadership #WomenInBiotech #LifeSciences #CNAUSAExecutiveSearch

41 min

5

out of 5

2 Ratings

This is She Leads Biotech, a podcast where we have real conversations with women leading the charge in innovation, research, and entrepreneurship in the bioscience space. Each episode offers a candid look at what it takes to succeed in a historically male-dominated field, and how to lean into your strengths to get where you want to go. We’re not just talking about the science; we’re getting to know the people behind the job titles!

Creator

Sharron Cox
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

81
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Sharron Cox
Show Website

She Leads Biotech