Pharmaverse Podcast

Michael Pietrack

The Pharmaverse is a leadership podcast that brings you exclusive insights from the stars of the Pharma universe. Hosted by Michael Pietrack, a top Pharma and Biotech recruiter, whose team partners with the most recognizable Pharma companies in the industry, as well as the hottest of the emerging Biotechs. In each episode, Michael sits down with influential and innovative leaders in the Pharmaceutical and related industries. Listeners will hear from stars from all sectors of the Pharmaverse and will gain valuable insights to help lead their team or structure their careers. Whether you're a current leader, an aspiring leader, or a leadership enthusiast, the Pharmaverse Podcast has something for you. Tune in and subscribe!

  1. 21H AGO

    How to Accelerate Cancer Cures Through Collaboration with Kirk V. Shepard, MD

    Join host Michael Pietrack on the Pharmaverse Podcast as he speaks with Dr. Kirk Shepard, Chief Medical Officer of PDS Biotechnology, co-founder of the Medical Affairs Professional Society (MAPS), and creator of the Oncology Voices Network (OBN). 📙In this episode, they discuss: ▪️The inspiration behind the Oncology Voices Network and its mission to unite cross-functional stakeholders in oncology. ▪️Insights from the bestselling book “Voices of Oncology” and how collaboration accelerates cancer drug development. ▪️Dr. Shepard’s career journey, leadership lessons, and the importance of mentorship. ▪️How theater and athletics shaped his approach to teamwork, communication, and leadership. ▪️The evolving role of medical affairs in pharma, including the impact of AI and digital transformation. Whether you’re a leader in pharma, an aspiring professional, or passionate about oncology innovation, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you grow your career and contribute meaningfully to cancer research. Resources mentioned: Oncology Voices Network: https://oncologynetwork.com Voices of Oncology (Amazon Bestseller): [Link to book] 🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe to the PharmaVerse Podcast for more interviews with industry leaders. 🟨 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐔𝐒: ▶  Website: [https://www.kbic.com/recruiting/] ▶  LinkedIn: [ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpietrack] ▶ Have you seen all of our playlists?                  [https://www.youtube.com/@ThePharmaversePodcast/playlists ] ▶ Also, join the private LinkedIn Job Board: MSL Job Board

    25 min
  2. JAN 19

    Season 3, Episode 2: Comfortable With The Uncomfortable with Shetal Vyas

    In this powerful episode of the Pharmaverse Podcast, host Michael Pietrack sits down with Shetal Vyas, Senior Vice President of Commercial Strategy and Development at Ardelyx, to explore what authentic leadership really means in today’s pharmaceutical industry. From immigrating to the United States at the age of seven to leading high-pressure pharma launches,  Shetal Vyas shares deeply personal stories that shaped her leadership philosophy. She explains how learning to get comfortable with the uncomfortable, embracing authenticity, building emotional intelligence (EQ), and leading with courage can transform both personal growth and professional success. This episode is a must-watch for pharmaceutical leaders, biotech professionals, and anyone aspiring to lead with confidence, empathy, and impact. Learn how listening more than talking, coaching instead of commanding, and bringing your full self to work can elevate your leadership journey. 👉 Subscribe for more leadership insights from top voices across the pharma and biotech universe. 🟨 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐔𝐒: ▶  Website: [https://www.kbic.com/recruiting/] ▶  LinkedIn: [ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpietrack] ▶ Have you seen all of our playlists?                  [https://www.youtube.com/@ThePharmaversePodcast/playlists ] ▶ Also, join the private LinkedIn Job Board: MSL Job Board                                                     👋 Thanks for visiting my Channel✨

    24 min
  3. 10/27/2025

    Season 2, Episode 21: A Century of X-Rays with Margaret Yu

    Season 2, Episode 21: A Century of X-Rays with Margaret Yu In this powerful episode of the Pharmaverse Podcast, host Michael Pietrack sits down with Dr. Margaret Yu, Chief Medical Officer at ARTBIO, an oncology company leading the charge in Radioligand Therapy (RLT) to revolutionize cancer care. Dr. Yu unpacks the 130-year history of radiation in medicine — from the discoveries of Marie and Pierre Curie to the approval of modern alpha isotopes — and explains how ARTBIO is developing new radioisotope-linked therapies to transform precision oncology. She also shares deeply personal stories from her medical training, lessons from mentorship, and how being a “language brain in a science-driven world” shapes her communication and leadership approach. In the closing moments, Dr. Yu offers invaluable leadership advice on resilience, growth, and embracing challenges for anyone navigating their first leadership role in Pharma or biotech. Whether you’re a Pharma executive, biotech innovator, or medical professional, this conversation delivers both inspiration and insight into the future of cancer treatment and scientific leadership. 🎧 Tune in and subscribe for more conversations with the brightest minds in life sciences. 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐔𝐒: ▶  Website: [https://www.kbic.com/recruiting/] ▶  LinkedIn: [ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpietrack] ▶ Have you seen all of our playlists?                  [https://www.youtube.com/@ThePharmaversePodcast/playlists ] ▶ Also, join the private LinkedIn Job Board: MSL Job Board

    20 min
  4. 10/13/2025

    Season 2, Episode 20: Exploring The "ProFound" with John Lepore

    Season 2, Episode 20: Exploring The "ProFound" with John Lepore | The Pharmaverse Podcast Join host Michael Pietrack on The Pharmaverse Podcast as he talks with John Lepore, CEO of ProFound Therapeutics, about leadership, career pivots, and the future of pharmaceutical innovation. Discover how passion, mentorship, and strategic partnerships drive breakthrough therapies and impact patient care. 🔖In this episode: 👉Explore ProFound Therapeutics’ innovative approach to discovering novel proteins and therapies. 👉Learn leadership lessons for small companies vs. large corporations. 👉Gain insights into career management, mentorship, and taking calculated risks. 👉Hear inspiring stories on how science, focus, and urgency shape breakthroughs. 👉Understand the importance of company culture, accountability, and collaboration in the pharmaceutical industry. 📌 Don’t forget to subscribe for more insights from leaders shaping the future of pharma and healthcare innovation. 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐔𝐒: ▶  Website: [https://www.kbic.com/recruiting/] ▶  LinkedIn: [ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpietrack] ▶ Have you seen all of our playlists?                  [https://www.youtube.com/@ThePharmaversePodcast/playlists ] ▶ Also, join the private LinkedIn Job Board: MSL Job Board                                                     👋 Thanks for visiting my Channel✨

    22 min

About

The Pharmaverse is a leadership podcast that brings you exclusive insights from the stars of the Pharma universe. Hosted by Michael Pietrack, a top Pharma and Biotech recruiter, whose team partners with the most recognizable Pharma companies in the industry, as well as the hottest of the emerging Biotechs. In each episode, Michael sits down with influential and innovative leaders in the Pharmaceutical and related industries. Listeners will hear from stars from all sectors of the Pharmaverse and will gain valuable insights to help lead their team or structure their careers. Whether you're a current leader, an aspiring leader, or a leadership enthusiast, the Pharmaverse Podcast has something for you. Tune in and subscribe!

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