Olivia Kager, Global Commercial Lead, Hemato-Oncology at Kyowa Kirin, joins Linda Traylor on OnPoint: The Mentor Sessions to talk about a career built on crossing between medical affairs and commercial leadership — and what it taught her about strategic partnership, accountability, and the future of the medical affairs function. In this conversation, Olivia unpacks why "stay in your lane" is the worst career advice she's heard, why success in medical affairs should be measured in outcomes rather than activity, and why AI will only make teams faster at staying the same unless it's paired with clear purpose and human judgment. In this episode: Olivia's "story of accidents" — from aspiring artist to physician to a career weaving between medical affairs and commercial leadership across oncology, rare disease, and immunology The mindset shift from medical affairs as a "supporting function" to a strategic partner, and the accountability that comes with it Why the biggest misstep of her career, leaving medical for commercial, became the bridge that shaped her leadership Redefining success in medical affairs: moving from activity metrics to measurable outcomes, and why the first six months after launch matter most Why "hybrid intelligence," not AI alone, will define the next decade of medical affairs Books and Resources Mentioned Recommended by Olivia Kager: How Women Rise — a practical, honest look at habits that hold talented women back, such as underclaiming achievements and hesitating to take up space (title named on air; author not stated) Dare to Lead by Brené Brown — makes the case that courage and vulnerability are the foundation of strong leadership, not its opposite Emotional Agility by Susan David — the source of the phrase "courage is fear walking," which Olivia references directly in the episode Recommended by Linda Traylor: The Curiosity Shop, a podcast hosted by Brené Brown and Adam Grant — Linda named it as a current favorite; Olivia agreed it's one she loves too About Olivia Kager: Olivia Kager is Global Commercial Lead, Hemato-Oncology at Kyowa Kirin. A physician by training, her career has moved between medical affairs and commercial leadership across oncology, rare disease, and immunology, including a prior role leading medical affairs for the DACH region. She is also active in mentoring and gender equity work within the life sciences industry. Connect with Olivia Kager on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-kager-0158a55b/ OnPoint: The Mentor Sessions Podcast delivers engaging conversations with Medical Affairs and Field Medical leaders on the power of mentorship and coaching. Hosted by Linda Traylor, each podcast uncovers practical strategies, personal stories, and lessons to inspire and prepare the next generation of medical leaders. OnPoint is available on several podcast platforms, including the Acceleration Point YouTube channel. Subscribe to the Acceleration Point YouTube channel for more episodes and other content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJvTQahyDapOdbhyQVhiNyQ Episode Chapters: [00:00] Meet Olivia Kager: A Career Built on "Accidents" [07:23] From Supporting Function to Strategic Partner [11:15] The Misstep That Became a Bridge [16:32] What Separates Exceptional Leaders From Good Ones [22:00] Redefining Success and the Worst Advice in Medical Affairs [34:02] AI, Hybrid Intelligence, and the Medical Affairs Decade [42:22] Personal Reflections and the Billboard Message