What does it really take to build a thriving biotech ecosystem and help breakthrough science reach patients? In this episode of Learning From Leaders, host Lili Clark sits down with Dr. Gabby Everett, Director of Business Operations and Strategy and site head at BioLabs Pegasus Park, to unpack the infrastructure, partnerships, and leadership that turn early-stage biotech ideas into real-world impact. Gabby explains how BioLabs functions as a shared lab and office community where startups have the benefit (yes, benefit) to fail fast - a key aspect of biotech progression. They can adapt and progress quickly and access high-cost equipment without raising millions to get started. She walks through what “ecosystem building” looks like in practice, from connecting founders to advisors and investors, to creating the collaborations that spark innovation at the intersections of disciplines. You’ll also hear why companies are relocating to Dallas-Fort Worth, how Bridge Labs supports the next stage of growth, and what common mistakes early biotech teams make when scaling too quickly. The conversation also explores leadership lessons from bench science, mentorship and sponsorship, and how the region can foster more women founders and future talent through hands-on student exposure to biotech careers. Learn more about BioLabs Pegasus Park: https://www.biolabs.io/north-texas Chapters: 00:00 - Show Open/Intro 00:48 - Meet Dr. Gabby Everett and BioLabs Pegasus Park 01:31 - What BioLabs is and how it supports startups 04:32 - From PhD scientist to biotech ecosystem builder 08:10 - Leadership lessons from trial-and-error research 10:25 - What it takes to grow a biotech ecosystem in Dallas 13:37 - BioLabs growth since opening and why it mattered 17:26 - Startup stages, bench-by-bench growth, and Bridge Labs 23:49 - Why biotech companies are choosing Dallas-Fort Worth 29:29 - Women in biotech leadership and building the next pipeline 46:25 - AI, automation, and what’s changing in biotech 51:42 - Rapid fire and closing Episode Details: Episode 2, Season 3 Host: Lili Clark | Vice Chair, The Cary Council; Senior Associate, LH Capital, Inc. / Lyda Hill Philanthropies Guest: Dr. Gabby Everett | Director of Business Operations and Strategy, Site Head, BioLabs Pegasus Park Producer: Dustin Magwire | Digital Media Senior Manager, Southwestern Medical Foundation - www.swmedical.org Videography: Brazos Film & Video - www.brazosfilms.com Disclaimer: The Southwestern Medical Foundation Podcast is intended solely for educational purposes. Nothing contained therein constitutes, nor should be interpreted as medical, healthcare, financial or legal advice. Southwestern Medical Foundation strives for accuracy in its publications, including the Podcast. However, due to the nature of the topics discussed, there frequently is not a clear-cut “right answer.” Consequently, Southwestern Medical Foundation cannot guarantee the accuracy or sufficiency of any information presented. The views of the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of their employers or affiliated organizations, nor Southwestern Medical Foundation, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center or the University of Texas System. The inclusion of any guest or mention of any product or service does not constitute an endorsement thereof, nor of any company, employer, or organization with which the guest, product, or service is affiliated.
