She Leads Biotech

Sharron Cox
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Life Sciences
  • 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!

  1. 3d ago

    Better Science Starts with Better Questions

    What happens when you reach one of the most senior positions in global drug discovery — and decide the next step is to leave the security of Big Pharma behind? In this episode of She Leads Biotech, I’m joined by Karin Conde-Knape, PhD, Chief Science Officer at Valo Health, whose international career has taken her through leadership roles at Roche, Johnson & Johnson and Novo Nordisk. We talk about why Karin believes better drug discovery needs to start with human data, how asking the right questions earlier can prevent years of time and investment being committed to the wrong path, and where data, experience and intuition belong in scientific decision-making. We also explore Karin’s decision to move from Big Pharma to biotech — what she describes as an “easier choice, not a comfortable choice” — and why impact, people and purpose became increasingly important at this stage of her career. Our conversation moves beyond the science into leadership: creating psychological safety, challenging the thought process rather than the individual, developing resilient future leaders, embracing AI and new technologies, and building teams that genuinely want to follow you. A fascinating conversation about drug discovery, human data, innovation, career courage and the leadership required to turn better questions into better science.

    Better Science Starts with Better Questions

  2. Sep 11

    When Leadership Gets Real

    What does it really take to lead a biotech company when the science is complex, the stakes are high and the answers aren’t always obvious? In this episode of She Leads Biotech, I’m joined by Iris Grossman, PhD, CEO of Zelig Therapeutics, for a candid conversation about the realities of biotech leadership and her journey from scientist to CEO. In When Leadership Gets Real: Ego, Accountability & the Decisions That Shape Biotech Companies, we talk about what happens when leadership moves beyond the title and you become the person ultimately accountable for the decisions. We explore why great leaders surround themselves with people who will challenge them, how founders and leadership teams need to evolve as companies grow, why strategy starts with knowing your values, and what Iris has learned about hiring beyond technical capability. Iris also talks openly about making decisions without perfect information, handling difficult performance conversations, keeping ego out of leadership — and why patient impact remains her North Star. Chapters 00:00 Introduction03:17 A Patient-Centric North Star05:46 The Scientist Inside the CEO07:04 Turning Science into Patient Impact10:14 The Reality of CEO Accountability13:30 When Founders and Companies Need to Evolve14:39 Why Independent Boards Matter15:43 Strategy Starts with Values17:17 Why Zelig Became a Call to Action20:01 Making Decisions Through Uncertainty23:28 Why Personality Matters in Hiring26:24 The Difficult People Decisions Leaders Must Make30:09 Why Biotech Is Ultimately About People 🎧 Follow She Leads Biotech for more conversations with the people building, leading and shaping biotech. #SheLeadsBiotech #BiotechLeadership #Biotech #LifeSciences #WomenInBiotech #Leadership

    When Leadership Gets Real

  3. Sep 4

    When the Plan Changes: Resilience, Reinvention & Finding Your Way in Biotech

    What happens when the career plan you thought you had suddenly changes? In this episode of She Leads Biotech, I’m joined once again by Priya Baraniak, PhD, Chief Commercial & Development Officer at Pluristyx, who returns to the podcast after first joining me back in Season 1. In When the Plan Changes: Resilience, Reinvention & Finding Your Way in Biotech, we talk candidly about unexpected career change, resilience and what happens when you have to let go of the plan and find a different way forward. Priya shares what she learned following a professional setback, why personal branding and authentic relationships became so important, and how her own career has evolved from scientist to commercial biotech leader. We also explore the realities of biotech fundraising, what investors look for in leadership teams, the potential of iPSC technology and cell and gene therapy — and why, despite the challenges facing our industry, Priya remains incredibly excited about what the science can achieve for patients. Above all, it’s a conversation about becoming more comfortable with uncertainty, focusing on what you can control and continuing to do the next right thing. Chapters 01:23 When Everything Changes05:25 Losing a Role: The First 72 Hours10:05 Personal Branding & Getting Comfortable Being Visible14:50 The Promise of iPSCs18:00 From Scientist to Commercial Leader21:31 What Fundraising Really Looks Like Today23:29 Changing the Conversation About Inclusion28:28 Why Cell & Gene Therapy Still Excites Her31:28 What 13-Year-Old Priya Would Think Today35:27 Just Keep Doing the Next Right Thing37:02 Tough Times Didn't Break Us, They Made Us 🎧 Follow She Leads Biotech for more conversations with the people building, leading and shaping biotech. #SheLeadsBiotech #Biotech #BiotechLeadership #CellAndGeneTherapy #WomenInBiotech #LifeSciences #BiotechCareers

    When the Plan Changes: Resilience, Reinvention & Finding Your Way in Biotech

  4. Jun 26

    S4 E25, Dr. Nerissa Kreher - Chief Medical Officer of Alltrna

    Reimagining Rare Disease Drug Development with Nerissa Kreher In this episode of She Leads Biotech, I’m joined by Nerissa Kreher, Chief Medical Officer of Alltrna, for a conversation about rare disease innovation, precision medicine, and the future of drug development. With more than 20 years of experience in rare diseases, Nerissa shares her journey from pediatric endocrinologist to biotech executive and explains how Alltrna is taking a novel approach to treating genetic diseases through mutation-defined therapies. A fascinating discussion about science, innovation, leadership, and hope for families living with rare diseases. Chapters 00:00 Introduction02:00 From Medicine to Biotech05:00 Falling in Love with Rare Disease Research08:00 Understanding Rare Disease Communities12:00 The Challenge of Clinical Trials in Rare Diseases16:00 Mutation-Defined Therapies Explained21:00 How Alltrna Is Rethinking Drug Development26:00 Regulatory & Clinical Development Challenges31:00 Public vs Private Company Leadership35:00 What Makes a Great Biotech Executive39:00 Leadership, Mentorship & Authenticity43:00 The Role of Patients in Drug Development47:00 The Future of Rare Disease Innovation51:00 Bringing Hope to Patients & Families #SheLeadsBiotech #RareDisease #PrecisionMedicine #GeneTherapy #BiotechLeadership #WomenInBiotech #CNAUSAExecutiveSearch

    S4 E25, Dr. Nerissa Kreher - Chief Medical Officer of Alltrna

  5. Jun 19

    S4 E24, Sarah DiSalvatore, Fractional SVP of Clinical Operations & Biotech Executive

    Leading with Purpose in Rare Disease with Sarah DiSalvatore In this episode of She Leads Biotech, I’m joined by Sarah DiSalvatore, Fractional SVP of Clinical Operations & Biotech Executive, for a conversation about leadership, rare disease, and the realities of bringing innovative therapies to patients. Sarah shares her journey from bench research to executive leadership, why quality and compliance are fundamental to successful clinical development, and how fractional leadership is helping early-stage biotech companies build smarter and more efficiently. We also discuss the deeply personal experience of becoming a rare disease parent, and how that has transformed the way Sarah approaches patient advocacy, programme development, and the importance of building centres of excellence for underserved communities. A thoughtful conversation about resilience, strategy, and keeping patients at the centre of every decision. Chapters 00:00 Introduction02:00 A Childhood Dream of Medicine06:00 From Bench Research to Clinical Operations11:00 Why Quality and Compliance Matter16:00 Growing into Leadership20:00 The Rise of Fractional Executives25:00 Becoming a Rare Disease Parent30:00 How Personal Experience Changed Clinical Development34:00 Building Centres of Excellence for Rare Diseases38:00 The Future of Clinical Operations42:00 Advice for Parents, Caregivers & Leaders #SheLeadsBiotech #RareDisease #ClinicalOperations #BiotechLeadership #GeneTherapy #WomenInBiotech #CNAUSAExecutiveSearch

    S4 E24, Sarah DiSalvatore, Fractional SVP of Clinical Operations & Biotech Executive

  6. Jun 12

    S4 E23 - Melody Keel, CEO of The Research Associate Group

    Beyond Burnout: Rethinking Leadership and Identity with Melody Keel In this episode of She Leads Biotech, I’m joined by Melody Keel, CEO of The Research Associate Group, for a candid conversation about clinical operations, leadership, burnout, and building a life beyond your job title. With more than 20 years of experience in clinical operations, Melody shares what she’s learned about leading teams, navigating high-pressure environments, and why empathy is one of the most powerful tools a leader can have. We also discuss the changing biotech job market, the importance of personal branding, and why your career should never become your entire identity. Whether you work in clinical operations or any area of life sciences, this episode is packed with practical insights and honest reflections. Chapters 00:00 Introduction02:10 Falling into Clinical Operations05:00 Why Great Leaders Put People First09:30 The Reality of Burnout in ClinOps14:00 Sponsor vs CRO Life17:20 A Personal Wake-Up Call20:00 Building a Life Beyond Work23:00 The Future of Careers in Biotech27:00 Why Your Personal Brand Matters30:00 Supporting Women Through Career Change33:00 Finding Your Purpose Beyond Your Job #SheLeadsBiotech #ClinicalOperations #Leadership #WomenInBiotech #CareerGrowth #LifeSciences #CNAUSAExecutiveSearch

    S4 E23 - Melody Keel, CEO of The Research Associate Group

  7. Jun 5

    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

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

  8. 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

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

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Sharron Cox
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    87
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Sharron Cox
  • Show Website
    She Leads Biotech