Thoroughly Thriving

Thorough Group
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"Thoroughly Thriving" explores human capital solutions at the crossroads of talent, strategy, and innovation. Hosted by Darren Thevathasan and Sean Burroughs, the podcast offers insights on recruitment trends, business growth, and cutting-edge strategies. Each episode features discussions on innovative recruitment models, industry best practices, and personal experiences from the hosts and expert guests. It’s a valuable resource for executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals seeking to stay ahead in a dynamic job market. Practical advice to drive professional and organizational growth.

  1. 1d ago ·  Video

    AI Won't Replace Drug Discovery—Here's What It Will Do with Kevin Krause | #36

    What is AI actually changing in drug discovery—and what's simply hype? In Episode 36 of Thoroughly Thriving, Darren and Sean sit down with Kevin Krause, President and CEO of ArrePath, for a practical conversation about biotech leadership, AI/ML-driven drug discovery, strategic decision-making, and building companies differently. Kevin has spent more than two decades working at the intersection of science and strategy. His career has taken him from the research bench into clinical development, corporate development, commercial strategy and ultimately the CEO chair. Along the way, he contributed to seven approved antibiotics and gained a rare view of what it actually takes to move a medicine from discovery toward patients. Today, Kevin is leading ArrePath as it applies AI and machine learning to drug discovery. But his perspective is refreshingly straightforward: AI isn't the product. The medicine is. Kevin explains how machine learning can help scientists explore chemistry faster, predict multiple drug-development parameters simultaneously, reduce costs, increase creativity, and compress work that once required weeks into hours. We discuss: Kevin's unconventional path from scientist to CEOWhy strategic thinking changed his careerA practical framework for making better decisionsWhat seven drug approvals taught him about biotech strategyWhy good drugs can still miss their market opportunityThe importance of listening to regulators and external advisorsHow ArrePath is expanding beyond infectious diseaseHow six people can manage multiple active research programsWhat AI/ML drug discovery actually looks like day-to-dayWhy AI should augment scientists rather than replace themUsing machine learning to predict oral bioavailability and other propertiesHow agentic AI can accelerate research and decision-makingWhy biotech companies need to stop simply saying "we use AI"How leaders can prove AI's value to boards, partners and investorsWhether you're working in biotech, pharma, drug discovery, life sciences, artificial intelligence, investment, strategy or executive leadership, this episode offers a grounded look at what AI can—and cannot—do for modern biotech. 🎧 Watch Episode 36 of Thoroughly Thriving with Kevin Krause. Subscribe for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of healthcare, life sciences and the world of work. (00:00) - Meet Kevin Krause (01:44) - From Bench Scientist to Biotech CEO (03:15) - Career Experiences That Changed Everything (07:52) - A Framework for Better Decisions (10:20) - Lessons From Seven Approved Antibiotics (14:29) - Navigating Biotech Headwinds (15:47) - Repositioning an AI-Driven Biotech (19:49) - Building More With a Six-Person Team (20:44) - What AI Drug Discovery Actually Looks Like (23:08) - Predicting Drug Properties With Machine Learning (25:32) - Building Aeropath's AI Platform (27:58) - How to Talk About AI Without the Hype (29:28) - AI Is Becoming a Commodity (31:49) - Proving AI's Real Value (32:40) - Leadership Takeaways (35:08) - Closing Thoughts

  2. Aug 28 ·  Video

    What Scientists Need to Know Before Leaving Academia with Harris Soifer | #35

    What should scientists know before making the leap from academia into biotech or pharmaceutical industry careers? In Episode 35 of Thoroughly Thriving, Darren and Sean sit down with Harris Soifer, a leader in precision medicine and oncology whose career has taken him from academic research into diagnostics, translational medicine, drug development, and precision medicine. Harris shares the realities behind his own academia-to-industry transition—including leaving behind nearly a decade of research to take an opportunity at an early-stage startup. He explains why scientists need to understand not only the position they're accepting, but the career track that position creates. The conversation also explores where AI is genuinely improving drug development—and where the hype gets ahead of reality. Harris explains how his team uses AI to accelerate data processing, quality control, and the path to human interpretation while maintaining the critical human-in-the-loop approach required in drug development. You'll discover: What scientists should know before leaving academiaWhy your first industry opportunity may not look glamorousHow to evaluate the career track behind a job titleCareer opportunities scientists often overlookWhere AI is actually creating value in drug developmentWhy human judgment remains essentialWhy advancement eventually becomes about how you work—not simply what you knowThe role mentorship and humility play in career growthWhy developing others benefits mentors tooHow keeping patients at the center can align entire organizationsWhether you're a scientist considering industry, a biotech professional growing your career, a life sciences executive, or a leader developing high-performing teams, Harris offers practical lessons for navigating today's changing world of work. 🎧 Watch the full episode of Thoroughly Thriving. Subscribe for more conversations with leaders advancing healthcare, science, business, and the future of work. (00:00) - Introduction (02:47) - Moving From Academia to Industry (07:48) - Getting Your Foot in the Door (08:54) - Know the Role and Career Track (11:17) - Building a Long-Term Industry Career (14:09) - AI in Drug Discovery and Development (17:56) - Why AI Still Needs Human Expertise (20:09) - Mentorship and Career Growth (23:57) - Why How You Work Matters (25:08) - Developing Others as a Leader (26:55) - Keeping Patients at the Center (27:21) - Closing Thoughts

  3. Jul 22 ·  Video

    Leadership Has Changed with Dr Shawn Rose | #34

    What does leadership look like in a world where everything is constantly changing? In Episode 34 of Thoroughly Thriving, we sit down with Dr. Shawn Rose—Chief Medical Officer, biotech leader, and physician-scientist—to explore how leadership has evolved in today’s fast-moving, high-stakes environment. From bringing life-changing therapies to patients to leading teams through constant uncertainty, Dr. Rose shares powerful insights on why curiosity, adaptability, and decisiveness are no longer optional—they’re essential. 💡 Key Takeaways: Why traditional top-down leadership no longer worksHow to lead when you don’t have all the answersThe role of curiosity in driving innovationWhy decisiveness matters more than perfectionHow to balance data, intuition, and team inputThe mindset shift required to lead in today’s worldThis episode is a must-listen for leaders, innovators, and anyone navigating complexity in their career. 👉 Subscribe, share, and join the conversation on what it truly means to lead today. (00:00) - Introduction to Dr. Shawn Rose (02:15) - Leadership Then vs Now (05:10) - The End of Top-Down Leadership (07:40) - Technology & Information Overload (10:00) - Leading Across Generations (12:30) - Situational Leadership Explained (15:00) - Why Leaders Can’t Know Everything (17:30) - Decision-Making Without Perfect Data (20:00) - Curiosity as a Leadership Skill (23:30) - Creating Space for Innovation (26:00) - Slowing Down to Move Faster (29:00) - Final Thoughts & Takeaways

  4. Jul 1 ·  Video

    Risk, Resilience & Real Leadership with Manasi Jaiman | #33

    What does it really take to lead when nothing goes according to plan? In Episode 33 of Thoroughly Thriving, we sit down with Manasi Jaiman, a biotech leader driving innovation in high-stakes environments, to unpack what it means to lead through uncertainty, failure, and transformation. From navigating acquisitions to building resilient teams and empowering women in leadership, Manasi shares powerful insights on how purpose, transparency, and informed risk-taking shape high-performing cultures. 💡 Key Takeaways: Why setbacks are the norm—not the exception—in innovationThe difference between risk and recklessnessHow great leaders build trust during uncertaintyWhy purpose is the anchor in high-pressure environmentsPractical ways to empower women and create real changeHow to maintain morale when everything is shiftingThis conversation is a must-listen for leaders, innovators, and anyone navigating change in their career. 👉 If this episode resonates, share it with your network and subscribe for more conversations that help you lead, grow, and thrive. (00:00) - Introduction to Manasi Jaiman (02:15) - Women in Biotech Leadership (05:30) - Creating Real Opportunities vs Talking About Change (09:00) - Building the Table, Not Asking for a Seat (12:20) - Why Setbacks Are the Norm in Biotech (15:10) - Leading Through Acquisition & Uncertainty (18:20) - Maintaining Culture During Change (21:00) - Leadership & Relationship with Failure (23:45) - Risk vs Recklessness Explained (26:00) - Purpose as a Leadership Anchor (28:30) - Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways

  5. Jun 17

    From Idea to Impact: A Founder’s Journey with Bassil Dahiyat | #32

    What does it take to turn a bold scientific idea into real-world impact?In Episode 32 of Thoroughly Thriving, we sit down with Bassil Dahiyat, co-founder and CEO of Xencor, to unpack the journey of building a biotech company from the ground up—and staying committed to that vision for nearly three decades.From pioneering protein engineering to developing life-changing therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases, Bassil shares what it really takes to innovate at the highest level. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Why long-term vision beats short-term winsThe mindset required to build lasting innovationHow discipline and consistency shape breakthrough successLessons from scaling a biotech company over decadesLeadership principles for navigating uncertaintyIf you're a founder, leader, or professional looking to build something meaningful—this episode will challenge how you think about success.👉 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, innovation, and thriving at the highest level. (00:00) Introduction to Bassil Dahiyat (02:15) The Origin of Xencor (06:40) Engineering Proteins & Antibodies (10:25) Early Challenges & Breakthrough Thinking (15:10) The Power of Long-Term Vision (20:45) Scaling a Biotech Company (26:30) Leadership Lessons Over 30 Years (32:05) Innovation vs. Execution (38:20) Navigating Uncertainty in Science (44:10) Building a Lasting Impact

  6. Apr 1

    From Operator to Strategic Leader with Tara Hun-Dorris | #31

    What does it take to lead effectively in today’s fast-moving biotech and clinical landscape? In Episode 31 of Thoroughly Thriving, Tara Hun-Dorris shares powerful insights on leadership, decision-making, and navigating complexity in life sciences. From managing high-stakes environments to developing strong, resilient teams, this conversation is packed with real-world wisdom for current and aspiring leaders. In this episode, you’ll learn: How leadership evolves in clinical and biotech environmentsThe importance of adaptability in high-pressure rolesHow to build trust and alignment across teamsWhy strong decision-making defines great leadersThe mindset required to lead through uncertaintyIf you’re in biotech, pharma, or clinical operations — this episode will challenge and sharpen your leadership approach. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations with top leaders in life sciences. 👉 Share this episode with someone building or leading a team. (00:00) Welcome to Thoroughly Thriving (00:35) Meet Tara Hun-Dorris (02:40) Leadership in Biotech Today (06:10) Navigating Complexity (10:05) Decision-Making Under Pressure (14:30) Building Strong Teams (18:20) Adaptability in Leadership (22:45) Aligning Teams for Success (26:10) Leading Through Uncertainty (29:00) Final Thoughts and Takeaways

  7. Mar 18

    The Leadership Blueprint for High-Performance Teams with Junior Laysa | #30

    In Episode 30 of the Thoroughly Thriving Podcast, Darren and Sean sit down with Junior Laysa, VP and Head of Operations at Nkarta, Inc, to explore what truly drives high-performing teams in biotech. Junior shares real-world leadership insights from scaling operations in complex, highly regulated environments where cross-functional alignment isn’t optional — it’s essential for survival. From building intentional culture to creating psychological safety for innovation, Junior reveals the leadership practices that transform average teams into exceptional ones. In this episode, we discuss: Why culture is the foundation of operational excellenceHow leaders build connection and trust across teamsThe importance of psychological safety in innovationBreaking down silos across R&D, manufacturing, and qualityPractical strategies for developing future leadersThe cultural signals that reveal whether a team is thrivingIf you lead teams in biotech, pharma, life sciences, or any high-stakes industry, this conversation offers powerful leadership lessons. 👉 Subscribe for more leadership insights from biotech and life sciences leaders. 👉 Share this episode with someone building teams in complex environments. (00:00) Welcome to Thoroughly Thriving (00:46) Meet Junior Laysa (02:04) The Importance of Leadership in Operations (03:49) Building Culture While Scaling Teams (06:13) Leading Through Organizational Change (09:15) Developing Future Leaders (13:13) Culture and Innovation in Biotech (17:09) Breaking Down Organizational Silos (21:12) Collaboration and Team Connection (23:26) Measuring Healthy Team Culture (27:09) Leadership Takeaways and Closing Thoughts

  8. Mar 4

    Why Strong Leaders Still Struggle with Jerlyn| #29

    In Episode 29 of the Thoroughly Thriving Podcast, we sit down with Jerlyn to unpack one of the most overlooked leadership challenges — avoiding conflict. Jerlyn shares powerful insights on why unaddressed tension quietly grows, how it impacts teams and performance, and what it actually takes to lead through discomfort with clarity and confidence. If you’re in leadership, building a team, or navigating high-stakes environments, this conversation will challenge how you think about communication, accountability, and growth. In this episode, we cover: Why avoiding conflict creates bigger problems laterHow tension builds beneath the surface in teamsThe mindset shift required for effective leadershipPractical ways to approach difficult conversationsHow strong leaders create clarity instead of comfort👉 If this episode challenges you, share it with someone in leadership. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations with top leaders in biotech, pharma, and beyond. (00:00) Introduction to Jerlyn (02:15) Why leaders avoid conflict (06:40) The hidden cost of unaddressed tension (12:05) How conflict impacts team performance (18:30) Shifting your mindset around hard conversations (25:10) Practical ways to address tension early (31:45) Building a culture of clarity (38:20) Leadership growth through discomfort (44:10) Final thoughts and key takeaways

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About

"Thoroughly Thriving" explores human capital solutions at the crossroads of talent, strategy, and innovation. Hosted by Darren Thevathasan and Sean Burroughs, the podcast offers insights on recruitment trends, business growth, and cutting-edge strategies. Each episode features discussions on innovative recruitment models, industry best practices, and personal experiences from the hosts and expert guests. It’s a valuable resource for executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals seeking to stay ahead in a dynamic job market. Practical advice to drive professional and organizational growth.

Information

  • Creator
    Thorough Group
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Thorough Group
  • Show Website
    Thoroughly Thriving