She Leads Biotech

What does a year in the CEO's chair teach you about everything you thought you knew?

In this Then & Now episode of She Leads Biotech, I'm delighted to welcome back Denise Dajles, CEO of Cytrellis Biosystems, to discover what's changed since our first conversation.

When we last spoke, Denise was navigating a major product relaunch, restructuring the business and finding her feet as a first-time CEO.

A year later, she shares the realities of leading a growing MedTech company, from significant commercial growth and expanding her team to the unexpected challenges that have forced her to rethink her original plans.

We explore why asking “why” has become central to her leadership approach, what she's learned about hiring people with the right attitude, and why building a team that can operate without her constant involvement is an important measure of success.

Denise also discusses the difference between selling innovative technology and achieving lasting adoption, why authentic clinical evidence matters more than polished AI-generated images, and the responsibility that comes with leading a business whose employees and families depend on its success.

What I particularly enjoyed was Denise's honesty about getting things wrong, adapting along the way and learning to trust the people around her.

Because leadership isn't about always being right. It's about having the humility to question yourself and the determination to keep moving forward.

🎧 Join me for another inspiring conversation on She Leads Biotech.

#SheLeadsBiotech #DeniseDajles #MedTech #WomenInBiotech #Leadership #LifeSciences

Can the experience that made you successful actually hold you back in your next role?

In this episode of She Leads Biotech, I'm joined by Cathy Collis, Chief Commercial Officer at Renexxion Pharmaceuticals, to explore what happens when a career takes you from the structure and resources of big pharma into the unpredictable world of smaller biotech companies.

Cathy shares her journey from public policy into pharmaceutical leadership, the lessons she's learned along the way and why adapting to a new environment sometimes means letting go of familiar ways of working.

We discuss the importance of self-reliance, making decisions with limited resources, building the right commercial capabilities at the right time and recognising that the people who build a business aren't always the same people needed to scale it.

We also explore patient advocacy, the importance of challenging assumptions and why commercial thinking should begin long before a treatment reaches the market.

It's a conversation about career choices, leadership, adaptability and finding the confidence to do things differently.

Because sometimes the most valuable thing we can learn is what we need to unlearn.

🎧 Join me for another insightful conversation on She Leads Biotech.

#SheLeadsBiotech #CathyCollis #WomenInBiotech #BiotechLeadership #LifeSciences

What happens when a biotech company realises that its next stage of growth requires a completely different approach?

In this episode of She Leads Biotech, I'm joined by Beverley Carr, Chief Business and Operating Officer at CHARM Therapeutics, to explore the realities of transforming promising science into a clinical-stage business.

Beverley shares the decisions behind CHARM's shift from a broad AI drug discovery platform to a focused oncology programme, the challenges of restructuring a business for its next stage, and why having the right people in place matters just as much as having great science.

We also discuss the real value of AI in drug discovery, the importance of making difficult decisions early, and Beverley's own journey from chemistry to biotech leadership.

It's a conversation about adaptability, courage and recognising when the path forward requires doing things differently.

Because sometimes the most important leadership decision isn't what to pursue next, but what you're prepared to leave behind.

🎧 Listen now on She Leads Biotech.

#SheLeadsBiotech #BiotechLeadership #WomenInBiotech #DrugDiscovery #LifeSciences

How much do we really understand about our own health, and how often have we been told that symptoms are simply "normal"?

In this episode, I'm joined by Paula Soteropoulos, biotech executive and investor, and her daughter Dr. Alexia Soteropoulos, an integrative and functional medicine physician, to discuss their book Restoring Balance and why women need to take a more active role in understanding their bodies.

We explore the gaps in women's health research, menopause, hormone health, whole-person care and the importance of questioning symptoms that are too often dismissed or normalised.

Paula brings her perspective from biotech leadership and investment, while Alexia shares her clinical approach to helping women become better informed advocates for their own health.

A warm, thought-provoking conversation about knowledge, self-advocacy and restoring balance to women's healthcare.

What if the biggest challenge in biotech isn't innovation, but adoption?

I'm joined by Holley Miller, CEO of Grey Matter Marketing, to explore why better science doesn't automatically win.

We talk about why people buy outcomes rather than products, why emotion can open the door before data earns belief, the importance of solving an urgent problem, and why being different can sometimes matter more than simply being better.

Holley also shares her own entrepreneurial and leadership journey, the value of non-obvious thinking, taking career risks and giving yourself permission to fail.

A thought-provoking conversation about innovation, human behaviour and what it really takes to turn a great idea into something people will actually adopt.

Amy Walker didn't set out to become a CEO.

In this episode of She Leads Biotech, I’m joined by Amy, CEO of 4basebio, to explore how a career that began in science evolved into leading a growing biotech company.

We talk about growing alongside a business, stepping beyond your original expertise, building the right leadership team and culture, and the technology changing the future of DNA manufacturing and advanced therapies.

It’s a conversation about science, leadership, career progression and being willing to take opportunities you never originally planned for.

#SheLeadsBiotech #Biotech #WomenInBiotech #BiotechLeadership #DNAManufacturing #AdvancedTherapies

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.

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 Introduction
03:17 A Patient-Centric North Star
05:46 The Scientist Inside the CEO
07:04 Turning Science into Patient Impact
10:14 The Reality of CEO Accountability
13:30 When Founders and Companies Need to Evolve
14:39 Why Independent Boards Matter
15:43 Strategy Starts with Values
17:17 Why Zelig Became a Call to Action
20:01 Making Decisions Through Uncertainty
23:28 Why Personality Matters in Hiring
26:24 The Difficult People Decisions Leaders Must Make
30:09 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

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 Changes
05:25 Losing a Role: The First 72 Hours
10:05 Personal Branding & Getting Comfortable Being Visible
14:50 The Promise of iPSCs
18:00 From Scientist to Commercial Leader
21:31 What Fundraising Really Looks Like Today
23:29 Changing the Conversation About Inclusion
28:28 Why Cell & Gene Therapy Still Excites Her
31:28 What 13-Year-Old Priya Would Think Today
35:27 Just Keep Doing the Next Right Thing
37:02 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

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 Introduction
02:00 From Medicine to Biotech
05:00 Falling in Love with Rare Disease Research
08:00 Understanding Rare Disease Communities
12:00 The Challenge of Clinical Trials in Rare Diseases
16:00 Mutation-Defined Therapies Explained
21:00 How Alltrna Is Rethinking Drug Development
26:00 Regulatory & Clinical Development Challenges
31:00 Public vs Private Company Leadership
35:00 What Makes a Great Biotech Executive
39:00 Leadership, Mentorship & Authenticity
43:00 The Role of Patients in Drug Development
47:00 The Future of Rare Disease Innovation
51:00 Bringing Hope to Patients & Families

#SheLeadsBiotech #RareDisease #PrecisionMedicine #GeneTherapy #BiotechLeadership #WomenInBiotech #CNAUSAExecutiveSearch

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 Introduction
02:00 A Childhood Dream of Medicine
06:00 From Bench Research to Clinical Operations
11:00 Why Quality and Compliance Matter
16:00 Growing into Leadership
20:00 The Rise of Fractional Executives
25:00 Becoming a Rare Disease Parent
30:00 How Personal Experience Changed Clinical Development
34:00 Building Centres of Excellence for Rare Diseases
38:00 The Future of Clinical Operations
42:00 Advice for Parents, Caregivers & Leaders

#SheLeadsBiotech #RareDisease #ClinicalOperations #BiotechLeadership #GeneTherapy #WomenInBiotech #CNAUSAExecutiveSearch

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 Introduction
02:10 Falling into Clinical Operations
05:00 Why Great Leaders Put People First
09:30 The Reality of Burnout in ClinOps
14:00 Sponsor vs CRO Life
17:20 A Personal Wake-Up Call
20:00 Building a Life Beyond Work
23:00 The Future of Careers in Biotech
27:00 Why Your Personal Brand Matters
30:00 Supporting Women Through Career Change
33:00 Finding Your Purpose Beyond Your Job

#SheLeadsBiotech #ClinicalOperations #Leadership #WomenInBiotech #CareerGrowth #LifeSciences #CNAUSAExecutiveSearch

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 Introduction
02:30 Discovering Science & Neuroscience
05:00 Moving from Academia to Industry
08:00 What Industry Looks for in Scientists
10:00 Seeing the Full Drug Development Picture
13:00 Why Great Science Isn't Enough
16:00 Funding Plans, Not Hope
19:00 From Executive to Founder
22:00 Building a Company in Neuroscience
25:00 Creating a Culture Where Every Voice Matters
28:00 Risk, Decision-Making & Leadership
31:00 The Future of Gene Therapy
34:00 Career Advice, Networking & Growth

#SheLeadsBiotech #WomenInBiotech #BiotechLeadership #GeneTherapy #Neuroscience #FemaleFounder #CNAUSAExecutiveSearch

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 Introduction
02:00 Finding Bioengineering & Stem Cell Research
07:00 Why Patient Impact Became the Focus
10:00 From Academic Research to Founding Vitra Labs
14:00 The Science Behind Hormone-Free IVF
19:00 Why Traditional IVF Is So Difficult on Women
23:00 Becoming a First-Time CEO
27:00 Panic Attacks, Pressure & Founder Reality
31:00 The Importance of Support & Coaching
34:00 Becoming a Mother While Building a Startup
37:00 Advice for Future Founders

#SheLeadsBiotech #WomensHealth #FertilityInnovation #IVF #WomenInBiotech #CNAUSAExecutiveSearch

Changing the Conversation Around Women’s Health with Saundra Pelletier & Mitch Rosen

In this episode of She Leads Biotech, we’re joined by Saundra Pelletier and Mitch Rosen from Evofem Biosciences for a candid conversation about women’s health, education, intimacy, and the importance of normalizing these discussions.

We explore why women deserve more options, why men need to be part of the conversation too, and how a new generation is changing the way people think about sexual health and communication.

From access and advocacy to stigma, healthcare gaps, and the power of education, this episode is honest, insightful, and surprisingly fun.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
03:00 Evofem, Phexxi & Women’s Choice
07:00 The “Say Vagina” Campaign
12:00 Why Men Need to Join the Conversation
16:00 How Mitch Found Women’s Health
21:00 What’s Changing in Women’s Healthcare
26:00 Shared Responsibility & Communication
31:00 Generational Shifts Around Intimacy
35:00 Myths & Misconceptions in Women’s Health
40:00 AI, Access & The Future of Care
45:00 What Real Progress Looks Like
49:00 Final Advice & Takeaways

#SheLeadsBiotech #WomensHealth #HealthcareInnovation #WomenInBiotech #CNAUSAExecutiveSearch

Trusting Your Judgement in Biotech with Anna Polak-Andersen

In this episode of She Leads Biotech, we’re joined by Anna Polak-Andersen, CEO of AnRes Clinical, for a thoughtful conversation about clinical development, leadership, and navigating the biotech industry across Europe.

Anna shares her journey from studying pharmacy in Poland to leading a clinical development consultancy supporting biotech companies and rare disease programs across the industry.

We talk about the realities of clinical research, the importance of strategic thinking in development, the current European biotech landscape, and why learning to trust your own judgement is one of the most important leadership lessons of all.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
03:00 Why Anna Chose Clinical Development
08:00 Early Career at Pfizer
11:00 Staying Connected to Patient Impact
15:00 What Makes AnRes Clinical Different
20:00 Choosing the Right Clients & Partnerships
24:00 European Biotech & Funding Challenges
28:00 Women in Leadership & Self-Doubt
32:00 Trusting Your Own Judgement
35:00 Advice for the Next Generation

#SheLeadsBiotech #ClinicalDevelopment #WomenInBiotech #BiotechLeadership #CNAUSAExecutiveSearch

Building a biotech company takes more than science.

In this episode of She Leads Biotech, Dr. Stella Vnook, CEO of Aviva Ventures, shares her journey from arriving in the US with nothing to leading multiple biotech ventures and supporting the next generation of founders.

We explore the realities of building in biotech, from self-doubt and uncertainty to navigating the business side of science, and why so many great ideas never get started.

A practical and honest conversation about resilience, leadership, and what it really takes to turn science into impact.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
01:30 Stella’s Early Journey
05:00 Building a Career in Life Sciences
09:00 Self-Doubt and Leadership
13:00 From Pharma to Entrepreneurship
18:00 Starting Without Knowing How
23:00 Common Mistakes Founders Make
27:00 Building Multiple Companies
32:00 The Story Behind Caerra
36:00 Aviva Ventures and Supporting Founders
40:00 Advice for Early-Stage Founders
44:00 What Success Looks Like

#SheLeadsBiotech #WomenInBiotech #BiotechLeadership #LifeSciences #CNAUSAExecutiveSearch

Solving More Than Science with Adrienne Mendoza

Cell and gene therapy is advancing rapidly, but science alone isn’t enough.

In this episode of She Leads Biotech, Adrienne Mendoza, Chief Operating Officer of BBG Advanced Therapies, shares what’s really needed to move the field forward, from improving access and infrastructure to rethinking how these therapies reach patients.

We also explore her journey over the past year, building a stronger presence in the industry, translating complex science for broader audiences, and the realities of leading through a challenging and evolving market.

A practical and honest look at where the field is today, and what it will take to get to the next stage.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
02:00 Stepping into a New Role at BBG Advanced Therapies
05:00 How the Role of a COO Evolves
08:30 Building Presence and Community in CGT
12:00 Making Complex Science Understandable
16:00 The Mobile Leukapheresis Bus
21:00 Access Challenges in Cell & Gene Therapy
27:00 What Needs to Change in the System
33:00 Industry Challenges and Optimism
38:00 What the Next 5 Years Could Look Like
41:00 Life Outside of Biotech

#SheLeadsBiotech #CellAndGeneTherapy #BiotechLeadership #LifeSciences #CNAUSAExecutiveSearch

Rethinking Eye Care: From NanoDropper to Mu Medical

What started as a student project has turned into a company reshaping how eye care is delivered.

In this episode of She Leads Biotech, we’re joined by Allisa Song, CEO of Mu Medical, and Mackenzie Andrews, CCO, to talk about the journey from an idea sparked in a research lab to a product now used across thousands of clinics.

They share how a simple question, why are eye drops too big, led to a solution that improves patient outcomes, reduces waste, and is now evolving into something much bigger.

We also get into co-founder dynamics, building in a complex healthcare system, and the reality of being young female leaders in a traditionally male-dominated space.

A practical, honest conversation about building, scaling, and challenging assumptions in healthcare.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
01:30 Meet Allisa & Mackenzie
04:00 From Research Lab to Startup Idea
08:30 The Eye Drop Problem Explained
13:00 Building NanoDropper
18:30 When It Became a Real Business
22:00 Product Demo & Clinical Impact
26:00 Go-to-Market Strategy
30:00 Working with Insurers, Clinics & Pharma
34:00 Evolving into Mu Medical
38:00 Co-Founder Dynamics & Trust
42:00 Being Women in a Male-Dominated Industry
47:00 Advice for Founders
51:00 What’s Next for Mu Medical

Listen / Watch:
Spotify | YouTube

#SheLeadsBiotech #MedTech #HealthcareInnovation #WomenInBiotech #CNAUSAExecutiveSearch

Finding Your Path in Biotech with Connie Chang

Careers in biotech rarely follow a straight line.

In this episode of She Leads Biotech, we speak with Connie Chang, Chief Operating Officer of ONL Therapeutics, about a career that has spanned big pharma, academia, and emerging biotech, and how each step has shaped the way she leads today.

Connie shares how early career decisions don’t always define where you end up, and why sometimes “the career picks you” rather than the other way around.

We explore the reality of moving between very different environments, from highly structured global organizations to small, fast-moving biotech companies, and what it really takes to adapt and succeed in both.

This conversation also highlights the importance of community throughout your career, the role academia plays in driving innovation, and the personal side of leadership, including navigating family decisions, career risks, and the pressure many women face as they progress into senior roles.

A thoughtful and honest discussion on building a career, leading with intention, and continuing to grow, even when you’re already at the top.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
01:30 How Connie Found Biotech
04:00 Harvard, Community, and Early Influences
06:30 Big Pharma, Academia, and Connecting the Dots
10:00 Taking Career Risks and Moving to Michigan
14:30 ONL Therapeutics and the Mission Behind the Science
18:00 What a COO Role Really Looks Like in Biotech
20:30 Building Teams in Small Biotech
23:00 Leadership Style and Creating Trust
26:00 Adapting Across Cultures and Environments
29:00 Women in Leadership and Career Progression
32:00 Being the Only One at the Table
35:00 Self-Doubt, Growth, and Resilience
37:30 What’s Next for ONL and Connie

#SheLeadsBiotech #BiotechLeadership #WomenInBiotech #LifeSciences #CNAUSAExecutiveSearch