Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast A Dose of Reality with Charles Spence
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joseph Birkett, Executive Director at Aura Biosciences – Obinutuzumab's Approval, CDK9 Trial Regret, CRO Reliance, and Building Respectful Cultures | 27 Apr 2025 | 00:33:00 | |
Joseph (Joe) Birkett, Executive Director of Medical Affairs at Aura Biosciences, joined our podcast to share what he’s learned over two decades in oncology drug development, including the career-defining moments and the painful missteps that shaped his approach. Joe speaks openly about his proudest contribution—helping lead Obinutuzumab to regulatory approval—and contrasts it with one of his lowest points: watching leadership ignore safety concerns around a CDK9 inhibitor that ultimately failed in the clinic. Here's what you're in:
Timestamps: 02:22 Working on Obinutuzumab and its approval 04:51 Dealing with toxic leadership and moving on 07:18 Introducing Aura Biosciences 15:01 What Joe looks for when hiring at Aura 19:32 Why companies rely too much on CROs 24:44 The problem with safe bets and risk-averse R&D 29:47 Quickfire round About Joe Joseph Birkett is the Executive Director of Medical Affairs at Aura Biosciences, a clinical-stage biotech company developing virus-like drug conjugates (VDCs) to treat cancers such as uveal melanoma. Joe has 25 years of oncology drug development experience, contributing to the approval of seven oncology drugs across multiple disease areas. Prior to joining Aura Biosciences, he served as CEO of a stealth-mode EU biotech and is the founder of Crest Pharma. He holds a PhD in Psychiatric Medicine from King’s College London, and his passion extends beyond drug development to longevity, health, and wellness. Connect with Joe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-birkett-14572410/ Company Website: https://www.aurabiosciences.com/ About me My name is Charles Spence and I lead Discera. After many years working in the life-science recruitment world, I decided to work for myself. Before doing recruitment I graduated with a biomedical degree, have worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent a year working in diabetes research in Stockholm. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, I decided to launch my firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ Opinions and comments expressed by the guest do not represent the company and are fully their own. | |||
| Bruce Dezube, Senior Vice President, Clinical Development at Xilio Therapeutics – HIV & Cancer Drug Development, Career at 60, Building Respectful Teams, and More | 22 Apr 2025 | 00:32:51 | |
In this episode, I talked with Dr. Bruce Dezube, Senior Vice President, Clinical Development of Xilio Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing tumor-activated immuno-oncology therapies. Here he shares his extensive career in oncology and drug development, discussing his journey from academia to industry, the challenges he faced, and the importance of patient care. He reflects on his experiences with HIV patients, the role of executive coaching in his career transition, and the vibrant culture at Xilio Therapeutics. Bruce emphasizes the significance of staying committed to a company for growth and contribution, and he offers valuable insights on leadership and teamwork. Here's what you're in:
Timestamps: 01:30 Career Beginnings in Medicine and Oncology 04:45 Transition to HIV Treatment and Impactful Moments 10:17 The Benefits of Having an Executive Coach 16:24 Career Transition at 60s 20:05 About Xilio Therapeutics and its Culture 28:12 Final Advice About Bruce Bruce Dezube is the current Senior Vice President, Clinical Development of Xilio Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing tumor-activated immuno-oncology therapies. He has worked in drug development, both in oncology and in HIV, for most of his 40 year career. He is proud to have led and contributed to teams that brought life-changing medicines to patients. He considers these patients on early treatment to be pioneers. Although he has not explored seas like Columbus or Magellan, he views his efforts as those of a modern-day explorer. Connect with Bruce: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-dezube/ Company Website: https://xiliotx.com/ About me My name is Charles Spence and I lead Discera. After many years working in the life-science recruitment world, I decided to work for myself. Before doing recruitment I graduated with a biomedical degree, have worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent a year working in diabetes research in Stockholm. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, I decided to launch my firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ Opinions and comments expressed by the guest do not represent the company and are fully their own. | |||
| Gertjan Bartlema, Co-founder Populus Bio and CEO of Immodulon Therapeutics. on Innovation in Biotechs | 08 Jan 2025 | 00:38:02 | |
In this episode, I spoke with Gertjan Bartlema, the co-founder Populus Bio and CEO of Immodulon Therapeutics. Over 20 years in big pharma at Celgene/Amgen and then moved into the fast pace world of biotech. From here, he has been challenging the status quo and asking the question “Is our current drug development approaches sustainable?”. Gertjan highlights the need for better clinical trial designs and the importance of making objective decisions based on data. He also offers valuable insights for aspiring executives on leadership and team dynamics. Here's what you're in:
Timestamps: 02:53 The Abraxane Course Correction 06:03 Gertjan’s Journey into Life Sciences 10:40 Leaving Celgene and New Ventures 15:50 Bayesian Statistics in Clinical Studies 19:27 Mistakes Companies Are Still Making Today 25:38 The Ambitious People 35:46 Advice for Aspiring Executives About Gertjan Gertjan Bartlemais co-founder of Populus Bio and current CEO of Immodulon Therapeutics which is running cancer trials focusing on a broad spectrum immunomodulator. He is a global biotech executive with extensive experience in EU and US operational roles and he is a member of founding Celgene EMEA management establishing EU footprint and launching Revlimid. Prior to joining Immodulon, he was the Chief Business Officer of Vico Therapeutics, and spent 12 years with Celgene, where he led the trial of Revlimid. Gertjan holds MSc in Economics from Maastricht University. Connect with Gertjan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gertjan-bartlema/ Populus Bio: https://populusbio.com/ Immodulon Therapeutics: https://www.immodulon.com/ About me My name is Charles Spence and I lead Discera. After many years working in the life-science recruitment world, I decided to work for myself. Before doing recruitment I graduated with a biomedical degree, have worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent a year working in diabetes research in Stockholm. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, I decided to launch my firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ Opinions and comments expressed by the guest do not represent the company and are fully their own. | |||
| The 3 Most Common Rejection Reasons During an Interview | 30 Dec 2024 | 00:18:25 | |
In this episode, I discuss the three most common reasons hiring managers reject candidates, focusing on aspects that are often within the candidate's control. I highlight the importance of cultural fit, alignment of interests, and clarity in communication during interviews. I give tips to improve your interview performance and avoid common pitfalls that lead to rejection. Here's what you're in:
Timestamps: 01:09 Background Story 03:37 Not a Good Cultural Fit 07:29 Candidates Going To Get Bored/ Not Hands-on Enough 12:01 Not Giving Straight to the Point Answers 16:52 Summary About Me My name is Charles Spence and I lead Discera. After many years working in the life-science recruitment world, I decided to work for myself. Before doing recruitment I graduated with a biomedical degree, have worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent a year working in diabetes research in Stockholm. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, I decided to launch my firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ | |||
| The Most Common Hiring Mistakes by Hiring Managers in 2024 ft. Caroline Vermeulen, Eminence | 16 Dec 2024 | 00:40:47 | |
In this episode, I talked with Caroline Vermeulen, Recruitment & HR at Eminence, as she discussed into the details of the hiring process, highlighting the value of putting candidates first. She gave insights on common mistakes in recruiting, the importance of authenticity in communication, and the relationship between hiring managers and recruiters. Caroline and I also shared stories of both our best and worst hiring experiences, emphasizing out the need for clear expectations and good communication. Our conversation wraps up with a round of quickfire questions, providing more tips on recruitment best practices. Here's what you're in:
Timestamps: 01:50 Introduction and Career Background 03:16 Caroline's New Mission: candidate-first 06:19 Common Mistakes in Recruitment Processes 09:31 Importance of Authenticity in Communication 11:11 Communication Strategies with Hiring Managers 16:35 Building a Smooth and Clean Recruitment Process 22:43 Best and Worst Experience in Recruitment 34:00 Quickfire Questions and Insights About Caroline Caroline Vermeulen is a Recruitment & HR at Eminence. She has an educational background of Bsc in Life sciences/Biotechnology, has over a decade of experience in the industry, including early-phase trials for generics, cell and gene therapies, immunotherapies, and pain medications, and has helped over a thousand candidates find jobs as a recruiter. Transitioning from agency to corporate recruitment, she faced challenges due to the complexities of corporate structures and the challenges in communication. Now, she is excited to launch her new business, candidate-first.com, focused on delivering quality candidate responses. Connect with Caroline LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinevermeulen1/ Website: www.candidate-first.com About Me My name is Charles Spence and I lead Discera. After many years working in the life-science recruitment world, I decided to work for myself. Before doing recruitment I graduated with a biomedical degree, have worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent a year working in diabetes research in Stockholm. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, I decided to launch my firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with me: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ Opinions and comments expressed by the guest do not represent the company and are fully their own. | |||
| How and When to Ask Intelligent Interview Questions | 09 Dec 2024 | 00:23:45 | |
In this episode, I talk about the importance of asking intelligent questions during job interviews. I share insights from my experience coaching candidates, emphasizing how well-structured questions can show enthusiasm, knowledge, and fitness for the role. I cover the types of questions to ask, how to structure them effectively, and the timing to maximize impact. I also discuss the importance of understanding the hiring manager's needs and building rapport throughout the interview process. Here's what you're in for:
Timestamps: 01:51 Interview Strategies 03:25 The Situation 06:39 The Three Main Topics of the Questions 10:13 Examples of Questions to Ask 11:09 How to Ask Iintelligent Questions 21:25 Summary About me My name is Charles Spence and I lead Discera. After many years working in the life-science recruitment world, I decided to work for myself. Before doing recruitment I graduated with a biomedical degree, have worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent a year working in diabetes research in Stockholm. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, I decided to launch my firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with me: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ | |||
| Troels Jordansen, Executive Chairman of Keli Therapeutics, on Cell Therapy and Biotech Recession Talks | 02 Dec 2024 | 00:33:00 | |
In this episode, I talked with Troels Jordansen, chairman at KELI Therapeutics, where he discusses the ongoing recession in the biotech industry. He shares insights from the Advanced Therapies Congress in Lisbon, highlighting investor optimism and the importance of smart hiring and team building in biotech companies. Troels shares valuable lessons learned from past experiences, including the need for companies to secure sufficient funding and the significance of having the right people in key positions. The discussion also covers Troels' interest in the hair care market, highlighting its increasing connection with biotech. Here's what you're in:
Timestamps: 02:17 Introduction and Career Background 07:43 Biotech Recession and Insights from the Advanced Therapies Congress 12:46 Strategies on Reaching Out to Investors 18:13 The Challenges of Being in a Hiring Position 21:16 Finding the Right People for the Team 25:50 Lessons from Past and the Current State of the Biotech Inddustry 28:36 Exploring the Hair Care Market About Troels Troels Jordansen is the Executive Chairman at KELI Therapeutics, a stem cell and gene therapy company based in Lithuania, with nearly 30 years of experience in international healthcare of which about 25 years focusing on tissue engineering and cellular therapies. Though not a scientist, his commercial expertise has led him to roles in pioneering companies like Genzyme and Isotis, where he contributed to major innovations and IPOs. Troels has a marketing and management background earned from Copenhagen Business School and Aarhus Business College. Connect with Troels
About me My name is Charles Spence and I lead Discera. After many years working in the life-science recruitment world, I decided to work for myself. Before doing recruitment I graduated with a biomedical degree, have worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent a year working in diabetes research in Stockholm. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, I decided to launch my firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with me:
Opinions and comments expressed by the guest do not represent the company and are fully their own. | |||
| Negotiation Strategies and Insights from Harvard Course ft. Sophie He, Head of M&A and Partnering at Bracco | 25 Nov 2024 | 00:35:22 | |
In this episode, I talked with Sophie, a leader at the Italian pharmaceutical company Bracco, about her experiences and learnings at the Harvard’s negotiation course. Sophie shares her experiences attending the course, highlighting the immersive nature of the program and the diverse backgrounds of participants. We discuss her key takeaways from the course, including the importance of gathering information and maximizing value in negotiations. The podcast also covers practical strategies for negotiating salaries and promotions, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's value and the company's perspective. Here's what you're in:
Timestamps: 01:41 Introduction to Bracco and Career Background 04:40 The Harvard Negotiation Course Experience - What's in it? 12:26 Key Takeaways from the Course 18:29 The Qualities of a Good Negotiator 20:42 How Good Negotiators Do Negotiation 26:44 Negotiating Better Salaries and Promotions 30:15 Final Thoughts on Negotiation About Sophie Sophie He is the Head of M&A and Partnering at Bracco, the globally leading players in diagnostic pharmaceuticals. She has over a decade of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. She has been heavily involved in M&A and business development, which goes with her passion of negotiation. Prior to her roles in pharma, she gained experience in consulting and banking. She holds a PhD from MIT and NUS (National Univeristy of Singapore), has recently attended a Harvard Course, and is a CFA holder. Connect with Sophie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-he-phd/ Website: https://www.bracco.com/ Harvard Course Link: https://www.exed.hbs.edu/changing-game-negotiation-competitive-decision-making About me My name is Charles Spence and I lead Discera. After many years working in the life-science recruitment world, I decided to work for myself. Before doing recruitment I graduated with a biomedical degree, have worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent a year working in diabetes research in Stockholm. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, I decided to launch my firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ Opinions and comments expressed by the guest do not represent the company and are fully their own. | |||
| The 3 Interview Questions You Must Succeed In | 18 Nov 2024 | 00:16:36 | |
In this episode, I talked about a simple yet effective way to ace your interviews by focusing on the three main questions: 'Who are you?', 'Why are you applying?', and 'Why are you looking to leave?'. Learn how to answer these questions in under 2 minutes, how to successfully move on with these three questions, give relevant ABC story, what kind of answers to avoid, and strategy on how to control the conversation. This will be helpful for those who wanted to significantly improve and do well in all of their interviews. Here's what you're in for:
Timestamps: 00:36 The Three Main Interview Questions 01:35 One Fatal Mistake During An Interview 02:58 Answering The 3 Questions 03:52 Controlling The Narrative 06:12 Going One Step Ahead In Your Interview 08:04 Avoiding Giving Subjective Answers 10:05 Moving On With The Interview 13:49 Final Summary 14:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts About me My name is Charles Spence and I lead Discera. After many years working in the life-science recruitment world, I decided to work for myself. Before doing recruitment I graduated with a biomedical degree, have worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent a year working in diabetes research in Stockholm. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, I decided to launch my firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ Opinions and comments expressed by the guest do not represent the company and are fully their own. | |||
| Nikolaus Trede, SVP Clinical Development at Century Therapeutics - Lessons from Breyanzi and Global Cell Therapy Trials | 12 Nov 2024 | 00:39:08 | |
In this episode, I interview Nikolaus Trede, the SVP Clinical Development in Century Therapeutics, an innovative biotechnology company that is building an industry leading allogeneic iPSC-derived cell therapy platform. He shares his journey from academia to industry, offering unique experience into the ever-changing world of cell therapies. We also discuss:
Here's what you're in: 02:15 Meeting Nik and his background 04:30 The promise of new cell therapies 09:45 Tough parts of creating new treatments 15:20 How to build strong teams 21:35 What we learned from the ROCKET trial 27:10 Success stories of Lysocell and reaching more patients 32:55 How to talk better in medical research 38:40 Making a good team spirit at work 43:15 Why getting along matters in teams 46:30 Final thoughts and advice for newcomers About Nikolaus Trede Nikolaus Trede is a physician-scientist specializing in immunology and pediatric hematology/oncology. With a PhD in immunology and 15 years of clinical experience at institutions like Harvard Medical School and the University of Utah, he bridges basic science and patient care. Dr. Trede has led academic research labs and industry teams, designing and supervising clinical trials for innovative cancer treatments. His work spans from chronic myelogenous leukemia studies to current CAR T cell trials in hematologic malignancies at JUNO/Celgene, demonstrating his expertise in translating scientific concepts into clinical applications. Connect with Nikolaus Trede: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikolaus-trede/ Website: https://www.centurytx.com/ About me My name is Charles Spence and I lead Discera. After many years working in the life-science recruitment world, I decided to work for myself. Before doing recruitment I graduated with a biomedical degree, have worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent a year working in diabetes research in Stockholm. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, I decided to launch my firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ | |||
| Re-Entering the Workforce and Career Growth in Regulatory Affairs with Mary Christian | 09 Sep 2024 | 00:50:45 | |
How do you balance a career in regulatory affairs with family life? In this episode, Charles discusses this topic with Mary Christian, the Senior Vice President of Regulatory and Safety at C4 Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company focused on targeted protein degradation. They talk about the importance of effective communication, career development, and work-life balance in the pharmaceutical industry. Mary also offers advice for young mothers and career professionals on making choices that align with their personal and professional goals, highlighting the evolving nature of career and family life. Here's what you're in: 00:02 Introduction and Career Background 07:52 Building Capabilities for Career Reentry 16:42 C4 Therapeutics and Protein Degradation 24:00 Communication in Clinical Trials 28:35 Overcoming Challenges in Decision-Making 35:47 Shifting Perspectives in Career Growth 42:01 Balancing Career and Family Life About Mary Christian Mary Christian, PharmD, MBA, is the Senior Vice President of Regulatory and Safety at C4 Therapeutics, Inc. A passionate and decisive biopharma executive, leader, and advisor, Mary delivers visionary solutions across all phases of drug development. She has demonstrated success in creating, building, and integrating novel capabilities in an international biopharma environment, as well as deconstructing organizations to create fit-for-purpose solutions and value opportunities. Apart from her work, Mary is devoted to mentoring through initiatives like Project Onramp. She has also steered many company changes. On top of her career, she's a proud mom to three accomplished adults and a loving grandmother to four girls. Connect with Mary: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-christianpharmd Website: https://c4therapeutics.com/ About Charles Charles Spence leads Discera, a leading recruitment firm specializing in the biopharma industry. He graduated with a biomedical degree, has worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent years doing diabetes research. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, Charles decided to launch his firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with Charles: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ | |||
| From Neuroscientist to Biotech Innovator ft.Anita Scheuber | 02 Sep 2024 | 00:43:42 | |
Leadership and Diversity in Drug Development with Anita Scheuber. In this episode, Charles talks with Anita Scheuber,the SVP of clinical development at Nimbus Therapeutics—a biotech firm using computational technology to develop medicines. She shares their pioneering work in AI-targeted drug discovery and her experience co-founding the biotech startup Hestia. Anita highlights how different backgrounds help solve problems, the value of mentorship, and how to beat feelings of being an imposter. She also shares tips for strong leadership and gives guidance to budding biotech entrepreneurs. Here's what you're in: 01:01 Anita's Journey to the U.S. 02:35 Switching from Neuroscience to Oncology 07:56 Joining Nimbus Therapeutics 10:07 Why Workplace Diversity Matters 14:56 Founding Hestia-A Startup biotech 24:40 Leadership and Personal Growth 30:14 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 32:16 Final Thoughts and Conclusion About Anita Scheuber Anita Scheuber brings over 15 years of pharmaceutical industry experience to Nimbus, specializing in oncology clinical development. Her expertise spans small molecule and immuno-oncology drug development across various stages and tumor types. She has held leadership positions at Trillium Therapeutics, Boston Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, and GSK. She holds an M.D. from the University of Zurich and a Ph.D. in Neurosciences from Sorbonne University, with additional training at Harvard Medical School and Swiss hospitals. Connect with Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-scheuber-8a1a8220/ Website: https://www.nimbustx.com/ About Charles Charles Spence leads Discera, a leading recruitment firm specializing in the biopharma industry. He graduated with a biomedical degree, has worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent years doing diabetes research. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, Charles decided to launch his firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with Charles: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ | |||
| Chris Lowe, CEO at Nusano - Radioisotopes, Volunteering in Hospitals, Culture Building, and More | 07 Apr 2025 | 00:31:38 | |
In this episode, I talked with Chris Lowe, CEO of Nusano, where he discusses his career journey in the medical technology field, particularly focusing on the production of medical radioisotopes. He shares insights on leadership, the importance of building a talented team, and the societal responsibilities of his company. Chris also highlights common mistakes in drug development and reflects on a case study from his past. Our conversation emphasizes the significance of patient-centric approaches in the industry. Here's what you're in:
Timestamps: 04:51 Proudest Moment of Chris in his Career and Leadership Philosophy 07:41 Nusano: Innovations in Medical Radioisotope Production 13:55 Building a Talented Team at Nusano 17:57 Company Culture and Societal Responsibility 19:48 Common Mistakes Companies Are Still Making Today 22:40 Case Study: The Francis Trial 30:24 Final Thoughts on Patient-Centric Drug Development About Chris Chris Lowe is the CEO of Nusano, a privately-held medical technology company that specializes in the production of medical radioisotopes used for diagnosing and treating diseases such as cancer. Chris has led 5 IPOs as a C-level executive, all focused on supporting therapeutic development, while efficiently building and scaling operations. Prior to this, he spent 3 years with Cortexyme as COO and CFO. He has over 15 years of C-Suite experience in various private and public life sciences, medical technology, and technology companies. Connect with Chris LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislowe7/ Company Website: https://nusano.com/ About me My name is Charles Spence and I lead Discera. After many years working in the life-science recruitment world, I decided to work for myself. Before doing recruitment I graduated with a biomedical degree, have worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent a year working in diabetes research in Stockholm. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, I decided to launch my firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ Opinions and comments expressed by the guest do not represent the company and are fully their own. | |||
| Future-Proofing Your Organization Ft. Jackie Donovan | 26 Aug 2024 | 00:40:17 | |
In this episode, Charles talks with Jackie Donovan, the VP and Chief Marketing Officer at Syndax Pharmaceuticals, an oncology-focused company. She shares her knowledge about her experiences in consulting, internal pharma roles, and her strategic approach to organizational planning. This conversation also touches on the importance of communication, the challenges of workforce planning, and how to build an efficient and happy organization. Lastly, Jackie shares her passion-driven initiative, Kathy's Fund, which aims to support nurse leaders and honor her mother's legacy. Here's what you're in: 00:31 Jackie's Career as Scottish Parliament to Pharma 06:17 Workforce Planning in Pharma 08:04 Case Study about Syndax Pharmaceuticals 10:48 Workforce Planning Challenges and Benefits 19:29 Organizational Success Reflections 19:37 Future Building 20:03 Workforce Capabilities 22:08 Junior Manager Advice 23:23 Management Communication 24:29 Workforce Transformation Lessons 25:59 Efficiency and Digitalization 28:47 Employee Efficiency Improvement 31:54 HR Partners' Value 38:18 Kathy's Fund and Personal Motivation About Jackie Donovan Jackie Donovan is a seasoned Human Resources leader with a strong background in developing and managing people operations in the pharmaceutical industry. Currently, she serves as the VP, CMO Chief of Staff, Development Business Operations at Syndax Pharmaceuticals, where she plays a critical role in driving strategic initiatives. Prior to this, she was the SVP, Head of People at LifeMine Therapeutics, where she led efforts in employee benefits and compensation. Her expertise in aligning stakeholder perspectives and building strong relationships with C-level executives has been key to her success in these roles. Connect with Guest: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-codair-donovan-a6964312/ Website: https://syndax.com/ About Charles Charles Spence leads Discera, a leading recruitment firm specializing in the biopharma industry. He graduated with a biomedical degree, has worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent years doing diabetes research. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, Charles decided to launch his firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with Charles: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ | |||
| The Critical Role of Recruiters ft. Patrizio Renzetti | 19 Aug 2024 | 00:39:31 | |
Hiring Practices and Transparency in Recruitment In this episode, Charles discuss with Patrizio Renzetti, the former Head of HR at Arrakis Therapeutics that discovers RNA-targeted medicines, the importance of cultural fit, psychological safety, and effective communication in the workplace. He also covers the role of recruiters in bringing diverse perspectives and ensuring a good organizational fit, offering practical tips for both leaders and job seekers to improve their experiences and outcomes. Here's what you're in: 00:00 Introduction and Moving to the US 05:35 The Importance of Cultural Understanding 07:22 Effective Leadership and Communication 13:49 Creating Psychological Safety and Transparency 17:39 Hiring Practices and Transparency 24:27 Recruitment Strategies and Best Practices 24:42 The Shift from Selling to Providing Accurate Information 29:42 Optimizing the Hiring Process 35:33 Building Trust and Collaboration with Recruiters 37:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts About Patrizio Renzetti Patrizio Renzetti brings twenty years of HR expertise in creating environments that draw, keep, and grow top talent at fast-growing firms, including top biopharmaceutical companies. He comes to Arrakis from Agios Pharmaceuticals, where he was the Vice President of Human Resources for R&D, Technical Operations, and Europe, after leading Talent Acquisition. Before that, he had senior HR positions at Eli Lilly and Company, working with Global Clinical Development, the Diabetes Business Unit, and the Italian Manufacturing site. Earlier on, he worked in various HR roles for Procter & Gamble in Italy. Connect with Guest: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrizio-renzetti-382125/ About Charles Charles Spence leads Discera, a leading recruitment firm specializing in the biopharma industry. He graduated with a biomedical degree, has worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent years doing diabetes research. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, Charles decided to launch his firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with Charles: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ | |||
| Bad Science vs. Good Leadership in Biotech ft. Sonal Kothari-Gupta, MD, PhD | 12 Aug 2024 | 00:34:38 | |
Cultural Fit vs. Technical Skills: Hiring Strategies for Biotech Startups with Sonal Gupta In this episode, Charles interviews Sonal Gupta, the SVP, Head of Clinical Development of AffyImmune Therapeutics-a biopharmaceutical firm focusing on affinity-tuned CAR T cell therapy for solid tumors. They discuss about how far does a company get with bad science if they have great leaders, the effective leadership strategies in clinical development, and the importance of Cultural Fit in Hiring. She also shares her passion for women in life sciences and her local group aimed at supporting women in the field. Here's what you're in for: 01:30 Sonal's Background and Career Journey 03:21 Introduction to AffyImmune 04:41 Bad Science vs. Bad Leadership 06:52 Clinical Development Leadership 07:58 Making Difficult Decisions in Leadership 20:43 Leadership Journey and Interviewing Experience 21:53 Importance of Cultural Fit in Hiring 27:55 Advice for Junior Leaders 28:53 Passion and Enthusiasm in Interviews 34:57 Quick Fire Questions on Interviewing 36:41 Personal Journey into Medicine 37:38 Women in Leadership and Life Sciences 40:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts About Sonal Gupta Sonal Gupta has over 15 years of industry experience, with leadership positions at AVROBIO, CRISPR Therapeutics, and Rubius Therapeutics. She's led teams in translational research and medicine across areas like oncology and rare diseases. Her expertise spans clinical trial design, medical monitoring, and clinical data management, including biomarker strategies. She holds a PhD in cancer research from the University of Bradford, UK, and a medical degree from Government Medical College, Surat, India. Connect with Sonal Gupta: Website:https://affyimmune.com/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonalkotharigupta/ About Charles Charles Spence leads Discera, a leading recruitment firm specializing in the biopharma industry. He graduated with a biomedical degree, has worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent years doing diabetes research. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, Charles decided to launch his firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with Charles: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ | |||
| Recruitment Strategies for High-Impact Hires with John Goldener | 05 Aug 2024 | 00:47:48 | |
In this episode, Charles interviews John Goldener, a former pediatrician who transitioned into a successful career as a pharmaceutical industry recruiter. He specializes in retained executive search for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. With over 20-25 years in clinical development recruitment, John shares valuable lessons learned, common mistakes, and effective partnership strategies. This conversation is packed with lessons for both recruiters and candidates aiming to navigate the competitive world of specialized recruitment. Here's what you're in: 00:00 John Goldener Introduction 02:38 Starting a Recruiting Firm 06:06 Building a Network 12:02 Understanding the Science 19:07 The Importance of Retained Search 23:05 Impact of Considerate Recruitment Approaches 24:10 Personalized Interview Process 25:08 Challenges with Contingency Search 26:51 Importance of Candidate Fit 27:50 Quality-Based Recruiting System 30:52 Differences in Hiring Practices 32:31 Biotech vs. Big Pharma Dynamics 41:59 Advice for Job Seekers 46:11 Final Thoughts and Reflections About John Goldener Former pediatrician John Goldener transitioned into a pharmaceutical recruiter with over 20 years of experience and founded his own executive search firm, Goldener Executive Search Associates, focusing on oncology clinical development. With an MD and extensive clinical background, including running his practice and chairing a department, he placed 8-12 candidates yearly, totaling 100+ placements. Known for meticulous research and networking, plus attending key industry conferences, Goldener's expertise covers U.S. and European markets, working with companies like Genentech and numerous biotech firms. He combines medical knowledge with recruiting acumen to provide thorough candidate evaluations and job descriptions. Connect with Guest: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-goldener-aa6642/ About Charles Charles Spence leads Discera, a leading recruitment firm specializing in the biopharma industry. He graduated with a biomedical degree, has worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent years doing diabetes research. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, Charles decided to launch his firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with Charles: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ | |||
| Hiring Strategies for Biotech Success ft. Sumeet Ambarkhane CMO at Alligator Bioscience | 29 Jul 2024 | 00:48:01 | |
In this episode, Sumeet Ambarkhane, the Chief Medical Officer at Alligator Bioscience, which focuses on tumor-targeted immunotherapies, talks about the work his company does in creating new cancer treatments that help the immune system target tumors. He discusses their work on a drug called metazolamab and shares stories from his career, including a big success he had with a special antibody treatment at MorphoSys—a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company that develops innovative medicines. He also talks about important things to consider when hiring people and how the field of developing new medical treatments is changing. Here's what you're in for: 00:50 AI and Industry Trends 01:36 How Sumeet's career in Biotech Started 02:45 Sumeet's Professional Journey and Current Role 05:08 Hard Parts and New Ideas at Alligator Bioscience 14:42 Career Reflections and Lessons Learned 34:30 Tips on Hiring and Making a Good Team 45:29 Wrapping Up and gratitude About Sumeet Ambarkhane Sumeet Ambarkhane has been the Chief Medical Officer at Alligator Bioscience and part of the senior management since 2022. He is an experienced clinical development physician with a strong expertise in Oncology, Hemato-oncology, and Immunology Drug Development. He has in-depth experience in Medical Monitoring, Clinical Program Management, Regulatory Interactions, Translational Research, and Drug Safety. He exhibits high-impact leadership at the organizational level and maintains a global network of Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and drug development experts. Connect with Sumeet Ambarkhane: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sumeetambarkhane/?originalSubdomain=de Website: https://alligatorbioscience.se/en/ About Charles Charles Spence leads Discera, a leading recruitment firm specializing in the biopharma industry. He graduated with a biomedical degree, has worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent years doing diabetes research. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, Charles decided to launch his firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with Charles: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ | |||
| How to Outsource Your Job Search | 22 Jul 2024 | 00:27:34 | |
In this podcast episode Charles presents a unique approach to job searching by outsourcing various tasks to optimize your time and effort. He discusses the challenges of the current job market, especially with biotech layoffs, and offers practical steps to outsource tasks like finding job adverts and identifying hiring managers. Learn about resources like Upwork, Fiverr, and ChatGPT to streamline your job search. This episode is helpful for anyone looking to improve the quantity and quality of their job applications in a tough market. Here's what you're in for: 01:35 Current Job Market Challenges 03:43 Common Job Search Mistakes 06:55 Outsourcing Your Job Search: An Overview 08:55 Practical Steps for Outsourcing 11:02 Advanced Outsourcing Techniques 12:48 Building a Proactive Job Search Strategy 14:25 Leveraging Technology and Tools 20:23 Creating a Comprehensive Outsourcing Plan 23:47 Cost and Resources for Outsourcing 25:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts About Charles Charles Spence leads Discera, a leading recruitment firm specializing in the biopharma industry. He graduated with a biomedical degree, has worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent years doing diabetes research. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, Charles decided to launch his firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with Charles: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ | |||
| Stealth biotech work, moving China trials to the US and more ft. Li Yan, former CMO of Brii and current CEO of upcoming stealth biotech | 15 Jul 2024 | 00:37:34 | |
In this episode, Li Yan, the Managing Director of the US Chinese Anti-Cancer Association and the former CMO of Brii Biosciences, talks about the cultural and job differences in the biotech field. He also discusses clinical trials, new cancer drugs, and how U.S. and Chinese scientists collaborate. Li highlights how key mentorship is, the need for clear communication in clinical studies, and ways to handle cross-cultural work challenges. Here's what you're in for: 01:14 Professional Background and Work at Yonsei University 03:53 Journey from China to the U.S. 07:14 COVID-19 Research and Clinical Trials 16:12 Challenges in Clinical Trials and Biotech Industry 23:22 Cultural Differences and Leadership in Biotech 25:52 U.S.-China Anti-Cancer Collaboration 33:12 Mentorship and Career Advice About Li Yan Li Yan, MD, PhD, Managing Director, US Chinese Anti-Cancer Association; Adjunct Professor at Yonsei University Medical School. He was the former CMO of Brii Biosciences and is now currently preparing his next venture with a stealth start-up. Li originally studied medicine in Beijing and then moved to Kansas to begin his oncology and clinical career in the US. From there, he joined J&J, Merck, and GSK before jumping into the fast-moving world of biotech. Connect with Li Yan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/li-yan-88b5b46/ About Charles Charles Spence leads Discera, a leading recruitment firm specializing in the biopharma industry. He graduated with a biomedical degree, has worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent years doing diabetes research. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, Charles decided to launch his firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with Charles: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ | |||
| Building powerful relationships ft. Val Nassiri, previous VP of Medical Affairs at ITM and AAA. | 08 Jul 2024 | 00:52:47 | |
In this episode Charles discusses with Val, the previous VP of Medical Affairs at ITM and AAA, the importance of genuine relationship-building and personal presence in the field of Medical Affairs and pharmaceutical industry leadership. Val emphasizes that success in this field isn't just about scientific knowledge or achieving immediate results. Instead, it's about how you behave as a person, your ability to be present and attentive in interactions, and your capacity to build long-term relationships based on trust and transparency. He sums this up nicely with the quote: "Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity." Here's what you're in for: 03:00 Starting a Career in Nuclear Pharmacy 07:07 Moving to Medical Affairs 10:03 Making Connections in Medical Affairs 18:38 Difficulties and Skills Needed in Medical Affairs 23:25 Building a Good Medical Affairs Team 28:22 Leadership Growth: Pros and Cons 29:19 Handling Growth and People in Organizations 31:15 Keeping Staff in Expanding Companies 36:42 When and How to Hire the Right People 45:15 Overused Words in Job Ads 51:19 Wrapping Up and Last Ideas About Val Nassiri Dr. Val Nassiri, MBA, PharmD, Head of Medical Affairs U.S., leads the Medical Affairs team at ITM. He works on strategic plans for radiopharmaceutical projects. Before this, Val was the Head of Medical Affairs at AAA, a Novartis company. He also worked as Senior Director at Daiichi Sankyo. There, he formed teams and made partnerships to help with research. His aim was to help patients live longer. Val graduated from the Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy in Virginia. Connect with Val: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/val-nassiri-pharmd-mba-84b7961/ About Charles Charles Spence leads Discera, a leading recruitment firm specializing in the biopharma industry. He graduated with a biomedical degree, has worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent years doing diabetes research. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, Charles decided to launch his firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with Charles: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ | |||
| Using Empathy to Build Internal Support | 01 Jul 2024 | 00:13:08 | |
In this episode, Charles explore the concept of 'empathy bridges' and how they can be used to improve communication and relationships within the workplace. It also covers empathy in overcoming work challenges, featuring case studies and personal stories, and offers steps to build empathy bridges, vital for career progression. Here's what to expect: 01:36 How Empathy Helps in Talking to Others 01:55 Knowing the Hard Parts of Work 03:12 What an Empathy Bridge Is and Why It Matters 07:44 A True Story: Leading with Empathy 09:49 Steps to Make Empathy Bridges 11:46 Wrapping Up and Last Ideas About Charles Charles Spence leads Discera, a leading recruitment firm specializing in the biopharma industry. He graduated with a biomedical degree, has worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent years doing diabetes research. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, Charles decided to launch his firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with Charles: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ | |||
| Sabine Brookman May VP Janssen - Listening in leadership, making beer and a career in drug development | 24 Jun 2024 | 00:44:14 | |
In this episode, Charles interviews Sabine Brookman-May, VP of Oncology R&D at Johnson and Johnson. They cover her path from being the first college graduate in her family to working at J&J, transitioning from hospitals to pharmaceuticals, and lessons from successful and failed drug trials. Sabine shares insights on balancing a demanding career with family, the importance of diversity in the workplace, effective team communication, and leadership. She concludes by discussing the role of mentors in her professional development. Here's what you're in for: 00:57 Childhood and Education Journey 03:27 Choosing a Career in Medicine 09:55 Career Path and Industry Transition 16:32 Challenges and Successes in Drug Development 32:41 Leadership and Workplace Culture 38:46 Quickfire Questions and Conclusion About Sabine Brookman-May Prof. Sabine Brookman-May is a urologist, cancer expert, and sports medicine doctor. She is the Vice President of Cancer Research & Development at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. There, she leads the work on new cancer treatments. Her leadership and new ideas are key in creating new therapies in the cancer field. Connect with Sabine: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prof-dr-med-sabine-d-brookman-may-48115728/ Website: https://www.janssen.com/ Twitter: https://x.com/brookmans76 About Charles Charles Spence leads Discera, a leading recruitment firm specializing in the biopharma industry. He graduated with a biomedical degree, has worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent years doing diabetes research. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, Charles decided to launch his firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with Charles: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ | |||
| Kevin Lynch, co-Founder PopulusBio - Career at Celgene, How Culture Influences Drug Development and more | 24 Mar 2025 | 00:40:28 | |
In this podcast episode, I talked with Kevin Lynch, co-founder of Populus Bio, where he shares his experience in drug development, particularly in oncology and hematology. He discusses his journey from medicine to the pharmaceutical industry, the cultural insights gained from working globally, and the challenges faced in both personal and professional aspects. Kevin elaborates on the innovative management approach at Populus Bio, the common mistakes made in clinical trials, and the importance of understanding biology in drug development. He also provides valuable lessons on hiring and leading teams, as well as insights into improving the recruitment process in the biotech industry. Here's what you're in:
Timestamps: 01:38 Kevin's Early Career and Medical Journey 05:05 Transition to the Pharmaceutical Industry 10:37 Building and Leading Biotech Companies 12:16 Challenges and Learnings in Drug Development 15:32 Populus Bio's Unique Approach 22:01 Industry Observations and Mistakes 31:44 Hiring and Leading People in Biotech 36:07 Career Advice and Mentorship About Kevin Dr. Kevin Lynch is the co-Founder, Populus Bio, a company focused on accelerating the development of therapies for debilitating diseases. He is a physician with more than 30 years experience in drug development, mainly oncology and haematology. He has worked across multiple geographies in senior roles for large, multi-nationals as well as smaller, start up companies. Previous to this he worked at Immodulon Therapeutics and as the CMO for Antengene for almost 2 years. When I asked Kevin about a proud career moment it was “Development of imatinib and facilitating one country's (Australia) role in helping define a standard of care.” He is here today on the podcast to share his career and insights from the industry. Connect with Kevin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-lynch-6910742b/ Company Website: https://populusbio.com/ About me My name is Charles Spence and I lead Discera. After many years working in the life-science recruitment world, I decided to work for myself. Before doing recruitment I graduated with a biomedical degree, have worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent a year working in diabetes research in Stockholm. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, I decided to launch my firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ Opinions and comments expressed by the guest do not represent the company and are fully their own. | |||
| The Biggest Selling Myth: Selling Through Talking | 17 Jun 2024 | 00:22:57 | |
In this episode, Charles dives into the often misunderstood art of selling. He corrects the misconception that selling is just about having the right answers and emphasizes the importance of asking good questions to uncover real needs and concerns, leading to more impactful conversations. He outlines a four-step sales strategy and go through relatable stories and practical advice, this episode guides listeners to improve their selling and communication skills. Here's what you're in for: 02:21 The Biggest Myth in Selling 03:44 Why Questions Matter 04:32 Examples of Simple Questions 05:37 How Conditioning Affects Selling 08:06 Tips for Good Selling 12:42 Stories from Real Life and a Plan 19:40 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts About Charles Charles Spence leads Discera, a leading recruitment firm specializing in the biopharma industry. He graduated with a biomedical degree, has worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent years doing diabetes research. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, Charles decided to launch his firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with Charles: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ | |||
| Effective Layoffs and treating people as humans ft. Crystal Zuckerman | 10 Jun 2024 | 00:44:51 | |
In this episode, Charles talks with Crystal Zuckerman, the VP HR of PMV Pharma. They discuss her transition from a large biotech firm like Celgene to a startup biotech. They also talk about how she handles layoffs carefully and the power of personal connections in advancing a career. Crystal shares how she brings a personal touch to HR by emphasizing authenticity, accountability and community-building at PMV. Here's what you are in for: 00:50 HR's Role in Biotech Changes 01:30 Crystal's HR Path and Move to PMV 05:03 Big Changes in Biotech: Celgene Joins BMS 08:30 Adjusting to a Smaller Company Feel During COVID 17:28 Building Responsibility and Influence at Every Level 21:15 Handling Job Cuts in Biotech 21:36 Leading Company Changes with Kindness 23:28 How to Share Tough News 23:49 Improving Help for Those Leaving Jobs 25:11 Looking Back on the Layoff Process and Responses 27:08 Making Layoffs More Personal 32:16 Tips for Interviews 35:33 Debunking Interview Myths and Sharing Tips 40:25 Helping Careers Grow with Project OnRamp About Crystal Zuckerman Crystal Zuckerman serves as PMV Pharma's Vice President of Human Resources, bringing over 20 years of industry expertise. Her tenure includes a significant stint at Celgene before its acquisition by BMS, after which she joined the more nimble PMV Pharma about 3.5 years ago. A proponent of authenticity and community in corporate culture, Crystal recently managed a sensitive restructuring, ensuring generous support for those affected. About Charles Charles Spence leads Discera, a leading recruitment firm specializing in the biopharma industry. He graduated with a biomedical degree, has worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent years doing diabetes research. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, Charles decided to launch his firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with Charles: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ | |||
| Improve Your Selling Ability to Help Your Career | 03 Jun 2024 | 00:07:37 | |
In this episode, Charles shares a story about a talented medical oncologist who struggled to progress in his career, both internally and externally at his company, despite being highly skilled technically. The main issue was the candidate's inability to effectively sell his achievements and communicate his worth. This inspires Charles to create a series focused on helping professionals, especially those in scientific/medical fields, overcome the challenges of self-promotion for career advancement. Here's what you are in for: 00:06 Introduction 00:29 Why you can't promotion 03:45 Sell yourself the right way 05:56 Final thoughts About Charles Charles Spence leads Discera, a leading recruitment firm specializing in the biopharma industry. He graduated with a biomedical degree, has worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent years doing diabetes research. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, Charles decided to launch his firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with Charles: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ | |||
| BIOSECURE Act - The potential $3.6bn+ gap, Impact on Jobs and Skills shifts with Amber Tong, Senior Editor at EndPoint News | 27 May 2024 | 00:38:34 | |
In this episode,Charles talks with Amber Tong, a senior editor at Endpoints News, about how the Biosecure Act could impact the biotech and pharma sectors. Amber shares thoughts on how this law could change U.S.-China biopharma ties, jobs, and making medicines. We also look into how things are changing in this area, who might benefit or not, and the big global tensions that affect these shifts. Here's what you are in for: 00:00 Introduction 00:33 Welcoming the Guest 02:36 Discussing the Biosecure Act 04:34 Impact on the Biotech Industry 07:17 Geopolitical Tensions and Historical Context 16:09 Potential Winners and Losers 35:16 Future Predictions and Conclusion About Amber Tong Amber Tong is a senior editor at Endpoints News, which is a global specialty publication covering the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. She's a reporter/editor with more than six years of experience covering the biopharma industry, with a particular focus on the growing role China plays on the global stage. Amber is also at BIO San Diego 2024, go say hi. Useful Information on BIOSECURE Endpoints' latest articles: BIO: China tensions, fixing gene therapy’s business model, and the stop-start market recovery WuXi became a critical partner to biopharma companies. They’re not ready if the US cracks down The US could upend biopharma manufacturing. WuXi rivals have an opening https://endpts.com/the-us-could-upend-biopharma-manufacturing-wuxi-rivals-have-an-opening/ US-China tensions threaten to ensnare additional Chinese biopharma contractors https://endpts.com/us-china-tensions-threaten-to-ensnare-additional-chinese-biopharma-contractors/ New Biosecure draft features 2032 grandfather clause, five-year grace period for added companies BIO CEO defends the organization's about-face on the Biosecure Act https://endpts.com/bio-ceo-defends-the-organizations-about-face-on-the-biosecure-act/ Medicxi backs Chinese biotech's next-gen KRAS G12C drug with $40M injection https://endpts.com/medicxi-backs-d3-bios-next-gen-kras-g12c-drug-with-40m-injection/ About Charles Charles Spence leads... | |||
| My 10 Commandments to Recruitment | 20 May 2024 | 00:10:26 | |
In this episode, Charles talks about his top rules for success in recruiting, which he calls 'The 10 Commandments of Recruitment.' He believes that having principles or commandments as a person or business is what sets us apart. He also shares a bit of fun insight about who he is and what he believes in business. Here's what you are in for: 00:08 The 10 Commandments of Recruitment 00:14 Commandment 1: Always Give Feedback 00:47 Commandment 2: Don't Add to the Problem 02:47 Commandment 3: It's Not Personal 03:20 Commandment 4: Pride in Work Before Business 04:18 Commandment 5: Always Be Learning 05:07 Commandment 6: Understand Before Advising 06:04 Commandment 7: Don't Be an Idiot 06:15 Commandment 8: Be Refreshingly Honest 07:01 Commandment 9: Be Authentic 08:00 Commandment 10: Be Different and Keep Going About Charles Charles Spence leads Discera, a leading recruitment firm specializing in the biopharma industry. He graduated with a biomedical degree, has worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent years doing diabetes research. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, Charles decided to launch his firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with Charles: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ | |||
| Discussions on Leadership, Hard decisions and Radiotherapy Ft. Collin Hayward, former CMO of Telix Pharma | 13 May 2024 | 00:40:15 | |
In this episode, Colin Hayward, CMO of Telix- a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company, talks about his contribution to the success of Rituximab which culminated in transforming it into a $3 billion radiopharmaceutical giant. He also shares invaluable insights into the challenges of leadership, the burden of firing people, and the strategic decisions that drive success in the fast-paced world of biotech innovation. Here's what you are in for: 01:36 Colin's Switch from Medicine to Biotech 04:15 Moving from Treating Patients to Business 05:58 Lessons from Working on Rituxan 10:59 Changing Careers: Consulting, CROs, and Teamwork 23:03 Tips on Hiring and Making a Strong Biotech Team 27:45 The burden of Firing people About Colin Hayward Colin Hayward, MD is the former Chief Medical Officer at Telix Pharmaceuticals, a company that specializes in radiopharmaceuticals. He has over 20 years of experience in the global pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Colin leads the medical, regulatory, clinical operations, and safety activities at Telix worldwide. He originally wanted to play football professionally for Brighton Hove Albion, but realized he wasn't good enough at age 12. Switched to field hockey, was academically gifted, loved science, and decided to pursue medicine to help people and dive deeper into science. About Charles Charles Spence leads Discera, a leading recruitment firm specializing in the biopharma industry. He graduated with a biomedical degree, has worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent years doing diabetes research. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, Charles decided to launch his firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with Charles: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ | |||
| 3 Ways to Protect Your Reputation as a Hiring Manager | 06 May 2024 | 00:14:05 | |
This podcast episode, Charles drops some real talk on communicating well when hiring people. He tells a story about how poor communication can really upset candidates and from this story, he gives three tips for hiring managers. This episode emphasizes that it's good to give rejected candidates helpful, positive feedback and to keep talking to them for possible jobs later on rather than ghosting them. He also shares three tips for hiring managers to protect their reputation and improve their interactions with candidates. Here's what you are in for: 00:24 Why Protecting Your Reputation Matters 00:44 How Feedback Can Strengthen Your Reputation 02:23 Dealing with Rejection Positively 07:22 Tips for Hiring Managers on Empowerment and Feedback 07:56 Knowing How People Act at Work 15:01 The Need for Empathy and Humility in Hiring 17:40 Wrapping Up: Keeping Your Good Name at Work About Charles Charles Spence leads Discera, a leading recruitment firm specializing in the biopharma industry. He graduated with a biomedical degree, has worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent years doing diabetes research. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, Charles decided to launch his firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with Charles: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ | |||
| The Big Picture - Discussing Clinical Entry to Commercial Planning in Radiotherapy With Ben Pais, SVP Aricieum | 29 Apr 2024 | 00:40:53 | |
In this episode, Ben Pais, Senior Vice President at Ariceum Therapeutics, discusses innovative cancer treatments. His company develops drugs that use radiation to combat cancer. He explains their strategies and adjustments in medical technology, focusing on radiotherapy. He talks about the challenges of producing and distributing these drugs and the importance of having capable leaders. Ben also explores future developments in this field and how large pharmaceutical companies acquiring smaller ones can impact the industry. Here's what you are in for: 00:22 Moving from Clinical Medicine to Pharma 02:00 Starting Out from Surgery to Pharma 04:33 Discovering New Areas in Pharma 08:50 Getting into Radiopharmaceuticals 16:02 Growing in a Radiopharmaceutical Career 19:25 Understanding Radiopharmaceuticals: Simple to Complex 24:34 Finding Your Way in the Radiopharmaceutical Field 33:57 What's Next for Radiopharmaceuticals and Career Tips About Ben Pais Ben is a doctor with 25 years in the life science field. He knows about urology, cardiology, and radiation oncology. He has handled clinical trials (phase I-IV), medical affairs, drug safety, getting products to market, launching products, and early sales steps. Since 2019, he's been a certified Pharmaceutical Physician NVFG. In 2020, he started at Ipsen as the Global Development Lead for Radiopharmaceuticals. Later, he moved to Ariceum. About Charles Charles Spence leads Discera, a leading recruitment firm specializing in the biopharma industry. He graduated with a biomedical degree, has worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent years doing diabetes research. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, Charles decided to launch his firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with Charles: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ | |||
| Creating Shit Hot Authentic Stories to Sell Your Achievements | 22 Apr 2024 | 00:14:52 | |
In this episode, Charles talks about how to craft authentic and genuine stories that can sell yourself and stand out from the rest. He points out that many resumes lack persuasive pitches and unique stories, so he offers 5 tips on creating these narratives. He stresses the need for authenticity and alignment with one's CV and interview responses. He also discusses typical mistakes, like not showing the hidden benefits or linking past experiences to what future employers are looking for. Here's what you are in for: 01:03 A Sneak Peek at Making Your CV 01:36 How to Make Sales Stories That Stick 04:18 Knowing Your Audience is Your First Step to Win 05:14 Being Specific on How to Make Stories Catchy 10:42 Using Lessons for Future Wins 11:26 The Secret to Job Applications 12:45 Building a Strong Professional Image 13:09 More Than Crafting a CV But Growing Your Career Chances About Charles Charles Spence leads Discera, a leading recruitment firm specializing in the biopharma industry. He graduated with a biomedical degree, has worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent years doing diabetes research. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, Charles decided to launch his firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with Charles: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ | |||
| Discussing radiotherapy, AAA and CEO leadership with Riccardo Canevari: CEO of Radiopharm Theranostics | 15 Apr 2024 | 00:39:52 | |
In this episode, Charles talks with Riccardo Canevari, the managing director and CEO of Radiopharm Theranostics, a company that is innovating the way we see cancer. They talked about his leadership journey in transitioning from leading 110k employees to a 3-man startup team. He also discusses launching innovative cancer treatments such as Luziterra and BluVicto and the challenges of selling them. He also highlights the importance of mission-driven work in biotech and the promise of radiopharmaceuticals in cancer treatment. Here's what you are in for: 00:00 Ricardo's Journey From Milan to Pharma Leader 00:19 Family's Influence in Early Life 03:25 Ricardo's Career Path from Chemistry to Pharma 05:38 Highs and Lows in Pharma Industry 05:51 Leadership Lessons 10:27 Taking the new role as the head of Radio Pharm 17:59 Building a 3-man start up team 30:24 Reflecting on Leadership and Advancement 35:41 The Future of Radiotherapy About Riccardo Canevari Riccardo is an experienced leader in specialty pharma, cancer care, and radiopharmaceuticals. He served as the Chief Commercial Officer at Advanced Accelerator Applications, a leading company owned by Novartis. There, he led commercial strategies in around 20 countries. His main focus was on expanding the market for Lutathera and preparing for the launch of Lu-PSMA 617 to treat advanced prostate cancer. Before this, Riccardo held top positions at Novartis Oncology. He oversaw the successful introduction of breast cancer drugs like KISQALI and PIQRAY. He also gained extensive experience from different roles at Novartis Pharma and Ethicon/Johnson & Johnson. Connect with Riccardo: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/riccardo-canevari-7239931/ Website: https://www.radiopharmtheranostics.com/ About Charles Charles Spence leads Discera, a leading recruitment firm specializing in the biopharma industry. He graduated with a biomedical degree, has worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent years doing diabetes research. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, Charles decided to launch his firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of Early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with Charles: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ | |||
| Victor Paulus, SVP Regulatory Affairs at ARTBIO - Lutathera Approval and Lessons, Falling from Trees, ARTBIO's Culture | 17 Mar 2025 | 00:35:50 | |
In this episode, I talked with Victor Paulus, Senior Vice President and Head of Regulatory Affairs at ARTBIO, where he shares his journey in the life sciences industry, discussing his career journey, challenges faced in regulatory affairs, and the unique culture at ARTBIO. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and understanding the regulatory landscape to achieve success in drug development. Victor also provides valuable insights into industry observations and offers career advice for those starting in the field. Here's what you're in:
Timestamps: 01:40 Victor's Early Career Journey 06:04 Career Highlights: The Approval of Lutathera 10:25 Challenges in Regulatory Affairs: The CMC Vaccine Program 18:58 The Culture and Vision at ARTBIO 25:07 Industry Observations and Common Mistakes 30:56 Career Advice for New Professionals About Victor Victor Paulus is the Senior Vice President and Head of Regulatory Affairs of ARTBIO, a clinical-stage radiopharmaceutical biotechnology. Prior to ARTBIO, he served as Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for two years at Fusion Pharmaceuticals and also worked at AAA during the Lutathera approval. He has also worked on approvals including FluZone, Ze-mere-ra ,Pedia-rix, Anthim, Annovera, and Lutathera. Outside of his professional life, he has been passionate about environmental pursuits and enjoys activities such as birding, hiking, and spending time in the woods. Connect with Victor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victor-paulus-25994a3/ Company Website: https://artbio.com/ About me My name is Charles Spence and I lead Discera. After many years working in the life-science recruitment world, I decided to work for myself. Before doing recruitment I graduated with a biomedical degree, have worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent a year working in diabetes research in Stockholm. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, I decided to launch my firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with me: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ Opinions and comments expressed by the guest do not represent the company and are fully their own. | |||
| Radiotherapy 2024: Quick Look into the Radiotherapy Landscape | 08 Apr 2024 | 00:14:29 | |
In this episode, we're exploring the latest in radiotherapy, especially radioligand therapy for cancer treatment. Charles spotlights some promising trials coming up in 2024 that involve companies like Ymabs, Marianao Oncology, and many more fighting hard-to-treat cancers with new techniques and talks about big deals in the industry, like when Point Pharma and Ray's bio were bought. These deals show how important radiotherapy is in business and strategy. Looking ahead, Charles sees a bright future for radiotherapy, with better supply chains possibly making treatments cheaper and more accessible. Here's what you are in for: 00:00 Introduction to New Radiotherapy Methods 00:28 Understanding Radiotherapy Today 02:14 Early Trials in Radiotherapy 07:54 Key Trials and Their Effects on the Industry 12:17 The Future of Radiotherapy 13:21 Final Thoughts and What's Next About Charles Charles Spence leads Discera, a leading recruitment firm specializing in the biopharma industry. He graduated with a biomedical degree, has worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent years doing diabetes research. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, Charles decided to launch his firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of Early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with Charles:
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| Ilaria Conti VP ADC Therapeutics - Female Leadership, Challenges in ADCs and Working in the US | 01 Apr 2024 | 00:46:38 | |
In this episode, we talk about ADCs or antibody-drug conjugates with Ilaria Contis, a VP at ADC Therapeutics. This Swiss company is a commercial, global leader and pioneer in the field of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). It is known for being a one-stop-shop for ADC development, handling everything from research to selling their products. Ilaria shares about how ADCs (antibody-drug conjugates) are transforming cancer treatment, opportunities and challenges in ADC tech, and why global experience matters in pharma careers. Here's what you are in for: 01:14 – Getting Into Medicine 09:56 – Interest in ADCs 11:25 – ADC’s History and Recent Developments 21:13 – Business Development Perspective on ADCs 25:38 – Expanding Beyond Hematology 31:02 – US vs. Europe in Pharma and Biotech Careers 40:28 – Inspiring the Next Generation About Ilaria Ilaria Contis is a pharmaceutical developer from Tuscany, Italy, where she spent her childhood. With a background in medicine and a strong drive for research, Ilaria was inspired by the groundbreaking work of Nobel Prize laureate Rita Levi-Montalcini to pursue a career in the medical field. Her journey led her to the United States, where she immersed herself in clinical research and eventually found her niche in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly focusing on the development of Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs). Connect with Ilaria:
About Charles Charles Spence leads Discera, a leading recruitment firm specializing in the biopharma industry. He graduated with a biomedical degree, has worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea) and also spent years doing research in diabetes. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, Charles decided to launch his firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of Early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with Charles:
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| Masterful Salary Negotiations: Less Fear, More Preparations and Get More of What You Want | 01 Apr 2024 | 00:17:59 | |
In this episode, Charles covers the steps before applying, the application process, and how to negotiate your salary. He also explores the reasons behind the discomforts that may arise during these conversations and provides practical tips and strategies to help you navigate salary negotiations confidently. Here's what you are in for: 00:00 - Introduction 01:49 - Salary Negotiation Topic Introduction 03:14 - Pre-Application Advice 08:11 - Research and Self-Value Assessment 10:45 - Application Form and Recruiter Interaction 13:05 - Interview Phase Strategy 15:15 - Salary Negotiation ABOUT CHARLES Charles Spence leads Discera, a leading recruitment firm specializing in the biopharma industry. He graduated with a biomedical degree, has worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea) and also spent years doing research in diabetes. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, Charles decided to launch his firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of Early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with Charles on:
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| Mats Hansen, CEO Spago Nanomedical: How to Lead a Radiotherapy Biotech | 01 Apr 2024 | 00:37:57 | |
In this episode, we explore radiotherapy biotech with Mats Hansen. He is the CEO of Spago Nanomedical AB, a biotech firm advancing cancer treatment with new radiopharmaceuticals. Mats discusses the challenges and opportunities in the radiopharmaceutical space and provides insights into nanomedical radiopharmaceuticals for cancer treatment using lutetium-177. He also shares his experiences and insights on leadership and communication skills, emphasizing the importance of effective communication in leadership roles, and discusses how his approach to leadership has evolved over the years. Here's what you are in for: 00:00 Introduction 05:08 - Experience in Drug Development 13:19 - The Role of AI on Pharma and BioTech 15:19 - Spargo Nanomedical and Recent Developments 23:15- Challenges and Opportunities in Radiopharmaceutical Space 25:48 - Considerations for Investors 31:19 - Challenges and Growth as a CEO ABOUT MATS Mats Hansen, a scientist from southern Sweden, loves nature deeply and is curious and passionate about science. These driving forces propelled him to pursue a career in science and pharmaceutical development. Mats has come a long way, from his start in plant breeding and working with molecular markers to now being the CEO of Spago Nanomedical AB. By applying scientific knowledge in an industrial setting, he has adeptly navigated the challenges of drug development, continuously refining his skills in communication and leadership along the way. Connect with Mats on:
ABOUT CHARLES Charles Spence leads Discera, a leading recruitment firm specializing in the biopharma industry. He graduated with a biomedical degree, has worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea) and also spent years doing research in diabetes. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, Charles decided to launch his firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of Early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with Charles:
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| Podcast Trailer | 14 Mar 2024 | 00:01:16 | |
Welcome to “A Dose of Reality”, the podcast where we infuse insight, laughter, and practical wisdom into the world of clinical leadership and career development. Hosted by Charles Spence, each episode offers a deep dive into the challenges and triumphs of clinical leadership, providing listeners with meaningful conversations, career insights, and a dose of inspiration to navigate their professional journeys. Whether you're a director, a C-level executive, or a clinical researcher in oncology bio-techs, this podcast is designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools needed to excel in your field. So, visit our website at www.discera-search.com, and tune in to A Dose of Reality for your prescription of career wisdom, leadership insights, and a healthy dose of laughter. Subscribe now and join us on the journey to becoming global clinical leaders! | |||
| Chris Leamon, CSO at Fusion Therapeutics - Acquisition of Endocyte, Career reflections and more | 17 Feb 2025 | 00:37:25 | |
In this episode, I talked with Dr. Chris Leamon, Chief Scientific Officer at Fusion Pharmaceuticals, where he shares his journey in the biotech industry, discussing his early influences, the founding of Endocyte, and . He also discusses the challenges faced in drug development, the importance of leadership during workforce reductions, and the lessons learned from trial failures. Chris emphasizes the significance of execution, continuous learning, and building a strong team in the biotech field. Here's what you're in:
Timestamps: 02:41 Early Influences and Career Beginnings 06:43 Transitioning into Radiotherapeutics Field 13:36 The Process of Pivoting Trials 16:50 Dealing with Workforce Reduction 20:53 Joining Fusion Pharmaceuticals and Future Aspirations 24:36 Insights on Trial Failures and Learning Experiences 29:17 Hiring Practices and Building a Strong Team 34:11 Advice for Aspiring Biotech Professionals About Chris Dr. Chris Leamon is the Chief Scientific Officer at Fusion Pharmaceuticals, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that specializes in developing targeted alpha therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. He is also a scientific co-founder of Endocyte, the company that developed Pluvicto, and he has been an executive associated with two biotech acquisitions over the past six years: Endocyte (purchased by Novartis in Dec. 2018) and Fusion Pharmaceuticals (purchased by Astra Zeneca in June, 2024). Dr. Leamon earned his PhD in Biochemistry at Purdue University. Connect with Chris LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-leamon-393639b/ Company Website: https://fusionpharma.com/ About me My name is Charles Spence and I lead Discera. After many years working in the life-science recruitment world, I decided to work for myself. Before doing recruitment I graduated with a biomedical degree, have worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent a year working in diabetes research in Stockholm. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, I decided to launch my firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with me: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ Opinions and comments expressed by the guest do not represent the company and are fully their own. | |||
| Dawn Rubel, Dawn Rubel, President R&D at NexEos Bio - Eosinophilic Esophagitis, Purposeful Leadership and more | 10 Feb 2025 | 00:34:39 | |
In this episode, I talked with Dawn Rubel, President of R&D at NexEos Bio, where she shares her career journey from a scientific technical writer to a leadership role in biotech. She discusses her experiences at Immunomedics, the development of Trodelvy, and her transition to NexEos Bio, where she focuses on eosinophilic inflammation. Dawn emphasizes the importance of teamwork, hiring the right people, and learning from failures in clinical trials. She also provides valuable advice for aspiring leaders and highlights the significance of passion in one's work. Here's what you're in:
Timestamps 01:52 Dawn's Career Journey 05:20 Immunomedics and Troldevy 08:05 Joining Nexeos Bio 11:47 Challenges and Opportunities at NexEos Bio 15:09 Failures and Lessons in Clinical Trials 22:10 Insights About Hiring and Leadership 31:25 Advice for Aspiring Leaders About Dawn Dawn Rubel is the President of Research and Development at NexEos Bio, a privately held medical diagnostics and therapeutics company focused on developing innovative technologies for eosinophil-mediated diseases. Dawn has successful leadership experience in Biotech, Pharma, Medical Device from global multibillion-dollar corporations (Pfizer, Arthrex) to small biotechs (Immunomedics, NexEos Bio). She held leadership roles in safety, quality, & regulatory in her previous companies. She earned an MBA in Fairleigh Dickinson University and she did her Graduate Studies in Industrial Pharmacy, Pharmaceutics and Drug Design in Long Island University. Connect with Dawn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-rubel/ Company Website: https://www.nexeosbio.com/ About Me My name is Charles Spence and I lead Discera. After many years working in the life-science recruitment world, I decided to work for myself. Before doing recruitment I graduated with a biomedical degree, have worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent a year working in diabetes research in Stockholm. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, I decided to launch my firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ Opinions and comments expressed by the guest do not represent the company and are fully their own. | |||
| Örn Almarsson, Co-Founder of Axelyf - Modernas SpikeVax, the challenge of mRNA delivery and Salmon's inspiration behind Axelyf? | 03 Feb 2025 | 00:35:35 | |
In this episode, I talked with Orn Almarsson, co-founder of Axelyf, where he shared his journey from Iceland to becoming a prominent figure in the biotechnology industry. He discussed his experiences at Moderna and the development of the mRNA COVID vaccine, Spikevax. He reflects on the challenges faced in drug development, the importance of mentorship, and the founding of his own company, Axelyf, which focuses on anti-inflammatory solutions. Orn emphasizes the significance of hiring passionate individuals, the need for feedback in recruitment, and the value of networking and mentorship for career success. Here's what you're in:
Timestamps: 02:06 From Iceland to California 05:55 Joining Merck and Early Experiences 07:44 The Moderna Journey and Spikevax 15:26 Founding Axelyf and Its Mission 22:39 Industry Observations and Hiring Insights 32:14 Advice for Aspiring Professionals About Orn Orn Almarsson, co-founder of Axelyf, an Icelandic biotechnology start-up focusing on designing and developing medicines for inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Orn is a pharmaceutical scientist turned executive with 30 years in the industry and has worked with multiple products including the Covid vaccine, Spikevax at Moderna. He has a PhD in Bioorganic Chemistry from UC Santa Barbara, originally from Iceland but now lives in Massachusetts. Connect with Orn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%C3%B6rn-almarsson-9511b86/ Company Website: https://www.axelyf.com/ About me My name is Charles Spence and I lead Discera. After many years working in the life-science recruitment world, I decided to work for myself. Before doing recruitment I graduated with a biomedical degree, have worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent a year working in diabetes research in Stockholm. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, I decided to launch my firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with me: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ Opinions and comments expressed by the guest do not represent the company and are fully their own. | |||
| Leila Jaafar, CEO at Nuclidium - from PhD to Radiotherapy CEO | 27 Jan 2025 | 00:31:52 | |
In this episode, I talked with Dr. Leila Jaffar, CEO of Nuclidium, where she shares her journey from a childhood influenced by her father's passion for science to becoming a leader in the biotech industry. She discusses the challenges she faced during her career, including personal and professional, and her transition from academia to industry. Leila elaborates on the mission of Nuclidium, focusing on the development of copper-based diagnostics and therapeutics for oncology. She also emphasizes the importance of company culture, the impact of every team member, and the lessons learned in leadership and hiring. Here's what you're in:
Timestamps: 02:08 Journey into Life Sciences 04:26 Dealing With Career's Lowest Point 09:31 Getting A Job After Finishing PhD 11:09 Founding of her Own Company 14:37 Nuclidium and What Sets It Apart 21:55 Why Join Nuclidium - What is its Culture? 24:22 Lessons Learned Through Hiring and Managing People 27:38 Quickfire Questions About Leila Dr. Leila Jaafar, CEO of Nuclidium, a clinical-stage radiopharmaceutical working on copper-based diagnostics and therapeutics. Dr. Leila is also the co-founder of LinaThera, which is partnered with Nuclidium and focuses on the production of medical radionuclides. Prior to joining Nuclidium, she was the CEO of Swiss Nuclides for 5 years and Program Manager at Areva for 6 years. Outside of her professional role, she plays the violin and loves to read in her free time. Connect with Leila LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-jaafar-605642130/ Company Website: https://nuclidium.com/ About Me My name is Charles Spence and I lead Discera. After many years working in the life-science recruitment world, I decided to work for myself. Before doing recruitment I graduated with a biomedical degree, have worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent a year working in diabetes research in Stockholm. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, I decided to launch his firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ Opinions and comments expressed by the guest do not represent the company and are fully their own. | |||
| CMO at Indaptus, Roger Waltzman, on Dangers of Pushing Uncertain Data into Phase III | 20 Jan 2025 | 00:30:30 | |
In this episode, I talked with Roger Waltzman, Chief Medical Officer at Indaptus Therapeutics, discussing his career, overview of Indaptus, the development of Indaptus’ lead candidate, and the challenges of cancer treatment. We explore the benefits of a multi-targeted approach in immunotherapy, the story, and the lessons he learned from the failed Phase 3 trial of Vadimezan. Roger also serves as a Board of a non-profit organization called GoDocGo which provides low-cost cervical cancer screening in low-middle income countries and its impact. Here's what you're in:
Timestamps: 00:38 Introduction and Career Background 02:16 About Indaptus' Broad Immune Stimulant 05:08 Advantages of a Broad, Multi-Targeted Approach 10:08 Why Companies Don't Do Broad, Multi-Targeted Approach 13:44 Vadimezan and its Science 16:06 Learning Experiences from Clinical Trials of Vadimezan 21:58 Insights About Rushing the Trials into Phase III 26:53 GoDocGo: Inexpensive Cervical Cancer Screening About Roger Roger Waltzman is a Chief Medical Officer at Indaptus Therapeutics, where he leads the Phase 1a/b immuno-oncology program. Indaptus develops anti-cancer and anti-viral immunotherapy products, with its lead candidate, Decoy20, currently in Phase 1 trials. Indaptus' proprietary platform utilizes non-pathogenic bacteria and has patent protection in 32 countries. Before Indaptus, Dr. Waltzman held CMO roles at Molecular Templates and RegenX (now Inspirna), and he spent nine years at Novartis, where he led clinical development teams, including the Jakavi collaboration. Dr. Waltzman also holds an MD from Brown and an MBA from Columbia. He serves as a Board of a non-profit organization called GoDocGo which provides low-cost cervical cancer screening. Connect with Roger LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-waltzman-021bb91/ Company Website: https://indaptusrx.com/ Organization: https://www.godocgo.org/ About me My name is Charles Spence and I lead Discera. After many years working in the life-science recruitment world, I decided to work for myself. Before doing recruitment I graduated with a biomedical degree, have worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent a year working in diabetes research in Stockholm. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, I decided to launch my firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with me: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ Opinions and comments expressed by the guest do not represent the company and are fully their own. | |||
| Peter Tummino, President of R&D at Nimbus Therapeutics – Drugging the Undruggable, The TYK2 Success Story, and Overhyping AI in Drug Discovery | 12 May 2025 | 00:27:12 | |
In this episode, I talked with Peter Tummino, President of Research and Development at Nimbus Therapeutics, where he discussed what it takes to build a successful biotech R&D engine. Peter shares his insights on company culture and its impact on drug discovery, the challenges of targeting difficult-to-drug proteins, and the lessons he’s learned from decades in pharma and biotech. He also reflects on leadership in R&D, the evolution of drug discovery strategies, and what excites him most about the future of the industry. Here's what you are in for:
Timestamps: 01:09 Career Journey 05:15 Challenges and Lessons Learned 08:33 Overview of Nimbus Therapeutics 10:14 Exciting Clinical Trials at Nimbus 11:39 Culture at Nimbus Therapeutics 15:25 Industry Observations and AI 19:16 Recruitment Insights and Experiences 25:06 Quick Fire Questions About Peter Dr. Peter Tummino is the President of Research and Development at Nimbus Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech that designs and develops novel small molecule medicines targeting difficult-to-drug proteins. He has been in small molecule drug discovery for over thirty years, including the past 6 with Nimbus. While at GSK, he contributed to the discovery of the approved oncology drugs (Dabrafenib, Trametinib, and Daprodustat for chronic kidney disease). At Nimbus, he led discovery during the development of Zaso-ci-tinib, which is currently in Phase 2 & 3 for psoriasis and other I&I clinical indications. Connect with Peter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-tummino-7496753/ Nimbus Therapeutics: https://www.nimbustx.com/ About me My name is Charles Spence and I lead Discera. After many years working in the life-science recruitment world, I decided to work for myself. Before doing recruitment I graduated with a biomedical degree, have worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent a year working in diabetes research in Stockholm. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, I decided to launch my firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ Opinions and comments expressed by the guest do not represent the company and are fully their own. | |||
| Abigail Jenkins, CEO and Board Member – From Government Scientist to CEO, Launching a Stem Cell Therapy During Crisis, and Lessons in Commercial Strategy | 06 May 2025 | 00:32:16 | |
In this episode, I talked with Abigail (Abbey) Jenkins, a pharmaceutical executive with 25+ years of experience, who shares her career journey, highlighting her entry into the industry, proud achievements, and the challenges she faced along the way. She emphasizes the importance of resilience, community, and learning from both successes and failures. Abbey also discusses common mistakes companies make in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly regarding commercial potential and leadership culture. Our conversation concludes with insights on the significance of networking and support systems for women in leadership roles. Here's what you're in:
Timestamps: 01:04 Early Career and Entry into Pharmaceuticals 02:42 Proud Moments and Achievements in the Industry 06:07 Challenges and Learnings from Difficult Time 14:23 Industry Insights: Common Mistakes Companies Make 19:43 Leadership Challenges: People and Culture Mistakes 23:49 Quickfire Round: Personal Insights and Preferences 26:31The Importance of Community: CEO Sisterhood About Abigail Abigail Jenkins is a pharmaceutical executive with 25+ years of experience, most recently as CEO of Gamida Cell, where she led the FDA approval and launch of the first "pharmaceutical-grade" stem cell transplant. Previously, she was Chief Commercial and Business Officer at Lyndra Therapeutics, developing an ultra long-acting oral drug delivery platform, and SVP, Vaccines Business Unit Head at Emergent BioSolutions, leading a global team of 600 employees. She currently serves on the boards of A-questive Therapeutics and (ZOR-TEX) XORTX Therapeutics. She began her career on the commercial side of the business, working in roles across all domains of sales, marketing, market access, operations, before expanding into business development, corporate strategy, and general management roles. Connect with Abigail LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigail-jenkins-a713147/ About Biotech CEO Sisterhood The Biotech CEO Sisterhood is a vibrant community dedicated to championing the success of women leaders in the biopharma industry. Rooted in a culture of mutual support and authenticity, the Sisterhood aims to inspire and uplift women while driving meaningful conversations and impact across the industry. As part of our commitment to nurturing the current and future generations of biotech leaders, the Sisterhood hosts summits, local events, and educational sessions. These programs encourage dialogue about the challenges facing women in biotech, share best practices, and enhance leadership effectiveness. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/biotech-ceo-sisterhood/ About me My name is Charles Spence and I lead Discera. After many years working in the life-science recruitment world, I decided to work for myself. Before doing recruitment I graduated with a biomedical degree, have worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent a year working in diabetes research in Stockholm. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, I decided to launch my firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and... | |||
| Steven Katz, MD, CMO and SVP of Translational Science for Shinobi Therapeutics & Professor of Surgery at Brown University - Hiring Without Regret, Team Mismatches, and the Cost of Playing It Safe in Biotech | 04 Aug 2025 | 00:36:03 | |
In this episode, I talked with Dr. Steven Katz, CMO and SVP of Translational Science for Shinobi Therapeutics, a biotech company pioneering off-the-shelf immune-evasive IPSC-derived cell therapies, and Professor of Surgery at Brown University. We get into why technical skills alone won’t cut it—and how the wrong hire, even if they look great on paper, can quietly derail an entire team. We talk about the pressure to stick with “proven” endpoints (even when they don’t fit the science), the temptation to play it safe, and how a quiet sense of nihilism can creep into teams when things aren’t going right. We also dig into what it’s really like managing a global biotech team, and how to make it work without losing your mind. Steven is a trained surgical oncologist and associate professor at Brown University, Steven has spent his career helping patients with solid tumors—from removing liver and pancreatic cancers in the OR to pushing the limits of immunotherapy in biotech. He was previously CMO at Trius Life Sciences. Here’s what you’re in for:
TMI: Things You Didn’t Know About Steven
Timestamps: 04:06 – Lessons from surgery that shaped his biotech career 08:35 – Advice to surgeons and doctors considering a move to biotech 13:20 – Why IPSC is so promising for oncology and autoimmune disease 17:00 – Culture clash or culture strength? Japan–US dynamics at Shinobi 22:30 – When internal alignment falls apart 24:35 – Playing it safe vs. doing what’s right 26:19 – Common mistakes Steven still sees in biotech 30:15 – The problem with drug delivery in solid tumors 31:00 – Best and worst experiences with recruiters 33:08 – What happens when you hire the wrong person 34:46 – Final question: What is Steven most grateful for in his career About Steven Dr. Steven Katz is the CMO and SVP of Translational Science for Shinobi Therapeutics for Shinobi Therapeutics, a biotech developing off-the-shelf, immune-evasive, iPSC-derived cell therapies, and Professor of Surgery at Brown University. He has dedicated his career to helping patients with solid tumors in the operating room and developing novel immunotherapy solutions for those beyond the reach of current standard-of-care options. Outside of his professional stint, he spends time with his children, doing TRX workouts, playing tennis, reading history and of course joining me on this podcast - welcome. Connect with Steven:
About me My name is Charles Spence and I lead Discera. After many years working in the life-science recruitment world, I decided to work for myself. Before doing recruitment I graduated with a biomedical degree, have worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent a year working in diabetes research in Stockholm. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, I decided to launch my firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and... | |||
| Christian Mueller, CDO at Immutep on Career Crossroads, Culture Missteps, and the Recruitment Disconnect in Biotech | 28 Jul 2025 | 00:35:38 | |
In this episode, I talked with Christian Mueller, Chief Development Officer at Immutep. Christian’s path into biotech wasn’t exactly planned—from summarizing VC business plans during his studies to becoming a driving force behind the world’s first Claudin 18.2-directed antibody. We talked about the wins and the setbacks: from finally securing Pembrolizumab supply after years of rejections, to those painful moments when you give your all to a project, and still feel unseen. Christian also opened up about hiring, leadership, and what makes a biotech team truly work (or fall apart). He shared why Immutep has gone all-in on LAG-3, what makes their international culture different from most, and why knowing your weaknesses might just be the most underrated leadership skill. And to wrap things up, we threw in a few quickfire questions, from the book he’s reading (featuring octopuses!) to what he tries to do every single day to stay sharp. Here’s what you’re in for:
Timestamps: 01:54 – From Economics to Biotech: How VC Summaries Led to Drug Development 07:41 – Career Lows: Feeling Undervalued and Facing a Regulatory Near-Shutdown 13:48 – Why LAG-3? The Science and Conviction Behind Immutep’s Strategy 14:34 – Inside Immutep: Low-Ego Culture, Fast Decisions, and Argument-Driven Thinking 17:00 – Hiring With Humility: The Culture Fit That Matters Most 22:47 – Cultural Fit Over Credentials: What Hiring Managers Really Want 33:44 – Quickfire Questions: Books, Octopuses, and Trying New Things About Christian Christian Mueller currently serves as the Chief Development Officer at Immutep, where he has been instrumental in advancing the company's lead compound, Efti, from Phase I through to Phase III clinical trials. Prior to his tenure at Immutep, Christian led the clinical development of Zolbetuximab, the first-ever CLDN18.2-directed antibody. Christian brings a unique multidisciplinary mindset to his work, describing himself as a “translator” between different scientific and operational domains. Outside of work, he is a lifelong basketball fan and enjoys spending time in nature Connect with Christian
About me My name is Charles Spence and I lead Discera. After many years working in the life-science recruitment world, I decided to work for myself. Before doing recruitment I graduated with a biomedical degree, have worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent a year working in diabetes research in Stockholm. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, I decided to launch my firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with me:
Opinions and comments expressed by the guest do not represent the company and are... | |||
| Kirsty Crame-van Nierop, Director of Shiaba Consulting, Specialist on Clinical Drug Development, in Broken Hiring Cycles, IND Wins, and Surviving Biotech Burnout | 14 Jul 2025 | 00:34:09 | |
In this episode, I talked with Kirsty Crame-van Nierop, Director of Shiaba Consulting, Specialist in Clinical Drug Development. Kirsty shares her career journey, including her transition from aspiring vascular surgeon to a leader in personalized targeted therapies. We went over her key career highlights, and the challenges faced during COVID, and she gave valuable career bits of advice. Kirsty gave insights on the importance of hiring the right people in clinical development, the balance between using consultants and in-house expertise, the cultural fit in hiring, and her experiences in the job search process, highlighting the importance of communication and feedback in recruitment. Here’s what you’re in for:
Timestamps 01:56 From Vascular Surgery Dreams to Unexpected Beginnings 04:41 The High of an IND Win, and the Low of Leading Through Lockdown 07:25 The Career Advice That Changed Her Trajectory 09:34 Why Early Decisions Make or Break Biotech 17:52 In-House vs. Outsourced Roles 19:15 “What Do We Actually Need?” – A Biotech Hiring Dilemma 28:22 The Harsh Reality Behind Biotech Applications 32:36 The Value of Long-Term Professional Relationships About Kirsty Kirsty Crame is a seasoned medical doctor of over 12 years of experience in drug development. She got her MD in Amsterdam and since then has worked across therapeutic areas, diabetes, cancer, et cetera. But most, if not all, of her clinical development career, has been using personalized targeted therapies to find new cures to cancer. Outside of her professional life, Kirsty is a dedicated mother of two boys. She brings the same energy and discipline from the clinic to the field. She's an avid field hockey player and embraces an active lifestyle that keeps her balanced and thriving. Kirsty and I know each other as she was a candidate and then client of mine at Medigene. Connect with Kirsty: About me My name is Charles Spence and I lead Discera. After many years working in the life-science recruitment world, I decided to work for myself. Before doing recruitment I graduated with a biomedical degree, have worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent a year working in diabetes research in Stockholm. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, I decided to launch my firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with me:
Opinions and comments expressed by the guest do not represent the company and are fully their own. | |||