In this episode of She Leads Biotech, host Sharron Cox, CEO of CNA International USA, speaks with Barbara Commisso, Business Development Manager at Evidenze, about building a biotech career from the ground up and why non-linear paths often lead to the most rewarding roles.
Barbara’s journey began with academic research in Germany and evolved through unexpected pivots, including a role as a study coordinator in a psychiatric unit in Italy, before she found her niche in clinical trials and business development. Today, she works remotely across global markets, helping to connect science, operations, and strategy in the evolving world of clinical research.
Topics include:
🔹 How she transitioned from academic neuroscience into clinical operations
🔹 The role of courage, self-belief, and mentorship in early-career pivots
🔹 Navigating remote work and the European biotech landscape
🔹 The rise of AI in clinical trials and how it’s shaping future roles
🔹 Why she now mentors PhDs and postdocs navigating the same uncertainty she once faced
📌 Chapters / Timestamps
00:00 – Meet Barbara and her early research career in Germany
03:00 – Returning to Italy and starting from scratch in clinical trials
06:00 – Moving into business development and working remotely
08:30 – Cultural contrasts in biotech across Europe
11:00 – How AI is reshaping clinical operations and trial design
14:00 – Funding, hiring, and market trends in life sciences
17:30 – The importance of mentorship and sharing your journey
20:00 – Advice to scientists looking to pivot into biotech
22:00 – What’s next for Barbara and the future of clinical research
A relatable and honest conversation about starting over, staying curious, and finding your place in biotech, even when the path isn’t linear.
#SheLeadsBiotech #CNAInternationalUSA #BarbaraCommisso #ClinicalResearch #CareerTransition #WomenInSTEM #LifeSciences #MentorshipMatters #BiotechLeadership #RemoteWork #AuthenticLeadership
