Susan Nichols has spent her career bridging the gap between innovation and impact. Now, as CEO of Propel Biosciences, she’s helping startups in the cell and gene therapy space build commercial strategies that work, for patients, investors, and everyone in between.
In this episode of #SheLeadsBiotech, Susan shares how her personal connection to rare disease shaped her path, what she learned transitioning from Big Pharma to biotech, and why commercialization isn’t just about revenue, it’s about responsibility.
Chapters:
00:00 – Meet Susan Nichols and her personal connection to rare disease
03:00 – Why cell and gene therapy felt like “sci-fi” — and what made her believe
06:30 – From Big Pharma to startup life: learning to lead without the handbook
10:00 – The patient as north star: what keeps her going
12:00 – Leadership vs. management: how her style evolved
17:00 – Managing individuals, not job titles
20:00 – Why mentoring isn’t about advice — it’s about curiosity
22:30 – What Propel Biosciences does, and how she helps companies get market-ready
26:00 – Why good science isn’t enough without a clear commercial pathway
30:00 – Breaking through the noise: messaging, clarity, and value
33:00 – Advice for those entering CGT (and what not to do)
🎧 Tune in to hear from a powerhouse who’s seen every side of the industry — and is now paying it forward.
