Shows
The PharmaBrands PodcastDave Drodge, Lecturer and Digital Transformation Leader, on AI adoption, Behaviour Change and the Importance of Harnessing your Champions.Being in leadership positions since the mid 90s Dave Drodge has seen his share of digital transformation. From early web implementations, to social and mobile adoption to today’s AI rollouts, Dave has been at the forefront of what’s next. In today’s episode Dave shares some of the insights he’s gained from the past and some of his thoughts on where we are going in the future. Through it all he also reflects on what can be done today to drive meaningful and sustained organizational change.The PharmaBrands podcast is hosted by Neil Follett and Prod...
2026-02-1146 minThe PharmaBrands PodcastMichael Farmer, Author and Chairman and CEO of Farmer & Company, on the Past, Present and Future of the Agency ModelEven a passing glance at the industry news will reveal that agencies are under siege. Downward pressure on rates, a rush to “in house” work and the threat of AI as the next AOR has both independents and networks alike trying to figure out what comes next. In this episode Neil talks to Michael Farmer, author of Madison Avenue Manslaughter and Madison Avenue Makeover, on the math, metrics and machinations of the agency world.The PharmaBrands podcast is hosted by Neil Follett and Produced by Chess Originals.
2026-01-2847 minThe PharmaBrands PodcastSuzanne Jacobs, Group President, Medical Communication, Real Chemistry on Concierge Service at Scale, what ‘Future Ready’ Looks Like, and the Power of a PlanPerspective is everything in Pharma right now, and few have the perspective that Suzanne Jacobs brings to her leadership role at Real Chemistry. From Brand Manger, to Founder, through to agency executive post-acquisition, Suzanne shares her journey and insights with us in this episode of the podcast. Committed to growth, service, team and client Suzanne is leading a global organization navigating great change. There is something for everyone in this episode, no matter where you are on your career journey!The PharmaBrands podcast is hosted by Neil Follett and Produced by Chess Originals.
2026-01-1437 min
pharmaphorum PodcastOn the future of AI in life sciences, with women at the helmThe Women in AI Healthcare event series - hosted by Real Chemistry in collaboration with Pharma Brands – brings together dynamic female leaders to discuss the transformative role of artificial intelligence in life sciences. It is also a call to action: to ensure women are not only present, but pivotal in shaping the future of AI in healthcare.
In a new pharmaphorum podcast focused on the important and timely subject of women in AI, web editor Nicole Raleigh spoke with: Kate Eversole, event director at Pharma Brands; Celine Parmentier, EVP, head of global med comms at Real Chemistry; an...
2025-12-1743 minThe PharmaBrands PodcastEmily Seal, Executive Director Clio Health on Creativity as a Competitive Advantage, Human Connection, and the Power of Craft.“To submit or not to submit (your work to awards, of course)” is the age-old question that every creative agency must ask. It is a question that leaves the industry quite divided, and in this episode Emily Seal helps answer that question and so many more. In a time when creativity seems both under siege, and more important than ever, Emily shares her view on the impact of highly differentiated work and the effect that the democratization of the tools used to create that very work might have on creatives in the health vertical.The PharmaBrands podcast is h...
2025-12-1040 minThe PharmaBrands PodcastRob McEwan and Michael Service from ChangeMakers on the Power of Perspective When Navigating Change.On this episode of The PharmaBrands Podcast, we welcome not one, but two guests to the show: Rob McEwan, EVP of Health, and Michael Service, SVP of Healthcare Strategy at Changemakers. In a world where the lines between marketing, PR and reputation management are more blurred than ever, Michael and Rob share their views on the value of a multidisciplinary approach.Changemakers partnered with PharmaBrands to help bring this season of the podcast to life, we deeply appreciate their support and hope you enjoy our conversation with Rob and Michael as much as we enjoyed recording it.
2025-11-2641 minThe PharmaBrands PodcastFrank Fascinato, President & Founder, Treviso Consulting, on Confidence, Context and Adding Value in Today’s Pharma Market.After more than 20 years with a variety of manufacturers in pharma, Frank Fascinato recently made the leap and started his own consultancy. In this episode Frank shares insights he gained through his various roles — from combating imposter syndrome to adding value for HCPs — and brings us along on his entrepreneurial journey. Frank’s energy, enthusiasm and experience shine through in our conversation and we know this episode will leave you with some new thoughts in your heard and a big smile on your face.This episode was made possible through the support of Changemakers, find out more at: th...
2025-11-1139 minThe PharmaBrands PodcastDr. Chika Oriuwa on Everything from Slam Poetry to Neuroscience.On this episode of The PharmaBrands Podcast, Neil sits down with a Doctor, an author, a keynote speaker, a former competitive slam poet, a mother of two with her third on the way, a TIME magazine nominee for next generation leaders, a MacLean's Power 50, and the inspiration for Matel's Role Model Barbie. No, this isn't a multi-guest episode, this is all the fascinating world of Dr. Chika Oriuwa. For more on Dr, Oriuwa's book, Unlike the Rest: A Doctors Story, click here. This episode was made possible through the support of Changemakers, find out more at...
2025-10-2938 minThe PharmaBrands PodcastPavel Goldvasser, National Sales Manager at Celltrion Healthcare, on Delivering Value to Customers, Partnering with Internal Stakeholders and the Role of the Rep in Today’s Market.Pavel Goldvasser has been a researcher, a marketer, a rep and is currently a National Sales Manager. In this episode Pavel brings all those perspectives to bear on the role of the rep, the impact of Omni, the power of partnerships and so much more. Pavel speaks with passion and purpose in this broad reaching conversation and you can hear his energy come through in the conversation. This is a must listen for anyone whose role is focused on delivering the most value possible to customers. This episode was made possible through the support of Changemakers, find ou...
2025-10-1547 minThe PharmaBrands PodcastDaniel Smedley, VP Innovation, Business Excellence and IT at AstraZeneca on Managing Change, Making the Right Bets and Unlocking the Power of Data.In our first episode after a late-summer break, our guest Daniel Smedley looks back on key lessons learned through his career and looks forward to where he sees innovation making the biggest impact. Thoughtful and candid, Daniel shares his journey from CFO of AZ to leading a multidisciplinary team tackling some of the biggest challenges the industry has ever faced. Daniel’s perspective and vantage point make him a terrific guest as we discuss AI, new platforms, change management and so much more. This episode was made possible through the support of Changemakers, find out more at thec...
2025-10-0135 minThe PharmaBrands PodcastKarim Vassanji, Head of Digital Strategy at Bayer on Frameworks, Consensus Building and Impact.There is an old saying that, “When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” Today that could be, “If you have AI, everything looks like it can be fixed with AI.” In this episode of the PharmaBrands podcast, Karim Vassanji, discusses how discipline, curiosity and consensus building are fundamental to the success of any digital transformation effort.Links mentioned on this episode: Super Human AI Newsletter, The AI Daily PodcastOur host is Neil Follett, Co-Founder of PharmaBrands and our Producer is Darryl Webster with Chess Originals.
2025-07-2347 minThe PharmaBrands PodcastNeill Brown, President of IPG Health on Impact, Experimentation and Creativity.In this episode we have a spirited conversation with Neill Brown, President of IPG Health. Drawing on his globe-spanning career Neill shares his thoughts and insights on timely topics such as: how AI can help us focus on the ‘good stuff’, what drives the most impact in 2025 and how we can inject more creativity into the way we work.Our host is Neil Follett, Co-Founder of PharmaBrands and our Producer is Darryl Webster with Chess Originals.
2025-07-0938 minThe PharmaBrands PodcastPaul Tunnah, Author of Prescription for Success, on Why Outstanding CX is Good for Your Brand, Your Business and Your CustomersEveryone who listens to this show knows that outstanding customer experience is hard to achieve in healthcare—no matter who your customer is. Paul Tunnah's new book is a practical guide for improving customer experience and in this episode we dive deep into the tools and techniques he recommends for improving trust, adherence and outcomes.Prescription for Success is now available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Prescription-Success-Delivering-Exceptional-Pharmaceutical-ebook/dp/B0FD7858V8Our host is Neil Follett, Co-Founder of PharmaBrands and our Producer is Darryl Webster with Chess Originals.
2025-06-2542 minThe PharmaBrands PodcastAngela Thompson, Country President for Belgium and Luxemburg, AstraZeneca, Shares Insights from Around the World.Our guest this episode has a circuitous route to her current role leading BeLuz for AZ. Time in Canada, Japan and in Global roles has informed her perspective and shaped her approach as she now leads two countries launching over a dozen new drugs in the next two years. In our conversation Angela shares that perspective and reflects on all that is to come.After you check out the episode, don’t forget to head to pharmabrands.ca to get your tickets for our June 17th Age of AI event in Toronto, before they sell out!...
2025-06-0538 minThe PharmaBrands PodcastDavid Churchill, VP, Healthcare Business Strategy, Lemieux Bédard on Change, Challenge and the, "New and Different."David Churchill’s career in healthcare sales, marketing and communications has been powered by curiosity and a lot of hard work. Over 20 years, and increasingly senior roles, in medical device, pharma and agency have given David a unique perspective that he brings to bear on his team and clients. In this episode he shares his perspective and passion as he tells his personal story, talks about what makes Lemieux Bédard different and gives us a peek into the future of healthcare marketing.After you check out the episode, don’t forget to head to pharmabrands.ca to ge...
2025-05-1443 minThe PharmaBrands PodcastLita Glassman, President, LSD The Agency on Lessons Learned and the Power of Sticking to the Basics.In a time when there is so much focus on the pace of technological change, it’s refreshing to hear Lita’s take on how impactful some of the basics are: great customer service, caring deeply, delivering on commitments, these are some of the pillars upon which she’s built LSD, The Agency. In this episode Lita shares stories from myriad stops on her 40 year journey in pharma.After you check out the episode, don’t forget to head to pharmabrands.ca to get your tickets for our June 17th Age of AI event in Toronto, before they sel...
2025-04-3038 minThe PharmaBrands PodcastAletta Brandle, Team Omnichannel Lead at Boehringer Ingelheim, on the Data-Driven Marketing Evolution Within Healthcare.Data driven marketing (the term Aletta much prefers to “omnichannel”) is something a lot of brands and businesses are trying to get just right. In this episode Aletta shares her perspectives on what success looks like and how to drive meaningful behaviour change – hint: it’s about making the most of the channels and content available to a brand.After you check out the episode, don’t forget to head to pharmabrands.ca to get your tickets for our June 17th Age of AI event in Toronto, before they sell out! Our host is Neil Follett, Co...
2025-04-1649 minThe PharmaBrands PodcastLeandra Wells, GM of Galderma, Reflects on Her Career Journey and the Evolving Role of Leadership in Pharma.Leandra Wells has had an incredible career that has landed her at the top spot in Galderma. Now leading teams across a diverse set of portfolios and categories, Leandra sat down with us to reflect on some key stops in her journey, what great marketing looks like and how marketers and leaders can stay current in a rapidly evolving landscape.After you check out the episode, don’t forget to head to pharmabrands.ca to get your tickets for our June 17th Age of AI event in Toronto, before they sell out! Our host is Nei...
2025-04-0231 minThe PharmaBrands PodcastDr. Michelle Acorn, CEO of the Nurse Practitioner Association of Ontario on the Growing Role of NPs in the health System.Dr. Michelle Acorn, CEO of the Nurse Practitioners' Association of Ontario on the growing role of NPs in the health system.Nurse Practitioners are a growing, and increasingly funded part of the care system in Ontario. In this episode Michelle shares her views on the evolving role of NPs as both clinicians and clinical leaders, and gives some sage advice to industry on how best to engage with this important community.Our Producer is Darryl Webster with Chess Originals
2025-01-2925 minThe PharmaBrands PodcastDorothy Czylyski, Partner & President NFA Health Shares Her Perspective on Strategy, Craft and What's Key for 2025Leading a health-focused agency has never been easy, but the current competitive landscape, technology shifts and an evolving market makes it more complicated than ever. In today's episode Dorothy shares her perspective on leading NFA Health, being a part of a larger agency network, the importance of strategy and insights and what she's thinking about as we head into 2025.Our Producer is Darryl Webster with Chess Originals.
2025-01-1548 minThe PharmaBrands PodcastPatrick Glinski, President of Normative on the Need for Accessibility in Patient Support Programs.PSPs have been, and are increasingly, key for brands and patients alike, but their impact is often limited by accessibility. How a patient finds, interacts with and ultimately benefits from a PSP is almost wholly dependant on how accessible that program is. But the teams – both agencies and industry - who build the key points of interaction in a PSP are not often well-versed in experience design. In this episode Patrick shares his views on how innovation, empathy, patient-centricity can enhance the accessibility of Canadian PSPs. This episode was brought to you, in part, by NFA Health, a c...
2024-12-1849 minThe PharmaBrands PodcastTim Rice, CEO of The Rounds, on the Journey to Build, and Evolve a Unique Educational Platform for Canadian HCP’sAccording a recent whitepaper published by The Rounds, 74% of HCPs want to go to an independent medical site to get practice and product information. In this episode host Neil Follett talks with Tim Rice about his journey to lead, build and grow a compliant and innovative platform for Canadian HCPs.This episode was brought to you, in part, by NFA Health, a creative marketing agency born out of a desire to make healthcare experiences better. We appreciate their support and encourage you to learn more at, nfahealth.com. Our producer is Darryl Webster with Chess O...
2024-12-0433 minThe PharmaBrands PodcastSophie Deschênes, Head of Marketing, CSL Vifor & President of Women Leaders in Pharma, on Support, Mentorship and Being a Complete Person at Work.Sophie is a longstanding and passionate leader in healthcare marketing and also the President of Women Leaders in Pharma. She brings both of those perspectives to bear in this episode as she talks to host Neil Follett about the challenges of juggling many (many!) responsibilities, the importance of mentorship and how her perspective has changed over her career.This episode was brought to you, in part, by NFA Health, a creative marketing agency born out of a desire to make healthcare experiences better. We appreciate their support and encourage you to learn more at nfahealth.com.
2024-11-2042 minThe PharmaBrands PodcastJennifer Carroll, Director of Communications at PAAB on the Past, Present and Future of PAAB.The healthcare marketing landscape has changed a lot since PAAB was founded in 1976. Even in the last few years, submission levels to PAAB have soared and new channels and technologies have added more complexity to both how we market and how we get our content into the market. In today’s show Jen reflects on the changes within PAAB during her time there, and the changes that are to come as the organization anticipates, and plans for, change.Season 2 of the PharmaBrands podcast is been brought to you, in part, by NFA Health, and we thank them for...
2024-11-0645 minThe PharmaBrands PodcastJessica Knox CEO at Metrix, on Changing Technologies, New Services and the Fundamentals of Understanding Your Audience.Leading through change is the hallmark of a good CEO in 2024. From evolving client needs to new technologies, and from new service offerings to a company staffing up in new geographies, Jessica Knox is leading through a lot of change! In today’s episode Jessica shares the Metrix story, covering 40 years of history while keeping her focus firmly on the future.Season 1 of the PharmaBrands podcast has been brought to you by Metrix, and we thank them for being a great partner.Our Producer is Darryl Webster with Chess Originals.
2024-10-2339 minThe PharmaBrands PodcastJonathan Chiriboga, Director of Marketing Innovation and Digital Excellence at AstraZenecaIn this episode of the PharmaBrands Podcast, Neil sat down with Jonathan Chiriboga, Director of Marketing Innovation and Digital Excellence at AstraZeneca. Jonathan shares his journey that took him from McDonald's to AstraZeneca and offers a candid take on the Pharma industry, as a relative “newcomer” to the industry. The PharmaBrands podcast is brought to you, in part, by Metrix. Metrix helps clients make behaviour change happen. We appreciate their support and encourage you to learn more at metrixgroup.com.Our producer is Darryl Webster with Chess Originals.
2024-10-0935 minThe PharmaBrands PodcastJennifer Spearen, VP/GM embecta Canada on Leading, and Learning, Through Seismic Organizational Changeembecta, the diabetes care business that spun off from BD in 2022, is in many ways a start up with 2000 employees and a 100 year legacy. In this episode Jen shares her perspective on leading the Canadian team through the change, growth, challenges and pride that comes with creating a new business from a very old one. Jen’s insights on managing through ambiguity and her passion for supporting her team shine through in this conversation. This episode was brought to you, in part, by Metrix. Metrix helps clients make behaviour change happen. We appreciate their support and encourage you...
2024-09-2538 minThe PharmaBrands PodcastMarty Martinez, CCO, Tank Worldwide on Creativity, Courage, and CannesInspiring and nurturing creativity within your teams and accounts is a key mandate for any Chief Creative Officer. In this episode Marty talks candidly about the challenges, and successes, of leading creative teams in a highly regulated industry. Marty has also recently returned from Cannes and shares his stories from the south of France.This episode was brought to you, in part, by Metrix. Metrix helps clients make behaviour change happen. We appreciate their support and encourage you to learn more at metrixgroup.com.Our producer is Darryl Webster with Chess Originals.
2024-09-1139 minThe PharmaBrands PodcastJason Field, President & CEO, Life Sciences OntarioAdvocating for the life sciences industry in Ontario is as complicated and as nuanced as it sounds. In this episode Jason explains the mission, priorities and successes of an industry association that represents over 250 incredibly diverse members. Having led LSO for 13 years, stewarding its amazing growth, Jason is in a perfect position to both look back on where LSO has been and gaze forward to give us a glimpse into where it’s going.This episode was brought to you, in part, by Metrix. Metrix helps clients make behaviour change happen. We appreciate their support and encourage yo...
2024-08-2938 minThe PharmaBrands PodcastJeff Kent, CEO and Co-Founder of PapercurveIn our fifth installment of the PharmaBrands Podcast, Neil sits down with Papercurve CEO and co-founder, Jeff Kent. Jeff's commitment to his clients comes through loud and clear in an episode that covers everything from AI to eFax! Thank you to our Season 1 partner Papercurve. To find out more about how Papercurve can transform your content review and creation process, visit www.papercurve.com. This episode was produced by Darryl Webster, with music by OLD KID.
2024-08-1433 minThe PharmaBrands PodcastJennifer Zeifman, SVP, National Lead, Health & Wellness, Proof Strategies: On Earning Attention and the Evolving Craft of PR.As you’ll hear in this episode, Jennifer has an amazing perspective on the evolution of PR and communications in healthcare. With more than 25 years at Proof, Jennifer has a wealth of personal and professional experience in the space, and that experience shines through in our conversation. From the line between PR and marketing, to agency collaboration, getting the biggest bang for your buck, and nurturing true partnership between clients and agencies – Jen covers it all!Thank you to our Season 1 partner Papercurve. To find out more about how Papercurve can transform your content review and creation proc...
2024-07-3136 minThe PharmaBrands PodcastMuhammad Mamdani, Vice President, Data Science and Advanced Analytics at Unity Health TorontoMuhammad and his team at Unity Health are doing transformative work by combining on-the-ground clinician insights with the power of AI. This “living lab” where the problems to be solved are brought by end-users, solutions are informed by combined years (and years!) of data, and applications are iterated in partnership with end-users has delivered astounding results. Muhammed has a knack for taking the very complex and making it accessible, something he does both in his work and also in this episode.Thank you to our Season 1 partner Papercurve. To find out more about how Papercurve can transform your...
2024-07-1743 minThe PharmaBrands PodcastJennifer Meldrum, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Peak Pharma Solutions and President of the OPMACo-Founder and Managing Partner at Peak Pharma Solutions, Jennifer Meldrum shares the challenges and rewards of leaving a job of over 20 years to start your own company. Neil and Jenn also discuss her role as current President of the OPMA and the association's recent revitalization.Thank you to our Season 1 partner Papercurve. To find out more about how Papercurve can transform your content review and creation process, visit www.papercurve.com.This episode was produced by Darryl Webster, with Chess Originals.
2024-07-0337 minThe PharmaBrands PodcastSimon Smith, EVP Generative AI, Klick Health: On Surviving and Thriving in the Gen AI Age.Simon Smith has been living at the intersection of technology healthcare communications for almost 20 years and he brings that experience and perspective to his current role as the EVP of Gen AI at Klick Health. The scale of Klick, the focus of his role and Simon’s innate curiosity make for a powerful combination. Simon has the time, access and insight to bring an incredibly unique perspective to what will undoubtedly be the most significant transformation in the way we work, create and communicate in healthcare marketing.Thank you to our Season 1 partner Papercurve. To find out mo...
2024-06-1947 min