Shows
It's Bigger than BiotechNo PhD, No Problem: Andy Wilson on Navigating Into Biotech From the Outside InNot a scientist? No problem. In this episode, Andy Wilson shares how he successfully pivoted into the world of biotech and health innovation—without a background in science.Now VP of Business Development for Health Affairs at USC and former leader of the Alliance for SoCal Innovation, Andy explains how he built a purpose-driven career by connecting capital, universities, and entrepreneurs.Listen in to learn:How to break into biotech from a non-traditional pathWhy ecosystems matter more than résumésHow to find your “why” and build a career...2025-06-011h 11It's Bigger than BiotechWhat It Takes to Succeed in Pharmacometrics: Insights from Engie SalamaIn this episode of It’s Bigger Than Biotech, we’re joined by Engie Salama, a passionate scientist and Program Manager at Xencor, where she leads teams working on cutting-edge immuno-oncology therapies. Engie’s journey from the lab bench to biotech program management is a masterclass in navigating career pivots, developing leadership skills, and finding purpose in the life sciences industry.We dive into:🌱 How Engie transitioned from scientific research to program management.🧬 The mindset shifts that helped her grow in her career.🎯 Her advice for students and early professionals exploring careers in biotech.🌐 The impo...2025-05-1236 minIt's Bigger than BiotechThe Career Shortcut No One Talks About (Building the Ecosystem): With Dave WhelanIn this episode of It’s Bigger Than Biotech, we sit down with Dave Whelan, Chief Business Officer at Big4Bio, to talk about how you can do more than just join biotech—you can shape it. With a career spanning Stanford, UCLA Anderson, startups, VC, digital health, and wellness innovation, Dave has helped bring breakthrough health ideas to life and built thriving biotech communities along the way.We dive into:🔹 How to filter opportunities and choose the right career path🔹 Why strategy, connection, and ecosystem building are the real superpowers in biotech🔹 The biggest green...2025-04-281h 05It's Bigger than BiotechHow to Find Your North Star, and Why It Might Change EverythingWhat if finding your “why” was the first step toward building something that actually matters?In this episode of It’s Bigger Than Biotech, we sit down with Mandika Swartz and Keshav Soni, two student founders who turned a shared frustration with healthcare into Halo Medical Solutions—a fast-growing startup helping physicians reclaim hours of their day with AI-powered documentation tools.But this episode goes beyond startups and technology. We dive deep into:🧭 How to find your purpose (even when you're still figuring things out)💭 Why your “why” will evolve—and how to grow with it⚙️ B...2025-04-2149 minIt's Bigger than BiotechWhy Most Scientists Stay Stuck — And How Tae Sung Broke The Rules to Lead Cancer Research at PfizerMost people think a science degree locks you into the lab forever.Tae Sung is proof that it doesn’t have to.In this episode of It’s Bigger Than Biotech, Tae shares how he went from pipetting at the bench to managing multi-million dollar oncology research projects at Pfizer — one of the biggest biotech companies in the world.We get into:→ Why your technical skills alone won’t get you promoted→ How to transition from scientist to strategy leader→ What project management in biotech actually looks like→ Lessons from working at...2025-04-1430 minIt's Bigger than BiotechHow to Build a Career That Impacts Millions: Lessons from Biotech Veteran Dr. Laurence KatzDoes anyone in your family have diabetes? Chances are, they’ve used a blood sugar monitor designed by Dr. Laurence (Larry) Katz—or a therapy he helped bring to market. In this episode of It’s Bigger Than Biotech, Dr. Katz pulls back the curtain on a decades-long career in pharmaceutical innovation, where he's helped launch life-saving products at companies like Johnson & Johnson, LifeScan, and multiple biotech startups.We dive into what it actually takes to turn an idea into an FDA-approved drug, the difference in mindset required to succeed in Big Pharma vs. startups, and the behind...2025-03-291h 39It's Bigger than BiotechPharmacist to Global Drug Policy Leader: How Dr. Liberti Navigated His Career PathIn this episode of It’s Bigger Than Biotech, we sit down with Dr. Lawrence Liberti, a seasoned expert in regulatory science and global drug development, to explore one of the most essential—but often overlooked—career paths in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries.Dr. Liberti breaks down:What a career in regulatory affairs actually looks likeHow regulatory science shapes which drugs reach patients—and whenOpportunities for students to get involved in drug approval, policy, and public healthHow to build a career that spans industry, academia, and global health organizationsIf you're a student or early-ca...2025-03-211h 04It's Bigger than BiotechHow to Build a Career in Pharmaceutical Consulting: Brielan Smiechowski’s Journey from Epidemiology to StrategyIn this episode of It’s Bigger Than Biotech, we sit down with Brielan Smiechowski, Founder and Managing Partner of BS Strategy. With a background in epidemiology and a passion for health equity, Brielan shares her journey from academia to consulting, discussing how data-driven decision-making is shaping the future of healthcare.We dive into the evolving landscape of healthcare consulting, the role of AI and patient education, and how mindset influences treatment outcomes. Brielan also sheds light on the challenges of brand development in consulting, the importance of articulating evidence-based insights, and her vision for empowering healthcare le...2025-03-141h 00It's Bigger than BiotechIs an MBA or PhD Worth It? Dr. Farhad’s Journey from the Lab to the MarketEpisode Description:In this episode of It’s Bigger Than Biotech, we sit down with Dr. Farhad Parhami, Founder & CEO of MAX BioPharma, to discuss his journey from PhD and MBA student to biotech leader. We explore his work pioneering oxysterol-based therapeutics for MASH, atherosclerosis, and bone regeneration, as well as the challenges of launching a biotech startup.Dr. Parhami shares insights on breaking into biotech, transitioning from academia to industry, and the future of small molecule therapies. Whether you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.2025-03-0551 minIt's Bigger than BiotechFrom Research to Biotech CEO: How to choose a career path with Philip SellIn this episode of It’s Bigger Than Biotech, we sit down with Philip Sell, CEO & Co-Founder of Metaba, a biotech company leveraging metabolomics to combat infectious diseases like tuberculosis and COVID-19. Philip shares his journey from academia to entrepreneurship, the role of metabolomics in drug development, and the challenges of building a biotech startup. Whether you're a student exploring biotech careers or a professional eyeing a transition, this episode is packed with insights on the future of biopharmaceuticals. Tune in now!2025-02-2653 minIt's Bigger than BiotechStressed About Your Career Path? How Chloe Duckworth Transformed a Neuroscience Degree Into Neurotech InnovationIn this episode of It's Bigger Than Biotech, we chat with Chloe Duckworth, Co-founder and CEO of Valence Vibrations, a voice AI company at the forefront of neurotechnology and affective computing. Chloe shares her inspiring journey from computational neuroscience at USC to founding a startup that redefines emotional communication. She also discusses her passion for social impact through her non-profit, Hope Hearted, and offers valuable insights on transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship. Tune in for an engaging conversation about innovation, resilience, and the future of neurotech.2025-02-1935 minIt's Bigger than BiotechDecoding Biotech Careers: Christian Chung’s Path to Genentech and BeyondIn this episode of It's Bigger Than Biotech, Hriday and Vishnu sit down with Christian Chung, a recent USC graduate and Process Development Intern at Genentech. Christian shares his journey through academia, where he earned a B.S. in Human Biology and a Master’s in Stem Cell Biology, and his transition into the pharmaceutical industry. From co-founding Revilico to pioneering AI-driven drug repurposing solutions, Christian offers invaluable insights into big pharma recruitment, the importance of research, and the evolving role of automation in pharma-tech operations. Tune in for a fascinating conversation on curiosity, career growth, and the future of...2025-02-1242 minIt's Bigger than BiotechWorried About Making the 'Right' Career Choice? How Pivoting Shaped Gilles De Prevoisin's Biotech JourneyIn this episode of It's Bigger Than Biotech, Hriday and Vishnu welcome Mr. Gilles De Prevoisin, a seasoned professional with a dynamic career spanning consulting and the pharmaceutical industry. From his early days at Deallus, where he honed his expertise in competitive intelligence, to his impactful role at Kite Pharma, Gilles shares his journey, insights, and advice for aspiring professionals. Discover the nuances of transitioning from academia to consulting, the challenges of breaking into pharma, and the future of healthcare roles. Packed with practical tips and personal stories, this episode is a must-listen for students and professionals looking to...2025-02-0545 minIt's Bigger than BiotechBig Pharma, Startups, and Academia: Dr. Hovik's Insights on Career TransitionsIn this episode of It's Bigger Than Biotech, Hriday and Vishnu chat with Dr. Hovik, Director of USC's Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. With over 20 years of experience in pharmaceutical giants like Pfizer and AbbVie, Dr. Hovik shares his journey from leading drug discovery and development in big pharma to shaping the next generation of biotech innovators in academia. He dives into the nuances of transitioning between industry and academia, the evolving landscape of drug development, and the skills needed to succeed in both worlds. Whether you’re a student or a professional, you'll gain in...2025-01-2954 minIt's Bigger than BiotechStem Cell Revolution: Insights from Mayur Abhaya and the Future of Diagnostics in IndiaIn this episode of "It's Bigger Than Biotech," we delve into the transformative world of stem cells and diagnostics with Mayur Abhaya and Arham Abhaya. As leaders of LifeCell, India's first stem cell bank, they share their pioneering journey, discuss the latest advancements in stem cell technology, and explore the future of diagnostics. Join us for an inspiring conversation about innovation, impact, and the potential of biotech in India.
2024-06-2033 minIt's Bigger than BiotechIntroducing It's Bigger than BiotechStep into the thrilling world of "It's Bigger than Biotech," where we turn the tangled web of biotech and pharma into a gripping adventure you won't want to miss!2024-06-2004 minIt's Bigger than BiotechDemystifying the iceberg: Intro to common industry jargonDive into this episode as we explore essential jargon from the Pharmaceutical and Biotech industries, drawn from our personal experiences. This is just the start—we've also compiled a list of glossaries for you, a handy resource we'll reference in future episodes. As we unravel these complex terms together, don't hesitate to ask questions. Join us to demystify the specialized language of Pharma and Biotech.
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