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Life Science Success

Don Davis PhD, MBA

On this podcast, you'll find interviews with high-performing successful individuals in Life Sciences. On a weekly basis, we cover their proven methods, principles, strategies, and mindsets to implement new technologies that scale to meet the needs of people in our world.

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20 episodes
Avg 43 min
English

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September 24 · 52 min
Chris Sarlo on The Wealth Gap and the Business Side of Life Science
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Chris Sarlo. Chris is the founder of Life Science Wealth, a wealth management practice built exclusively for people inside the life science industry, and the author of The Wealth Gap, a book about why success in science so often fails to turn into lasting wealth. He earned a Bachelor of Commerce from McMaster University, became an accredited financial advisor by twenty-four, and has spent his career working with the founders and scientists who move the industry forward. 00:00 Show Introduction 00:30 Meet Chris Sarlo 01:10 Why Life Sciences 03:48 Early Wealth Lessons 07:26 Income vs Net Worth 08:50 Inside Life Science Wealth 09:45 The Wealth Gap Book 13:46 Founder Wealth Planning 17:25 Business Personal Firewall 22:41 Funding and VC Readiness 35:43 Exit Planning and QSBS 40:48 Leadership Inspiration Concerns 48:31 Connect and Closing
July 31 · 47 min
Stella Vnook: Building the Precision Oncology Future at Kaida BioPharma!
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Stella Vnook. Stella is the CEO, Co-Founder, and Executive Board Chair at Kaida BioPharma, where she is advancing precision oncology therapies and bringing her experience as a serial biotech entrepreneur, investor, and life sciences leader to the future of cancer treatment. 00:00 Welcome to the Podcast 00:38 Meet Stella Vnook 01:23 From Big Pharma to Startups 04:58 Thriving as Startup CEO 08:08 Mission Driven by Family 10:27 Hard Lessons in Translation 15:08 Building Kaida BioPharma 18:12 Fundraising in a Tough Market 22:33 De Risking and Milestones 25:03 Faster to Clinic with Rigor 29:12 Women Leading in Biotech 35:47 Precision Medicine Outlook 38:17 Inspiration and Concerns 45:46 How to Connect and Wrap Up
July 16 · 28 min
Dr. Seth Toback on ARMR, Biotech Leadership & Clinical Development Today
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Dr. Seth Toback. Dr. Toback is the Chief Medical Officer at ARMR and a board-certified physician-scientist with over 20 years of experience leading clinical development and medical affairs across biotech, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, infectious diseases, and respiratory medicine. 00:00 Show Introduction 00:29 Meet Dr Seth Toback 01:28 From Pediatrics to Vaccines 03:11 Pandemic Vaccine Milestones 04:51 Speeding COVID Development 07:04 Leading in Crisis 08:59 ARMR Mission and Opioid Waves 11:00 How the Fentanyl Vaccine Works 12:45 Who Benefits Most 14:12 Human Challenge Trial Design 16:02 Endpoints and Real World Evidence 17:57 Clearing Up Misconceptions 21:21 Risk Disinhibition Concerns 22:27 Defining Success and Impact 24:14 Rapid Fire Fun Questions 26:44 How to Learn More 28:01 Closing and Subscribe
June 11 · 34 min
Inside the Physician Decisions That Make Oncology Trials Safer & Smarter
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Simran Padam, MD, APMMC, Executive Director of Medical Affairs at Worldwide Clinical Trials. A physician with 17+ years guiding global studies, she shares insights on medical monitoring, complex oncology and hematology programs, and the clinical judgment behind drug development highlighted in her newsletter, The Medical Monitor’s Desk. 00:00 Show Intro and Guest 01:49 Simran Career Journey 04:22 Why CRO Variety Matters 05:48 What Medical Monitors Do 08:04 Protocol vs Reality 09:43 Physicians Role Evolving 11:14 Better Trial Decisions 13:31 Newsletter Behind Scenes 16:09 LinkedIn Newsletter Reach 17:07 From Science to Execution 19:18 Therapeutic Specialization 21:20 Collaboration Across Teams 23:05 Capabilities for Future 25:16 Rapid Fire Inspiration 32:44 Where to Connect 34:09 Podcast Outro
May 1 · 45 min
Transforming Pharma Regulatory Operations with Megha Sinha
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Megha Sinha. The founder and CEO of Kamet Consulting Group LLC, she brings 17+ years of experience advising global pharma and life sciences on regulatory operations, quality, and large-scale transformation, including senior leadership at PwC solving complex regulatory, supply chain, and lifecycle management challenges. 00:00 Show Introduction 00:30 Meet Megha Sinha 01:18 Engineering Into Life Sciences 03:29 First FDA Audit Lessons 04:29 PwC Shaping Consulting 07:27 Three Career Pivots 12:22 Why Found Kamet 17:24 Mission And Programs 19:27 Global Regulatory Depth 24:57 Transformation In Practice 30:24 Scaling Team And Tech 35:14 Leadership Inspiration Concerns 40:48 AI Beyond Automation 44:27 Closing And Next Steps
April 14 · 49 min
Breaking Down Silos with Ian Crone: Regulatory Data, IDMP, and AI Readiness in Life Sciences
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Ian Crone. He is the VP Regulatory strategy and growth at ArisGlobal and a global life sciences leader known for RIM, UDI, IDMP, and data migration expertise, inspiring teams to deliver compliant, client-centric solutions. 00:00 Show Intro 00:30 Meet Ian Crone 01:12 From Lab Bench Up 03:07 Regulatory Deja Vu 05:15 IDMP Explained 07:39 Single Source Truth 10:38 Why Migrations Fail 14:40 Interpretive Drift Risk 15:56 Best of Breed Debate 21:27 Compliance Clock Ticking 23:59 AI Needs Humans 26:00 Why ArisGlobal 27:33 Sportify Overlay Approach 28:49 Data Cortex XDI 31:10 IDMP Data For AI 32:31 AI As Experimentation 33:54 Leading Under Pressure 36:20 Mentorship Lessons 37:05 Personal Motivation Story 39:23 AI Hype Versus Readiness 42:15 Human In The Loop 44:42 Breaking Silos Wins 47:02 Closing And Next Steps
April 9 · 40 min
Inspection Readiness and Quality Systems with Jennifer Vavala
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Jennifer Vavala, Founder & Principal at AlignPoint Partners. With more than 27 years in pharma, medical device, and diagnostics leading QA/QC in complex regulated organizations, she focuses on quality systems, inspection readiness, and operational delivery, and developed the Operational Stability Recalibration framework to help leaders rebalance escalating mandates with operating capacity before compliance or delivery risks surface. 00:00 Intro 00:30 Meet Jennifer Vavala 01:39 Microbiology Origins 04:13 Capacity Not Capability 08:43 Across Regulated Sectors 12:25 AlignPoint Partners Mission 13:15 Operational Stability Framework 18:02 Early Warning Signals 19:52 Inspection Readiness Reality 23:55 Executives And Regulators 32:37 Quality Leadership Future 36:15 Inspiration Concerns Excitement 39:39 Wrap Up And Where To Connect 40:19 Outro
April 2 · 39 min
Dean Erhardt: Pharma Strategy, Distribution & Commercial Growth
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Dean Erhardt, President and CEO at D2 Solutions. He brings more than 20 years of experience across pharmaceuticals and consumer products, with expertise in support program development, distribution, and specialty product management, and has worked with over 100 pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device manufacturers as well as many small and midsized organizations on commercial operations, strategy, and national accounts. 00:00 Intro 00:34 Dean's career: HMO, Cardinal Health, Express Scripts 03:00 Founding D2 Solutions in 2008 04:00 Pricing strategy and middlemen taking 50–70% of revenue 08:00 What separates successful commercialization from failure 10:00 D2's three pillars: distribution, reimbursement, patient services 15:00 Pharmaceutical support programs for specialty medications 16:00 D2's digital patient engagement platform in action 21:00 Resource challenges for small and mid-sized pharma 22:00 Retail deserts and the rise of direct-to-consumer models 24:00 National accounts strategy and long-term payer relationships 26:00 When to engage D2 and cleaning up commercialization missteps 28:00 The prior authorization crisis 31:00 Leadership advice: one vision, said a million times 32:00 AI, remote surgery, and the future of care 34:00 Looming shortage of 3.9 million healthcare workers 36:00 Concerns: aging population, lost patients, NIH funding 37:00 Technology accelerating drug approvals 38:00 Outro
January 29 · 57 min
The Future of Pharma Pricing, Access, and Global Market Complexity
Send us Fan Mail Jesse Mendelsohn and Michael Grosberg from Model N discuss why U.S. pricing complexity is spreading globally, the collapse of the PBM rebate model, what's really driving the pharmaceutical manufacturing boom, and why direct-to-consumer discount programs won't solve America's drug access problem. 00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast 00:34 Pressing Issues in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing 00:51 Introducing the Experts from Model N 03:08 Understanding International Reference Pricing 04:14 Impact of US Pricing on Global Drug Launches 09:26 Challenges with Pharmacy Benefit Managers 16:29 Domestic Manufacturing Boom in Pharmaceuticals 23:08 AI in Drug Discovery and Personalized Medicine 29:03 Access and Policy Discussion 30:01 Direct to Consumer Pricing 31:32 TrumpRx Overview 33:11 Compliance Challenges 38:30 Pharmaceutical Revenue Management 41:38 AI in Life Sciences 48:35 Future of Life Sciences 50:45 Concerns and Challenges 53:52 Excitement in Current Work 55:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Oct 20, 2025 · 42 min
Align, Apply, Adapt: Building Lasting Compliance with Troy Fugate
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Troy Fugate. The CCO of Compliance Insight, Inc., Troy brings 30+ years of FDA readiness, GMP, and quality leadership—turning complex requirements into practical, culture-shaping solutions and championing the Align–Apply–Adapt framework used across pharma, cell and gene therapy, and medical devices. 00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast 00:37 Meet Troy Fugate: CCO of Compliance Insight 01:09 Troy's Career Journey and FDA Focus 04:10 The Align, Apply, Adapt Framework 04:47 Differentiating Compliance Insight 08:03 The Importance of Clarity in Compliance 17:10 Challenges and Solutions in Compliance 25:38 Human Behavior and Continuous Improvement 34:39 Troy's Inspirations and Concerns 39:07 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks
Oct 11, 2025 · 43 min
RNA Secrets Unveiled: Byron Purse's Biotech Breakthrough Journey
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Byron Purse, co-founder of AlidaBio and professor of chemistry at San Diego State University who is pioneering innovative approaches to studying RNA modifications. Byron brings a wealth of expertise in synthetic and natural nucleic acid modifications, with a passion for advancing biotechnology and human health through his groundbreaking research and entrepreneurial endeavors. 00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast 00:29 Meet Byron Purse: Professor and Co-Founder of AlidaBio 01:05 Byron's Journey into Life Sciences 03:10 From Academia to Entrepreneurship 06:49 Founding AlidaBio: Vision and Mission 08:59 Innovations in RNA Modifications 23:09 Challenges and Successes in Developing the EpiPlex™ Platform 28:44 Leadership and Inspiration 35:00 Concerns and Future Outlook in Life Sciences 43:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Sep 27, 2025 · 48 min
Revolutionizing Addiction Risk: Genetics, Tech, and Hope Unveiled
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is James Piacentino, CEO of Thrive Genetics, Inc., a pioneering digital health startup focused on transforming addiction risk assessment through genetic and behavioral science. James brings a unique blend of entrepreneurial experience, technical expertise, and personal mission to develop innovative solutions that help healthcare providers manage dependency risk with unprecedented precision. 00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast 00:46 Upcoming Podcast Announcement 01:08 Introducing James Piacentino 01:49 James Piacentino's Background in Digital Health 03:29 Corporate Experience and Startup Journey 06:53 Founding Thrive Genetics 08:35 The Impact of Addiction on Families 09:19 Thrive Genetics' Approach to Addiction Risk 18:43 Partnerships and Technological Advancements 21:29 Combining Genetics, Behavior, and AI 25:06 The Conservative Approach to AI in Customer Journeys 26:12 Balancing Scientific Rigor with Business Models 27:09 Adoption and Value Creation in Technology 30:54 The Importance of Customer Feedback 40:05 Leadership Lessons and Values-Based Leadership 43:18 Inspiration and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs 45:29 Concerns and Complexities in Today's World 46:47 Excitement for the Future 47:35 Conclusion and Farewell
Sep 18, 2025 · 54 min
Financial Strategies for Life Science Startups: Insider Secrets Revealed!
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Josh Yelen, a CPA, MBA, and the Founder & CEO of Function, a strategic financial leadership and bookkeeping services company that supports businesses across various industries, including life sciences. With over two decades of experience in operations, accounting, finance, and sales, Josh is also a co-founder of Venture Forward Capital, where he supports early-stage entrepreneurs in building disruptive companies. 00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast 00:40 Join Our Free School Community 01:41 Introducing Our Guest: Josh Yelen 02:10 Josh Yelen's Professional Journey 04:30 The Birth of Venture Forward Capital and Function 09:05 Function's Unique Approach to Financial Services 14:55 Challenges in Biotech and Pharma 20:40 Trends Shaping the Future of Biotech 29:19 Firing the Biggest Client and Growing the Business 29:46 Innovative Use of AI in Business 30:53 Aligning Company Goals with OKRs 32:45 The Importance of Focus and Avoiding Distractions 36:46 Leadership Advice and Entrepreneurial Challenges 39:31 Motivational Videos and Personal Drive 45:37 Concerns About AI and the Future of Work 50:48 Excitement for the Future and Final Thoughts
Sep 7, 2025 · 47 min
Pharma Water Expert Reveals Groundbreaking Innovation Strategies!
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Nissan Cohen, a worldwide expert with over 45 years of experience in high purity water systems, pharmaceutical engineering, and water technology innovation. Nissan is the Owner of Biopharmaceutical Water Doc company and has made significant contributions to the field through his extensive publications, technical expertise, and leadership in international professional societies like ISPE. 00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast 00:29 Meet Dr. Nissan Cohen: Water Technology Expert 01:24 The Importance of Potable Water 01:52 Journey into High Purity Water Systems 03:32 Transition to Pharmaceutical Industry 06:12 Milestones in Pharmaceutical Water Technology 09:54 Current Consultancy and Industry Challenges 14:32 Advancements in Pharmaceutical Water Technologies 20:51 Sustainability and Zero Liquid Discharge 29:22 Agricultural Water Innovations 35:43 Leadership and Professional Insights 41:23 Concerns and Future Outlook 44:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Sep 1, 2025 · 33 min
Revolutionizing Patient Recruitment in Clinical Trials | Victoria Donovan
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Victoria Donovan. Victoria is the Founder and CEO of Clinically Media, an award-winning agency that is transforming patient recruitment and retention strategies in clinical research. 00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast 00:38 Meet Victoria Donovan: Founder and CEO of Clinically Media 01:34 Victoria's Journey into Life Sciences 03:12 The Birth and Growth of Clinically Media 05:03 Clinically Media's Mission and Vision 08:46 Innovative Approaches in Patient Recruitment 11:59 Challenges and Future of Patient Recruitment 23:45 Leadership and Personal Insights from Victoria Donovan 32:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Aug 30, 2025 · 40 min
AI Meets RNA: Atomic AI's Revolutionary Drug Discovery Strategy
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Mark Stead, Head of Business Development at Atomic AI, a pioneering biotech company using artificial intelligence and structural biology to develop innovative RNA-targeted therapeutics. Mark brings over 12 years of experience in biotechnology, with a proven track record of negotiating high-value partnerships and driving strategic collaborations in drug discovery. 00:00 Introduction to the Life Science Success Podcast 00:30 Meet Mark Stead: Journey into Life Sciences 03:26 Career Insights: From Amgen to Atomic AI 11:20 Innovations at Atomic AI: Leveraging AI and Structural Biology 19:37 The Future of AI in Drug Discovery 31:03 Leadership and Personal Insights 39:38 Conclusion and Farewell
Aug 22, 2025 · 53 min
Behind the Scenes: How Biotech Leaders Drive Innovation & Performance
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Kristien Van Vlasselaer, a Vice President of Operations at Gordian Biotechnology who is a passionate generalist and strategic operations leader dedicated to helping biotech teams execute with excellence. With her unique ability to bridge technical expertise and practical problem-solving, Kristien brings a holistic approach to optimizing organizational performance and driving innovative solutions in the biotech industry. 00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast 00:40 Meet Kristien Van Vlasselaer: A Passionate Generalist 01:05 Kristien's Journey into Life Sciences 02:26 The Generalist Powerhouse in Biotech 04:23 Career Evolution and Key Milestones 09:03 Challenges and Trends in Biotech 11:58 Kristien's Role and Initiatives at Gordian Biotechnology 27:43 Innovative Approaches in Osteoarthritis Research 28:21 Challenges and Limitations of Animal Models 29:23 Complex Problem Solving in Biotech 35:12 Leadership Advice and Insights 42:31 Inspiration and Concerns in the Industry 50:26 The Value of Generalists and Future Outlook 52:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Aug 10, 2025 · 35 min
From Battlefield to Biotech: Healing Trauma with Innovative Science
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is John Schmitt, a military veteran, entrepreneur, and Co-Founder & CEO of iXpressGenes who is leveraging innovative RNA biomarker technologies to revolutionize trauma screening in healthcare. With over 20 years of leadership experience in the U.S. Army and a Master's degree in Microbiology and Immunology, John is dedicated to developing data-driven solutions for early detection and prevention of trauma-related diseases. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 01:02 Welcoming the Guest: John Schmitt 02:00 John Schmitt's Journey to Biotechnology 05:58 Military Experience and Leadership Insights 13:09 Founding iXpressGenes: The Origin Story 17:31 Mission and Objectives of iXpressGenes 23:08 Challenges and Innovations in Biomarker Technologies 27:42 Personal Leadership and Inspirations 35:00 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up
Aug 4, 2025 · 25 min
Clinical Trials Insider: Patient-Centric Strategies with Lauri Befus
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Lauri Befus, Vice President of Clinical Operations at M3 Wake Research, a leading integrated site network in the United States. With over 13 years of experience in clinical research and healthcare operations, Lauri brings a unique perspective to clinical trials, focusing on patient-centric strategies and operational excellence. 00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast 00:37 Meet Lauri Befus: Vice President of Clinical Operations at M3 Wake Research 00:59 Lauri's Journey into Clinical Research 01:53 Educational Background and Early Career 02:36 Career Progression and Key Milestones 04:25 Challenges in the Life Sciences Industry 05:18 Diversity and Inclusion in Clinical Trials 06:16 Overview of M3 Wake Research 07:37 Lauri's Role and Responsibilities 13:59 Innovative Projects and Initiatives 16:28 Future Goals and Industry Innovations 17:31 Leadership Insights and Advice 24:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Aug 4, 2025 · 49 min
How a Color-Changing Ink Pioneer Is Battling Cancer
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Lyle Small, a seasoned innovator with 35 years of experience in interactive inks and coatings who is now the Founder and CEO of Lahjavida, Inc., a promising cancer research company developing targeted chemotherapy technologies. Lyle has an impressive track record of technological innovation, having previously founded Chromatic Technologies and developed groundbreaking color-changing technologies for brands like Coors Light, and is now focused on creating potentially transformative cancer treatments. 00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast 00:40 Celebrating Podcast Achievements 01:27 Interview with Lyle Small: Background and Journey 02:43 Lyle's Early Career and Innovations 07:13 Founding Chromatic Technologies Inc. (CTI) 09:00 CTI's Impact and Innovations 15:13 Transition to Lahjavida: New Ventures in Cancer Research 20:16 Challenges and Insights in Cancer Research 25:03 Understanding Success Rates in Business 27:40 The Importance of Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) 28:58 Building Effective Teams: Lessons Learned 38:27 Leadership Qualities and Challenges 40:39 Current Endeavors and Fundraising Efforts 43:45 Inspiration, Concerns, and Excitement 48:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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