Pharmaverse Podcast

Michael Pietrack

The Pharmaverse is a leadership podcast that brings you exclusive insights from the stars of the Pharma universe. Hosted by Michael Pietrack, a top Pharma and Biotech recruiter, whose team partners with the most recognizable Pharma companies in the industry, as well as the hottest of the emerging Biotechs. In each episode, Michael sits down with influential and innovative leaders in the Pharmaceutical and related industries. Listeners will hear from stars from all sectors of the Pharmaverse and will gain valuable insights to help lead their team or structure their careers. Whether you're a current leader, an aspiring leader, or a leadership enthusiast, the Pharmaverse Podcast has something for you. Tune in and subscribe!

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66 episodes
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Yesterday · 29 min
The Leadership Mindset Every Medical Affairs Leader Needs | Kim Tran
What does it take to become an exceptional leader in pharmaceutical and biotech organizations? In this episode of The Pharmaverse Podcast, Michael Pietrack sits down with Kim Tran, PharmD, Senior Vice President and Head of Medical Affairs, for a powerful conversation about leadership, resilience, trust, and creating cultures where people thrive. Kim shares the remarkable story of her parents escaping Vietnam by boat as refugees and how their resilience, humility, and compassion shaped her leadership philosophy. She explains why trust is the foundation of every successful team, how leaders should approach inherited organizations, and why transparency and communication matter more than ever. The conversation also explores what separates outstanding Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) from average performers, the importance of enterprise thinking, how to interview for critical thinking instead of rehearsed answers, and why leadership isn't about titles but about serving others. Whether you're an aspiring MSL, Medical Affairs professional, pharmaceutical executive, or anyone leading teams in healthcare, this episode is filled with practical leadership advice you can apply immediately. In This Episode You'll Learn: ✔ How childhood experiences shape authentic leadership ✔ Why compassion and empathy create stronger teams ✔ Building trust when inheriting an existing team ✔ The importance of transparency and communication as a leader ✔ Why representation and mentorship matter in executive leadership ✔ Advice for first-time managers entering leadership roles ✔ The qualities of exceptional Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) ✔ How enterprise thinking makes better Medical Affairs professionals ✔ What hiring managers really evaluate during interviews ✔ Why critical thinking outweighs perfect answers ✔ Leadership lessons on serving others instead of chasing titles
Yesterday · 19 min
Season 2, Episode 21: A Century of X-Rays with Margaret Yu
Season 2, Episode 21: A Century of X-Rays with Margaret Yu In this powerful episode of the Pharmaverse Podcast, host Michael Pietrack sits down with Dr. Margaret Yu, Chief Medical Officer at ARTBIO, an oncology company leading the charge in Radioligand Therapy (RLT) to revolutionize cancer care. Dr. Yu unpacks the 130-year history of radiation in medicine — from the discoveries of Marie and Pierre Curie to the approval of modern alpha isotopes — and explains how ARTBIO is developing new radioisotope-linked therapies to transform precision oncology. She also shares deeply personal stories from her medical training, lessons from mentorship, and how being a “language brain in a science-driven world” shapes her communication and leadership approach. In the closing moments, Dr. Yu offers invaluable leadership advice on resilience, growth, and embracing challenges for anyone navigating their first leadership role in Pharma or biotech. Whether you’re a Pharma executive, biotech innovator, or medical professional, this conversation delivers both inspiration and insight into the future of cancer treatment and scientific leadership. 🎧 Tune in and subscribe for more conversations with the brightest minds in life sciences. 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐔𝐒: ▶ Website: [https://www.kbic.com/recruiting/] ▶ LinkedIn: [ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpietrack] ▶ Have you seen all of our playlists? [https://www.youtube.com/@ThePharmaversePodcast/playlists ] ▶ Also, join the private LinkedIn Job Board: MSL Job Board
July 27 · 20 min
Why KOLs Trust Some MSLs... And Ignore Others | John Chandy on Building Lasting Relationships
How do the best Medical Science Liaisons build lasting relationships with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs)? In this episode of the Pharmaverse Podcast, host Michael Pietrack sits down with experienced field medical leader John Chandy to discuss the relationship-building skills that separate exceptional MSLs from everyone else. John shares practical strategies for developing authentic rapport with healthcare providers, creating long-term trust, gathering meaningful medical insights, and avoiding the common mistakes that damage credibility. Whether you're an aspiring MSL preparing for interviews or an experienced Medical Science Liaison looking to strengthen KOL relationships, this episode is packed with actionable advice. In this episode you'll learn: Why "Relationships, Relationships, Relationships" are the foundation of MSL success How to build rapport with KOLs without appearing transactional Practical conversation starters that create authentic connections Using AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini to prepare for HCP meetings The biggest mistakes that quietly destroy trust with healthcare providers Why follow-through is one of the most important qualities hiring managers evaluate How strong relationships lead to higher-quality field insights The importance of listening more than speaking during scientific exchange Advice for aspiring Medical Science Liaisons interviewing for their first MSL role If you're pursuing a career in Field Medical Affairs, Medical Science Liaison, Medical Affairs Leadership, or Pharmaceutical Medical Affairs, this conversation provides real-world guidance from someone who has hired and mentored successful MSLs. 👍 Like, subscribe, and share if you're looking for practical Medical Affairs career advice and insights from industry leaders.
July 20 · 32 min
The Delegation Mistake That Destroys Team Motivation | Conor Neill on Leadership
Why do some leaders inspire high-performing teams while others unintentionally destroy motivation? In this episode of The Pharmaverse Podcast, host Michael Pietrack welcomes internationally respected leadership expert Conor Neill for a powerful conversation on leadership, communication, delegation, motivation, resilience, and building trust. Conor explains why leadership isn't about having all the answers—it's about helping people move forward through uncertainty. He shares practical frameworks for evaluating team members based on motivation and competence, explains the critical difference between effective delegation and simply dumping work on employees, and reveals why recognition remains one of the most overlooked leadership responsibilities. The discussion also explores authentic storytelling, journaling for better decision-making, empathy, purposeful action, and the influence of Viktor Frankl on finding meaning during difficult seasons. Whether you lead Medical Science Liaisons, Medical Affairs teams, biotech organizations, healthcare professionals, or any business team, these leadership principles apply across every industry. 📙 What You Will Learn: ✔ The delegation mistake that quietly destroys team motivation ✔ How to use the Motivation vs. Competence Framework to develop people ✔ Why storytelling builds trust before driving change ✔ The difference between delegating and simply assigning work ✔ Why recognition is one of a leader's most powerful responsibilities ✔ How authentic communication strengthens leadership ✔ Why journaling improves decision-making during uncertainty ✔ How empathy helps people grow through challenges ✔ Why action creates results while intention creates comfort ✔ How purpose and resilience help leaders navigate difficult seasons 💡 Great leaders don't create followers—they create confident, motivated people who continue growing long after the conversation ends. 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, like, subscribe, and share it with a leader who wants to build stronger, more motivated teams.
July 13 · 16 min
Jamie Edwards on What Separates Top-Tier MSLs From Average Ones
How do top Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) prepare for successful KOL meetings before they ever walk through the door? In this episode of The Pharmaverse Podcast for MSLs, host Michael sits down with veteran Medical Science Liaison Jamie Edwards, who shares the pre-call planning strategies that helped him build trusted relationships with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) over a 20+ year MSL career. Jamie breaks down the research, preparation, and relationship-building techniques that separate average MSLs from exceptional ones. From identifying what your organization actually needs to learn, to researching a KOL's clinical interests and personal passions, this conversation provides practical advice that every aspiring and experienced MSL can apply immediately. You'll also learn why relationship-building begins long before the first meeting—and why respecting a physician's time may be one of the most valuable skills an MSL can develop. In this episode you'll learn: How to prepare for your first KOL meeting The MSL pre-call planning framework What information is actually worth researching How to build authentic rapport with KOLs Finding common ground without forcing small talk Best practices for first outreach emails and introductions How to earn follow-up meetings naturally Why flexibility matters more than rigid call plans CRM and Veeva documentation best practices How top MSLs build lasting scientific relationships Whether you're an aspiring MSL, a new Medical Science Liaison, or a seasoned field medical professional looking to strengthen your KOL engagement strategy, this episode is packed with practical insights you can implement immediately. Subscribe for more conversations with Medical Affairs leaders, experienced MSLs, and industry experts. #MSL #MedicalScienceLiaison #MedicalAffairs #KOL #FieldMedical #Pharma #Biotech #ClinicalResearch #Healthcare #PharmaceuticalIndustry #CareerDevelopment #InsideMSL #PharmaversePodcast 📙 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐔𝐒: ▶ Website: [https://www.kbic.com/recruiting/] ▶ LinkedIn: [ / michaelpietrack ] ▶ Have you seen all of our playlists? [ / @thepharmaversepodcast ] ▶ Also, join the private LinkedIn Job Board: MSL Job Board 📙Hashtags: #shorts #pharmaverse #leadership #healthcare #innovation #shorts #pharmaverse #leadership #healthcare #healthcareinnovation #podcastclip #mindset #courage #leadershipdevelopment #innovationleadership #executiveleadership #teamcommunication #difficultconversations #professionalgrowth #healthcareleaders #workplaceleadership #changemanagement 📙Keywords: pharmaversePodcast, healthcareLeadership, innovationMindset, difficultConversations, courageInLeadership, healthcareInnovation, leadershipGrowth, honestCommunication, executiveMindset, 📙 𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎𝐒: ▶ • • Season 1, Episode 3: Stepping Outside of Y... ▶ • • Season 1, Episode 3: Stepping Outside of Y... ▶ • • Season 1, Episode 4: Climbing Your Interna...
July 6 · 30 min
The Executive Mindset Separating Good Leaders from Great Ones
Leadership isn't about giving orders. It's about understanding your team, adapting your communication style, and creating an environment where people can succeed. In this episode of the Pharmaverse Podcast, Michael Pietrack sits down with Jonas Hylton, PharmD, Founder & CEO of Executive Biotech Advisors, to discuss the leadership principles he developed during more than 25 years in pharmaceutical and biotech leadership. Jonas shares practical frameworks that leaders can immediately apply to build stronger teams, improve communication, motivate employees, and become more effective managers. In this episode you'll learn: • Why the best leaders lead by example • How to truly understand your employees before setting expectations • The "See One, Do One, Teach One" leadership model • Why feedback should be personalized for every employee • The difference between Visionaries and Implementers • The 80/20 leadership rule • The power of asking "What's In It For Me?" (WIIFM) • How emotional intelligence improves leadership • Common leadership mistakes to avoid • Advice Jonas wishes he'd learned earlier in his career Whether you lead a pharmaceutical team, biotech company, healthcare organization, or any business, these leadership strategies can help you motivate employees, improve performance, and build a stronger culture. Subscribe to Pharmaverse for more conversations with pharmaceutical, biotech, and healthcare leaders sharing real-world insights that help professionals grow their careers.
June 22 · 31 min
How to Execute Strategy in Fast-Changing Industries | Mike Banville
n this episode of the Pharmaverse Podcast, Mike Banville shares powerful insights on what separates good leaders from exceptional ones. From executive communication to organizational culture, Mike explains why leadership isn’t just about vision, it’s about translating strategy into measurable execution. We explore why listening is one of the most underrated leadership skills, how successful leaders navigate uncertainty, and what it takes to build alignment across teams in fast-moving industries like biotech and healthcare. In this episode: ✔ Why listening is a leadership superpower ✔ How to turn strategy into execution ✔ Building strong organizational culture ✔ Decision-making in uncertain environments ✔ Leading through change and complexity Whether you're a biotech executive, founder, manager, or aspiring leader, this conversation offers practical frameworks you can apply immediately. Subscribe for more conversations on biotech, pharma leadership, and career growth. #Leadership #Strategy #Execution #Biotech #Pharma #Management #DecisionMaking #ExecutiveLeadership #OrganizationalCulture Show Notes / Chapters 00:00 Intro & welcome 01:42 Meet Mike Banville 04:25 Why listening matters in leadership 09:18 Strategy vs execution 15:06 Turning ideas into measurable outcomes 22:40 Building organizational alignment 30:12 Culture in remote vs in-person teams 38:55 Decision-making under uncertainty 46:20 Adaptability and navigating change 53:11 Final leadership lessons 📙 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐔𝐒: ▶ Website: [https://www.kbic.com/recruiting/] ▶ LinkedIn: [ / michaelpietrack ] ▶ Have you seen all of our playlists? [ / @thepharmaversepodcast ] ▶ Also, join the private LinkedIn Job Board: MSL Job Board 📙Hashtags: #shorts #pharmaverse #leadership #healthcare #innovation #shorts #pharmaverse #leadership #healthcare #healthcareinnovation #podcastclip #mindset #courage #leadershipdevelopment #innovationleadership #executiveleadership #teamcommunication #difficultconversations #professionalgrowth #healthcareleaders #workplaceleadership #changemanagement 📙Keywords: pharmaversePodcast, healthcareLeadership, innovationMindset, difficultConversations, courageInLeadership, healthcareInnovation, leadershipGrowth, honestCommunication, executiveMindset,
June 8 · 29 min
What Biotech Leaders Can Learn from Ballet, Engineering, and Wall Street | Kelly Gold
In this episode of the Pharmavers Podcast, Michael Pietrack sits down with Kelly Gold, Chief Financial Officer of Camp4 Therapeutics, to discuss her unconventional path from mechanical engineer and competitive dancer to biotech CFO. Kelly shares how designing Biosafety Level 4 laboratories taught her to identify risks, eliminate single points of failure, and develop contingency plans that now guide her financial leadership. She also explains why engineers often make exceptional business leaders and how competitive dance helped shape her resilience, adaptability, and executive presence. The conversation dives into one of the biggest questions facing the life sciences industry today: Why has biotech experienced a prolonged market downturn since the pandemic, and are we finally seeing signs of recovery? Kelly offers a CFO's perspective on capital flows, investor sentiment, M&A activity, IPO markets, and what "normal" might look like for biotech moving forward. You'll also hear practical leadership advice that managers can implement immediately, including why senior leaders should talk less in meetings and create more space for their teams to contribute. Key topics include: • Leadership lessons from competitive dance • Engineering principles applied to financial leadership • Managing risk in biotech and public companies • The biotech funding slowdown and market recovery outlook • Transitioning from private company to public company CFO • Building trust across legal, IP, finance, and business development teams • Women in executive leadership • Balancing family life and C-suite responsibilities • Camp4 Therapeutics' upcoming clinical milestones Whether you're a biotech executive, aspiring leader, investor, or industry professional, this episode offers valuable insights on leadership, resilience, and navigating uncertainty in today's life sciences landscape.
May 25 · 31 min
From Africa’s AIDS Crisis to Global Pharma Leadership | Dr. Eslie Dennis
What shapes a great leader? For Dr. Leslie Dennis, it began on the frontlines of Africa’s AIDS epidemic. In this powerful episode of the Pharmaverse Podcast, Michael Pietrack sits down with Dr. Eslie Dennis, Global Head of Medical Affairs at Kyowa Kirin, to explore a journey spanning medicine, leadership, resilience, and purpose. Dr. Dennis shares unforgettable stories from treating AIDS patients in Zimbabwe during the HIV/AIDS crisis, including the heartbreaking reality of caring for abandoned infants and how those experiences shaped her leadership philosophy in the pharmaceutical industry. You’ll also hear her candid advice on: ✅ Leading with patients at the center ✅ Why “No is a complete sentence” ✅ Hiring beyond the résumé in the AI era ✅ Women in leadership and career advancement ✅ Building meaningful careers through mentorship and curiosity ✅ Turning hardship into purpose-driven leadership Whether you work in pharma, healthcare, leadership, or simply want insight from someone who has led through humanity and compassion, this episode delivers unforgettable lessons. ⏱️ In this episode: 00:00 Growing up in Africa & childhood lessons 05:09 Why Dr. Dennis became a physician 09:48 Treating patients during the AIDS epidemic 13:47 How tragedy shaped her leadership style 16:40 Women in leadership & pharma careers 22:04 “No is a complete sentence” leadership advice 23:40 Hiring talent beyond the résumé 27:16 The legacy she hopes to leave 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations with pharmaceutical leaders, innovators, and executives shaping the future of healthcare. #Leadership #Pharma #MedicalAffairs #HealthcareLeadership #WomenInLeadership #CareerGrowth #PharmaceuticalIndustry #Podcast #HIV #AIDSAwareness
May 12 · 32 min
The Leadership Playbook Behind Pharma Success | John O’Donnell Interview
In this episode of the Pharmaverse Podcast, host Michael Pietrack sits down with John O’Donnell, VP of Global HEOR at Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, for a deep conversation on leadership, AI in pharma, hiring elite teams, emotional intelligence, and the future of healthcare innovation. John shares hard-earned lessons from decades in the pharmaceutical industry, including how great leaders make difficult decisions, why listening matters more than speaking, and how AI is beginning to transform Health Economics & Outcomes Research (HEOR). From Abraham Lincoln’s “Team of Rivals” leadership philosophy to modern biotech challenges, this episode is packed with insights for pharma leaders, biotech professionals, and aspiring executives. In This Episode: The biggest challenges facing pharma today How AI is transforming HEOR and biotech Leadership lessons from Abraham Lincoln Why emotional intelligence matters in leadership How to hire and retain top pharma talent The importance of evidence-based decision-making Building high-performing biotech teams Navigating pricing pressures and healthcare policy changes Why storytelling matters in pharma leadership Creating a culture of rigor, ethics, and innovation Timestamps 00:00 Intro & Leadership Philosophy 02:12 John’s Role at Madrigal Pharmaceuticals 04:13 Biggest Challenges Facing Pharma 06:35 Opportunities in Pharma & Healthcare 07:30 Early Leadership Lessons 11:32 Influences & Leadership Inspiration 15:13 Mentors & Evidence-Based Thinking 17:55 Emotional Intelligence & Leadership Style 21:24 Hiring Great Talent in Pharma 25:50 How AI Is Transforming HEOR & Pharma 30:01 Final Thoughts & Closing Subscribe for More If you’re a leader or aspiring leader in pharma, biotech, or healthcare, subscribe for conversations with top industry executives sharing real-world leadership insights and career advice. #Pharma #Biotech #Leadership #ArtificialIntelligence #HEOR #Healthcare #PharmaceuticalIndustry #AI #BiotechLeadership #MadrigalPharmaceuticals #ExecutiveLeadership #Hiring #DrugDevelopment #LifeSciences #podcastclip 📙 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐔𝐒: ▶ Website: [https://www.kbic.com/recruiting/] ▶ LinkedIn: [ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpietrack] ▶ Have you seen all of our playlists? [https://www.youtube.com/@ThePharmaversePodcast/playlists ] ▶ Also, join the private LinkedIn Job Board: MSL Job Board 📙Hashtags: #shorts #pharmaverse #leadership #healthcare #innovation #shorts #pharmaverse #leadership #healthcare #healthcareinnovation #podcastclip #mindset #courage #leadershipdevelopment #innovationleadership #executiveleadership #teamcommunication #difficultconversations #professionalgrowth #healthcareleaders #workplaceleadership #changemanagement 📙Keywords: pharmaversePodcast, healthcareLeadership, innovationMindset, difficultConversations, courageInLeadership, healthcareInnovation, leadershipGrowth, honestCommunication, executiveMindset, 📙 𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎𝐒: ▶ • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkA-Rz6BM9o&t=0s ▶ • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkA-Rz6BM9o&t=0s ▶ • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0bsuyHOof8&t=0s *Thanks for visiting*
April 27 · 32 min
The Pharma Leader Nobody Expected | Alex Albuquerque
Welcome to The Pharmaverse Podcast, where host Michael Pietrack interviews top leaders in the pharma industry. This episode features Alex Albuquerque, MD, PhD, a true star in the field. If you're passionate about healthcare and career growth, you're in the right place to learn from the best in medical affairs and biotechnology. What do wine, dog psychology, cancer survival, global leadership, and pharma strategy have in common? In this fascinating episode of the Pharmaverse Podcast, Michael sits down with Alex Albuquerque, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer and Head of Medical Affairs, for one of the most unique leadership conversations we’ve ever had. Alex’s path is anything but ordinary: physician, scientist, attorney, sommelier, former dog breeder and judge, global executive, and cancer survivor. Through stories from Brazil, Italy, Asia, and the United States, Alex shares the leadership principles that shaped his career and worldview. From learning discipline under a Nobel Prize winner to discovering how adversity creates strength, this episode is filled with practical wisdom for anyone leading teams in pharma, biotech, or business. Most powerfully, Alex reflects on surviving stage three cancer and how becoming a patient transformed the way he leads, thinks, and lives. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:40 Why Alex has so many passions 05:00 Leadership lessons from family 08:00 Lessons from a Nobel Prize winner 13:00 Leadership is like wine 22:00 What dogs teach about leadership 25:00 Cancer changed my life forever 29:00 Predictive Index and leading personalities 32:00 Final thoughts Get weekly conversations with the brightest minds in pharma, biotech, and healthcare leadership. #Leadership #Pharma #Biotech #MedicalAffairs #CareerGrowth #Podcast #ExecutiveLeadership #CancerSurvivor #Motivation #Success
April 13 · 38 min
How Authentic Leaders Win Trust in Pharma | Dr. Christiane Langer
In this episode of the Farm Averse Podcast, host Michael Petrarch sits down with Dr. Christiane Langer, SVP of Clinical and Medical Affairs at Secure Bio, for a candid conversation on what authentic leadership really means in today’s pharmaceutical industry. Dr. Langer shares why authenticity is often misunderstood, how vulnerability can build stronger teams, and why personal branding matters more than ever for leaders. She also opens up about balancing career ambition with motherhood, navigating corporate culture across Europe and the U.S., and using life experiences to inspire others. This episode is packed with practical leadership wisdom, career advice, and a refreshing perspective on bringing your full self to work. What You’ll Learn in This Episode What authentic leadership actually looks like in practice Why vulnerability can strengthen trust and team culture How to build a genuine personal brand on LinkedIn The difference between oversharing and meaningful storytelling Lessons from balancing executive leadership and parenthood How women leaders can find mentorship, support, and community Key cultural differences between leadership in Europe vs. the U.S. Why career success doesn’t require sacrificing who you are Memorable Topics Discussed Dr. Langer’s journey from physician to senior biotech executive Wearing tattoos in the boardroom and redefining executive image Supporting women in leadership roles Career regrets, family priorities, and long-term success How personal stories resonate more than polished corporate messaging About the Guest Dr. Christiane Langer is a physician executive and pharmaceutical leader with extensive global experience in clinical development, medical affairs, and executive leadership. She currently serves as SVP of Clinical and Medical Affairs at Secure Bio. Powered By K Bassman International Executive Biotech Advisors Tags / Keywords pharma leadership, biotech leadership, authentic leadership, personal branding, women in pharma, pharmaceutical careers, biotech executives, LinkedIn branding, executive leadership, medical affairs, Christiane Langer, leadership podcast
March 30 · 34 min
How Great Pharma Leaders Lead with Empathy | Heather Paprstein
In this episode of the Pharmaverse Podcast, we sit down with Heather Paprstein, Senior Director of Oncology Medical Affairs at Corsair Therapeutics, to explore what it truly means to lead with empathy in the pharmaceutical industry. Heather shares her journey from oncology nurse to senior pharma leader, and breaks down the practical leadership skills needed to grow teams, navigate medical affairs, and build a meaningful career in biotech. If you're a current or aspiring leader in pharma, biotech, or medical affairs — this episode is packed with actionable insights you can apply immediately. 🚀 What You’ll Learn: Why empathy is a critical leadership skill in pharma Practical ways to develop and support your team The evolving role of medical affairs in biotech How Heather’s background in nursing shaped her leadership style Lessons on career growth, mentorship, and influence What the future of pharma leadership looks like 👤 About Our Guest: Heather Paprstein is the Senior Director of Oncology Medical Affairs at Corsair Therapeutics, with a background in oncology nursing and a passion for developing people-centered leadership in healthcare. 🎧 About the Podcast: The Pharmavers Podcast interviews top leaders across the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, bringing you insights on leadership, innovation, and career growth. Powered by K Bassman International Sponsored by Executive Biotech Advisors 🔔 Don’t Forget: 👍 Like the video 💬 Comment your biggest takeaway
March 16 · 30 min
Season 3: Episode 6 Why Great Leaders Give More Than They Take | Bob Burg
What makes a truly great leader? In this episode of the PharmaVerse Podcast, host Michael Petrarch sits down with bestselling author Bob Burg, co-author of the global phenomenon The Go-Giver, to explore the timeless principles behind extraordinary leadership, influence, and success. Bob shares the Five Laws of Stratospheric Success—a powerful framework that has influenced leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals around the world. These principles reveal why the most successful people focus on creating value, serving others, and building authentic trust. Whether you're leading a team, building a career, or aspiring to influence others, this conversation will reshape how you think about success. You’ll learn: Why giving value first is the foundation of success How great leaders build influence through trust The difference between push leadership vs. pull leadership Why authenticity matters more than ever The surprising reason many people struggle with receiving success Bob also shares insights from decades of working with leaders, entrepreneurs, and organizations around the world. If you want to become the kind of leader people want to follow, this episode is for you. ⏱️ Episode Highlights 00:00 – Introduction to the PharmaVerse Podcast 00:37 – Why Bob Burg was a dream guest 01:25 – The impact of The Go-Giver 02:17 – How the Five Laws of Stratospheric Success were created 04:09 – Law #1: The Law of Value 07:07 – What really motivates employees 11:10 – Law #2: The Law of Compensation 12:46 – Law #3: The Law of Influence 15:07 – Push vs Pull leadership 20:03 – Law #4: Authenticity in leadership 23:23 – Learning from others without losing yourself 24:51 – Law #5: The Law of Receptivity 27:35 – Practicing what you preach as a leader 29:07 – Final thoughts and leadership lessons 👤 About Bob Burg Bob Burg is a bestselling author, speaker, and thought leader, best known as the co-author of The Go-Giver, which has sold over 1 million copies worldwide and been translated into dozens of languages. His work focuses on leadership, influence, and creating value through service. 📚 Learn more: https://burg.com 🎙️ About the Podcast The PharmaVerse Podcast features conversations with top leaders across the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, sharing insights on leadership, career growth, and innovation. 🔔 Subscribe for More Leadership Insights
March 2 · 24 min
Season 3, Episode 5: Leadership Masterclass with Paul Ward
Join Michael Pietrack and Paul Ward, Executive Director of BeOne Medicines,, for a comprehensive Pharma Leadership Masterclass. This three-part series dives deep into the real-world leadership lessons Paul has learned over 25+ years in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. 📙In this video, you’ll learn: ▪️Early leadership experiences and lessons from sports and school ▪️Transitioning from peer to manager while building trust ▪️Mentorship lessons from Suzanne Lawrence and other influential leaders ▪️Leadership insights from marriage and personal life ▪️How to coach teams through self-discovery rather than dictating ▪️Managing crucial conversations without confrontation ▪️Preparing for leadership roles beyond your current job ▪️The 1-3-1 framework for problem-solving and decision-making ▪️How to play the long game and develop influence in pharma 📙This masterclass is perfect for: ▪️Aspiring leaders in pharma and biotech ▪️MSLs, medical affairs, and field directors ▪️First-time managers looking to level up ▪️Anyone wanting to enhance trust, mentorship, and problem-solving skills 🎧 Powered by K-Global International 🎯 Sponsored by Executive Biotech Advisors 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell to watch the full Pharma Leadership Series. 📙Hashtags: #Leadership #PharmaLeadership #MedicalAffairs #PharmaversePodcast #PharmaLeadership #PaulWirth #MedicalAffairs #MSLLeadership #TrustInLeadership #MentorshipMatters #CrucialConversations #ProblemSolving #LeadershipPodcast #BiotechLeadership #PharmaCareers #ExecutiveLeadership #PeopleManagement #LeadershipLessons #SelfDiscovery #TeamLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #FieldMedicalAffairs #Veeva #CareerGrowth #AspiringLeaders #CorporateLeadership #LeadershipJourney #ProfessionalGrowth #LeadershipSkills #LeadershipWisdom #LeadershipAdvice #PharmaProfessionals #HealthcareLeadership #LeadershipTips #ManagementSkills #RookieManager #LongGameLeadership #LeadershipInfluence #CoachingTips #TeamManagement
February 16 · 27 min
Season 3, Episode 4: Tackling as a Team with Toby Patterson
Leadership Lessons from Pharma: Building High-Performance Culture, Curiosity & Collective Intelligence | Pharmaverse Podcast In this episode of the Pharmaverse Podcast, host Michael Petrack sits down with renowned medical affairs leader Dr. Toby Patterson, former SVP of Global Medical Affairs at Genentech and GSK, to explore powerful leadership lessons from pharma, sports, and life. They discuss how great leaders “lead through the problem,” build principled cultures that outlive them, and create high-performing teams through collective intelligence, diversity of thought, and meaningful rituals. Drawing lessons from rugby, the All Blacks, and real-world executive leadership, Toby shares why curiosity is the most important leadership trait today and how failure, recovery, and shared mission create both performance and joy at scale. This episode is a must-watch for pharma leaders, biotech executives, aspiring managers, and anyone interested in leadership, culture, and organizational excellence. 🎧 Subscribe to Pharmaverse Podcast for more leadership insights from top pharma and biotech executives. 🟨Hashtags: #Leadership #PharmaLeadership #MedicalAffairs #PharmaversePodcast #TobyPatterson #MichaelPetrack #PharmaceuticalIndustry #BiotechLeadership #ExecutiveLeadership #HighPerformanceTeams #LeadershipDevelopment #CorporateCulture #TeamCulture #CollectiveIntelligence #CuriosityInLeadership #PrincipledLeadership #FailureAndRecovery #RugbyLeadership #AllBlacksMindset #DiversityOfThought #OrganizationalCulture #CultureBuilding #LeadershipPodcast #PharmaCareers #BiotechCareers #SVPLeadership #MedicalLeadership #LeadershipLessons #FutureLeaders #PeopleLeadership #TrustAndCulture #ExecutiveInsights #LeadershipMindset #TeamBuilding #PharmaPodcast #GrowthMindset #WorkplaceCulture #LeadershipTalk #BusinessLeadership #innovationculture 🟨Keywords: PharmaversePodcastgenentech, pharmaverse podcast, pharma executive leadership, building high performance teams, leadership lessons pharma, corporate culture leadership, collective intelligence teams, curiosity leadership, principled leadership, pharma careers leadership, biotech leadership podcast, organizational culture pharma, team culture building, leadership failure recovery, rugby leadership lessons, all blacks leadership culture, diversity of thought leadership, medical affairs svp, genentech leadership insights, gsk leadership culture, executive leadership podcast, pharmaceutical management, leadership development podcast, how to build team culture, scaling leadership culture, leadership mindset pharma, innovation leadership culture, people leadership skills
February 2 · 24 min
How to Accelerate Cancer Cures Through Collaboration with Kirk V. Shepard, MD
Join host Michael Pietrack on the Pharmaverse Podcast as he speaks with Dr. Kirk Shepard, Chief Medical Officer of PDS Biotechnology, co-founder of the Medical Affairs Professional Society (MAPS), and creator of the Oncology Voices Network (OBN). 📙In this episode, they discuss: ▪️The inspiration behind the Oncology Voices Network and its mission to unite cross-functional stakeholders in oncology. ▪️Insights from the bestselling book “Voices of Oncology” and how collaboration accelerates cancer drug development. ▪️Dr. Shepard’s career journey, leadership lessons, and the importance of mentorship. ▪️How theater and athletics shaped his approach to teamwork, communication, and leadership. ▪️The evolving role of medical affairs in pharma, including the impact of AI and digital transformation. Whether you’re a leader in pharma, an aspiring professional, or passionate about oncology innovation, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you grow your career and contribute meaningfully to cancer research. Resources mentioned: Oncology Voices Network: https://oncologynetwork.com Voices of Oncology (Amazon Bestseller): [Link to book] 🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe to the PharmaVerse Podcast for more interviews with industry leaders. 🟨 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐔𝐒: ▶ Website: [https://www.kbic.com/recruiting/] ▶ LinkedIn: [ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpietrack] ▶ Have you seen all of our playlists? [https://www.youtube.com/@ThePharmaversePodcast/playlists ] ▶ Also, join the private LinkedIn Job Board: MSL Job Board
January 19 · 23 min
Season 3, Episode 2: Comfortable With The Uncomfortable with Shetal Vyas
In this powerful episode of the Pharmaverse Podcast, host Michael Pietrack sits down with Shetal Vyas, Senior Vice President of Commercial Strategy and Development at Ardelyx, to explore what authentic leadership really means in today’s pharmaceutical industry. From immigrating to the United States at the age of seven to leading high-pressure pharma launches, Shetal Vyas shares deeply personal stories that shaped her leadership philosophy. She explains how learning to get comfortable with the uncomfortable, embracing authenticity, building emotional intelligence (EQ), and leading with courage can transform both personal growth and professional success. This episode is a must-watch for pharmaceutical leaders, biotech professionals, and anyone aspiring to lead with confidence, empathy, and impact. Learn how listening more than talking, coaching instead of commanding, and bringing your full self to work can elevate your leadership journey. 👉 Subscribe for more leadership insights from top voices across the pharma and biotech universe. 🟨 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐔𝐒: ▶ Website: [https://www.kbic.com/recruiting/] ▶ LinkedIn: [ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpietrack] ▶ Have you seen all of our playlists? [https://www.youtube.com/@ThePharmaversePodcast/playlists ] ▶ Also, join the private LinkedIn Job Board: MSL Job Board 👋 Thanks for visiting my Channel✨
January 5 · 22 min
Season 3, Episode 1: Building a People-First Culture with John Harlow
Season 3, Episode 1: Building a People-First Culture with John Harlow Join Michael Petrack and John Harlow, a senior commercial leader in the pharmaceutical industry, as they explore how to create a people-first culture in Pharma. Gain actionable leadership insights on balancing performance with empathy, hiring for culture fit, fostering curiosity, and driving team success. Learn practical tips for supporting underperforming team members, cultivating competitiveness, and instilling a growth mindset. Essential listening for Pharma leaders and aspiring leaders aiming to elevate their leadership skills. 🟨 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐔𝐒: ▶ Website: [https://www.kbic.com/recruiting/] ▶ LinkedIn: [ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpietrack] ▶ Have you seen all of our playlists? [https://www.youtube.com/@ThePharmaversePodcast/playlists ] ▶ Also, join the private LinkedIn Job Board: MSL Job Board
Dec 15, 2025 · 20 min
Season 2, Episode 24: The Growth Equation with Allison Trucillo
In this episode of the Pharmaverse Podcast, host Michael Pietrack sits down with Allison Trucillo, MD, Vice President of Medical Affairs at Avalon Pharma, to explore what it truly means to lead with a growth mindset in the Pharmaceutical industry. Allison shares her inspiring career journey from physician to pharma executive, discusses the powerful growth equation (stress + rest = growth), and explains how taking calculated risks, leveraging mentors, affirmations, and stepping outside your comfort zone can accelerate both personal and professional development. This conversation is a must-watch for Pharma leaders, medical affairs professionals, physicians entering industry, and anyone striving to become the best version of themselves. 🟨 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐔𝐒: ▶ Website: [https://www.kbic.com/recruiting/] ▶ LinkedIn: [ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpietrack] ▶ Have you seen all of our playlists? [https://www.youtube.com/@ThePharmaversePodcast/playlists ] ▶ Also, join the private LinkedIn Job Board: MSL Job Board