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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
  • Updated Yesterday

Episodes66

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  • Mar 18, 2024 · 33 min

    Season 1, Episode 6: Leadership Masterclass with Stephen Dodge

    Welcome back to the Pharmaverse! In Episode 6 our host Michael Pietrack sits down with Stephen Dodge, SVP of Global Medical Affairs at Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, about his leadership journey in the pharmaceutical industry. Stephen shares his early career experiences and how he quickly moved up the ranks from an MSL to a regional director. He provides insights into his strategic approach to career advancement and offers tips for hiring talent. Stephen also discusses the differences in leadership styles between small and large companies and the importance of understanding the payer environment. He shares his experience transitioning into a managed care health system liaison role and highlights the value of leadership development. The episode concludes with encouraging words for aspiring leaders. 🚀 Take calculated risks and be willing to take on new challenges to advance your career. 🔥 Develop leadership skills and seek opportunities for leadership development. 🔍 Be clear about what you are looking for when hiring talent and involve others in the interview process. 🏢 Adapt your leadership style to the size and structure of the company. 💼 Understand the payer environment and the impact it has on the pharmaceutical industry. 💪 Build strong relationships and advocate for the development of medical leaders. 🌟 Approach your career as a jungle gym, not a ladder, and be patient in your journey. 💡 Believe in yourself and your abilities, and don't be discouraged by the pace of your career progression. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:24 Early Career and Leadership Journey 03:42 Tips for Hiring Talent 06:52 Leadership Styles in Different Company Sizes 19:21 Transitioning to Managed Care Health System Liaison Role 25:16 Leadership Insights from Ken Massey 29:41 Encouragement for Aspiring Leaders 32:05 Conclusion Enjoy this episode, and be sure to check out our other episodes, comment and subscribe if you enjoyed!

  • Mar 4, 2024 · 33 min

    Season 1 Episode 5: Bravery in the Face of Risks with Shawn Leland

    🎙️ Thanks for joining our channel, in episode 5 of the Pharmaverse podcast, our host Michael Pietrack interviews Shawn Leland, a successful entrepreneur in the pharmaceutical industry. Leland shares his journey from the Rutgers Industry Fellowship to founding his own biotech company, Elevation Oncology. He discusses the challenges he faced and offers words of encouragement for aspiring leaders. The conversation highlights the importance of determination, networking, and taking risks in career advancement. Leland also addresses the challenges facing the pharma industry, such as financing and access to precision medicine. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights for professionals in the pharmaceutical industry. Takeaways 📝 • Determination, networking, and taking risks are key factors in career advancement. • Access to precision medicine and financing are major challenges in the pharma industry. • Hiring A+ talent and test driving hires can lead to successful recruitment. • Being brave and taking the leap can lead to rewarding opportunities and life-changing experiences. Chapters 🕒 00:00 - Introduction 01:11 - Journey to the Rutgers Industry Fellowship 04:02 - The Impact of the Fellowship Program 05:17 - Transitioning from MSL to Business Development 10:45 - Founding Elevation Oncology 15:48 - Challenges of Starting a Company 20:31 - Hiring Strategies for a Growing Startup 24:21 - Challenges Facing the Pharma Industry 27:31 - Future Challenges for Pharma 30:07 - Words of Encouragement for Career Advancement 33:04 - Conclusion Thanks for watching our channel!

  • Feb 19, 2024 · 32 min

    Season 1, Episode 4: Climbing Your Internal Everest with Samuel Blackman

    In this episode of the Pharmaverse podcast, host Michael Pietrack interviews Samuel Blackman, the co-founder and head of R&D at Day One Biopharmaceuticals. Sam shares his experience trekking to Mount Everest Base Camp and the leadership insights he gained from the journey. The conversation covers topics such as vulnerability, facing fears, asking for help, and overcoming obstacles. Sam emphasizes the importance of authenticity and storytelling in leadership and offers recommendations for those seeking personal and professional growth. Overall, the episode provides valuable lessons and inspiration for leaders in the pharmaceutical industry. Takeaways: -Authenticity and vulnerability are essential in leadership, allowing for deeper connections and support among team members. -Facing fears and asking for help are signs of strength, not weakness, and can lead to personal and professional growth. -Overcoming obstacles requires examining the situation, identifying what is holding you back, and finding creative solutions. -Storytelling is a powerful tool in leadership, enabling effective communication and creating emotional connections. Chapters: 03:42 Leadership lessons from trekking to Mount Everest Base Camp 06:55 The importance of vulnerability and authenticity in leadership 08:21 Facing fears and the power of asking for help 14:34 Overcoming obstacles and not giving up 22:08 Applying lessons from Mount Everest to leadership challenges 26:32 The power of storytelling in leadership

  • Feb 5, 2024 · 33 min

    Season 1, Episode 3: Stepping Outside of Your Comfort Zone with Michael Geffner

    🎙️ Welcome to Pharmaverse Podcast Episode 3: Unleashing Leadership Potential with Michael Geffner, MD MBA 🌐 In this thought-provoking episode, our host Michael Pietrack engages in a riveting conversation with the accomplished Michael Geffner, Chief Medical Officer and pharma giant! Get ready to dive into the world of pharmaceutical leadership as Geffner shares his invaluable insights and captivating stories from his journey in the industry. 🚀 Key Takeaways: -Stretch Your Limits: Discover why stepping outside your comfort zone is the key to personal and professional growth. -Collaboration is Key: Learn the art of building relationships and collaborating with colleagues from diverse functions. -Surround Yourself with Brilliance: Understand the importance of assembling a team of experts and allowing them the freedom to excel. -Diversity of Thought: Embrace the power of diversity in backgrounds and experiences when forming high-performing teams. -Bridging the Gap: Explore the significance of developing an independent medical affairs function to connect clinical and commercial aspects. 🗣️ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background: Meet Michael Geffner and delve into his rich background. 01:29 Leading Global Clinical Operations: Learn about Geffner's impactful leadership role at Schering-Plough. 06:12 Leadership Lessons: Gain insights from Geffner's mentors, Tom Havardy and Ken Massey. 13:58 Building Great Teams: Explore the secrets behind forming exceptional teams. 17:54 The Importance of Medical Affairs: Understand the critical role it plays in the pharmaceutical landscape. 24:23 Independent Medical Affairs Function: Uncover the necessity of bridging the gap between clinical and commercial. 26:44 Tips for Advancing to Chief Medical Officer Level: Get practical advice for aspiring leaders. 30:54 Book Recommendations: Discover Geffner's top reads for leadership development. 33:01 Conclusion: Wrap up the episode with key insights and takeaways. 📚 Recommended Reading: 'Speed of Trust' by Stephen M. R. Covey 'What Got You Here Won't Get You There' by Marshall Goldsmith

  • Jan 22, 2024 · 30 min

    Season 1, Episode 2: Navigating Pharma Leadership with Robert Azelby

    In this episode of The Pharmaverse Podcast, host Michael Pietrack sits down with Robert Azelby, a distinguished figure with 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. From humble beginnings as a sales rep at Glaxo to ascending to the helm of two biopharma companies, Azelby shares his extraordinary career journey and imparts invaluable wisdom for aspiring leaders. 🚀 Key Discussion Points: Career Evolution: Explore Azelby's career trajectory, including his pivotal role at Amgen and the leadership skills honed in building teams from the ground up. Gain insights into Azelby's experience leading companies, taking them public, and transitioning into a board member role. Industry Reflections: Uncover the current challenges facing pharmaceutical companies and Azelby's perspective on addressing them. Leadership Nuggets: Receive practical advice on seeking feedback, fostering trust within teams, and actively steering your career towards growth. 📚 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:12 Career Journey at Amgen 04:08 Leadership Skills in Building a Team from Scratch 10:37 Leading a Company as CEO 14:21 Taking a Company Public 18:31 Becoming a Board Member 20:09 Challenges Facing Pharma Companies 22:36 Leadership Advice and Insights 27:38 Encouragement for Aspiring Leaders

  • Jan 8, 2024 · 24 min

    Season 1, Episode 1: Leading with Grit and Determination with Jodie Gillon

    Welcome to our inaugural episode of the Pharmaverse Podcast hosted by Michael Pietrack! Today we chat with the dynamic Jodie Gillon, President, and CEO of BioCT. Get ready to dive deep into the world of life sciences and leadership as we unravel BioCT's mission and focus, exploring the captivating journey that led Jodie through Pfizer, Novartis, AstraZeneca, Abeona Therapeutics, Peptilogics, and the helm of a thriving Biotech research organization. Jodie opens up about the challenges female leaders face, drawing from her own experiences. From being a minority in leadership roles to juggling high demand, she opens up about her career journey. Beginning at her early job working for her grandparents' hardware store, and unveiling the foundational leadership skills she gained. Plus, her father's sage advice becomes a compass for aspiring leaders, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating abilities and following trusted mentors. Jodie spills the beans on her unique leadership style, focusing on team development, understanding strengths and weaknesses, and strategically surrounding herself with the right people. We explore the challenges confronting pharma companies, including the intricacies of drug development, FDA approvals, and the impact of price controls. And here's a gem—allowing top talent to explore passions, even outside the company, is a secret sauce for greater success and engagement. Be sure to catch the advice for female leaders to insights on setting up patient advocacy programs. Tune in, to find out Jodie’s book recommendation for leaders navigating tough decisions! Buckle up for our journey into the Pharmaverse, we are so excited for you to join us! Be sure to subscribe to our youtube channel for first access to more content just like this!