Podcast: Being a Life Sciences Leader 

Being a Life Sciences Leader | Season 7 Episode 10

Guest Name: Bill Sibold, Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Deal of the Year Award

Tune in to this episode and learn about the $660 million public offering Madrigal Pharmaceuticals received to deliver novel therapeutics for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Hear from Bill Sibold as he shares his experience leading one of the year's most significant biotech fundraisings, the preparations and strategies behind the raise and how this milestone positions Madrigal to bring innovative treatments to patients.

Being a Life Sciences Leader | Season 7 Episode 9

Guest Name: Senator Devlin Robinson, State Official of the Year Award

Join us as Senator Robinson discusses his key role in passing SB954 - which provides Pennsylvanians better access to personalized treatments following a diagnosis of cancer and other specific diseases through biomarker testing and precision medicine. Learn about Senator Robinson's journey as the bill's prime sponsor, the collaborative efforts to get it unanimously passed in the Senate and what this milestone means for patients and Pennsylvania's healthcare system.

Being a Life Sciences Leader | Season 7 Episode 8

Guest Name: Representative Kyle Mullins, State Official of the Year Award

Tune in to this episode with Representative Mullins, recipient of the 2024 State Official of the Year Award, and learn about his pivotal role in passing HB 1754 - which requires all state-regulated health plans to cover comprehensive biomarker testing. Hear about the personal motivation Representative Mullins had to be the prime sponsor of this bill, the collaborative efforts leading to this near unanimous passage in the House of Representatives and what this milestone means for patients and the Pennsylvania Healthcare system moving forward.

Being a Life Sciences Leader | Season 7 Episode 7

Guest Name: Ben Doranz, PhD, MBA, 2024 Frank Baldino CEO of the Year Award

Tune in to this episode with Ben as he shares the story behind the creation and success of Integral Molecular and Cell Surface Bio. Learn how Ben led the organization through a transformative 2024 from receiving millions in funding to the formation of Cell Surface Bio, their involvement in creating ground-breaking technologies and how they collaborate with local universities and workforce development programs to recruit and nurture talent.

Being a Life Sciences Leader | Season 7 Episode 6

Guest Name: Adrian Rawcliffe, 2024 Patient Impact Award Honoree

Tune in to this episode with Ad as he shares the story behind TECELRA - the first FDA approved engineered cell therapy for a solid tumor. Learn about the journey leading up to this groundbreaking approval, the challenges of bringing a cell therapy to market and the next steps for Adatimmune in the landscape of tumor treatments.

Being a Life Sciences Leader | Season 7 Episode 5

Guest Name: Fred Vogt, 2024 Patient Impact Award Honoree

Tune in to this episode with Fred as he shares the journey behind AMTAGVI - the first FDA approved tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy. Learn about the clinical trial process, how they brought this groundbreaking treatment to market, the impact the Iovance team has on the life sciences industry and how the state of Pennsylvania is supporting Iovance's efforts to treating patients.

Being a Life Sciences Leader | Season 7 Episode 4

Guest Name: Rob Albert, 2024 Patient Impact Award Honoree

This episode features Rob Albert, CEO, B. Braun of America, honoree for the 2024 Patient Impact Award. Hear from Rob and discover how B. Braun took decisive action during Hurricanes Helene and Milton to secure the supply of critical I.V. fluid to hospitals affected by these disasters. Learn how they collaborated with government agencies like the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), navigated challenges, and ensured patients had the necessary resources in a time of crisis.

Being a Life Sciences Leader | Season 7 Episode 3

Guest Name: Adele Oliva, 2025 Hubert J.P. Schoemaker Leadership Award Honoree

This episode features Adele Oliva, the recipient of the 2025 Hubert J.P. Schoemaker Leadership Award. Learn about the impact Adele has made on the life sciences industry in PA supporting the growth of commercial stage healthcare companies. Hear her journey from university to finding a gap in the system that ultimately led to founding 1315 Capital and building a strong team. Meet Adele at the Annual Dinner & Showcase alongside other award honorees, March 12, 2025 at the Philadelphia Museum of Art!

Being a Life Sciences Leader | Season 7 Episode 2

Guest Name: Jeffrey O'Donnell Sr., 2025 John Nash MedTech Leadership Award Honoree

Season 7 of Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast features the 2025 award winners. This episode features Jeffrey O'Donnell Sr., the recipient of the 2025 John Nash MedTech Leadership Award. This award recognizes an outstanding leader in the PA MedTech community who best exemplifies the spirit of innovation. Learn more about Jeffrey and his outstanding accomplishments within the life sciences and meet him at the Annual Dinner & Showcase alongside other award honorees.

Being a Life Sciences Leader | Season 7 Episode 1

Guest Name: Paul Frankhouser, 2025 Scientific Achievement Award Honoree

Season 7 of Being a Life Sciences Leader launches with interviews with our 2025 Annual Award Honorees. Paul Frankhouser will be honored with the 2025 Scientific Achievement Award for his decades of experience bringing innovative technology to patients. Hear how Paul's 42 year career at Arrow International led to his participation in hundreds of patents and how he continues to give his expert advice to organizations in the medical technology space today

Being a Life Sciences Leader | Season 6 Episode 7

Guest Name: Suzanna Masartis

Don't miss the season 6 finale featuring Suzanna Masartis, CEO, Community Liver Alliance. Recorded live at our annual Patient Summit, this special episode showcases Suzanna's insights on the advocacy initiatives led by the Community Liver Alliance. Discover how they amplify the voices of patients, collaborate with various patient groups to create lasting impacts and invest in research.

Being a Life Sciences Leader | Season 6 Episode 6

Guest Name: Kyle Bryant

Episode 6 features Kyle Bryant, Senior Director, rideATAXIA & Spokesperson, Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA). Hear Kyle's inspiring story of living with a rare disease, Friedreich's Ataxia, and how he incorporates his passion of cycling to empower those living with Friedreich's Ataxia and raise funds for research.

Being a Life Sciences Leader | Season 6 Episode 5

Guest Name: Rob Long

Episode 5 features Rob Long, Executive Director, Uplifting Athletes. Rob tells his inspiring story of being a D1 athlete and NFL draft prospect to persevering through a rare form of brain cancer. Tune in to learn more about Rob's experience and how Uplifting Athletes is leveraging the platform of sports to build a community that invests in the lives of people living with rare diseases.

Being a Life Sciences Leader | Season 6 Episode 4

Guest Name: Lesa Brackbill

Episode 4 features Lesa Brackbill, Director of Advocacy, Leukodystrophy Newborn Screening Action Network (LDNBS). Tune in to hear how Lesa and the LDNBS are advancing newborn screening for leukodystrophies, supporting newly-diagnosed families and collaborating with other leukodystrophy groups to inform and coordinate efforts between patients.

Being a Life Sciences Leader | Season 6 Episode 3

Guest Name: Marie Conley, The Conley Cushing's Disease Fund

Episode 3 features Marie Conley, Founder, Conley Cushing’s Disease Fund. Tune in and hear Marie's inspiring story living with a rare disease, her motivation to help others facing rare conditions through her work with the Pennsylvania Rare Disease Advisory Council (PARDAC) and how the Conley Cushing's Disease Fund is contributing to promoting awareness.

Being a Life Sciences Leader | Season 6 Episode 2

Guest Name: Pat Halpin-Murphy and Joanne Grossi, PA Breast Cancer Coalition

Episode 2 features Pat Halpin-Murphy, President & Founder, and Joanne Grossi, Executive Vice President of the PA Breast Cancer Coalition. Listen to their inspiring stories and experiences, the reason they are taking action in the fight against breast cancer and the contributions they have made to finding a cure.

Being a Life Sciences Leader | Season 6 Episode 1

Guest Name: Kristin Smedley, Curing Retinal Blindness Foundation

The latest episode features Kristin Smedley, mother of two children with retinal blindness. Kristin explains how she went from school teacher to advocate, sharing anecdotes of "wins and losses" in her fight for patient access.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 5 Episode 10

Guest Name: John Crowley

In this episode, John Crowley, recipient of the 2024 Hubert J.P. Schoemaker Leadership Award, discusses how his children's diagnosis of a rare disease altered his career path to becoming a leader in the life sciences. Learn more about John's motivation to improve the lives of patients through his new role as President & CEO at BIO.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 5 Episode 9

Guest Name: Jeffrey Dayno, MD

In this episode, Jeff Dayno, MD, recipient of the 2023 Frank Baldino Bioscience CEO of the Year Award, discusses his role as the CEO of Harmony Biosciences. Learn more about the leadership traits Jeff utilizes to combat external challenges, develop treatments for rare diseases and drive growth.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 5 Episode 8

Guest Name: Bradley Campbell

In this episode, Bradley Campbell, President and CEO of Amicus Therapeutics, discusses the approval of Pombiliti + Opfolda for the treatment of eligible adults living with late-onset Pompe disease. Learn more about the future of Amicus Therapeutics and their mission of fighting rare and devastating diseases.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 5 Episode 7

Guest Name: Jon Congleton

A new episode of Being a Life Sciences Leader, honoring the 2023 Deal of the Year recipient, is now available to stream. In this episode, Jon Congleton, President and CEO of Mineralys Therapeutics, discusses the success of raising $192 million during Mineralys' IPO. Learn more about the growth of the company, how they found success in difficult markets, and the future of addressing unmet needs for patients.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 5 Episode 6

Guest Name: Suma & Krish Krishnan

In this episode, Krish Krishnan, Chairman & CEO, and Suma Krishnan, President of Research & Development, discuss Krystal Biotech's VYJUVEK - the first ever FDA approved redosable gene therapy. Learn more about the future of Krystal Biotech and the mission of developing and delivering genetic medicines to patients.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 5 Episode 5

Guest Name: Chrissy Houlahan

In this episode, United States Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan, recipient of the 2023 Federal Official of the Year Award, discusses her role as the first woman ever to represent Pennsylvania's 6th District in Congress. Learn more about Congresswoman Houlahan and how she co-sponsored legislation important to the life sciences, including the American Innovation and R&D Competitiveness Act and the Ensuring Patient Access to Breakthrough Products Act.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 5 Episode 4

Guest Name: Lisa Witte

In this episode, Lisa Witte, organization sponsor of the 2024 Scientific Achievement Award, discusses the characteristics Jerry McGinnis displayed that propelled his successful career. Learn about the progress of scientific achievements throughout Pennsylvania and the impact Jerry's work has made on the medical device community.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 5 Episode 3

Guest Name: David Anderson

David Anderson, recipient of the 2024 John Nash MedTech Leadership Award, discusses his successful career in the medical device field. Learn more about David's exceptional achievements founding multiple companies and advancing innovation.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 5 Episode 2

Guest Name: Pennsylvania State Representative Tim Briggs

A new episode of Being a Life Sciences Leader has just been released. In this episode, Pennsylvania State Representative Tim Briggs, recipient of the 2023 State Official of the Year Award, discusses his role as co-chair of the House Life Sciences Caucus. Learn more about Rep Briggs and how he works to support the life science industry that plays a crucial role in both the local and state economies.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 5 Episode 1

Guest Name: Tim Sullivan - President's Service Award

Tim Sullivan, recipient of the President's Service Award, joins the podcast to discus his remarkable career in government affairs. Learn more about Tim's role in implementing the adoption of significant policy initiatives.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 4, Episode 7

Guest Name: 2023 Wrap Up

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 4, Episode 6

Guest Name: Tom Sellig, MBA

Tom Sellig, MBA, CEO of Adare Pharma Solutions, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of having a vision of collaboration and alignment within an organization. Learn more about Tom's journey in constructing a leadership team and discover key insights into effective decision-making practices.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 4, Episode 5

Guest Name: Randy Hubbell

Randy Hubbell, MBA, former President & CEO of Carmell Corporation, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of humility and persevering as a leader in the life sciences industry. Learn more about Randy's experience in building a culture within a start-up company, his role in creating a new brand identity and how he led a successful transition to a publicly traded company.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 4, Episode 4

Guest Name: Pete DiBattiste, MD

Pete DiBattiste, M.D., President & CEO of Prolocor, joins the podcast to discuss his journey from practicing medicine to pursuing the life sciences industry and the transition from large pharma to a start-up company. Pete emphasizes the importance of building a network and the abundance of scientific advancements inside and outside the walls of big pharma companies.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 4, Episode 3

Guest Name: Al Gianchetti

Al Gianchetti, President & CEO of XyloCor Therapeutics, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of hiring “doers and thinkers,” and how his experience in large pharma helped prepare him for his role as CEO in biotech.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 4, Episode 2

Guest Name: Christopher Burns, PhD

Chris Burns, PhD, President & CEO of Venatorx, joins the podcast and discusses the importance of having confidence in life and leadership. Chris describes his personal journey fighting against external hurdles, the affect psychology has on all aspects of business and his passion for bridging the intersection of science and business.

Season 4 | Episode 1

Guest Name: Jeffrey Dayno, MD

Jeffrey Dayno, MD, President & CEO of Harmony Biosciences, discusses the jump from academia to industry, including how to know the right time to make that decision in your career. Dr. Dayno shares his passion for making a broad impact and and how he took his insights from clinical medicine and applied them as he advanced his career, so that his teams could understand the art and the science of therapeutic decision making.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 3, Episode 8

Guest Name: Maureen Mulvihill, PhD

Hear the ins and outs of starting a small business from Actuated Medical President & CEO Maureen Mulvihill. Maureen shares her expertise at optimizing capital and how utilizing government grants can propel your business forward. Learn how continuing education is important for servant-leaders who strive to make their employees feel secure.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 3, Episode 7

Guest Name: Phil Johnson, Interius Biotherapeutics

Experienced life sciences industry and academia leader Dr. Phil Johnson, CEO of Interius Biotherapeutics, discusses the importance of finding out what your people need to succeed and being an advocate for them. Find out how Phil advanced through his career, aided occasionally by a little bit of luck and by identifying and seizing opportunities.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 3, Episode 6

Guest Name: Joe Truitt

Joe Truitt, CEO of iECURE, gives advice about how to build a culture as a CEO and how focusing on internal company needs leads to external success. As a non-scientist, Joe discusses how to evaluate opportunities in biotech without a scientific background and the importance of being aggressive while making future plans in biotech.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 3, Episode 5

Guest Name: John Furey

John Furey, CEO at Imvax, discusses the important qualities of leaders, including maintaining flexibility and curiosity while transitioning from technical prowess to leadership prowess. John also explains how hope and clarity are foundational traits for leaders to provide to their staff in order to build a successful team.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 3, Episode 4

Guest Name: Tom Anderson, CEO & Director at SwanBio Therapeutics

Tom Anderson, CEO and Director of SwanBio Therapeutics, explains how a mentor influenced a change early on in his career. Through his experience at both large pharma and start-ups, Tom discusses the importance of having a credo in business and how to manage a board in a way that benefits your company.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 3, Episode 3

Guest Name: Brian Halak, Managing Partner at Medical Excellence Capital

As an experienced biotech investor, Brian Halak, Managing Partner at Medical Excellence Capital, shares his perspective as a CEO/investor and what investors look for in a CEO. In this episode, learn about characteristics to look for in Board members and the importance of using communication skills to build a consensus on your team.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 3, Episode 2

Guest Name: Doug Manion – Aclaris Therapeutics

Doug Manion became the new President & CEO of Aclaris Therapeutics January 1, 2023. In this episode, learn how taking the time to talk with each employee when you’re the new leader of an organization can help ease a change of leadership. Doug discusses his career and the importance of passing on your leadership knowledge to proteges.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 3, Episode 1

Guest Name: Introduction

From fascinations with biology and policy to rising in the ranks at a major law firm, learn the backgrounds behind two connected individuals in the Commonwealth’s life sciences ecosystem.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 2, Episode 7

Guest Name: Julie McHugh

Topics of this episode include the importance of owning your work and empowering your team to take on new challenges through honesty.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 2, Episode 6

Guest Name: Tara Muzsi

Topics of this episode include tips on building a diverse team, the importance of culture , driving an innovation mindset, and work-life integration with a successful career.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 2, Episode 5

Guest Name: Liam Kelly, Chairman, President & CEO at Teleflex

Topics of this episode include the importance of patient outcomes, and how the key to leadership in the industry is steadiness. Stream the episode now to learn how hard work, entrepreneurial spirit, and focus can lead to great success for you and your team.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 2, Episode 4

Guest Name: Peter Miller

Topics of this episode include board management, motivating a team, and how many leaders often confuse effort with success.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 2, Episode 3

Guest Name: John Witkowski, President at DSM

In this episode of Being a Life Sciences Leader, President of DSM Biomedical, John Witkowski, discusses how he leads with humor and values continuous learning.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 2, Episode 2

Guest Name: Bruce Shook, Serial MedTech Entrepreneur

Topics of this episode include learning the importance of steadiness in leadership, how to put the patient first, and how to establish clear goal setting that leads to success.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 2, Episode 1

Guest Name: Ron Philip, CEO at Spark Therapeutics

Topics of this episode include cultivating a positive company culture, tips for emerging leaders, and Spark’s newest expansion project in Philadelphia.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 1, Episode 10

Guest Name: Valerie Asbury, President & CEO at Lifescan

Topics of this episode include leadership tips, spinning out an organization, and pivoting a business plan.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 1, Episode 9

Guest Name: Dr. Neal Walker, Founder, President & CEO at Aclaris Therapeutics

Topics of this episode include investor relations, lessons from a successful start-up entrepreneur, and having contingencies in place if a business needs to pivot.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 1, Episode 8

Guest Name: Bryant Lim, S.V.P, General Counsel, & Secretary at Idera

Topics of this episode include learning to mitigate risk while encourage innovation, avoiding the title “Dr. No,” and lessons learned from years in the industry.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 1, Episode 7

Guest Name: Ren Capocasale, Vice Chair & Founder at FlowMetric

Topics of this episode include pivoting during a pandemic, using challenge to fuel motivation, and tips on partnering for M&A.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 1, Episode 6

Guest Name: Julian Ritchey, U.S. Head, Vaccine Public Affairs & Advocacy

Topics of this episode include vaccine confidence, working with patient groups, and tips for public policy and advocacy for beginners.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 1, Episode 5

Guest Name: Gerri Henwood, President & CEO at Baudax Bio

Topics of this episode include FDA approvals, taking an organization public, empowering employees, and investor relations.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 1, Episode 4

Guest Name: John Jacobs, President & CEO at HB Harmony Biosciences

Topics of this episode include rising in the ranks to become a life sciences executive, taking a leap to become a start-up CEO, and anecdotes regarding building a team and growing your leadership skills.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 1, Episode 3

Guest Name: Steve Tullman, Executive Director at NexEosBio

Topics of this episode include mergers and acquisitions, founding a life sciences organization, and investor relations.

Being a Life Sciences Leader Podcast | Season 1, Episode 2

Guest Name: Sue Dillon, PhD, Co-Founder & President & CEO at Aro Biotherapeutics

Topics of this episode include transitioning from pharma executive to founder of a start-up, building a network, and leadership in the life sciences.