Inside Pharma Leadership

In Episode 10 of Inside Pharma Leadership, I sit down with David White to explore the journey from scientific discovery to real-world patient impact. From drug development and commercialization to venture capital and biotech innovation, this episode dives into the business and science behind bringing life-changing therapies to market.Meet the GuestDavid White is a biopharma executive with more than 20 years of experience in drug discovery, strategic partnerships, and platform development. As SVP of Drug Discovery at ProteinQure, David has helped bridge the gap between cutting-edge science and commercially viable therapies across biotech, pharma, and venture-backed organizations.Key TakeawaysValue creation and resource management in biopharmaDecision-making based on unmet medical needs and landscape analysisThe black box of early drug discovery and its excitementTransition from early discovery to commercialization with Target Product ProfilesDrug repurposing and repositioning strategiesRemote work and technology in drug discoveryChallenges of raising capital in biotechBuilding a strong scientific advisory board for investmentBalancing scientific innovation with business strategyTime as a critical resource in drug developmentChapters00:00 Introduction to Biopharma Leadership01:13 The Journey of a Biopharma Leader02:22 Value Creation in Drug Development04:05 The Shift in Drug Discovery Dynamics06:16 The Excitement of Early Drug Development08:34 Transitioning from Discovery to Commercialization12:15 The Process of Drug Repurposing17:54 Business Aspects of Drug Development21:24 Challenges in Raising Capital26:14 Navigating Capital and Time Constraints27:59 Closing Thoughts on Drug DiscoveryConnect with David WhiteLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-white-pharmaceuticals-biopharmaceuticals/Email: david@proteinqure.comConnect with Keith Willis & Inside Pharma LeadershipInstagram: @coachtoachieveLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithawillis/ Email: kwillis@coremanagementtraining.comApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-pharma-leadership/id1882373713

In this episode, I’m joined by Christopher Hayden to explore how AI is reshaping quality and compliance in life sciences. From smarter SOPs to human-first tech adoption, they unpack what’s changing—and what still matters most.Meet the GuestChristopher Hayden is a Partner Manager at Scilife, where he works at the intersection of technology, quality, and compliance. With a background spanning science, tech (including Google), and regulated industries, Chris helps life sciences organizations adopt smarter, more intuitive quality systems.Key TakeawaysAI isn’t replacing jobs—it’s reshaping how work gets doneThe real opportunity: automate repetition, not experienceSOPs are evolving from static text to interactive, visual, and even AR-based toolsHuman-first adoption (communication, trust, culture) is critical for successful tech implementationChange management—not technology—is the biggest barrier to executionThe future of quality lies in smarter, more intuitive systems that empower people, not replace themConnect with Christopher HaydenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisliamhayden/Email: christopher.hayden@scilife.ioConnect with KeithLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithawillis/Email: kwillis@coremanagementtraining.com

Karthik Sriram joins me to share how biotech finance leaders balance science, strategy, and capital to drive innovation. From his journey into the industry to raising over $800M, we unpack what it really takes to fund and scale life sciences companies—and why emotional intelligence is just as critical as financial expertise.Meet the GuestKarthik Sriram is a biotech finance executive currently leading Financial Planning & Analysis at Parabilis Medicines. With a background in biomedical engineering and an MBA from Wharton, he brings a unique ability to translate complex science into business strategy.He has helped secure more than $800M in capital, supporting clinical development, extending cash runway, and positioning companies for growth and partnerships.Key TakeawaysCareer paths aren’t linear—unexpected experiences often shape long-term directionEmotional intelligence is critical in finance, especially when influencing decisions and budgetsStrong relationships and trust are essential to doing the job effectivelyOPEX vs. CAPEX decisions are foundational in biotech and directly impact scalabilityRaising capital requires honesty, clarity, and deep knowledge of your numbersUnderstanding the science—even at a high level—builds credibility with investorsAI is accelerating drug development, especially in chemistry and early modelingThe future of finance teams in biotech may be smaller, more automated, and AI-drivenEarly-stage companies face real barriers in adopting tools due to cost structuresFlexibility—not fully remote or fully in-office—is the most effective operating modelConnect with KarthikLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karthiksriramX (Twitter): https://x.com/KarthikSriram_Email: ksriram@parabilismed.comConnect with KeithLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithawillis/Email: kwillis@coremanagementtraining.com

Unlocking the Secrets of Aging: The Telomere BreakthroughWhy hasn't the "cure" for aging been found? According to molecular geneticist Bill Andrews, it’s not a lack of science—it’s a broken system. In this episode, the man who helped discover the "cellular ride tickets" (telomeres) that dictate our lifespan explains why the current biotech model favors profits over cures. We dive into the Hayflick Limit, the discovery of Telomerase, and the $130 million road map to making the "Betty White Test"—reversing 85 to 25—a biological reality.Meet the Guest: Bill Andrews, PhDBill Andrews is the Founder and CEO of Sierra Sciences and a legendary molecular geneticist. With a career defined by "curing over publishing," Bill has been a key inventor for breakthrough therapies including Human Growth Hormone, Rytelo (cancer), and treatments for Multiple Sclerosis. He is one of the world’s leading experts on telomere biology and is famously obsessed with one goal: curing death by old age.Key TakeawaysThe "Ride Ticket" Theory: Our cells have a finite number of divisions (The Hayflick Limit). Every time a cell divides, the telomeres (caps on our chromosomes) shorten until the "tickets" run out.The Telomerase Secret: Our reproductive cells don't age because they produce telomerase, an enzyme that adds "tickets" back to the chromosomes. Bill’s mission is to trigger this in all human cells.The System is Broken: Academic research is trapped in a "publish or perish" cycle, while biotech is often throttled by investors seeking quick ROI rather than long-term cures.The $130M Milestone: Bill estimates that with $130 million and three years of focused research, we could effectively cure human aging.Proof in Pets: Breakthroughs are already happening in the veterinary world with products designed to extend the lifespan of dogs, cats, and horses.Connect With UsEnjoyed this deep dive into the future of medicine? Let’s keep the conversation going:Bill Andrews: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-h-andrews-ceo-5455b45/Keith Willis:https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithawillis/

In Episode 3 of Inside Pharma Leadership, I sit down with Dr. Angela Tran, CEO & Founder of MedFit Medical Weight Loss, to talk about physician burnout, redefining how medicine is practiced, and what it really takes to achieve long-term, sustainable health.Dr. Tran shares her journey from burnout in traditional healthcare to building a practice centered on “medical fitness”—helping patients not just lose weight, but transform their lifestyle, reduce medications, and take ownership of their health.We also explore GLP-1 medications, wearable health tech, AI in medicine, and why mindset and support systems are often more important than diet and exercise alone.Meet the GuestDr. Angela Tran is a board-certified physician, entrepreneur, and the CEO & Founder of MedFit Medical Weight Loss, which she launched in 2012.After experiencing severe burnout in traditional primary care, Dr. Tran made the decision to redefine how she practiced medicine—focusing on prevention, lifestyle transformation, and long-term patient outcomes.She specializes in obesity medicine and medical weight loss, helping patients reduce or eliminate medications while improving overall health. Her work combines clinical expertise, personal experience, and a strong emphasis on behavior, mindset, and accountability.Key Takeaways1. Physician Burnout Is Real—and Can Lead to Reinvention Dr. Tran openly shares her experience with burnout and how it pushed her to leave traditional healthcare and build a practice aligned with her values and purpose.2. Weight Loss Is More Than Diet and Exercise Sustainable weight loss starts with mindset. Beliefs, habits, and support systems play a critical role in long-term success.3. GLP-1 Medications Are Transformational—When Used Correctly GLP-1s are changing the landscape of obesity and chronic disease treatment, but outcomes depend heavily on proper guidance and experienced providers.4. Data and Wearable Tech Empower Patients Tools like continuous glucose monitors and fitness trackers provide objective data that help patients take control of their health and make better decisions.5. AI Enhances—Not Replaces—Healthcare AI can provide speed, objectivity, and better decision support, but it works best when combined with human expertise and patient relationships.6. The Right Support System Is Everything Long-term success isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about having the right people around you, from providers to family and community support.Connect with Dr. TranInstagram: @medfitdrtranEmail: drtran@denverweightlossclinic.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtrangela/Connect with KeithEmail: kwillis@coremanagementtraining.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/keithawillis/

The opioid crisis is the worst healthcare disaster in American history, yet for millions suffering from chronic pain, the only options are addiction or agony. What does it take to build a "Holy Grail" solution when there is no playbook? Steven Fox, a "rare kind of builder," joins us to discuss the high-stakes world of life science innovation, the art of surrounding yourself with "survivors," and why he believes he’s finally found the key to ending the opioid epidemic.Brief DescriptionIn this episode, Keith Willis sits down with Steven Fox, Chairman and Founder of Akelos Incorporated. From his roots as a cosmetic dentist to becoming an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Steven shares his 40-year journey of turning big ideas into public ventures.The conversation dives deep into the "three-dimensional chess" of biotech leadership: navigating the NIH grant system, building a world-class team of Nobel laureates without using headhunters, and the relentless tenacity required to move a non-opioid pain treatment toward FDA approval. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned executive, Steven’s "guerrilla warfare" approach to leadership offers a masterclass in survival and execution.Meet the Guest: Steven FoxSteven Fox is the Chairman and Founder of Akelos Inc., a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to solving the opioid crisis through non-addictive chronic pain treatments. A dentist by trade and a lifelong entrepreneur, Steven has:Developed 68 patents and raised over $75 million in capital.Taken a technology from the ADA public and placed products in 42,000 stores across America.Been awarded the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and the Medal of Freedom from members of the U.S. Senate.Assembled a powerhouse team featuring former heads of neuroscience from Merck, Pfizer, and Eli Lilly, alongside Nobel Prize winners.Key TakeawaysThe "Survival" Team: Why "jockeys" are just as important as the "horse," and why Steven prefers team members seasoned in survival over S&P 500 pedigree.Bridging the Gap: How 48 years of treating dental pain provided the clinical insight needed to tackle the global opioid crisis.Entrepreneurial Tenacity: The reality of the 5 AM to 9 PM grind and why you have to be willing to "get up off the mat" repeatedly.The Patent Moat: The strategic (and sometimes costly) art of building intellectual property protection around groundbreaking science.Remaining "Sensationally Curious": Steven’s #1 piece of advice for anyone looking to innovate in a crowded marketplace.Connect with StevenEmail: drstevefox@akelosinc.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drstevefox/Connect with KeithEmail: kwillis@coremanagementtraining.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/keithawillis/