The Biometrics Leadership Lab Podcast

In This EpisodeWhat does career growth in clinical data management really look like today? It's a journey, not a racetrack.In this episode, I speak with Johan Vermeulen, Data Management Director at Metronomia Clinical Research, about the evolution of clinical data management careers and the leadership perspective that develops as responsibilities expand. Johan shares his unexpected journey into clinical research, how the role of data management has shifted from primarily execution-focused work to a more strategic and collaborative function, and why career growth today looks less like the traditional race up the ladder and far more like a journey.We discuss the increasing importance of cross-functional collaboration, the shift required when moving into leadership roles, and how broader exposure across the clinical trial ecosystem helps professionals develop stronger perspective and influence. Listen as Johan reflects on moving from operational execution to enabling others, balancing people and business needs, and why some of the most valuable growth opportunities are not always the most comfortable ones.________________________________________What You’ll Learn - How Johan transitioned from criminology into clinical research - How the role of clinical data management has evolved over the last decade - Why communication and stakeholder engagement are now critical skills for data managers - What Johan means by “CDM is not a racetrack, it’s a journey” - Why career growth today is often driven by broader exposure rather than strictly vertical progression - What shift is required when moving from execution-focused work into people leadership - Why enabling teams is different from simply solving operational problems yourself - How broader organizational responsibility changes the way leaders think about influence and decision-making - Why some of the most challenging roles often create the strongest long-term growth________________________________________Quote of the Episode“Your success is not something necessarily you deliver, it’s about what the team brings.”________________________________________ResourcesFollow Johan Vermeulen on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/johan-vermeulen-30b587101/Follow Amanda Cross on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/amandacross/Subscribe to the Biometrics Leadership Lab newsletter on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7255662947639652352White Paperhttps://metronomia.net/about-us/whitepapers-and-publications/whitepaper/sustainable-scale-designing-people-centric-operating-models-for-complex-trials.html

What really changes when you move from the CRO side to the sponsor side and what lessons carry through no matter which side you’re working on?In this episode, I talk with Mike Inkman, a clinical data leader with more than 20 years of experience across CROs and sponsors, about his career journey and what crossing the CRO - sponsor divide taught him about leadership, oversight, and risk.We explore how early CRO roles shape flexibility and execution, why sponsor-side oversight feels fundamentally different, and how data management often identifies trends and risks others miss.Listen as Mike shares candid reflections on leadership growth, transparency, sponsor pressure, and the realities of managing data in complex clinical trials.What You’ll LearnHow many careers in clinical research begin by “falling into” the industryWhy early CRO roles build adaptability and prioritization skillsWhat it’s really like managing multiple studies across multiple sponsorsHow CRO teams balance disclosure with solution-buildingWhat changes when responsibility shifts from delivery to oversightHow scope limitations shape CRO data management workWhy data management often sees trends and risks before othersHow leadership evolves from authority to advocacyWhat Mike would tell his younger self about discretion and resilienceQuote of the Episode“Nobody’s going to be better at overseeing a CRO than someone who has worked at a CRO.”ResourcesFollow Mike Inkman on LinkedIn Follow Amanda Cross on LinkedIn Subscribe to the Biometrics Leadership Lab newsletter on LinkedIn Please like and subscribe! Thank you for listening!

In This EpisodeIn this episode of the Biometrics Leadership Lab podcast, I talk with biostatistician and clinical research leader Marla Husnik, PhD about her 20+ year journey across public health, academic CROs, and global pharma. Marla shares how she built high-performing biometric teams, why communication matters more than technical brilliance, and what new managers often overlook when stepping into leadership roles.We explore the realities of managing people instead of projects, navigating team conflict before it takes root, andcreating connection across cultures and time zones.What You’ll LearnWhat really changes when you move from individual contributor to managerWhat matters more than technical skills when building a teamHow to spot early signs that a team is strugglingHow to support individuals while also aligning to organizational goalsWhy celebrating wins, large and small, keeps teams resilient and motivatedHow remote and global leaders can build genuine camaraderieQuote of the Episode“To be really effective, you have to be in the mindset of being more of a giver than an achiever.” Tune In If You Are:A new manager learning how to balance technical depth with people leadershipA statistician, programmer, or biometrics professional curious about team dynamicsA director or VP navigating team performance and cross-functional collaborationAnyone interested in leadership that blends compassion with accountabilityResources/Show Notes:Follow Amanda Cross on LinkedInFollow Marla Husnik on LinkedInSubscribe to the Biometrics Leadership Lab newsletter for more professional development insights, tips, and strategies

In This EpisodeIn this episode, I talk with Charlene Dark, Chief Operating Officer at Avania, about her career journey from statistician to executive leader. We explore how curiosity, courage, and a people-first mindset shaped her path and how she continues to lead with authenticity and accountability. Charlene shares stories from her early days in clinical research, lessons from the mentors who influenced her most, and the leadership principles that have guided her through decades of change in the biometrics industry.Listen and LearnWhy “people first” is more than a management philosophy: it’s a strategy for successHow to build trust, accountability, and empowerment across teams and functionsThe hardest transition in leadership (and why most new managers struggle with it)Why not every high performer should become a manager and what to do insteadHow curiosity and active listening drive innovation and connectionThe importance of aligning personal values with professional purposeHow to keep your critical-thinking skills sharp in an AI-driven worldQuote of the Episode“If you get the right people in the right seats doing the job they love, that’s your biggest battle. The rest will follow.” — Charlene DarkResources / Show NotesMindset Reimagined by Charlene Dark — Available on AmazonFollow Charlene Dark on LinkedInFollow Amanda Cross on LinkedInLearn more at www.crossfieldcc.comSubscribe to the Biometrics Leadership Lab newsletter on LinkedIn⁠ for more professional development insights, tips, and strategies

In This Episode:I sit down with clinical research executive Kathy Bradrick to explore her journey through the CRO world: from her early days in business operations at a startup to becoming CEO of her own company.Throughout the conversation, Kathy shares how business sense, asking good questions, and a strong work ethic helped her grow her career, and why small companies remain close to her heart.You’ll hear reflections on founding companies, navigating mistakes, learning through doing, and how people-centered leadership fuels sustainable growth. Plus, enjoy a bit of reminiscing as Kathy and I reflect on fun and formative moments from our intersecting careers over the past 25+ years.Listen and learn: What to do when you make a million-dollar mistakeWhy it’s important to understand the business beyond your roleWhat small companies offer that large companies do notHow you are networking every day—even if you think you’re notWhat being “patient-first” means in real clinical research settingsQuote of the episode: “Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about curiosity, courage, and the willingness to keep learning.”Resources/Show Notes:⁠Follow Amanda Cross on LinkedIn⁠Crossfield Coaching and ConsultingFollow Kathy Bradrick on LinkedInSpark Clinical ResearchSubscribe to the Biometrics Leadership Lab newsletter on LinkedIn for more professional development insights, tips, and strategies

What does a functional lead actually do in clinical trial biometrics? In this first episode of The Biometrics Leadership Lab Podcast, we explore what makes a great functional lead across data management, statistics, and statistical programming, and how leads can excel.This episode features three expert panelists sharing lessons from the field:Adri Erasmus – Data ManagementBobby Rachford – StatisticsEvgeny Starostin – Statistical ProgrammingIf you're a current lead, someone who is working to become one, or a line manager wanting to learn more about collaborating with other functions, this is the episode for you.📬 Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7255662947639652352📺 Watch the original recording on YouTube:https://youtu.be/OKu6yEgM4Hk?feature=shared