A Dose of Reality with Charles Spence

In this episode, I talked with Dr. Kevin Heller, former biotech CMO and now advisor to VCs and funds, who’s built his career at the intersection of science, leadership, and investment. Kevin started out as a pediatric hematologist–oncologist before joining BMS, where he worked on one of the first checkpoint inhibitor programs. Since then, he’s held senior roles across biotech and now works closely with companies and investors on strategy.

Kevin opened up about the habits that nearly held him back early in his career, how a colleague’s honest feedback changed the way he leads...

In this episode, I talked with Dr. Carl Deutsch, Chief Scientific Officer at NBE Therapeutics, where he shared about his path from chemistry into pharma and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Carl recalls how difficult it was to secure his first role when jobs were scarce, the pressure of multiple interview rounds, and how a non-linear career path led to both opportunities and doubts about fitting the expected mold.

He discussed the differences between biotech and big pharma cultures, what it means to lead in a “cultural sandwich” role, and why accountability and agility look d...

In this episode, I talked with Dr. Aleksandra Filipovic, CMO at Gallop Oncology, a biotech developing first-in-class galectin-9 antibodies for solid tumors and blood cancers. We talked about how perfectionism shaped her early leadership, and what it took to undo it. She shared her take on hiring by “gut feel,” why that can quietly reinforce bias, and what she looks for instead.

Aleksandra also opened up about her childhood—growing up with two cancer-researcher parents, skipping school to attend medical conferences—and how that path eventually led her to leave Serbia with a six-month visa and no real pla...

In this episode, I talked with Heidi Wang, CEO of OBI Pharma and Chair of OBIGEN, who shares her powerful story, from losing her father to cancer while raising two children, to leading oncology drug approvals at BMS, and now, building out a bold ADC pipeline in biotech.

Heidi opens up about the pressures of leading during personal tragedy, how BMS supported her through it, and why she now builds teams around values like authenticity and innovation. This episode is equal parts personal and professional, offering rare insight into what true leadership looks like, especially in biotech.<...

In this episode, I talked with Dr. András Strassz, Chief Medical Officer at Heidelberg Pharma, to hear about his two decades of leadership in oncology drug development—and the often-overlooked realities behind building teams, designing clinical trials, and making biotech work.

András opens up about key moments in his career, including the personal crisis that almost forced him to leave the industry, the turning point when he stepped into his CMO role, and what it really takes to develop first-in-class ADCs with novel payloads.

We also dive deep into industry-wide mistakes—why promising clinic...

In this episode, I talked with Dr. Steven Katz, CMO and SVP of Translational Science for Shinobi Therapeutics, a biotech company pioneering off-the-shelf immune-evasive IPSC-derived cell therapies, and Professor of Surgery at Brown University. We get into why technical skills alone won’t cut it—and how the wrong hire, even if they look great on paper, can quietly derail an entire team. We talk about the pressure to stick with “proven” endpoints (even when they don’t fit the science), the temptation to play it safe, and how a quiet sense of nihilism can creep into teams when things are...

In this episode, I talked with Christian Mueller, Chief Development Officer at Immutep. Christian’s path into biotech wasn’t exactly planned—from summarizing VC business plans during his studies to becoming a driving force behind the world’s first Claudin 18.2-directed antibody.

We talked about the wins and the setbacks: from finally securing Pembrolizumab supply after years of rejections, to those painful moments when you give your all to a project, and still feel unseen. Christian also opened up about hiring, leadership, and what makes a biotech team truly work (or fall apart). He shared why Immutep...

In this episode, I talked with Kirsty Crame-van Nierop, Director of Shiaba Consulting, Specialist in Clinical Drug Development. Kirsty shares her career journey, including her transition from aspiring vascular surgeon to a leader in personalized targeted therapies. We went over her key career highlights, and the challenges faced during COVID, and she gave valuable career bits of advice. 

Kirsty gave insights on the importance of hiring the right people in clinical development, the balance between using consultants and in-house expertise, the cultural fit in hiring, and her experiences in the job search process, highlighting the importance of c...

In this episode, I talked with Dr. Bernhardt (Bernie) Zeiher, where he shares key lessons and personal insights from over 25 years in pharmaceutical drug development. Bernie discusses pivotal career moments, including the emotional impact of halting a promising Phase III trial for ARDS, as well as successes such as achieving six drug approvals at Astellas. He emphasizes the critical role of data-driven decision-making, thoughtful hiring, and proactive leadership in managing clinical programs. 

Bernie also provides candid reflections on common organizational challenges, particularly the damaging effects of poorly executed reorganizations and layoffs. Throughout the conversation, he underscores the i...

In this episode, I talked with Dr. Ilya Gipp, Chief Medical Officer at GE Healthcare, where he shares lessons from a career spent at the intersection of clinical medicine and medtech leadership. He talks about his journey from practicing radiologist to leading GE’s oncology strategy, the emotional highs of building impactful programs, and the frustrations of pushing forward ideas when teams aren't aligned. Ilya also reflects on the evolving role of imaging in cancer care, and why true innovation means making technology not just better, but more accessible.

He also discussed hiring and leadership: how to ti...

In this conversation, I talked with Michael Lahn, Chief Medical Officer of Ionctura, a clinical-stage biotech focusing on therapies for neglected and hard-to-treat cancers, 

where he shared his insights on drug development, leadership, and the importance of listening in building a successful team culture. He talked about his journey in the biotech industry, discussing the highs and lows of drug development, the lessons learned from his experiences with Osimertinib, and the common mistakes companies make. Michael emphasizes the significance of curiosity, collaboration, and a strong team dynamic in achieving success in the field of oncology.

H...

In this episode, I talked with Johan Baeck, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Promontory Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech focused on developing novel small molecule immunogenic anti-cancer therapies.

Johan shares insights from a career spanning large pharma (Novartis, Abbott) and biotech startups, with contributions to therapies like Vidaza, Kisqali, Zykadia, and PT-112. He also discusses why cultural fit is non-negotiable in hiring, how small molecules can trigger anti-tumor immune responses, and the personal journey of shifting from commercial to clinical focus.

In this episode, we cover:

In this episode, I talked with Peter Tummino, President of Research and Development at Nimbus Therapeutics, where he discussed what it takes to build a successful biotech R&D engine. Peter shares his insights on company culture and its impact on drug discovery, the challenges of targeting difficult-to-drug proteins, and the lessons he’s learned from decades in pharma and biotech. He also reflects on leadership in R&D, the evolution of drug discovery strategies, and what excites him most about the future of the industry.

Here's what you are in for:

In this episode, I talked with Abigail (Abbey) Jenkins, a pharmaceutical executive with 25+ years of experience, who shares her career journey, highlighting her entry into the industry, proud achievements, and the challenges she faced along the way. She emphasizes the importance of resilience, community, and learning from both successes and failures. Abbey also discusses common mistakes companies make in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly regarding commercial potential and leadership culture. Our conversation concludes with insights on the significance of networking and support systems for women in leadership roles.

Here's what you're in:

Joseph (Joe) Birkett, Executive Director of Medical Affairs at Aura Biosciences, joined our podcast to share what he’s learned over two decades in oncology drug development, including the career-defining moments and the painful missteps that shaped his approach.

Joe speaks openly about his proudest contribution—helping lead Obinutuzumab to regulatory approval—and contrasts it with one of his lowest points: watching leadership ignore safety concerns around a CDK9 inhibitor that ultimately failed in the clinic.

Here's what you're in:

In this episode, I talked with Dr. Bruce Dezube, Senior Vice President, Clinical Development of Xilio Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing tumor-activated immuno-oncology therapies. Here he shares his extensive career in oncology and drug development, discussing his journey from academia to industry, the challenges he faced, and the importance of patient care. He reflects on his experiences with HIV patients, the role of executive coaching in his career transition, and the vibrant culture at Xilio Therapeutics. 

Bruce emphasizes the significance of staying committed to a company for growth and contribution, and he offers valuable i...

In this episode, I talked with Chris Lowe, CEO of Nusano, where he discusses his career journey in the medical technology field, particularly focusing on the production of medical radioisotopes. He shares insights on leadership, the importance of building a talented team, and the societal responsibilities of his company. Chris also highlights common mistakes in drug development and reflects on a case study from his past. Our conversation emphasizes the significance of patient-centric approaches in the industry.

Here's what you're in:

In this podcast episode, I talked with Kevin Lynch, co-founder of Populus Bio, where he shares his experience in drug development, particularly in oncology and hematology. He discusses his journey from medicine to the pharmaceutical industry, the cultural insights gained from working globally, and the challenges faced in both personal and professional aspects. Kevin elaborates on the innovative management approach at Populus Bio, the common mistakes made in clinical trials, and the importance of understanding biology in drug development. He also provides valuable lessons on hiring and leading teams, as well as insights into improving the recruitment process in...

In this episode, I talked with Victor Paulus, Senior Vice President and Head of Regulatory Affairs at ARTBIO, where he shares his journey in the life sciences industry, discussing his career journey, challenges faced in regulatory affairs, and the unique culture at ARTBIO. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and understanding the regulatory landscape to achieve success in drug development. Victor also provides valuable insights into industry observations and offers career advice for those starting in the field.

Here's what you're in:

In this episode, I talked with Dr. Chris Leamon, Chief Scientific Officer at Fusion Pharmaceuticals, where he shares his journey in the biotech industry, discussing his early influences, the founding of Endocyte, and . He also discusses the challenges faced in drug development, the importance of leadership during workforce reductions, and the lessons learned from trial failures. Chris emphasizes the significance of execution, continuous learning, and building a strong team in the biotech field.

Here's what you're in:

In this episode, I talked with Dawn Rubel, President of R&D at NexEos Bio, where she shares her career journey from a scientific technical writer to a leadership role in biotech. She discusses her experiences at Immunomedics, the development of Trodelvy, and her transition to NexEos Bio, where she focuses on eosinophilic inflammation. Dawn emphasizes the importance of teamwork, hiring the right people, and learning from failures in clinical trials. She also provides valuable advice for aspiring leaders and highlights the significance of passion in one's work.

Here's what you're in:

In this episode, I talked with Orn Almarsson, co-founder of Axelyf, where he shared his journey from Iceland to becoming a prominent figure in the biotechnology industry. He discussed his experiences at Moderna and the development of the mRNA COVID vaccine, Spikevax. He reflects on the challenges faced in drug development, the importance of mentorship, and the founding of his own company, Axelyf, which focuses on anti-inflammatory solutions. Orn emphasizes the significance of hiring passionate individuals, the need for feedback in recruitment, and the value of networking and mentorship for career success.

Here's what you're in:

In this episode, I talked with Dr. Leila Jaffar, CEO of Nuclidium, where she shares her journey from a childhood influenced by her father's passion for science to becoming a leader in the biotech industry. She discusses the challenges she faced during her career, including personal and professional, and her transition from academia to industry. Leila elaborates on the mission of Nuclidium, focusing on the development of copper-based diagnostics and therapeutics for oncology. She also emphasizes the importance of company culture, the impact of every team member, and the lessons learned in leadership and hiring. 

Here's what y...

In this episode, I talked with Roger Waltzman, Chief Medical Officer at Indaptus Therapeutics, discussing his career, overview of Indaptus, the development of Indaptus’ lead candidate, and the challenges of cancer treatment. We explore the benefits of a multi-targeted approach in immunotherapy, the story, and the lessons he learned from the failed Phase 3 trial of Vadimezan. Roger also serves as a Board of a non-profit organization called GoDocGo which provides low-cost cervical cancer screening in low-middle income countries and its impact.

Here's what you're in:

In this episode,  I spoke with Gertjan Bartlema, the co-founder Populus Bio and CEO of Immodulon Therapeutics. Over 20 years in big pharma at Celgene/Amgen and then moved into the fast pace world of biotech. From here, he has been challenging the status quo and asking the question “Is our current drug development approaches sustainable?”. Gertjan highlights the need for better clinical trial designs and the importance of making objective decisions based on data. He also offers valuable insights for aspiring executives on leadership and team dynamics.

Here's what you're in:

In this episode, I discuss the three most common reasons hiring managers reject candidates, focusing on aspects that are often within the candidate's control. I highlight the importance of cultural fit, alignment of interests, and clarity in communication during interviews. I give tips to improve your interview performance and avoid common pitfalls that lead to rejection.

Here's what you're in:

Timestamps:

01:09 Background Story

In this episode, I talked with Caroline Vermeulen, Recruitment & HR at Eminence, as she discussed into the details of the hiring process, highlighting the value of putting candidates first. She gave insights on common mistakes in recruiting, the importance of authenticity in communication, and the relationship between hiring managers and recruiters. 

Caroline and I also shared stories of both our best and worst hiring experiences, emphasizing out the need for clear expectations and good communication. Our conversation wraps up with a round of quickfire questions, providing more tips on recruitment best practices.

Here's what you're i...

In this episode, I talk about the importance of asking intelligent questions during job interviews. I share insights from my experience coaching candidates, emphasizing how well-structured questions can show enthusiasm, knowledge, and fitness for the role. I cover the types of questions to ask, how to structure them effectively, and the timing to maximize impact. I also discuss the importance of understanding the hiring manager's needs and building rapport throughout the interview process.

Here's what you're in for:

In this episode, I talked with Troels Jordansen, chairman at KELI Therapeutics, where he discusses the ongoing recession in the biotech industry. He shares insights from the Advanced Therapies Congress in Lisbon, highlighting investor optimism and the importance of smart hiring and team building in biotech companies.

Troels shares valuable lessons learned from past experiences, including the need for companies to secure sufficient funding and the significance of having the right people in key positions. The discussion also covers Troels' interest in the hair care market, highlighting its increasing connection with biotech.

Here's what you're...

In this episode, I talked with Sophie, a leader at the Italian pharmaceutical company Bracco, about her experiences and learnings at the Harvard’s negotiation course. Sophie shares her experiences attending the course, highlighting the immersive nature of the program and the diverse backgrounds of participants. We discuss her key takeaways from the course, including the importance of gathering information and maximizing value in negotiations. 

The podcast also covers practical strategies for negotiating salaries and promotions, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's value and the company's perspective.

Here's what you're in:

In this episode, I talked about a simple yet effective way to ace your interviews by focusing on the three main questions: 'Who are you?', 'Why are you applying?', and 'Why are you looking to leave?'. Learn how to answer these questions in under 2 minutes, how to successfully move on with these three questions, give relevant ABC story, what kind of answers to avoid, and strategy on how to control the conversation. 

This will be helpful for those who wanted to significantly improve and do well in all of their interviews. 

Here's wh...

In this episode, I interview Nikolaus Trede, the SVP Clinical Development in Century Therapeutics, an innovative biotechnology company that is building an industry leading allogeneic iPSC-derived cell therapy platform. He shares his journey from academia to industry, offering unique experience into the ever-changing world of cell therapies.

We also discuss:

Here's what you're in:

In this episode, Charles interviews Nikolaus Trede, the SVP Clinical Development in Century Therapeutics, an innovative biotechnology company that is building an industry leading allogeneic iPSC-derived cell therapy platform. He shares his journey from academia to industry, offering unique experience into the ever-changing world of cell therapies.

They also discuss:

Here's what...

How do you balance a career in regulatory affairs with family life? In this episode, Charles discusses this topic with Mary Christian, the Senior Vice President of Regulatory and Safety at C4 Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company focused on targeted protein degradation. They talk about the importance of effective communication, career development, and work-life balance in the pharmaceutical industry.

Mary also offers advice for young mothers and career professionals on making choices that align with their personal and professional goals, highlighting the evolving nature of career and family life.

Here's what you're in:

00:02 Introduction...

Leadership and Diversity in Drug Development with Anita Scheuber.

In this episode, Charles talks with Anita Scheuber,the SVP of clinical development at Nimbus Therapeutics—a biotech firm using computational technology to develop medicines. She shares their pioneering work in AI-targeted drug discovery and her experience co-founding the biotech startup Hestia.

Anita highlights how different backgrounds help solve problems, the value of mentorship, and how to beat feelings of being an imposter. She also shares tips for strong leadership and gives guidance to budding biotech entrepreneurs.

Here's wh...

In this episode, Charles talks with Jackie Donovan, the VP and Chief Marketing Officer at Syndax Pharmaceuticals, an oncology-focused company. She shares her knowledge about her experiences in consulting, internal pharma roles, and her strategic approach to organizational planning. This conversation also touches on the importance of communication, the challenges of workforce planning, and how to build an efficient and happy organization.

Lastly, Jackie shares her passion-driven initiative, Kathy's Fund, which aims to support nurse leaders and honor her mother's legacy.

Here's what you're in:

00:31 Jackie's Career as Scottish Parliament...

Hiring Practices and Transparency in Recruitment

In this episode, Charles discuss with Patrizio Renzetti, the former Head of HR at Arrakis Therapeutics that discovers RNA-targeted medicines, the importance of cultural fit, psychological safety, and effective communication in the workplace.

He also covers the role of recruiters in bringing diverse perspectives and ensuring a good organizational fit, offering practical tips for both leaders and job seekers to improve their experiences and outcomes.

Here's what you're in:

00:00 Introduction and Moving to the US

Cultural Fit vs. Technical Skills: Hiring Strategies for Biotech Startups with Sonal Gupta

In this episode, Charles interviews Sonal Gupta, the SVP, Head of Clinical Development of AffyImmune Therapeutics-a biopharmaceutical firm focusing on affinity-tuned CAR T cell therapy for solid tumors.

They discuss about how far does a company get with bad science if they have great leaders, the effective leadership strategies in clinical development, and the importance of Cultural Fit in Hiring.

She also shares her passion for women in life sciences and her local group aimed at supporting...

In this episode, Charles interviews John Goldener, a former pediatrician who transitioned into a successful career as a pharmaceutical industry recruiter. He specializes in retained executive search for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

With over 20-25 years in clinical development recruitment, John shares valuable lessons learned, common mistakes, and effective partnership strategies. This conversation is packed with lessons for both recruiters and candidates aiming to navigate the competitive world of specialized recruitment.

Here's what you're in:

00:00 John Goldener Introduction

02:38 Starting a Recruiting Firm

06:06 Building a Network

12:02 Understanding...

In this episode, Sumeet Ambarkhane, the Chief Medical Officer at Alligator Bioscience, which focuses on tumor-targeted immunotherapies, talks about the work his company does in creating new cancer treatments that help the immune system target tumors. He discusses their work on a drug called metazolamab and shares stories from his career, including a big success he had with a special antibody treatment at MorphoSys—a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company that develops innovative medicines.

He also talks about important things to consider when hiring people and how the field of developing new medical treatments is changing.

Here's wh...

In this podcast episode Charles presents a unique approach to job searching by outsourcing various tasks to optimize your time and effort. He discusses the challenges of the current job market, especially with biotech layoffs, and offers practical steps to outsource tasks like finding job adverts and identifying hiring managers. Learn about resources like Upwork, Fiverr, and ChatGPT to streamline your job search.

This episode is helpful for anyone looking to improve the quantity and quality of their job applications in a tough market.

Here's what you're in for:

01:35 Current Job Market Challenges<...

In this episode, Li Yan, the Managing Director of the US Chinese Anti-Cancer Association and the former CMO of Brii Biosciences, talks about the cultural and job differences in the biotech field. He also discusses clinical trials, new cancer drugs, and how U.S. and Chinese scientists collaborate.

Li highlights how key mentorship is, the need for clear communication in clinical studies, and ways to handle cross-cultural work challenges.

Here's what you're in for:

01:14 Professional Background and Work at Yonsei University

03:53 Journey from China to the U.S.

07:14 COVID-19...

In this episode Charles discusses with Val, the previous VP of Medical Affairs at ITM and AAA, the importance of genuine relationship-building and personal presence in the field of Medical Affairs and pharmaceutical industry leadership.

Val emphasizes that success in this field isn't just about scientific knowledge or achieving immediate results. Instead, it's about how you behave as a person, your ability to be present and attentive in interactions, and your capacity to build long-term relationships based on trust and transparency.

He sums this up nicely with the quote: "Attention is the rarest and purest...

In this episode, Charles explore the concept of 'empathy bridges' and how they can be used to improve communication and relationships within the workplace.

It also covers empathy in overcoming work challenges, featuring case studies and personal stories, and offers steps to build empathy bridges, vital for career progression.

Here's what to expect:

01:36 How Empathy Helps in Talking to Others

01:55 Knowing the Hard Parts of Work

03:12 What an Empathy Bridge Is and Why It Matters

07:44 A True Story: Leading with Empathy

09:49 Steps to Make Empathy...

In this episode, Charles interviews Sabine Brookman-May, VP of Oncology R&D at Johnson and Johnson. They cover her path from being the first college graduate in her family to working at J&J, transitioning from hospitals to pharmaceuticals, and lessons from successful and failed drug trials.

Sabine shares insights on balancing a demanding career with family, the importance of diversity in the workplace, effective team communication, and leadership. She concludes by discussing the role of mentors in her professional development.

Here's what you're in for:

00:57 Childhood...

In this episode, Charles dives into the often misunderstood art of selling. He corrects the misconception that selling is just about having the right answers and emphasizes the importance of asking good questions to uncover real needs and concerns, leading to more impactful conversations.

He outlines a four-step sales strategy and go through relatable stories and practical advice, this episode guides listeners to improve their selling and communication skills.

Here's what you're in for:

02:21 The Biggest Myth in Selling

03:44 Why Questions Matter

04:32 Examples of Simple Questions

05:37 How...

In this episode, Charles talks with Crystal Zuckerman, the VP HR of PMV Pharma. They discuss her transition from a large biotech firm like Celgene to a startup biotech. They also talk about how she handles layoffs carefully and the power of personal connections in advancing a career.

Crystal shares how she brings a personal touch to HR by emphasizing authenticity, accountability and community-building at PMV.

Here's what you are in for:

00:50 HR's Role in Biotech Changes

01:30 Crystal's HR Path and Move to PMV

05:03 Big Changes in Biotech: Celgene...

In this episode, Charles shares a story about a talented medical oncologist who struggled to progress in his career, both internally and externally at his company, despite being highly skilled technically.

The main issue was the candidate's inability to effectively sell his achievements and communicate his worth. This inspires Charles to create a series focused on helping professionals, especially those in scientific/medical fields, overcome the challenges of self-promotion for career advancement.

Here's what you are in for:

00:06 Introduction

00:29 Why you can't promotion

03:45 Sell yourself the right way

In this episode,Charles talks with Amber Tong, a senior editor at Endpoints News, about how the Biosecure Act could impact the biotech and pharma sectors.

Amber shares thoughts on how this law could change U.S.-China biopharma ties, jobs, and making medicines. We also look into how things are changing in this area, who might benefit or not, and the big global tensions that affect these shifts.

Here's what you are in for:

00:00 Introduction

00:33 Welcoming the Guest

02:36 Discussing the Biosecure Act

04:34 Impact on the Biotech In...

In this episode, Charles talks about his top rules for success in recruiting, which he calls 'The 10 Commandments of Recruitment.' He believes that having principles or commandments as a person or business is what sets us apart.

He also shares a bit of fun insight about who he is and what he believes in business.

Here's what you are in for:

00:08 The 10 Commandments of Recruitment

00:14 Commandment 1: Always Give Feedback

00:47 Commandment 2: Don't Add to the Problem

02:47 Commandment 3: It's Not Personal

03:20 Commandment 4: Pride in Work Before...

In this episode, Colin Hayward, CMO of Telix- a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company, talks about his contribution to the success of Rituximab which culminated in transforming it into a $3 billion radiopharmaceutical giant.

He also shares invaluable insights into the challenges of leadership, the burden of firing people, and the strategic decisions that drive success in the fast-paced world of biotech innovation.

Here's what you are in for:

01:36 Colin's Switch from Medicine to Biotech 

04:15 Moving from Treating Patients to Business

05:58 Lessons from Working on Rituxan

10:59 Changing Careers: Consulting, CROs, a...

This podcast episode, Charles drops some real talk on communicating well when hiring people. 

He tells a story about how poor communication can really upset candidates and from this story, he gives three tips for hiring managers. This episode emphasizes that it's good to give rejected candidates helpful, positive feedback and to keep talking to them for possible jobs later on rather than ghosting them.

He also shares three tips for hiring managers to protect their reputation and improve their interactions with candidates.

Here's what you are in for:

00:24 Why Protecting Y...

In this episode, Ben Pais, Senior Vice President at Ariceum Therapeutics, discusses innovative cancer treatments. His company develops drugs that use radiation to combat cancer.

He explains their strategies and adjustments in medical technology, focusing on radiotherapy. 

He talks about the challenges of producing and distributing these drugs and the importance of having capable leaders.

Ben also explores future developments in this field and how large pharmaceutical companies acquiring smaller ones can impact the industry.

Here's what you are in for:

00:22 Moving from Clinical Medicine to Pharma

02:00 S...

In this episode, Charles talks about how to craft authentic and genuine stories that can sell yourself and stand out from the rest. He points out that many resumes lack persuasive pitches and unique stories, so he offers 5 tips on creating these narratives. He stresses the need for authenticity and alignment with one's CV and interview responses.

He also discusses typical mistakes, like not showing the hidden benefits or linking past experiences to what future employers are looking for.

Here's what you are in for:

01:03 A Sneak Peek at Making Your CV

In this episode, Charles talks with Riccardo Canevari, the managing director and CEO of Radiopharm Theranostics, a company that is innovating the way we see cancer. They talked about his leadership journey in transitioning from leading 110k employees to a 3-man startup team. He also discusses launching innovative cancer treatments such as Luziterra and BluVicto and the challenges of selling them. He also highlights the importance of mission-driven work in biotech and the promise of radiopharmaceuticals in cancer treatment.

Here's what you are in for:

00:00 Ricardo's Journey From Milan to Pharma Leader

00:19 Family's...

In this episode, we're exploring the latest in radiotherapy, especially radioligand therapy for cancer treatment. Charles spotlights some promising trials coming up in 2024 that involve companies like Ymabs, Marianao Oncology, and many more fighting hard-to-treat cancers with new techniques and talks about big deals in the industry, like when Point Pharma and Ray's bio were bought. These deals show how important radiotherapy is in business and strategy. 

Looking ahead, Charles sees a bright future for radiotherapy, with better supply chains possibly making treatments cheaper and more accessible. 

Here's what you are in for:

00:00 In...

In this episode, we talk about ADCs or antibody-drug conjugates with Ilaria Contis, a VP at ADC Therapeutics. This Swiss company is a commercial, global leader and pioneer in the field of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). It is known for being a one-stop-shop for ADC development, handling everything from research to selling their products.

Ilaria shares about how ADCs (antibody-drug conjugates) are transforming cancer treatment, opportunities and challenges in ADC tech, and why global experience matters in pharma careers.

Here's what you are in for:

01:14 – Getting Into Medicine

09:56 – Interest in ADCs

11:2...

In this episode, Charles covers the steps before applying, the application process, and how to negotiate your salary. He also explores the reasons behind the discomforts that may arise during these conversations and provides practical tips and strategies to help you navigate salary negotiations confidently.

Here's what you are in for: 

00:00 - Introduction

01:49 - Salary Negotiation Topic Introduction

03:14 - Pre-Application Advice

08:11 - Research and Self-Value Assessment

10:45 - Application Form and Recruiter Interaction

13:05 - Interview Phase Strategy

15:15 - Salary Negotiation 

ABOUT CHARLES

In this episode, we explore radiotherapy biotech with Mats Hansen. He is the CEO of Spago Nanomedical AB, a biotech firm advancing cancer treatment with new radiopharmaceuticals. 

Mats discusses the challenges and opportunities in the radiopharmaceutical space and provides insights into nanomedical radiopharmaceuticals for cancer treatment using lutetium-177. 

He also shares his experiences and insights on leadership and communication skills, emphasizing the importance of effective communication in leadership roles, and discusses how his approach to leadership has evolved over the years.

Here's what you are in for: 

00:00 Introduction

05:08 - Exp...

Welcome to “A Dose of Reality”, the podcast where we infuse insight, laughter, and practical wisdom into the world of clinical leadership and career development. Hosted by Charles Spence, each episode offers a deep dive into the challenges and triumphs of clinical leadership, providing listeners with meaningful conversations, career insights, and a dose of inspiration to navigate their professional journeys.

Whether you're a director, a C-level executive, or a clinical researcher in oncology bio-techs, this podcast is designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools needed to excel in your field.

So, visit our webs...