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Holding on to Unicorns and Rainbows
Holding on to Unicorns and Rainbows episodes
- On a Quest to Outsmart Cancer: Founding Big Picture Bio
What does it take to leave a role you love and build something completely new from scratch?
In this episode, Kerstin finally gets to talk about Big Picture Bio, the biotech startup she has been building from the ground up over the past months.
Together, Elena and Kerstin unpack both sides of the journey: the reality of starting and funding a new company, and the science behind an ambitious new approach to cancer drug discovery.
They explore how systems biology, single-cell data and computational models could help capture the complexity of cancer, predict clinical trial outcomes and identify smarter drug combinations.
Along the way, they talk about coming out of stealth, making bold predictions with a Twitter account that had two followers, the challenges of translating computational insights back into the lab, and why building something from scratch can be exhausting and energising at exactly the same time.
LinkedIn Kerstin Papenfuss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerstin-papenfuss/
LinkedIn Elena Schuh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-schuh-ph-d-31a88820/42 min - Beyond Small Talk: Building a Kick-Ass Network
Is good networking really about working the room, collecting contacts and having the perfect pitch?
In this episode, Elena and Kerstin unpack what it actually takes to build a network that is useful, genuine and lasting.
From awkward conference conversations and networking as an introvert to asking better questions, adapting to different personalities and following up afterwards, they share the strategies that have changed the way they approach professional relationships.
They also explore the psychology behind trust and reciprocity, why curiosity may matter more than expertise, why strong networks need people outside your usual bubble, and why asking for help is not a weakness but a strategy.
#Networking #ProfessionalNetworking #BuildingConnections #Leadership #CareerDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #WomenInLeadership #PersonalGrowth
LinkedIn Kerstin Papenfuss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerstin-papenfuss/
LinkedIn Elena Schuh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-schuh-ph-d-31a88820/44 min - Crowdfunding a Dream: Building a Business That Brings People Together
What happens when a bold business idea meets the messy reality of the real world?
In this episode, Elena and Kerstin talk to Nick, founder of Mash Paddle Brewery in London, about building a business that lets people brew their own beer.
From the original idea to crowdfunding, finding the right space, hiring a team, and rethinking the business model along the way, this conversation is a refreshingly honest look at what it takes to turn vision into reality.
It is also about much more than beer: about entrepreneurship, physical spaces, community, and the challenge of creating something meaningful in a world that so often happens behind screens. #Entrepreneurship
#FounderJourney #Crowdfunding #CommunityBuilding #SmallBusiness #HospitalityBusiness #CraftBeer
Nick’s Mash Paddle Brewery: https://www.mashpaddlebrewery.com/ LinkedIn Kerstin Papenfuss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerstin-papenfuss/
LinkedIn Elena Schuh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-schuh-ph-d-31a88820/
41 min - Disruptive Ideas Need the Biggest Cheer Squad: On Pitch Decks and More
In this episode, Elena and Kerstin talk about pitch decks, storytelling and why even the best scientific ideas need to be communicated clearly.
They discuss how to distill complex messages, build a stronger narrative and use structure, visuals and simple language to make ideas easier to grasp.
From investor decks to scientific communication, the episode explores why good data rarely speaks for itself and why disruptive innovation often needs an especially strong “cheer squad” to get the right people on board.
#PitchDecks #ScientificCommunication #HealthTech #BiotechStartups #VisualStorytelling #FemaleFounders #StartupCommunication
LinkedIn Kerstin Papenfuss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerstin-papenfuss/
LinkedIn Elena Schuh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-schuh-ph-d-31a88820/42 min - Tracking Hype: Are We Measuring What Matters?
Can health data actually change behavior, or are we just getting better at measuring?
In this episode, Elena and Kerstin explore the world of health tracking technologies, sharing insights from their personal experiments with devices like Fitbit, Oura Ring, and continuous glucose monitors.
They discuss the potential benefits, limitations, and future possibilities of health data, with a particular focus on behavior change, data integration, and what it would take for tracking to truly improve health outcomes.
LinkedIn Kerstin Papenfuss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerstin-papenfuss/
LinkedIn Elena Schuh:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-schuh-ph-d-31a88820/
41 min - Working Smarter Not Harder: Lessons from a Business Strategist
In this episode, hosts Kerstin and Elena welcome Merel Brouwer, a business coach specializing in productivity and scaling businesses.
Merel shares her transformative journey from the corporate world to establishing her own consulting and coaching practice. She emphasizes the importance of building scalable systems through a structured methodology, ensuring both quality and growth. Merel advocates for a scientific approach to business, focusing on data-driven decision-making and key metrics.
Throughout the conversation, Merel provides valuable insights into balancing entrepreneurship with family life, ultimately creating a business that supports one's ideal lifestyle.
#BusinessScaling #SystemsThinking #DataDriven #Productivity #WorkLifeIntegration #FounderGrowth
LinkedIn Merel Brouwer (Dutch): https://www.linkedin.com/in/brouwermerel/
Homepage De productieve ondernemer (Dutch): https://deproductieveondernemer.nl/
LinkedIn Kerstin Papenfuss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerstin-papenfuss/
LinkedIn Elena Schuh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-schuh-ph-d-31a88820/
46 min - From Science to Startup: Founding Ovo Labs
In this episode, Elena and Kerstin welcome Melina and Agata, co-founders of Ovo Labs, a startup focused on improving egg quality and fertility treatments.
They discuss their backgrounds, the journey of founding Ovo Labs, the science behind egg aging, and the emotional impact of infertility.
The conversation highlights the importance of innovative solutions in reproductive health and the challenges faced by startups in the biotech industry.
#FemTech #FertilityTech #ReproductiveHealth #EggQuality #BiotechStartups #WomenInSTEM
Homepage Ovo Labs: https://www.ovo-labs.com/
LinkedIn Agata Zielinska: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agata-zielinska-18a97494/
LinkedIn Melina Schuh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melina-schuh-841894311/
LinkedIn Kerstin Papenfuss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerstin-papenfuss/
LinkedIn Elena Schuh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-schuh-ph-d-31a88820/
49 min - 2025 Retrospective and the 2026 Game Plan
In this end-of-year episode, Kerstin and Elena reflect on their personal and professional journeys throughout the year.
They discuss the challenges faced in the biotech investment sector this year, celebrate their wins, and share insights on navigating the ups and downs of business.
The conversation also touches on the impact of AI, the importance of maintaining personal connections, and their aspirations for the upcoming year, 2026.
#BiotechInvestment #YearInReview #AIImpact #FounderJourney #TechTrends2026 #Resilience
LinkedIn Kerstin Papenfuss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerstin-papenfuss/
LinkedIn Elena Schuh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-schuh-ph-d-31a88820/
33 min - Exercise: How Do We Boost Perseverance With This Miracle Pill?
In this episode, hosts Kerstin and Elena discuss the importance of exercise for health and longevity, sharing personal experiences and insights on how to incorporate physical activity into busy lives.
They explore strategies for making exercise enjoyable, the role of accountability, and the impact of childhood sports on adult fitness habits.
The conversation also touches on innovations in fitness technology and the importance of building sustainable habits for long-term well-being.
#Longevity #HealthSpan #ExerciseScience #HabitFormation #FitnessTech #HealthyAging
LinkedIn Kerstin Papenfuss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerstin-papenfuss/
LinkedIn Elena Schuh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-schuh-ph-d-31a88820/
37 min - Navigating Modern Life: The "Minimal Viable Product" Approach
In this episode, Elena and Kerstin discuss the challenges of modern life, including feelings of overwhelm and loneliness, particularly among parents.
They introduce the concept of the MVP (Minimal Viable Product) approach to life, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing essential tasks and lowering expectations to reduce stress.
The conversation touches on societal pressures, the impact of urban design on community connections, and the need for conscious choices in distributing responsibilities at home.
They also explore cultural differences in parenting and the effects of COVID-19 on social interactions, concluding with a call to action for listeners to reflect on their own priorities and connections.
Gemini ha dicho#MVPApproach #ModernParenting #MentalLoad #Prioritization #SocialConnection #WorkLifeBalance
LinkedIn Kerstin Papenfuss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerstin-papenfuss/
LinkedIn Elena Schuh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-schuh-ph-d-31a88820/
45 min
About Holding on to Unicorns and Rainbows
From the publisher's feed
A podcast for female founders and leaders in health and tech, and for everyone who believes innovation should make the world better.
Kerstin and Elena are two scientists, businesswomen in…
the pharma and biotech space, and mothers. They are passionate about health, innovation, and the women shaping the future, but they also know the real-life juggle of combining business, ambition, and family life.
This podcast is about bold ideas, scientific breakthroughs, startups, and meaningful change, but also about the small shifts that can have a big impact. It is about more than tech. It is about personal stories, behind-the-scenes realities, and the often messy process of building something meaningful, in work and in life.
This podcast is about bold ideas, scientific breakthroughs, startups, and meaningful change, but also about the small shifts that can have a big impact. It is about more than tech. It is about personal stories, behind-the-scenes realities, and the often messy process of building something meaningful, in work and in life.
About the Hosts:
Kerstin Papenfuss is a scientist, entrepreneur, and systems thinker. As Director of Pharma at Deep Science Ventures, she leads the creation and development of novel therapeutics for unmet medical needs. With more than a decade of experience across oncology, signal transduction, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical markets, she brings a rare blend of scientific depth and strategic vision. Kerstin is also a mother of two young children, sports-enthusiast and is based in London.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerstin-papenfuss/
Elena Schuh is a scientist and (visual) storyteller. As founder of Benchtime Stories, she has spent the past decade helping pharma and biotech teams communicate complex science in a clear yet fun way. Drawing on her previous experience in both big pharma and academia, she brings multiple perspectives to the table. Elena is also a sports-lover, outdoors-enthusiast, mother of three young children and lives in the Netherlands.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-schuh-ph-d-31a88820/