Leading Beyond The Lab

Two of the most influential minds in immuno-oncology walk into a biotech… and build something that could change everything.

Dr. Rachel Humphrey (CEO) and Dr. Melinda Merchant (CMO) of Normunity are two of the most seasoned and respected leaders in oncology drug development, with a combined 45+ years of experience across big pharma, biotech, and translational science. Rachel led the development of Yervoy® (ipilimumab) at BMS, Imfinzi® (durvalumab) at AstraZeneca, and Nexavar® (sorafenib) at Bayer, before holding CMO roles at Black Diamond, Mirati, and CytomX. Melinda, an immunologist and dual board-certified pediatric oncologist, spent a decade leading clinical studies at NIH and Memorial Sloan Kettering, running early trials of ipilimumab, nivolumab, and novel cell therapies before moving to industry and leading clinical development efforts of multiple investigational new drugs. Together, they now lead Normunity, where they’re pioneering a bold new therapeutic category: immune normalizers - designed to unlock immune resistance and open up new frontiers in cancer treatment.In this episode, we cover:

- How Normunity is redefining immuno-oncology with its first-in-class T-cell engager

- What it takes to build scientific teams that challenge each other - and still move fast

- Lessons from launching Yervoy, Imfinzi, Tazverik, and other breakthrough therapies

- Why biotech culture needs both humility and ego to succeed

- What’s next as Normunity prepares to enter the clinic with NRM-823

If you're a life sciences leader, founder, or investor - this conversation is essential listening. Tap in to hear what it really takes to build, lead, and scale science that matters.

Follow ARTO

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalent

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kEcRZOiJChOoN1KF2n1ng

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arto.talent?igsh=MWdhbWl5N204a253NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-beyond-the-lab/id1783115575

Website: https://arto-talent.com

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@life_sciences

Rachel Humphrey

CEO at Normunity

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-w-humphrey-md-116b211b/

Melinda Merchant

CMO at Normunity

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melinda-merchant-7b496a/

Lawrence Rose

Co-Founder + Talent Solutions Director At ARTO

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencerose/

Timestamps:

00:00 Career Beginnings

16:58 Traits of a Drug Developer

19:53 Leadership in Biotech

27:28 Story Behind Normunity

30:23 Normunity Culture

32:28 Mindsets in Translational Science

36:33 Personal Life

#LeadingBeyondTheLab #ARTOTalent #Biotechnology

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Arndt Schottelius, CEO of Maxion Therapeutics, is a physician-scientist with a standout career across Genentech, MorphoSys, Kymab, and now at one of the UK’s most promising biotech companies. At Maxion, he leads a team pioneering KnotBody technology - an innovative approach to targeting ion channels and GPCRs, long considered “undruggable” with biologics. Arndt brings more than 25 years of experience across translational science, drug development and leadership in global R&D. His conviction, clarity, and track record - including developing molecules that have become partnered, acquired and approved - makes this conversation a must-listen for anyone in life sciences leadership.

In this episode, we cover:

• How Maxion is building a new therapeutic modality using KnotBody technology to tackle autoimmune and inflammatory diseases
• Why conviction, speed, and storytelling are non-negotiable in translational drug development
• Lessons from Genentech, MorphoSys, and Kymab on building pipelines, teams, and partnerships
• What investors really look for - and how Maxion secured a competitive Series A in a tough market
• How to hire and scale for scientific excellence without losing agility or collaboration

Tune in for a dynamic, insightful conversation with one of biotech’s most experienced and thoughtful leaders.

Follow ARTO

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalent

Spotify: Leading Beyond The Lab

Instagram: Instagram (@arto.talent)

TikTok: artotalent on TikTok

Apple Podcasts: Leading Beyond The Lab

Website: Home

Youtube: ARTO Recruitment

Arndt Schottelius

CEO at Maxion Theraprutics

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arndt-schottelius-md-ph/

Lawrence Rose

Co-Founder + Talent Solutions Director At ARTO

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencerose/

Timestamps:

00:00 Career Beginnings

06:46 Translational Science

08:55 Lessons in Biotech Leadership

25:23 Maxion - Culture and Roundup

#LeadingBeyondTheLab #ARTOTalent #Biotechnology 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you want to understand what it really takes to build and lead a successful biotech, this episode is for you.

Dr. Christopher Morabito, Chief Medical Officer at Astria Therapeutics, joins us to share hard-won lessons from 25 years in rare disease, oncology, and immunology. But this isn’t a career retrospective - it’s a deep dive into the mindset, strategies, and leadership habits that drive biotech success.

In this episode, Chris reveals:

• How to make tough go/no-go decisions when the data isn’t clear.
• The leadership traits that keep teams aligned, motivated, and resilient in high-pressure environments.
• Why clarity of purpose matters more than anything else in a biotech’s mission.
• How to navigate the tension between scientific ambition and commercial reality.
• The patterns he’s seen across programs that make it from idea to approval.

Chris distills decades of experience into practical, actionable advice for founders, executives, and investors - making this one of the most insightful conversations we’ve had yet.

🎧 Tune in for a rare, candid look at biotech leadership from someone who’s been on the front lines of game-changing therapies.

Follow ARTO

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalent

Spotify: Leading Beyond The Lab

Instagram: Instagram (@arto.talent)

TikTok: artotalent on TikTok

Apple Podcasts: Leading Beyond The Lab

Website: Home

Youtube: ARTO Recruitment

Christopher Morabito

CMO at Astria Therapeutics

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismorabito/

Lawrence Rose

Co-Founder + Talent Solutions Director At ARTO

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencerose/

Timestamps:

00:00 Career Beginnings

13:40 Moving Into Biotech

23:34 Leading in Biotech

28:41 Patients First

38:23 Lessons & Legacy

#LeadingBeyondTheLab #ARTOTalent #Biotechnology 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you're in biotech, immunology, or drug development - this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.

We’re joined by Dr. Bhaskar Srivastava, Chief Medical Officer at Triveni Bio, whose career has spanned over 10 years across J&J, Nimbus, and now Triveni Bio, one of the most ambitious autoimmune biotech startups on the scene.

In this episode, Bhaskar dives deep into:

· How Triveni is building a first-in-class pipeline targeting the kallikrein system - a bold bet to treat severe skin and inflammatory conditions by tackling novel biology.

· What it means to be a founder’s CMO, and how great science needs the right development strategy to make a difference.

· Candid stories from his past roles at Nimbus (which sold its TYK2 program to Takeda for $4B) and Janssen, where he helped guide first-in-class therapies from Phase 1 to pivotal trials.

· Why bispecifics may be risky but worth it, and how Triveni is using novel biologics to crack tough diseases like atopic dermatitis.

· Advice for executives: how to balance ambition and discipline, when to say no, and why choosing the right team members matters as much as the science.

🎙 Bhaskar doesn’t just talk science - he connects molecular biology to patient need, clinical strategy, and company vision with clarity and purpose.

Follow ARTO

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalent

Spotify: Leading Beyond The Lab

Instagram: Instagram (@arto.talent)

TikTok: artotalent on TikTok

Apple Podcasts: Leading Beyond The Lab

Website: Home

Youtube: ARTO Recruitment

Bhaskar Srivastava

CMO at Triveni Bio

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhaskar-srivastava-355a9ab1/

Lawrence Rose

Co-Founder + Talent Solutions Director At ARTO

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencerose/

Timestamps:

00:00 Career Beginnings

15:44 Success & Growth in Biotech

28:43 Investing in Biotech

34:23 The Future of Dermatology & Triveni Bio

#LeadingBeyondTheLab #ARTOTalent #Biotechnology 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you care about the future of genomics, diagnostics, and biotech investing, you can’t miss this episode.

We’re joined by Mara Aspinall, Partner at Illumina Ventures, a trailblazer with over 30 years of leadership in diagnostics and eight years in venture capital funding groundbreaking genomics companies.

In this episode, Mara reveals:

• The next wave of diagnostics, from liquid biopsies to home testing and new AI-driven tools.
• Hard-won lessons from leading Genzyme Genetics, Roche Tissue Diagnostics, and building her own startup.
• Insider tips for founders on pitching, choosing the right investors, and building winning teams.
• A glimpse into where genomics is heading in the next decade - from neurodegenerative disease detection to early metabolic disease diagnostics.

With her unmatched experience as an operator, educator, and investor, Mara brings clarity, energy, and vision to a fast-changing field. This conversation is packed with takeaways for founders, investors, and anyone fascinated by the future of healthcare.

🎧 Tune in now for a masterclass in diagnostics, genomics, and venture capital from one of the industry’s most influential voices.

Follow ARTO

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalent

Spotify: Leading Beyond The Lab

Instagram: Instagram (@arto.talent)

TikTok: artotalent on TikTok

Apple Podcasts: Leading Beyond The Lab

Website: Home

Youtube: ARTO Recruitment

Mara Aspinall

Partner At Illumina Ventures

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-aspinall-6688142/

Lawrence Rose

Co-Founder + Talent Solutions Director At ARTO

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencerose/

Timestamps:

00:00 Career Beginnings

04:10 Current Diagnostic Trends

20:48 The Founder Investor Fit

25:37 Genetics & Genomics

29:06 Mara Aspinall

39:31 Neurodegenerative Disease

#LeadingBeyondTheLab #ARTOTalent #Biotechnology 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To anyone interested in life science VC investment – you need to watch this.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Sascha Berger, a biotech investment director based in Saudi Arabia and a very experienced life science investor globally. With nearly two decades in the industry, he’s seen breakthroughs, pivots, and billion-dollar transactions.

He reveals:

• Saudi Arabia’s high-stakes plan to become a global biotech superpower by 2040 - and why it could disrupt the industry as we know it.
• The real role of a VC beyond the money - how top investors become game-changing partners for founders.
• Raw stories from the front lines - startups on the brink of collapse that fought back to success.
• No-fluff advice for first-time founders on building the right team and surviving the brutal biotech rollercoaster.
• A global insider’s view on the next wave of innovation - from Boston’s biotech streets to the Middle East’s rising hubs.

This is one of our most unfiltered and insightful episodes yet - a must-watch for founders, investors, or anyone who wants to see where life sciences is really heading.

🎧 Tune in now to hear how a leading investor is driving biotech’s next era.

Follow ARTO

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalent

Spotify: Leading Beyond The Lab

Instagram: Instagram (@arto.talent)

TikTok: artotalent on TikTok

Apple Podcasts: Leading Beyond The Lab

Website: Home

Youtube: ARTO Recruitment

Sascha Berger

Saudi Arabia Biotech Investor

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasber/

Lawrence Rose

Co-Founder + Talent Solutions Director At ARTO

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencerose/

Timestamps:

00:00 Career Beginnings

08:04 Investing in Success

26:13 Saudi Arabia - The Future

36:29 How to Secure Investment

#LeadingBeyondTheLab #ARTOTalent #Biotechnology #Dermatology

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Tomoko Maeda-Chubachi - a global leader in dermatology drug development and biotech innovation:

• Dr. Maeda-Chubachi serves as fractional Chief Medical Officer at various startups focusing on dermatology indications.
• 20+ years experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Dr. Maeda-Chubachi has held senior roles at major companies like Pfizer, Eli Lilly, and GSK. Her expertise spans the entire drug development process, from early-phase trials to regulatory approvals.
• Tomoko has multiple notable achievements, she led the FDA approval of Zelsuvmi, helped secure a $250M deal for Vtama, and was named one of 2023’s top CMOs to watch.
• Dr. Maeda-Chubachi is a sought-after speaker, having presented at events like the Dermatology Drug Development Summit and the Japan Biotech Panel. She is also an active member of Women In Bio, receiving the Long Tenure Active Member Award from the RTP chapter.

In this episode, we discuss a range of topics, including her career beginnings, challenges that come with drug development, leadership in biotech, key achievements and much more. This conversation applies broadly to all types of connections in the Life Sciences Industry, and aims to educate and inspire those who want to excel in leadership.

Follow ARTO

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalent

Spotify: Leading Beyond The Lab

Instagram: Instagram (@arto.talent)

TikTok: artotalent on TikTok

Apple Podcasts: Leading Beyond The Lab

Website: Home

Youtube: ARTO Recruitment

Tomoko Maeda-Chubachi

CMO at Kalm Therapeutics + Boardroom Ready at Women in Bio

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomoko-maeda-chubachi/

Lawrence Rose

Co-Founder + Talent Solutions Director At ARTO

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencerose/

Timestamps:

00:00 Career Beginnings

06:23 Drug Development

08:59 Leadership

13:58 Achievements + Fractional CMO

#LeadingBeyondTheLab #ARTOTalent #Biotechnology #Dermatology

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Nicholas Reder, who’s pushing the boundaries in AI-driven spatial tissue analysis, with a mix of experience and insights:

• Nick is the Founder & CEO at Alpenglow Biosciences, pioneers in AI-powered 3D spatial biology that transforms how we see and understand tissue biopsies.
• 10+ years in translational research, with degrees in biochem, epidemiology, and medicine – plus a residency and fellowship in pathology at the University of Washington.
• Co-developed a groundbreaking open-top light-sheet microscope – now the core of Alpenglow’s tech.
• Nick is a major conference speaker at AACR, SID, PMWC, NextGen Omics, BIO International and more, and has won the Castleman Award - the highest global honour for pathologists under 40.

In this episode, we discuss a range of topics including Alpenglow’s current success and what the future looks like, hiring talent within techbios, as well and leadership challenges within the computational biology space. This conversation applies broadly to all types of connections in the Life Sciences Industry, and aims to educate and inspire those who want to excel in leadership.

Follow ARTO

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalent

Spotify: Leading Beyond The Lab

Instagram: Instagram (@arto.talent)

TikTok: artotalent on TikTok

Apple Podcasts: Leading Beyond The Lab

Website: Home

Youtube: ARTO Recruitment

Nicholas Reder

Founder + CEO at Alpenglow Biosciences

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-reder-210a578b/

Lawrence Rose

Co-Founder + Talent Solutions Director At ARTO

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencerose/

Timestamps:

00:00 Career Beginnings & Alpenglow

04:54 AI & Hiring Talent

14:58 Challenges / Key Triggers When Hiring

19:36 Alpenglow Biosciences

24:14 What’s Next - Quickfire Round

#LeadingBeyondTheLab #ARTOTalent #Biotechnology #Dermatology

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Bernardo Cervantes, leading the charge in microbiome science, with a mix of experience and insights:

• Bernardo is the Co-Founder and COO of Concerto Biosciences, a biotech pioneering the development of microbial consortia-based therapeutics.
• With a robust background in microbial engineering, Bernardo has dedicated his career to studying microbial interactions and microbiome health. His expertise spans sythetic biology and metabolic engineering.
• Bernardo is internationally recognised for his contributions to microbiome science, particularly in translating complex microbial ecology into practical applications. His work at Concerto Biosciences has positioned him as a thought leader in developing next-generation microbial therapeutics.
• Prior to co-founding Concerto Biosciences, Bernardo earned his PhD in Microbiology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
• Concerto has been active at major scientific conferences, including the 2024 BIO International Convention, where Concerto Biosciences was featured in the NIH Innovation Zone.

In this episode, we discuss the future of microbiome sciences, Bernardo’s key learnings throughout his career, how he’s adapted his leadership as one of three Co-Founders, management, a great opportunity within the market and a lot more. This conversation applies broadly to all types of connections in the Life Sciences Industry, and aims to educate and inspire those who want to excel in leadership.

Follow ARTO

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalent

Spotify: Leading Beyond The Lab

Instagram: Instagram (@arto.talent)

TikTok: artotalent on TikTok

Apple Podcasts: Leading Beyond The Lab

Website: Home

Youtube: ARTO Recruitment

Dr. Bernardo Cervantes

Chief Operations Officer at Concerto Biosciences

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernacularbio/

Lawrence Rose

Co-Founder + Talent Solutions Director At ARTO

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencerose/

Timestamps:

00:00 Career Beginnings & Concerto Biosciences

10:16 Concerto Biosciences - Key Learnings

15:26 Team Building & Culture

23:52 Quickfire Questions

#LeadingBeyondTheLab #ARTOTalent #Biotechnology #Dermatology

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Frank Watanabe, a titan of biotech and pharma, and leader shaping the future of medicine:

• CEO of Arcutis Biotherapeutics, one of the few commercial stage Dermatology focused Biopharma companies; leading them from startup to IPO to commercial success.
• 25+ years in biotech and pharma with expertise across of various Therapeutic areas.
• Proven leader in life sciences, known for building and scaling companies from early-stage to FDA approval - with leadership forged from time spent in the U.S. Navy.
• Former roles at Kythera, Lilly Amgen, and Allergan - driving strategy, R&D, and game-changing product launches.
• Champion of innovation, access, and purpose-driven leadership across the biopharma ecosystem

In this episode, we discuss everything from How Frank built Arcutis, motivation and Self-Improvement that is grounded from his experience in the Navy, revealing the key to success as a leader in the industry. This conversation applies broadly to all types of connections in the Life Sciences Industry, and aims to educate and inspire those who want to excel in leadership.

Follow ARTO

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalent

Spotify: Leading Beyond The Lab

Instagram: Instagram (@arto.talent)

TikTok: artotalent on TikTok

Apple Podcasts: Leading Beyond The Lab

Website: Home

Youtube: ARTO Recruitment

Dr. Frank Watanabe

President, CEO At Arcutis

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-watanabe-419711/

Lawrence Rose

Co-Founder + Talent Solutions Director At ARTO

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencerose/

Timestamps:

00:00 Career Beginnings + Arcutis

05:01 Leadership & Growth

20:52 Motivation & Self Improvement

27:40 Personality Traits To Succeed In Pharma

33:30 What’s Next For Arcutis

#LeadingBeyondTheLab #ARTOTalent #Biotechnology #Dermatology

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.