Learning From Leaders

North Texas biotech is gaining momentum. What will it take to sustain that growth as research funding, housing costs, and workforce needs create new challenges?

Host Lili Clark welcomes back economist Cullum Clark, Ph.D., for a conversation about innovation districts, biotech commercialization, and the leadership behind lasting economic growth. Drawing on his work with the George W. Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative, Cullum shares new research on how these districts are performing and the pressures shaping their future.

Together, they trace North Texas’ biotech journey from the 1984 Dallas Biotech Task Force to the growth of UT Southwestern research, Reata Pharmaceuticals, and Pegasus Park. Their conversation reveals how decades of investment, philanthropy, and collaboration helped turn scientific discoveries into companies and treatments.

Listeners will hear why successful innovation districts need housing, gathering places, and opportunities for startups to connect with researchers and investors. Cullum also discusses workforce development, the balance between persistence and pivoting in biotech, and where artificial intelligence could accelerate drug discovery.

The episode closes with reflections on mentorship, principled leadership, and why kindness deserves more recognition as a leadership skill. For community leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone invested in North Texas’ future, this conversation offers a practical look at building an economy where promising ideas can grow.

Subscribe now and share this episode with someone helping shape your community, and learn more about Southwestern Medical Foundation at swmedical.org.

Episode Details:

Host:

Guest:

Link to Cullum Clark's new report: https://www.bushcenter.org/publications/how-americas-innovation-districts-are-promoting-prosperity-and-opportunity

Producer:

Videography:

Disclaimer:

Southwestern Medical Foundation strives for accuracy in its publications, including the Podcast. However, due to the nature of the topics discussed, there frequently is not a clear-cut “right answer.” Consequently, Southwestern Medical Foundation cannot guarantee the accuracy or sufficiency of any information presented. The views of the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of their employers or affiliated organizations, nor Southwestern Medical Foundation, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center or the University of Texas System.

The inclusion of any guest or mention of any product or service does not constitute an endorsement thereof, nor of any company, employer, or organization with which the guest, product, or service is affiliated.

North Texas is emerging as a powerful hub for biotech, life sciences, and healthcare innovation. In this episode of Learning From Leaders, Lili Clark talks with Gina Ford, CEO of BioNTX, and explores what it takes to turn scientific discovery into companies, jobs, patient impact, and ultimately, cures.

Gina shares how BioNTX is connecting universities, healthcare systems, founders, investors, and philanthropic organizations across the region. She also discusses commercialization, early-stage funding, patient advocacy, women in life sciences, the growing IC3 Life Science and Healthcare Innovation Summit, and why building the right infrastructure is essential to North Texas’ future.

Check out the iC3 Life Sciences & Healthcare Innovation Summit on September 24-25, 2026: https://biontx.org/life-science-and-health-care-innovation-summit/ 

Episode Details:

Guest:

Producer:

Videography:

Disclaimer:

However, due to the nature of the topics discussed, there frequently is not a clear-cut “right answer.” Consequently, Southwestern Medical Foundation cannot guarantee the accuracy or sufficiency of any information presented.

The views of the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of their employers or affiliated organizations, nor Southwestern Medical Foundation, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center or the University of Texas System. The inclusion of any guest or mention of any product or service does not constitute an endorsement thereof, nor of any company, employer, or organization with which the guest, product, or service is affiliated.

How do leaders build trust when confidence in institutions is declining? Host Lili Clark welcomes Nico Leone, President and CEO of KERA, for a conversation about leadership, public media, innovation, and why trust may be an organization's most valuable asset.

Nico shares his journey into public media and reflects on leading KERA through an unprecedented period of change, including launching a transformative capital campaign, breaking ground on a new community-centered headquarters, and expanding the organization's impact through strategic partnerships and acquisitions. He discusses how KERA is reimagining public media as both a trusted source of information and a gathering place where meaningful conversations can strengthen communities.

The conversation explores the challenges of maintaining trust in an increasingly polarized media landscape, how artificial intelligence is reshaping journalism, and why organizations must prioritize authenticity, transparency, and community engagement. Nico also shares leadership lessons learned from navigating change, explains why humility is one of a leader's greatest strengths, and reflects on building organizations where people feel welcomed, valued, and inspired to do their best work.

Episode Details

Episode: Season 3 | Episode 8

Host: Lili Clark | Vice Chair, The Cary Council; Senior Associate, LH Capital, Inc. / Lyda Hill Philanthropies

Guest: Nico Leone | President and CEO, KERA www.kera.org

Producer: Dustin Magwire | Digital Media Senior Manager, Southwestern Medical Foundation www.swmedical.org

Videography: Brazos Film & Video – www.brazosfilms.com

Chapters

00:00 – Cold Open

Disclaimer

The Southwestern Medical Foundation Podcast is intended solely for educational purposes. Nothing contained therein constitutes, nor should be interpreted as medical, healthcare, financial or legal advice.

Southwestern Medical Foundation strives for accuracy in its publications, including the Podcast. However, due to the nature of the topics discussed, there frequently is not a clear-cut "right answer." Consequently, Southwestern Medical Foundation cannot guarantee the accuracy or sufficiency of any information presented.

The views of the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of their employers or affiliated organizations, nor Southwestern Medical Foundation, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, or The University of Texas System. The inclusion of any guest or mention of any product or service does not constitute an endorsement thereof, nor of any company, employer, or organization with which the guest, product, or service is affiliated.

What does civic leadership require as the United States of America approaches its 250th anniversary? Host Lili Clark welcomes Shilo Brooks, President and CEO of the George W. Bush Presidential Center, for a thoughtful conversation on civil discourse, self-government, technology, philanthropy, and the future of American leadership.

Shilo talks about how the Bush Center is using America 250 as a moment to look both backward and forward, asking what values can help the country flourish over the next 250 years. He discusses the importance of civic literacy, the role of private associations in strengthening communities, and why civil discourse begins with humility, curiosity, and the willingness to see others as reasonable people of goodwill.

The conversation also explores the risks of technology and artificial intelligence when they short-circuit independent thought, as well as the vital role philanthropy has played in shaping America’s educational, civic, medical, and cultural institutions. Shilo shares leadership lessons from President George W. Bush, explains why curiosity is foundational to great leadership, and reflects on the book that quite literally changed the trajectory of his life.

Episode Details:

Guest:

Producer:

Videography:

Disclaimer:

Southwestern Medical Foundation strives for accuracy in its publications, including the Podcast. However, due to the nature of the topics discussed, there frequently is not a clear-cut “right answer.” Consequently, Southwestern Medical Foundation cannot guarantee the accuracy or sufficiency of any information presented.

The views of the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of their employers or affiliated organizations, nor Southwestern Medical Foundation, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center or the University of Texas System. The inclusion of any guest or mention of any product or service does not constitute an endorsement thereof, nor of any company, employer, or organization with which the guest, product, or service is affiliated.

Most nanoparticles “go to the liver,” and for years, that limitation blocked genetic medicines from reaching organs like the lungs. In this episode of Learning From Leaders, host Mason Smith sits down with Daniel Siegwart, Ph.D., a UT Southwestern professor of biomedical engineering and biochemistry and Director of UT Southwestern’s Program in Genetic Drug Engineering, to explain how his lab cracked the delivery code and what that breakthrough could mean for patients.

Dr. Siegwart explains, in plain language, how he’s using lipid nanoparticles and how delivery is the missing link that turns powerful tools like mRNA and CRISPR into real-world therapies. He shares the leadership lessons he absorbed from legendary mentors, including MIT’s Bob Langer, and how those lessons shaped his approach to building teams, creating intellectual property, and translating discoveries into companies like ReCode Therapeutics and SignifyBio.

You’ll also hear Dr. Siegwart’s take on Dallas-Fort Worth’s growing biotech ecosystem, why collaboration matters across academia and industry, and how AI and automation can accelerate scientific discovery.

Episode Details:

Host:

Guest:

https://siegwartlab.com/

Producer:

Videography:

Disclaimer:

Consequently, Southwestern Medical Foundation cannot guarantee the accuracy or sufficiency of any information presented. The views of the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of their employers or affiliated organizations, nor Southwestern Medical Foundation, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center or the University of Texas System.

The inclusion of any guest or mention of any product or service does not constitute an endorsement thereof, nor of any company, employer, or organization with which the guest, product, or service is affiliated.

In this episode of Learning from Leaders, we welcomed a very special guest: Hannah Chang, M.D. Dr. Chang is a member of the UT Southwestern Medical School class of 2026. Dr. Chang is the 2026 recipient of the Ho Din Award, and we had the honor of delivering the good news as a surprise on the podcast. This award is the highest honor bestowed upon a graduating med student at UT Southwestern and has been awarded for more than 80 years, dating back to the inception of Southwestern Medical College – the precursor to what is now UT Southwestern.

Beyond the surprise, we talked to Hannah about what it means to be a leader in her own right as a medical student, and now as she transitions into a medical resident and the expectations that come with becoming a doctor. Dr. Chang shares moments from Match Day, her time at UT Southwestern, her volunteer experiences, and looks ahead to her future and how she wants to shape her career as a future leader.

Dr. Chang reflects on what it takes to navigate the residency match process, why dermatology needs a strong foundation in general medicine, and how UT Southwestern’s diverse training sites shaped her development. She also shares the mentors who helped guide her path, her passion for pediatric and vulvar dermatology, and the leadership lessons she learned through service at a free clinic and as a patient navigator. Along the way, Dr. Chang describes how music and teamwork intersect through the UT Southwestern Heartstrings Ensemble, and why philanthropy is essential to advancing research, education, and equitable care.

Chapters:

00:00 - Cold open: Going the extra mile for patients

Episode Details:

Season 3 | Episode 5

Host/Producer: Dustin Magwire | Digital Media Senior Manager, Southwestern Medical Foundation – www.swmedical.org

Videography: Brazos Film & Video - www.brazosfilms.com

Disclaimer:

The Southwestern Medical Foundation Podcast is intended solely for educational purposes. Nothing contained therein constitutes, nor should be interpreted as medical, healthcare, financial or legal advice. Southwestern Medical Foundation strives for accuracy in its publications, including the Podcast. However, due to the nature of the topics discussed, there frequently is not a clear-cut “right answer.” Consequently, Southwestern Medical Foundation cannot guarantee the accuracy or sufficiency of any information presented. The views of the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of their employers or affiliated organizations, nor Southwestern Medical Foundation, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center or the University of Texas System. The inclusion of any guest or mention of any product or service does not constitute an endorsement thereof, nor of any company, employer, or organization with which the guest, product, or service is affiliated.

What if mental health wasn’t something we addressed only after a crisis, but something we intentionally built from the very start? Lili Clark sits down with Dr. Jessica Gomez, a licensed psychologist and Executive Director of Momentous Institute, to explore what prevention can look like when it’s woven into classrooms, families, and communities.

Dr. Gomez shares how Momentous Institute, established more than 100 years ago by the Salesmanship Club of Dallas, has evolved into a nationally recognized organization working at the intersection of education and mental health. Today, Momentous provides thousands of therapy sessions each year for children and families who otherwise wouldn’t have access, and how their laboratory elementary school teaches brain health, emotions, and relationship skills alongside academics. She also explains the organization’s ambitious goal to reach one million children and families by 2031, including the ripple effect created through curriculum partnerships and community collaborations.

This conversation also highlights the powerful community ecosystem that supports this work, including the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, Momentous Institute’s largest fundraiser and a major driver of its mission. Dr. Gomez explains how the tournament helps sustain the organization’s impact and serves as a platform for broader community engagement through Momentous’ Squeeze the Day campaign during Mental Health Month - which is May.

Together, they unpack today’s toughest pressures on students and educators, from post-COVID stress, school safety concerns, social media and AI, attention challenges, and bullying that’s showing up earlier than ever. Dr. Gomez also reflects on her own journey into psychology, the importance of culturally responsive and bilingual care, and the leadership practices she uses to normalize therapy and prevent burnout. If you’re a parent, educator, employer, or community leader, this conversation offers practical insight into how we strengthen resilience and human connection at every stage of life.

Episode Details:

Episode 4, Season 3 Host: Lili Clark | Vice Chair, The Cary Council; Senior Associate, LH Capital, Inc. / Lyda Hill Philanthropies - https://www.lydahillphilanthropies.org/

Guest: Dr. Jessica Gomez | Licensed Psychologist; Executive Director, Momentous Institute https://momentousinstitute.org/ | https://scdallas.org/ | https://thecjcupbyronnelson.org/

Producer: Dustin Magwire | Digital Media Senior Manager, Southwestern Medical Foundation www.swmedical.org

Videography: Brazos Film & Video - www.brazosfilms.com

Disclaimer:

The Southwestern Medical Foundation Podcast is intended solely for educational purposes. Nothing contained therein constitutes, nor should be interpreted as medical, healthcare, financial or legal advice. Southwestern Medical Foundation strives for accuracy in its publications, including the Podcast. However, due to the nature of the topics discussed, there frequently is not a clear-cut “right answer.” Consequently, Southwestern Medical Foundation cannot guarantee the accuracy or sufficiency of any information presented. The views of the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of their employers or affiliated organizations, nor Southwestern Medical Foundation, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center or the University of Texas System. The inclusion of any guest or mention of any product or service does not constitute an endorsement thereof, nor of any company, employer, or organization with which the guest, product, or service is affiliated.

What does it take to lead a storied sports franchise through change, rebuild trust with fans, and design a venue that feels unmistakably Dallas? In this special episode of Learning From Leaders, host Lili Clark is joined by Andrew Kaufmann, the host of The Strategerist Podcast, for a conversation with Rick Welts, CEO of the Dallas Mavericks. They explore the leadership lessons behind some of the biggest moments in modern basketball and business.

Rick shares his origin story as a ball boy for the Seattle SuperSonics, and how those locker-room lessons became a master class in team dynamics, culture, and performance. He reflects on what it means to steward a franchise’s history, strengthen community engagement, and pursue a bold vision for a new entertainment district anchored by a next-generation Dallas Mavericks arena.

The conversation also touches on leading through turbulent times, the fallout from the Luka Dončić trade, and earning back fan loyalty. Rick discusses the evolving expectations of sports partnerships, the Mavericks’ relationship with UT Southwestern, and why athlete mental health and storytelling matter more than ever. Finally, he looks back on mentors like David Stern and the intellectual curiosity that fueled decades of innovation across the NBA and WNBA.

Episode Details:

Hosts:

Andrew Kaufmann | Vice President of Communications and Marketing, George W. Bush Presidential Center | Host, The Strategerist Podcast - www.bushcenter.org/podcast/the-strategerist

Guest:

Producer:

Videography:

Disclaimer:

What does it really take to build a thriving biotech ecosystem and help breakthrough science reach patients? In this episode of Learning From Leaders, host Lili Clark sits down with Dr. Gabby Everett, Director of Business Operations and Strategy and site head at BioLabs Pegasus Park, to unpack the infrastructure, partnerships, and leadership that turn early-stage biotech ideas into real-world impact.

Gabby explains how BioLabs functions as a shared lab and office community where startups have the benefit (yes, benefit) to fail fast - a key aspect of biotech progression. They can adapt and progress quickly and access high-cost equipment without raising millions to get started. She walks through what “ecosystem building” looks like in practice, from connecting founders to advisors and investors, to creating the collaborations that spark innovation at the intersections of disciplines. You’ll also hear why companies are relocating to Dallas-Fort Worth, how Bridge Labs supports the next stage of growth, and what common mistakes early biotech teams make when scaling too quickly.

The conversation also explores leadership lessons from bench science, mentorship and sponsorship, and how the region can foster more women founders and future talent through hands-on student exposure to biotech careers.

Learn more about BioLabs Pegasus Park: https://www.biolabs.io/north-texas

Chapters: 00:00 - Show Open/Intro 00:48 - Meet Dr. Gabby Everett and BioLabs Pegasus Park 01:31 - What BioLabs is and how it supports startups 04:32 - From PhD scientist to biotech ecosystem builder 08:10 - Leadership lessons from trial-and-error research 10:25 - What it takes to grow a biotech ecosystem in Dallas 13:37 - BioLabs growth since opening and why it mattered 17:26 - Startup stages, bench-by-bench growth, and Bridge Labs 23:49 - Why biotech companies are choosing Dallas-Fort Worth 29:29 - Women in biotech leadership and building the next pipeline 46:25 - AI, automation, and what’s changing in biotech 51:42 - Rapid fire and closing

Episode Details:

Episode 2, Season 3

Host: Lili Clark | Vice Chair, The Cary Council; Senior Associate, LH Capital, Inc. / Lyda Hill Philanthropies

Guest: Dr. Gabby Everett | Director of Business Operations and Strategy, Site Head, BioLabs Pegasus Park

Producer: Dustin Magwire | Digital Media Senior Manager, Southwestern Medical Foundation - www.swmedical.org

Videography: Brazos Film & Video - www.brazosfilms.com

Disclaimer: The Southwestern Medical Foundation Podcast is intended solely for educational purposes. Nothing contained therein constitutes, nor should be interpreted as medical, healthcare, financial or legal advice.

Southwestern Medical Foundation strives for accuracy in its publications, including the Podcast. However, due to the nature of the topics discussed, there frequently is not a clear-cut “right answer.” Consequently, Southwestern Medical Foundation cannot guarantee the accuracy or sufficiency of any information presented.

The views of the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of their employers or affiliated organizations, nor Southwestern Medical Foundation, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center or the University of Texas System. The inclusion of any guest or mention of any product or service does not constitute an endorsement thereof, nor of any company, employer, or organization with which the guest, product, or service is affiliated.

Do repeated “bell ringers” and repetitive, sub-concussive hits add up over time? In this episode of Learning From Leaders, host Lili Clark sits down with Dr. Jeff Schaffert, assistant professor in UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Department of Psychiatry, to explore the evolving science of brain health in athletes. Fresh off receiving The Cary Council’s $50,000 early-stage research grant, Dr. Schaffert shares how the pilot study he's leading combines blood-based biomarkers, advanced neuroimaging, and cognitive testing to look for early, often invisible signs of cognitive decline in former collegiate football players.

You’ll hear why this research matters beyond the NFL and how researchers are trying to better understand neurodegenerative risk. Dr. Schaffert also breaks down what leadership looks like in the lab and explains what researchers hope to learn from early signals such as neuroinflammation and white matter changes.

The conversation also zooms out into practical, balanced guidance for families weighing the benefits of sports, plus everyday brain-health habits that can reduce dementia risk over time. This episode tackles the big question about brain health in football and offers clarity, nuance, and a grounded look at what we know and what scientists are still working to understand.

Chapters:

00:00 - Show Open

Episode Details:

Episode 1, Season 3

Host:

Guest:

Producer:

Videography:

Disclaimer:

Southwestern Medical Foundation strives for accuracy in its publications, including the Podcast. However, due to the nature of the topics discussed, there frequently is not a clear-cut “right answer.” Consequently, Southwestern Medical Foundation cannot guarantee the accuracy or sufficiency of any information presented.

The views of the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of their employers or affiliated organizations, nor Southwestern Medical Foundation, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center or the University of Texas System. The inclusion of any guest or mention of any product or service does not constitute an endorsement thereof, nor of any company, employer, or organization with which the guest, product, or service is affiliated.