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In this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Troy Fugate. The CCO of Compliance Insight, Inc., Troy brings 30+ years of FDA readiness, GMP, and quality leadership—turning complex requirements into practical, culture-shaping solutions and championing the Align–Apply–Adapt framework used across pharma, cell and gene therapy, and medical devices.

00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast

00:37 Meet Troy Fugate: CCO of Compliance Insight

01:09 Troy's Career Journey and FDA Focus

04:10 The Align, Apply, Adapt Framework

04:47 Differentiating Compliance Insight

08:03 The Importance of Clarity in Compliance

17:10 Challenges and Solutions in Compliance

25:38 Human Behavior and Continuous Improvement

34:39 Troy's Inspirations and Concerns

39:07 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

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In this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Byron Purse, co-founder of AlidaBio and professor of chemistry at San Diego State University who is pioneering innovative approaches to studying RNA modifications. Byron brings a wealth of expertise in synthetic and natural nucleic acid modifications, with a passion for advancing biotechnology and human health through his groundbreaking research and entrepreneurial endeavors.

00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast
00:29 Meet Byron Purse: Professor and Co-Founder of AlidaBio
01:05 Byron's Journey into Life Sciences
03:10 From Academia to Entrepreneurship
06:49 Founding AlidaBio: Vision and Mission
08:59 Innovations in RNA Modifications
23:09 Challenges and Successes in Developing the EpiPlex™ Platform
28:44 Leadership and Inspiration
35:00 Concerns and Future Outlook in Life Sciences
43:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is James Piacentino, CEO of Thrive Genetics, Inc., a pioneering digital health startup focused on transforming addiction risk assessment through genetic and behavioral science. James brings a unique blend of entrepreneurial experience, technical expertise, and personal mission to develop innovative solutions that help healthcare providers manage dependency risk with unprecedented precision.

00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast
00:46 Upcoming Podcast Announcement
01:08 Introducing James Piacentino
01:49 James Piacentino's Background in Digital Health
03:29 Corporate Experience and Startup Journey
06:53 Founding Thrive Genetics
08:35 The Impact of Addiction on Families
09:19 Thrive Genetics' Approach to Addiction Risk
18:43 Partnerships and Technological Advancements
21:29 Combining Genetics, Behavior, and AI
25:06 The Conservative Approach to AI in Customer Journeys
26:12 Balancing Scientific Rigor with Business Models
27:09 Adoption and Value Creation in Technology
30:54 The Importance of Customer Feedback
40:05 Leadership Lessons and Values-Based Leadership
43:18 Inspiration and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs
45:29 Concerns and Complexities in Today's World
46:47 Excitement for the Future
47:35 Conclusion and Farewell

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In this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Josh Yelen, a CPA, MBA, and the Founder & CEO of Function, a strategic financial leadership and bookkeeping services company that supports businesses across various industries, including life sciences. With over two decades of experience in operations, accounting, finance, and sales, Josh is also a co-founder of Venture Forward Capital, where he supports early-stage entrepreneurs in building disruptive companies.


00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast
00:40 Join Our Free School Community
01:41 Introducing Our Guest: Josh Yelen
02:10 Josh Yelen's Professional Journey
04:30 The Birth of Venture Forward Capital and Function
09:05 Function's Unique Approach to Financial Services
14:55 Challenges in Biotech and Pharma
20:40 Trends Shaping the Future of Biotech
29:19 Firing the Biggest Client and Growing the Business
29:46 Innovative Use of AI in Business
30:53 Aligning Company Goals with OKRs
32:45 The Importance of Focus and Avoiding Distractions
36:46 Leadership Advice and Entrepreneurial Challenges
39:31 Motivational Videos and Personal Drive
45:37 Concerns About AI and the Future of Work
50:48 Excitement for the Future and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Nissan Cohen, a worldwide expert with over 45 years of experience in high purity water systems, pharmaceutical engineering, and water technology innovation. Nissan is the Owner of Biopharmaceutical Water Doc company and has made significant contributions to the field through his extensive publications, technical expertise, and leadership in international professional societies like ISPE.

00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast 

00:29 Meet Dr. Nissan Cohen: Water Technology Expert

01:24 The Importance of Potable Water

01:52 Journey into High Purity Water Systems

03:32 Transition to Pharmaceutical Industry

06:12 Milestones in Pharmaceutical Water Technology

09:54 Current Consultancy and Industry Challenges

14:32 Advancements in Pharmaceutical Water Technologies

20:51 Sustainability and Zero Liquid Discharge

29:22 Agricultural Water Innovations

35:43 Leadership and Professional Insights

41:23 Concerns and Future Outlook

44:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Victoria Donovan. Victoria is the Founder and CEO of Clinically Media, an award-winning agency that is transforming patient recruitment and retention strategies in clinical research.

00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast
00:38 Meet Victoria Donovan: Founder and CEO of Clinically Media
01:34 Victoria's Journey into Life Sciences
03:12 The Birth and Growth of Clinically Media
05:03 Clinically Media's Mission and Vision
08:46 Innovative Approaches in Patient Recruitment
11:59 Challenges and Future of Patient Recruitment
23:45 Leadership and Personal Insights from Victoria Donovan
32:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Mark Stead, Head of Business Development at Atomic AI, a pioneering biotech company using artificial intelligence and structural biology to develop innovative RNA-targeted therapeutics. Mark brings over 12 years of experience in biotechnology, with a proven track record of negotiating high-value partnerships and driving strategic collaborations in drug discovery.

00:00 Introduction to the Life Science Success Podcast
00:30 Meet Mark Stead: Journey into Life Sciences
03:26 Career Insights: From Amgen to Atomic AI
11:20 Innovations at Atomic AI: Leveraging AI and Structural Biology
19:37 The Future of AI in Drug Discovery
31:03 Leadership and Personal Insights
39:38 Conclusion and Farewell

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In this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Kristien Van Vlasselaer, a Vice President of Operations at Gordian Biotechnology who is a passionate generalist and strategic operations leader dedicated to helping biotech teams execute with excellence. With her unique ability to bridge technical expertise and practical problem-solving, Kristien brings a holistic approach to optimizing organizational performance and driving innovative solutions in the biotech industry.

00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast
00:40 Meet Kristien Van Vlasselaer: A Passionate Generalist
01:05 Kristien's Journey into Life Sciences
02:26 The Generalist Powerhouse in Biotech
04:23 Career Evolution and Key Milestones
09:03 Challenges and Trends in Biotech
11:58 Kristien's Role and Initiatives at Gordian Biotechnology
27:43 Innovative Approaches in Osteoarthritis Research
28:21 Challenges and Limitations of Animal Models
29:23 Complex Problem Solving in Biotech
35:12 Leadership Advice and Insights
42:31 Inspiration and Concerns in the Industry
50:26 The Value of Generalists and Future Outlook
52:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is John Schmitt, a military veteran, entrepreneur, and Co-Founder & CEO of iXpressGenes who is leveraging innovative RNA biomarker technologies to revolutionize trauma screening in healthcare. With over 20 years of leadership experience in the U.S. Army and a Master's degree in Microbiology and Immunology, John is dedicated to developing data-driven solutions for early detection and prevention of trauma-related diseases.


00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
01:02 Welcoming the Guest: John Schmitt
02:00 John Schmitt's Journey to Biotechnology
05:58 Military Experience and Leadership Insights
13:09 Founding  iXpressGenes: The Origin Story
17:31 Mission and Objectives of iXpressGenes
23:08 Challenges and Innovations in Biomarker Technologies
27:42 Personal Leadership and Inspirations
35:00 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up

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In this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Lyle Small, a seasoned innovator with 35 years of experience in interactive inks and coatings who is now the Founder and CEO of Lahjavida, Inc., a promising cancer research company developing targeted chemotherapy technologies. Lyle has an impressive track record of technological innovation, having previously founded Chromatic Technologies and developed groundbreaking color-changing technologies for brands like Coors Light, and is now focused on creating potentially transformative cancer treatments.

00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast
00:40 Celebrating Podcast Achievements
01:27 Interview with Lyle Small: Background and Journey
02:43 Lyle's Early Career and Innovations
07:13 Founding Chromatic Technologies Inc. (CTI)
09:00 CTI's Impact and Innovations
15:13 Transition to Lahjavida: New Ventures in Cancer Research
20:16 Challenges and Insights in Cancer Research
25:03 Understanding Success Rates in Business
27:40 The Importance of Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
28:58 Building Effective Teams: Lessons Learned
38:27 Leadership Qualities and Challenges
40:39 Current Endeavors and Fundraising Efforts
43:45 Inspiration, Concerns, and Excitement
48:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts