In this episode, Tom Caravela welcomes Michael Kahn to delve into decision-making within medical affairs. Michael shares his expertise on how organizational silos and internal politics can affect decisions, offering strategies for dismantling these barriers. They discuss the critical role of medical affairs in decision-making, alongside insights into hiring, team building, and adding value beyond traditional job roles. Michael provides advice on managing tough personnel decisions and emphasizes the importance of being undeniable in one's professional role. The episode concludes with some lighthearted thoughts and a unique discussion on sausage preferences.

(0:00) Introduction and welcome

(0:16) Guest introduction: Michael Kahn

(0:30) Michael Kahn's background

(1:04) Host Tom Caravela's insights

(1:46) Detailed introduction by Michael Kahn

(2:27) Episode's title and relevance

(4:15) Decision making in medical affairs overview

(7:30) Influencing factors in organizational decision making

(10:21) The impact of silos in decision making

(13:44) Breaking down silos with examples

(16:34) The role of internal politics

(19:59) The role of medical affairs in decision making

(23:36) Hiring and team building strategies

(26:19) Value addition beyond job descriptions

(27:58) Difficult personnel decisions

(31:17) Being undeniable in your role and unspoken truths

(33:31) Closing thoughts and sausage preferences