MSL Talk

By MSL Talk PodcastBusiness Science Careers Life Sciences

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Typical duration
32 min
per episode

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MSL Talk episodes

September 01, 2020Field MSL Leadership Panel - MSL QA Session PART ONE with Vanessa Jacobsen, Amy Misnik, and Sue Watson
Today I have Sue Watson, Amy Misnik, and Vanessa Jacobsen joining me for our first ever MSL field leadership panel QA session. They are the first people that came on as guests, the pioneers of the MSL Talk podcast.
In this episode we discuss:
For aspiring MSLs with experience mainly in academia, what specific types of industry experiences are best to obtain prior to applying for the first MSL role
How does a person approach a potential mentor and how open are Medical Affair leaders to accept this request and what is the eligible criteria for a mentee
How can one transition to MSL position and make an impact for the first 3 - 6 months
Expecting the role to change in a post-COVID world
How does an aspiring MSL stand out vs. a seasoned MSL who’s going through the same rounds of interview
Piece of advice if they would go back and give themselves as new graduates
Does certification really give an aspiring or an experienced MSL an advantage
(0:00) Introduction and panel guest introductions
(3:28) Format and guest Sue Watson on best industry experiences for aspiring MSLs
(5:43) Amy Misnik on approaching potential mentors
(9:15) Vanessa Jacobson on making an impact as a new MSL
(11:08) Sue Watson on the future of the MSL role post-COVID
(12:59) Amy Misnik on standing out in MSL interviews
(16:26) Vanessa Jacobson's advice for students and new graduates
(17:19) Sue Watson on the value of MSL certifications
(21:09) Closing remarks and part 2 announcement
22 min
August 25, 2020MSL Interviews GONE WRONG... Shocking stories of what NOT to do Live or Virtual with Anita Carvalho
My guest today is Anita Carvalho, Staffing Consultant at FerGene. We talk about MSL interviews gone wrong, shocking stories of what not to do live or virtual. A really great conversation, funny stuff, you guys will like it.
In this episode we discuss:
Anita’s background
Stories of virtual interviews gone wrong
Get rid of phones during interviews
Anita’s advice
Using filler words
Things that have gone wrong and best practices as it relates to the presentation of preparation for the presentation
Questions to ask the interviewer
Sending thank-you notes
(0:00) Introduction to episode and guest Anita Carvalho
(0:41) Anita Carvalho's background and MSL interview experiences
(2:40) Unusual virtual interview occurrences
(4:07) Coaching and preparation for interviews
(7:02) Unexpected interruptions during interviews
(8:24) Inappropriate applicant behavior
(12:11) Professionalism and communication in interviews
(15:10) The issue with distractions and phones
(17:28) Effective note-taking strategies
(19:32) Avoiding overuse of filler words
(21:36) MSL presentation best practices
(26:09) Wardrobe and emotional interview mishaps
(32:50) Engaging with interviewers and asking questions
(35:52) The significance of thank you notes
(38:49) Discerning genuine interest in MSL roles
41 min
August 18, 2020The 2 Most Critical Elements of MSL Territory Excellence with Julie Montiel
My guest today is Julie Montiel, the National Scientific Director, Lymphoma/Myeloid MSL at The Janssen. We talk about the two most critical of MSL territory excellence.
In this episode we discuss:
Julie’s background
The two most critical elements
How MSLs improve their performance
What is scientific acumen
Why is scientific acumen the most important element of territory excellence
What does excellence in scientific acumen look like?
Every territory is different
Applying principles to a virtual type of scenario
How MSLs bring all of these pieces of information together to build strategic territory excellence
(0:00) Introduction to the episode and guest Julie Montiel
(2:31) Discussing critical elements of MSL territory excellence and scientific acumen
(6:24) Strategies for achieving and implications of scientific acumen
(12:05) Crafting and individualizing strategic territory plans
(20:14) The role of pre-call and post-call planning in territory management
(24:15) Adapting MSL strategies for virtual and digital engagement
(27:40) Tips for enhancing virtual presentation skills
(29:23) Recap on building a plan for territory excellence
(31:09) Closing remarks and importance of key MSL strategies
(32:11) Outro and call to action
33 min
August 11, 202018. Career Transition From Clinician to Medical Science Liaison with Monica Sukhatme
My guest today is Monica Sukhatme, Executive Director, National Head, MSLs and we discuss her career transition from Clinician to Medical Science Liaison.

In this episode we discuss:

Monica’s background and her transition to the industry

The challenges she faced along the way

Skills to be developed and advice for others looking to make the same type of transition

Monica’s perspective on mentors

Importance of networking

What is the most important for Monica when interviewing candidates

From being an MSL to an Executive Director

Monica’s advice to folks who are looking to make the same transition that she did and how to get themselves in the right position
37 min
August 04, 2020The MSL Career Ladder…What options are available and how to position yourself for advancement with Davida White
My guest today is Davida White, US Oncology Field Medical Alignment Director at Merck and we discuss the MSL Career Ladder and what career options are available to MSLs as well as how to position yourself for promotion.
In this episode:
Davida’s background and her work now
Her journey and transition to the industry
What options are available past the title or the role of an MSL
Pursuing some of these career options for MSLs
Management development programs
Her take on mentors and mentorship type programs
Skills to be developed for MSLs to advance their careers
Advice for people to help them get noticed and what steps should be taken
(0:00) Introduction of guest Davita White and episode topic
(1:06) Davita White's background and career journey
(3:58) Growth and opportunities for MSLs
(6:44) Exploring medical support roles and excellence positions
(9:23) Career paths within in-house medical affairs
(11:02) The value of initiative in career advancement
(13:04) Prioritizing experience over job titles
(17:55) Setting and discussing career goals with leadership
(20:25) The role of mentorship in MSL career development
(22:53) Developing key skills for career progression
(25:14) The importance of networking and relationship-building
(27:34) Adjusting to the medical field's changes post-COVID-19
(29:42) Lateral moves as a strategic career approach
(31:18) Episode wrap-up and summertime plans
33 min
July 28, 2020The transition from individual contributor to Medical Affairs leader with Gina Ferrari
My guest today is Gina Ferrari, National Director MSLs and we discuss her transition from Individual Contributor to Medical Affairs Leadership.
In this episode:
Gina’s background
How she transitioned from an MSL to a Medical Affairs Leader
Skills to be developed in preparation for promotion and how MSLs can position themselves the same way Gina did
Finding mentors
Management training programs
Importance of internal networking
Gina’s advice for people to help them get noticed and the steps to follow
(0:00) Introduction of Gina Ferrari and Welcome
(2:28) Transitioning into the Pharma Industry and MSL Roles
(5:52) Career Advancement: MSL Manager and Leadership
(11:13) Career Path Strategies for Aspiring MSLs
(14:19) Taking on Extra Responsibilities for Career Growth
(16:27) The Role of Mentors in Career Development
(19:17) Leadership Development and Management Programs
(21:47) Mastering Internal Networking and Company Politics
(27:00) Flexibility and Communication in Team Support
(29:21) Leadership: Balancing Goals and Team Support
(31:10) Embracing Flexibility and Documenting Achievements
(33:04) Closing Remarks and Future Outlook
(34:07) Sponsor: [Name of Sponsor]
35 min
July 21, 2020How to successfully recruit and hire MSLs VIRTUALLY with Paula Pearson
In this episode:
Paula’s background
About Apellis and size of the team
The changes Paula has to make once COVID hit
The challenges Paula face along the way with this new process
Some of the advantages of virtual interviewing
How do candidates differentiate themselves in a virtual interview
What was most appealing to Paula and what behaviors that candidates should NOT do
Advice to hiring managers
How Paula sees the future of recruiting for the next few months and the next few years
(0:00) Introduction to guest Paula Pearson and episode topic
(2:26) Overview of Paula's current company and team dynamics
(3:21) Evolution of the hiring process from pre-COVID to current virtual strategies
(7:57) Constructing an effective interview panel and overcoming challenges of virtual interviews
(12:26) Assessing candidates’ technological aptitude and differentiating strong candidates virtually
(15:41) Candidate behaviors that impact virtual interview outcomes
(17:07) Insights for hiring managers in the era of virtual recruitment
(20:33) Future outlook on recruiting and performance evaluation post-COVID
(23:01) Addressing MSL leaders' concerns and the importance of video engagement
(26:35) Final advice for MSLs, managers, and job seekers
(27:26) Closing remarks and thanks to Paula Pearson
29 min
July 14, 2020How to leverage KOL relationships to achieve strategic objectives with Dr. Aoife O'Dwyer
My guest today is Aoife O Dwyer, Founder of MSL Consultant, and we discuss how to leverage KOL relationships to achieve strategic objectives.
In this episode:
What made Aoife decide to become an MSL Consultant and what she likes best about her role
Aoife’s advice to MSLs who want to demonstrate their value to their company
Most important things for people to remember in KOL identifications and stakeholder mapping
Tips on getting a KOL meeting
How can an MSL deliver value in a KOL meeting
How can an MSL plan for a KOL meeting
How has COVID affected an MSL’s ability to provide value and what advice Aoife can give to MSLs in handling this crisis
What skills are now mandatory for MSLs during and after the COVID crisis to provide value to their KOLs and to their organization
How Aoife expects Pharma to change practices as a result of Covid-19
Advice to MSLs to help aid in their success
(0:00) Introduction to the episode and guest Aoife O'Dwyer
(3:16) Mentoring and advice for junior Medical Affairs members
(7:53) Strategies for KOL identification, stakeholder mapping, and engagement
(16:00) Delivering and continuing value in KOL meetings during COVID
(22:49) Skills required for effective KOL engagement in the current landscape
(24:07) The future of pharma practice post-COVID
(25:14) Final advice for creating impact as an MSL
(28:01) Show closing remarks and invitation to engage with the podcast
29 min
July 07, 2020How to Negotiate a Job Offer
In this episode:
Few questions to ask yourself when you get close to job offer
Be gracious and react positively
Be tactful
Be responsive
Know the market
Know your “why”
Don’t over negotiate
Should we always try to negotiate and never accept the initial offer
Should we disclose our current compensation
When (and when not) do we disclose our compensation
How do companies put together/determine a job offer
How and when do companies offer sign-in bonuses
(0:00) Introduction to the episode
(0:36) Negotiating job offers with recruiter insights
(3:13) The importance of transparency and assessing position desire
(4:35) Rules of Negotiation: Be gracious, tactful, responsive, and market-aware
(9:40) Understanding when to negotiate and using the right language
(12:09) The debate on always negotiating
(13:49) Discussing current and expected compensation
(17:05) How companies structure job offers and sign on bonuses
(21:27) Episode summary and closing remarks
24 min
June 16, 2020The art of leveraging your strengths to be a Kick Ass MSL
In this episode:
How Cathy got to where she is now
What matters most to her as a director and other leaders in the company
What someone needs to do to be a top MSL
How do internal stakeholders evaluate the performance of their MSL teams? Of their individual MSLs?
How can MSLs separate themselves from their peers?
Can someone without any experience convince the manager to hire them
Advice for somebody who’s early in their career to make an impact with leadership to get noticed
Cathy from being an introvert to senior national director
Her advice for anyone out there early in their career, introvert or extrovert?
Cathy’s advice to be a kickass MSL
Cathay Endorfer
(0:00) Introduction and guest introduction
(0:38) Kathy Andorfer's career journey and transition to industry
(6:30) Current role, responsibilities, and qualities of a top MSL at Dermira
(9:47) Emotional intelligence and evaluating MSL performance
(15:31) The art of being a kickass MSL and advice for aspirants
(22:07) Networking, internal connections, and managing social interactions
(27:01) Balancing comfort zones with career growth
(30:45) The future of medical affairs post-COVID
(33:27) Final advice for being a successful MSL
(34:48) Closing remarks and gratitude
36 min

About MSL Talk

From the publisher's feed

MSL Talk, hosted by Tom Caravela, MSL Recruiter and Founder of The Carolan Group, offers insights for Medical Science Liaisons, aspiring MSLs, and Medical Affairs leaders.