In this episode of Pharma Sessions, host Jonathan Kaskey is joined by Jens Øllgaard, Head of Customer Experience at Novo Nordisk, to discuss how forward-thinking pharma leaders are dismantling silos between medical and commercial teams, leveraging AI-driven insights, and fundamentally reimagining how field teams create value in an era of declining physician access.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to reposition your field force from message-pushers to insight-gatherers
• Why hiring 50% of your customer experience team from outside pharma unlocks competitive advantage
• How to turn objections into product innovation signals using AI-powered debrief workflows
• The RFM framework as an underutilized tool for pharma customer segmentation
• Why customer service channels are goldmines of strategic insight that most pharma organizations ignore
• How to engage younger physicians outside clinical settings where they actually have time to decide.
  
  

Jens is an innovative leader in Customer Experience and Commercial Excellence at Novo Nordisk, bringing a unique perspective shaped by dual expertise as a medical doctor and experienced pharmaceutical strategist. With a background spanning clinical practice, research, and medical scientific liaison roles, Jens has spearheaded the critical intersection of medical, commercial, and data-driven strategy, challenging traditional pharma approaches to HCP engagement.

Episode Highlights

• [00:00] Introduction
• [02:09] From Medicine to Market
• [03:58] Medical vs. Sales: Who Really Listens?
• [06:15] Customer-Centric Pharma Starts with Listening
• [08:46] Flipping the Funnel: Reps as Insight Engines
• [11:26] AI in the Driver’s Seat
• [13:56] Experiment, Fail, Learn, and Repeat
• [16:56] The Hiring Strategy That Works
• [20:50] RFM in Pharma
• [22:14] Meeting HCPs Where They Scroll
• [23:18] Jens’ Advice to His Younger Self
  
  

Episode Resources:

• Jens Øllgaard on LinkedIn
• Novo Nordisk Website
• Jonathan Kaskey on LinkedIn

XSUNT Corporation Website

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www.pharmasessions.substack.com

In this episode of Pharma Sessions, host Jonathan Kaskey is joined by Anindita (Ani) Sinha, Vice President of Commercial Operations at Shionogi, to unpack practical approaches to drive market success, from translating complex data into actionable field strategies to building effective cross-functional partnerships between commercial and medical teams.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to translate complex analytics into simple, actionable field strategies
• Why combining influencer buy-in, clear communication, and compensation alignment is crucial for successful field adoption
• How to effectively bridge Medical Affairs and Commercial teams while maintaining compliance
• The framework for demonstrating ROI on data infrastructure investments through time-saving metrics and ease of insights
• Why clean master data management is fundamental to field force effectiveness and accurate performance measurement
• How to structure cross-functional collaboration between analytics, commercial, and medical teams for maximum impact
  
  

Anindita (Ani) Sinha is Vice President of Commercial Operations at Shionogi, bringing fifteen years of expertise in pharmaceutical and biotech commercial leadership. With a unique background combining an MPhil and doctoral work in microbiology, she has successfully transitioned from scientific research to becoming a strategic analytics leader in commercial pharma operations. Known for transforming complex market intelligence into actionable patient-focused results, Anindita has driven significant improvements across multiple organizations through data-driven decision-making and innovative sampling strategies.

Episode Highlights

• [00:00] Introduction
• [02:29] The Scientist’s Pivot
• [05:01] Scientific Thinking in Analytics
• [06:53] Two Essential Questions for Analytics
• [08:22] Turning Complex Data into 3 Sentences
• [10:30] Internal Influencers and Incentive Alignment
• [11:31] Tech as Enabler, Not Just a Tool
• [16:19] When Medical and Commercial Collaborate
• [22:20] What Success Looks Like
• [23:50] What’s ROI, Really?
• [27:45] Self-Care and Running Routines
  
  

Episode Resources:

• Anindita (Ani) Sinha on LinkedIn
• Shionogi Website
• Jonathan Kaskey on LinkedIn
• XSUNT Corporation Website

Or join the Pharma Sessions Substack:
www.pharmasessions.substack.com

In this episode of Pharma Sessions, host Jonathan Kaskey is joined by Caitlyn Krebs, Co-Founder and CEO of Nalu Bio, to share insights about AI-driven drug development, specifically targeting the endocannabinoid system (ECS) for therapeutic development in pain management, inflammation, and women’s health.

What You’ll Learn:

• How Nalu Bio uses AI and generative modeling to create new chemical entities for therapeutics
• The potential of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) as the next GLP-1
• How generative AI can accelerate drug development 5x faster through precision-engineered compound design
• ECS applications in pain, inflammation, and women’s health
• Why women's health remains underserved in drug development and how AI can address these gaps
  
  

Caitlyn Krebs is a biotech entrepreneur and Co-Founder and CEO of Nalu Bio. Caitlyn is leading a team of innovators, harnessing AI and the endocannabinoid system to create next-generation therapeutics for pain, inflammation, metabolic health, and women’s health. With over 20 years of experience in biotech and life sciences, including pioneering work in modeling and simulation technology at Intellos, Caitlyn has established herself as a forward-thinking leader in drug development. Her expertise spans biology, AI implementation, and pharmaceutical innovation, with a particular focus on developing next-generation therapeutics for pain, inflammation, metabolic health, and women's health conditions.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:00] Introduction
• [03:17] From Hawaii to High-Tech Biotech
• [04:33] What Is the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?
• [06:28] How Generative AI Designs New Molecules
• [10:48] Bridging Chemistry and AI
• [13:33] Platform vs. Pipeline
• [16:17] Digital Twins in Drug Trials
• [17:55] Is ECS the Next GLP-1?
• [20:28] Why Endometriosis Was the First Target
• [23:29] The Gender Gap in Biotech and Clinical Trials
• [25:26] Funding Gaps in Women’s Health Innovation
• [27:01] Advice for Pharma Leaders
• [29:08] Biotech Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
  
  

Episode Resources:

• Caitlyn Krebs on LinkedIn
• Nalu Bio Website
• Jonathan Kaskey on LinkedIn
• XSUNT Corporation Website

Or join the Pharma Sessions Substack:
www.pharmasessions.substack.com

This episode of Pharma Sessions is much like a pharmacy - it has something for everyone. Tune in as we reflect on critical conversations hosted by Jonathan Kaskey so far in the series. Whether it’s critical pathways into pharma careers, the opioid crisis, and work-life balance in the modern pharmaceutical industry, this recap explores it all.

What You'll Learn:

• How to transition from clinical practice to pharma by effectively translating healthcare skills into industry requirements
• Strategies to build diverse medical field teams, bridging the gap between academia and industry
• Why understanding commercialization as "getting medicines to patients at scale" can improve cross-functional collaboration
• How to create impactful patient education programs in pain management while addressing opioid crisis challenges
• The framework for establishing work-life balance in remote pharmaceutical roles while maintaining productivity
• Why developing risk mitigation strategies and patient education platforms is crucial for responsible pain management

About the Guests:Adam Laitman, MD transitioned from clinical practice to become a Medical Director in the pharmaceutical industry after serving as a Medical Science Liaison (MSL). He currently serves as Director, Medical Affairs Gastroenterology and Pain Management, Salix Pharmaceuticals. His experience spans both field medical operations and internal medical strategy, providing unique insights into the evolution of medical affairs roles and the challenges of transitioning from clinical practice to industry.
Emet Anceaume, PharmD and Field Medical Leader, Spyre Therapeutics, successfully transitioned from medication therapy management to pharmaceutical industry roles, starting as a project manager before becoming an MSL. Her journey highlights the importance of identifying transferable skills and creating effective strategies for breaking into the pharmaceutical industry from clinical practice.
Paul Howe serves as a leader in the pain management space, and is currently the Chief Operations Officer at Protega Pharmaceuticals. His work focuses on addressing the opioid crisis through innovative technologies and patient education. His work combines abuse-deterrent drug development with digital health solutions to improve patient outcomes while reducing medication misuse risks.
Samin Saeed brings expertise in medical affairs leadership and cross-functional collaboration within pharmaceutical organizations. In her role of VP Early Medical Pipeline, Specialty Care, GSK, their insights focus on building effective partnerships between medical affairs and commercial teams, while maintaining appropriate boundaries and adding strategic value to drug commercialization efforts.
Jennifer Mohawk, Executive Director, Medical Affairs, Apogee Therapeutics, has spent nearly a decade in pharmaceutical industry roles, transitioning from field-based MSL work to in-house positions. She offers practical perspectives on maintaining work-life balance while working remotely in pharmaceutical industry roles, particularly for professionals balancing family responsibilities.


Episode Highlights:
00:00 Welcome to Pharma Sessions with Jonathan Kaskey01:33 Adam Laitman on Bridging the Gap: Medical School to Pharma Industry07:02 Strategic Career Transitions & Mapping Healthcare Skills to Pharma12:21 Understanding Opioid Addiction Through Pathways and Prevention16:15 Technology Solutions in Pain Management Education18:38 Building Cross-Functional Value in Medical Affairs24:33 Creating Effective Work-Life Boundaries in Pharma Careers25:58 Remote Work Success: Balancing Productivity and Family Life29:10 Closing Thoughts & Resources


Episode Resources:

• Adam Laitman on LinkedIn
• Emet Anceaume on LinkedIn
• Paul Howe on LinkedIn
• Samin Saeed on LinkedIn
• Jennifer Mohawk on LinkedIn
• Jonathan Kaskey on LinkedIn

Or join the Pharma Sessions Substack:
www.pharmasessions.substack.com

In this episode of Pharma Sessions, host Jonathan Kaskey talks with Hetal Patel, VP of Medical Affairs at Celltrion USA, about building a medical affairs function from the ground up while launching multiple drugs. Sounds like a hot pot of pressure, decision-making and sleepless nights, doesn't it? Well, don’t let this intimidate you just yet. From transitioning out of big pharma to scaling systems with limited resources, Hetal shares practical strategies for thriving in high-pressure launch environments and how to do so without burning out.


Episode Highlights:
00:00 Intro & Morning Coffee Chat
01:34 Journey to VP Medical Affairs at Celltrion USA
05:58 Building Medical Affairs from Scratch: Startup vs Big Pharma
07:48 "Speed is the Need": Managing Multiple Drug Launches
14:24 Building the Right Team: Hiring Strategy in Startup Environment18:27 Creating an Insights Engine for Strategic Decision Making21:56 Words of Wisdom: Taking Risks and Building Legacy in Medical Affairs23:54 Closing Thoughts: Impact on Patient Lives


Oats Recipe:
1 serving:
1/2 cup rolled oats
2-3 chopped dates
A few dashes of spices - I use cinnamon and cardamom
1 tbsp. chia seeds
1 tbsp. ground flax meal
Stir, then stir in 1 cup almond milk (or whatever milk you'd like).
Refrigerate overnight.
Top with slivered roasted almonds before serving.

Episode Resources:

• Hetal Patel on LinkedIn
• Celltrion USA Website
• Jonathan Kaskey on LinkedIn

Or join the Pharma Sessions Substack:
www.pharmasessions.substack.com

In this episode of Pharma Sessions, host Jonathan Kaskey interviews Dr. Adam Laitman about his unconventional path to becoming a medical director in the pharmaceutical industry. 

Dr. Laitman shares insights from his career transition from medical school to industry, highlighting the impact of his background in marketing and editorial work. The discussion covers the various career opportunities within medical affairs, the importance of diverse educational backgrounds, and the potential benefits of industry roles over traditional clinical pathways. Dr. Laitman also reflects on the support and advice he received that influenced his decision to join the industry and his experience balancing work with family life.

00:00 Introduction and Opening Banter
01:15 Guest Introduction: Dr. Adam Laitman
01:21 Journey into the Pharmaceutical Industry
03:11 Family Influence and Career Decisions
04:31 Exploring Medical Affairs
06:48 The Role of Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs)
07:10 Career Path and Industry Insights
16:48 Building a Diverse Medical Team
23:03 Transition to Medical Director
24:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As always, the views expressed here are those of the host and guest, and do not reflect the views of their respective employers.

Pharma Sessions is hosted by Jonathan Kaskey

Follow along on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonkaskey/

Or join the Pharma Sessions Substack:
www.pharmasessions.substack.com

In this episode of Pharma Sessions, host Jonathan Kaskey discusses career transitions into the pharmaceutical industry, specifically focusing on roles like Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs). The guest, Emet Anceaume is the Director of Field Medical Affairs at Immunovant. 

Emet is a pharmacist by training. She shares her insights on the importance of transferable skills, the challenges and strategies for breaking into pharma, and the distinction between working for big pharma and small biotech companies. Emett shares personal experiences and highlights the significance of persistence, adaptability, and long-term planning for a successful career in the pharmaceutical sector.

00:00 Understanding Job Requirements and Transferable Skills

01:05 Introduction to Pharma Sessions Podcast

02:16 Breaking into Pharma: A Career Path Discussion

04:32 Challenges for Recent Grads in Pharma

06:55 Navigating Career Transitions in Pharma

12:58 Persistence and Planning in Career Development

15:53 Non-Traditional Paths to Pharma Careers

20:36 Big Pharma vs. Small Pharma: What to Expect

24:23 Evaluating Job Requirements and Work-Life Balance

27:00 Exciting Opportunities in Pharma for New Graduates

Pharma Sessions is hosted by Jonathan Kaskey

Follow along on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonkaskey/

Or join the Pharma Sessions Substack:
www.pharmasessions.substack.com

In this episode of Pharma Sessions, hosted by Jonathan Kaskey, Vince Turner shares his insights on integrating creativity into operational environments. The discussion covers Vince's career journey from financial services to pharma, and his operational strategies at Kite. Emphasis is placed on the importance of creativity in solving challenges, the value of building strong relationships, and empowering team members. 

And stay to the end for the buttermilk pancakes recipe (courtesy of Melissa Clark from NYT)!

00:00 Introduction and Opening Thoughts
00:25 Meet Vince: A Personal Introduction
02:45 Every Day is a New Puzzle: Podcast Theme
03:03 Vince's Career Journey
04:25 Creativity in Operations
12:01 Leadership and Team Building
22:24 Navigating Challenges in Pharma
30:03 Future of Creativity in Pharma
32:42 Conclusion and Pancake Recipe

Pharma Sessions is hosted by Jonathan Kaskey

Follow along on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonkaskey/

Or join the Pharma Sessions Substack:
www.pharmasessions.substack.com

In this episode of Pharma Sessions, host Jonathan Kaskey talks with Paul Howe, COO at Protega Pharmaceuticals, about the current and evolving landscape of prescription opioids, abuse deterrent technologies, and the role of technology in public health. 

They discuss new strategies to improve outcomes for chronic pain patients while reducing addiction risks.

•  Introduction and startling data on prescription abuse
•  Welcome and guest introduction
•  Paul Howe's breakfast routine
•  Career background and current role
•  Challenges with opioid prescriptions
•  Risk stratification and mitigation for patients
•  Pharmaceutical manufacturing quotas and regulation
•  Future outlook for pain management and public health

Pharma Sessions is hosted by Jonathan Kaskey

Follow along on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonkaskey/

Or join the Pharma Sessions Substack:
www.pharmasessions.substack.com

Bursting the Medical Affairs Bubble: A Conversation on Cross-Functional Collaboration

In this episode of Pharma Sessions, host Jonathan Kaskey talks with Dr. Samin Saeed, a pharmaceutical medical affairs leader with 17 years of industry experience currently at GSK. They discuss the need for medical affairs to move beyond speaking only to themselves and to engage more openly with other functions within pharmaceutical organizations. Dr. Saeed advocates for a collaborative approach and shares her insights on fostering better communication and understanding between medical affairs and commercial teams. The conversation also touches on the role of technology and AI, and the ongoing challenge of balancing strategic goals with organizational pressures.

00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome
00:34 Guest Introduction: Dr. Sameen Saeed
00:52 Bursting the Med Affairs Bubble
01:14 The Value of Medical Affairs
02:33 Challenges in Medical Affairs
05:32 Collaboration and Cross-Functional Teams
15:46 The Role of Technology in Pharma
20:13 Ideal Medical Affairs Scenario
25:06 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Pharma Sessions is hosted by Jonathan Kaskey

Follow along on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonkaskey/

Or join the Pharma Sessions Substack:
www.pharmasessions.substack.com