SpreadLove In Organizations

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Suman Lal, whose journey from medical school in India to becoming a leader in innovation is as remarkable as it is unconventional. Initially embarking on a path toward medicine, Suman realized that his true passion lay beyond traditional medical practice. An encounter during medical school inspired him to explore other fields. This decision led him into research and ultimately to Singapore, where he found himself immersed in the country's burgeoning life sciences and healthcare innovation sector. While Suman experimented with various career paths — including academia and research — he discovered that his curiosity drove him to explore new industries rather than settle into any one role.

Following his research phase, Suman transitioned into sales within the life sciences industry, a humbling experience that taught him valuable lessons in resilience and adaptability. He spent five years distributing products for early-stage companies, a role that honed his business acumen and led him to appreciate the practicalities of industry work. Afterward, he pursued an MBA at MIT Sloan, where he was drawn to Boston’s vibrant innovation ecosystem. Suman's post-MIT journey took him through several pivots, including starting a cosmetics startup, which introduced him to the world of drug discovery and eventually brought him back to Boston. His passion for innovation led him to the Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC), where he worked on building global innovation ecosystems.

Suman’s current focus is on developing the Technology Innovation Studio (TINS), a "mini ecosystem" that combines physical space, curated networks, consulting, and innovation labs to accelerate breakthroughs in healthcare, life sciences, and beyond. With partnerships spanning MIT and CIC’s global network, Suman envisions TINS as a model for fostering collaboration between scientists, entrepreneurs, and investors to solve complex problems. His ambition is to replicate this model in innovation cities worldwide, creating a sustainable platform for innovation and learning that empowers individuals and communities alike.

"Every challenge is an opportunity to create something better."

MEET OUR GUEST Suman Lal is Managing Director of Technology Innovation Studio (TINS).

Suman Lal is Managing Director of Technology Innovation Studio (TINS) - a physical space in Kendall Square that brings together business leaders, scientists, serial entrepreneurs, investors, industry experts, corporate innovation teams and policy experts to explore and apply tools, methods and models in innovation. Suman is also a Senior Advisor to the Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC) that operates innovation campuses and labs across cities in US, Europe and Asia, and in his previous role worked closely with the leadership team to advise diverse stakeholders in cities and regions around the world on building innovation infrastructure and ecosystems.

Suman is also a Senior Advisor to the Venture Cafe Global Institute (VCGI) that operates the Venture Cafe gatherings in 15 cities, often described as the heartbeat of several innovation districts. Suman has deep experience in the area of technology commercialization, by making independent inventions, licensing intellectual property from major research institutions to form NewCos, and operating venture studios where he took interim CEO roles at the portfolio companies. Prior to this, Suman did technical sales and distribution for 15 early-stage companies over a 5 year period, gaining valuable insights into how early-stage companies transitioned into profitable and scalable businesses.

Suman has an MD in clinical medicine and an MSc in human genetics and did his PhD in precision medicine & clinical pharmacology. Suman received his MBA from MIT as a Sloan Fellow, focusing on innovation and global leadership.

In this episode, my guest Diana Haydar shared her remarkable journey, growing up in Lebanon in a modest family amidst the complexities of war and the resilience it demanded. From her childhood, surrounded by her close-knit sisters, to the school memories we shared, it was clear how both the warmth of family and the trials of war shaped her. School debates and the realities of wartime Lebanon not only matured us beyond our years but also laid the foundation for her leadership journey. Despite the hardships, she drew strength from her experiences, which continue to fuel her resilience today.

As a physiotherapist, she worked with children with special needs in Lebanon, confronting firsthand the struggles of families navigating a healthcare system that offered little support. Her compassion and drive led her to transition into a leadership role within the insurance industry, advocating for patient care and tackling the inequities in healthcare access. She recounted her experience managing teams, demonstrating how she embodied courage and commitment to serving those in need.

Relocating to Dubai in 2021, she faced new challenges, but her determination and adaptability shone through. Reflecting on the stark contrasts between healthcare systems in Lebanon and the UAE, she emphasized her commitment to improving access and ensuring equitable healthcare. Her leadership is defined by resilience, purpose, and the ability to inspire her teams to push forward even in the face of adversity, underscoring a deep-rooted passion for making healthcare more accessible and fair for all.

"Nothing can stop us from doing our job; we will never cease serving the people we are meant to serve."

MEET OUR GUEST Diana Haydar, Director of Direct Sales at Nasco Insurance Group.

Diana Haidar is the Director of Direct Sales at Nasco Insurance Group. Diana has been a key part of the Nasco Insurance group for 20 years, starting in Third Party Administration and then moving into the Direct Broker business, She now covers Middle East's direct portfolio, including Medical, General, and Life insurance. She started her career as a certified physiotherapist, then worked at a mountain Hospital with children with special needs . She holds also a master’s degree in Hospital and Health Management from ESCP & ESA . With 20 years of hands-on experience in the medical field as a professional as well as in insurance industry, Diana has been involved in various aspects of the business, from operations and sales to planning and growth. For over two decades, Diana has been empowering teams, encouraging fresh perspectives, and finding new ways for Nasco Middle East to grow in the world of direct sales. She's a leader dedicated to making a lasting impact on the insurance industry.

In this special episode in partnership with ESCP Business School, I’m joined by Jessica Leygues, an ESCP Business School MSc Biopharmaceutical Management alum, current General Secretary of the Women's Cancer Institute, for a thought-provoking conversation about her inspiring journey and her work redefining healthcare systems. Jessica, an engineer by training from AgroParisTech, shared her early career in biotech consulting and her transition to leadership roles, including as CEO of Medicen Paris Region during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. She discussed how her experiences in the public and private sectors gave her insight into where real impact can be made in healthcare.

Jessica emphasized that values-driven leadership and small teams have allowed her to focus on deep, meaningful change, particularly in her current project, building the Women's Cancer Institute from scratch. We explored her belief in co-constructing solutions alongside patients and teams, and how this approach is central to her leadership style. She noted the importance of fighting for what you believe in, balancing small victories, and ensuring inclusivity in decision-making.

We also touched on the broader challenges in women's health, where systemic gaps, such as the underrepresentation of women in clinical trials, are leading to disparities in outcomes. Jessica's goal with the Women's Cancer Institute is to address these gaps with a holistic approach that includes personalized care, patient feedback, and a commitment to changing the cultural narratives around women's health.

It was an inspiring conversation about leadership, innovation, and the future of healthcare, all driven by the belief that listening to people and co-creating solutions is the key to meaningful progress.

"Fight for what you believe in"

MEET OUR GUEST Jessica Leygues, General Secretary of Women’s Cancer Institute.

Jessica Leygues is the General Secretary of Women’s Cancer Institute in France. Jessica is an engineer by training from AgroParisTech, and started her career at Alcimed consulting firm where she spent eight years developing new healthcare markets (Biotech/MedTech) for entrepreneurs, start-ups, SMEs and large corporations as well as for the public and semi-public innovation sector, including the French Ministry of Research, research institutes, competitiveness clusters and knowledge transfer centers. Strongly committed to optimization initiatives for healthcare systems, Jessica then joined Celgene, where she was responsible for a partnership hub aimed at developing the healthcare value model. In April 2020, the midst of COVID pandemic, Jessica became the CEO of Medicen Paris Region, Europe’s leading health cluster, where she redefined the strategic positioning of the group in order to launch concrete reindustrialization initiatives to accelerate growth in the French healthcare industry and boost national sovereignty to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this episode, we dive with Alison Fragale, a research psychologist, award-winning professor, international keynote speaker, and author, into the profound insights of understanding human behavior, especially for those of us in leadership positions. We explore how essential it is to recognize that at the core of any organization, it's the psychology of the people involved that really drives success. Alison highlights how often leaders, especially those with technical backgrounds, might overlook the importance of these human factors until they face significant challenges in getting people to move in the right direction. It's not just about the data or scientific narratives; it's about connecting with people on a level that influences their behavior.

We also discuss the critical role of status and power in our lives and organizations. Status is about respect—how much we are valued by others—while power is about controlling resources that others care about. These two are closely linked, but they are distinct. Alison emphasizes that many people assume if they are powerful, they will automatically be respected. However, the reality is often the opposite; respect is the foundation that can lead to power. This understanding is particularly important when addressing issues like gender and minority status in the workplace, where ascribed characteristics can unfairly influence status.

Tune-in to learn more in this incredible conversation with Alison, and don't hesitate to get her recently published book!

"Be yourself in the most strategic way possible"

MEET OUR GUEST Alison Fragale, a research psychologist, award-winning professor, international keynote speaker, and author.

Alison Fragale, a research psychologist, award-winning professor, international keynote speaker, and author, on a mission to help others — especially women — work and live better by understanding and applying the science of people. Alison excels in translating her deep academic expertise is in status, power, negotiation, and influence into actionable advice. Alison is currently Professor at Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina and her research appeared in several news outlets such as Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, to name a few…

In this special episode in partnership with ESCP Business School, I’m joined by Clarissa Gorin, a pharmacist and ESCP Business School MSc Biopharmaceutical Management alum, who transitioned from the blockchain industry to head Medical Affairs at Ad Scientiam, a MedTech company specializing in digital biomarkers. Clarissa shares her journey from a traditional pharmacy career path to embracing tech innovation in healthcare, particularly in the fight against counterfeit medicines in developing countries. Her work at Ad Scientiam, which originated from the Paris Brain Institute, focuses on creating digital biomarkers using smartphone sensors and AI to monitor and predict the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Clarissa's unique perspective highlights the importance of adaptability and the practical application of technology to meet real-world needs in the healthcare sector.

Throughout the episode, we dive into Clarissa's experiences in navigating cultural challenges in tech adoption, particularly in developing regions, and how this has shaped her approach to leading innovative projects. She emphasizes the value of understanding the specific needs of both patients and healthcare providers when developing new technologies, and the critical role that digital biomarkers and AI can play in the future of medical diagnostics and treatment. Clarissa also reflects on the importance of accessibility and humility in tech development, ensuring that solutions are not only high-tech but also practical and adaptable to diverse healthcare settings around the world.

"Effective leadership hinges on adaptability and the ability to respond swiftly to change."

MEET OUR GUEST Clarissa Gorin, Head of Medical Innovation, Medical Affairs at Ad scientam.

Clarissa holds a dual degree in Pharmacy and a Master of Science (MSc) specialized in pharmaceutical and biotechnology management from ESCP Business School. She quickly developed a keen interest in emerging technologies, data management, and their applications in the healthcare sector. Following her initial professional experience focusing on the blockchain industry and the fight against counterfeit medicines in developing countries, Clarissa joined Ad Scientiam in 2020 as Head of Medical Affairs.

Ad Scientiam, a MedTech company originating from the Paris Brain Institute, specializes in developing digital biomarkers that enable the monitoring and prediction of the progression of certain neurodegenerative pathologies and rare diseases. These innovative markers are derived from proprietary algorithms for measuring precise analysis movements, vocal activity, or image processing derived from smartphone sensors and AI technologies. Within Ad Scientiam, her role involves working collaboratively with the Scientific Board to ensure the development and validation of these biomarkers, leveraging her medical knowledge and expertise. 

In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Carl Dahlberg, who shared his fascinating journey from a computer science nerd to an emergency physician and medical innovator. Carl discussed how his passion for problem-solving has driven his diverse career, spanning IT, financial trading, and emergency medicine. He reflected on his transition into healthcare and how his tech background influenced his approach to medicine, emphasizing creativity and innovation.

Carl highlighted a recurring theme in his career: a desire to solve important problems for real people, which ultimately led him to focus on healthcare innovation. He expressed concerns about the U.S. healthcare system's inefficiencies and the need for a fundamental redesign to improve outcomes and reduce costs.

When discussing his work mentoring entrepreneurs, Carl emphasized the importance of listening to customers and stakeholders to truly understand the problems that need solving. He also shared his insights on leadership, noting that modern leaders should align incentives and communicate the mission clearly to their teams, rather than merely issuing directives.

In a reflective segment, Carl shared his views on concepts like innovation, entrepreneurship, health equity, and spreading joy in organizations. He underscored the importance of joy in work, distinguishing it from mere fun, and emphasized that true satisfaction comes from tackling meaningful challenges.

Carl concluded with advice for healthcare leaders: ensure that clinicians, who are the embodiment of the mission, have a voice in decision-making processes to avoid potentially disastrous oversights.

"True satisfaction comes from solving important problems for real people, not just making a profit."

MEET OUR GUEST Carl Dahlberg, President at Dahlberg Healthcare Solutions.

Carl Dahlberg, a physician innovator whose passion is solving important problems for real people.  Holding degrees from The University of Michigan Medical School and MIT Sloan School of Management Carl has a multifaceted background spanning technology, medicine, art and business.  He’s co-founder of the MIT Sloan Physicians Group and a mentor with the MIT Sandbox and UM6P Explorer innovation programs.  Carl blends medical proficiency with entrepreneurial spirit and relentless creativity to drive positive change in healthcare and beyond.

In this episode, Naji welcomes Emilia McLaughlin, a biotech founder and CEO, to discuss her journey into the field. Emilia shares that her initial interest in medicine led her to study biochemistry, but she eventually found her passion in parasitology. She describes her shift from academic research to entrepreneurship as motivated by a desire to directly impact patient care, which she found lacking in academic work.

Emilia highlights her experience with the incubator program Entrepreneur First, which catalyzed her transition into biotech entrepreneurship. She emphasizes the importance of building strong teams, hiring the right people, and maintaining a focus on patient needs in the biotech industry. She discusses the challenges of being a female founder in a predominantly male industry and the importance of supporting other women in making the leap from academia to entrepreneurship. Throughout the conversation, Emilia emphasizes the value of bravery and risk-taking in entrepreneurship, particularly for women, and underscores the importance of keeping patients at the forefront of healthcare innovation.

"Nobody has all the answers. You've just got to throw yourself in and do the best you can."

MEET OUR GUEST Emilia McLaughlin, Founder and CEO at Kyron Bio.

Emilia McLaughlin is founder and CEO of kyron.bio, a startup based in Paris dedicated to pioneering tomorrow’s therapeutics. Originally from London, Emilia moved to Paris in 2017 to pursue a PhD in parasite molecular biology at the Institut Pasteur. Upon completing her PhD, she founded kyron.bio with the aim of enhancing the efficacy of protein therapeutics through innovative glycan modifications. Since its inception, Emilia has successfully recruited a world-class scientific team, established a state-of-the-art laboratory, secured core technology IP, and garnered over €1.2M in competitive grants from the French government and the EU. Additionally, she has raised €1.1M in equity funding. Currently, the company is testing its first therapeutic in human serum and has developed a robust pipeline of innovative products.

In 2024, Emilia was recognized as a Woman in Leadership by the European Innovation Commission. She is passionate about empowering women to take on leadership roles and supports academics who aspire to transition into entrepreneurship. 

In this episode, Naji talked with Anthony Dowidowicz, a physician leader with a background in engineering and emergency medicine, about the exciting potential of quantum computing in healthcare. Anthony explains how his fascination with quantum mechanics led him from engineering to medical school and eventually to become a physician leader.

They delve into the power of quantum computing, its unique characteristics, and its potential applications in healthcare. Anthony highlights that while quantum computing won't replace classical computers, it excels in solving complex problems, making it invaluable in healthcare where vast amounts of data need to be processed.

Throughout the discussion, Anthony stresses the importance of virtuous leadership in healthcare, urging leaders to prioritize patients' well-being over short-term profits and to advocate for the ethical and equitable use of technology in healthcare.

"Quantum computing can make healthcare more equitable and personalized"

MEET OUR GUEST Anthony Dowidowicz a physician executive.

Dr. Anthony Dowidowicz is a physician executive who has served as a senior physician  leader of health systems  and health plans.  He is an emergency physician by background and is a graduate of the MIT Sloan school of management where he founded and coordinates the MIT Physician Leadership Group.  

As an engineer and lifelong technology enthusiast, Dr. Dowidowicz’s professional interests include physician leadership, health system design, and emerging computing technologies.

This episode is in partnership with Boston Biotechnology Summit, a bridge to collaboration and innovative synergies between healthcare stakeholders. In this episode, I hosted Jonathan Levy CEO of Pepkon, the biotech focused on developing first-in-class therapeutic peptides for oncology, who won the first prize in BBS 2024. Jonathan, who has a background in pharmacy and management, shared his journey from various roles in the French healthcare sector to leading Pepcon. He emphasized the importance of humility, listening, and learning in leadership, as well as recruiting a skilled team that shares the company's values. Under his leadership, Pepcon has raised significant funding and aims to start its first human clinical trials next year. Viewing his work as a mission to improve patient outcomes, Jonathan stressed the importance of scientific innovation and collaboration in advancing healthcare.

"It's more than a job, it's a mission"

MEET OUR GUEST Jonathan Levy, Chief Executive Officer of Pepkon.

Jonathan Levy is CEO of Pepkon. He is a Pharmacist from University of Paris with a masters in management from ESSEC Business school. He has worked in various environment of the healthcare sector in France from pharmacy to hospital, and also in big pharma and startups. His last role before joining Pepkon was within Truffle Capital a French VC; where he participated in several investments in biotech and also company creations, M&A and licensing deals. Two years ago Jonathan joined PepKon, a startup developing first-in-class therapeutic peptides in oncology, first as a COO, and now leading the company as its CEO.

In this episode, Naji hosts Anthony Yanni, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Patient Centricity at Astellas Pharma. Anthony, a pioneer in the field, has long advocated for patient centricity in healthcare, even before it became a recognized term. Anthony shares his belief that patient centricity requires both operational and cultural commitment. Operationally, this involves actively using patient feedback to guide drug development and healthcare solutions. Culturally, it means fostering an organizational mindset where every employee, regardless of role, prioritizes patient well-being. He emphasizes that this approach not only improves healthcare outcomes but also enhances employee satisfaction and retention.

Reflecting on his personal and professional philosophy, Anthony underscores the importance of purpose and love in healthcare. He believes that these values drive efficiency, satisfaction, and positive outcomes. As he prepares to release his book, "A Bandana and a Bluebird," Anthony calls on healthcare leaders to seize this moment to revolutionize patient care, urging a collective effort to create a more patient-centric system.

"Now is the time to develop medicines with patients, for patients."

MEET OUR GUEST Anthony Yanni Senior Vice President and Global Head of Patient Centricity at Astellas Pharma.

Anthony Yanni is Senior Vice President and Global Head of Patient Centricity at Astellas Pharma. Anthony practiced Patient Centricity as a doctor and drug developer before the term even existed – by listening to patients and applying what he learned to offer better care. Now a veteran of senior leadership roles in hospitals and industry, Anthony is among the world’s leading advocates of Patient Centricity as a proven model for healthcare delivery and medicines development. In articles, interviews, talks, and now a book, he reveals Patient Centricity as an overdue disruption that will improve and speed up the treatments many people are waiting for.