In this podcast episode, Alicia Tozier, Senior Vice President of Global Market Access and Marketing for Outlook Therapeutics, discusses her journey in healthcare leadership and her deep commitment to patient care. She emphasizes the importance of passion for patients and the need to put the patient at the forefront of decision-making. Alicia also shares her personal story of being a caregiver and how it has shaped her purpose as a leader. She stresses the value of diverse voices within teams and the importance of compassion and self-compassion in leadership. Lastly, she encourages leaders to share their stories and continue learning and growing together in the healthcare field. Hear Alicia's story, leadership beliefs, and words of wisdom in this incredible episode.

"Be yourself to be at your best"

MEET OUR GUEST Alicia Tozier Senior Vice President of Global Market Access and Marketing for Outlook Therapeutics.

Alicia Tozier has served as a Global Healthcare Senior Executive, leading teams across the full product life cycle and 18+ launches spanning 8+ therapeutic areas in 70+ global markets, via multiple innovative modalities including: medical devices, digital therapeutics, and pharmaceuticals.

Alicia is a purpose-driven leader, guided by integrity, values, and a deep focus on the patient informed by her own experience as a caregiver. She serves as the Senior Vice President of Global Market Access and Marketing for Outlook Therapeutics, a company specializing in Ophthalmic products.

Alicia holds a bachelor’s degree from UC Santa Barbara, an MBA from Colorado State University, and is an alumnus of the Stanford Graduate School of Business Executive Program.

This episode is special and the fourth in a series of four. In partnership with ESCP Business School, I’ll be giving the mic to students, the leaders of tomorrow, to discuss with seasoned healthcare executives about their journeys and leadership beliefs. We welcome in this episode, Thierry Hulot, General Manager at Merck France, and President of LEEM. Thierry shared in this conversation his story and leadership beliefs. His 3 key leadership learning are insightful and straightforward for us leaders to implement: 1. Is the decision good for my company and the people we serve? 2. Get your hands dirty. 3. Take care of your people. Hear more words of wisdom from Thierry in this chat.

"Take time every day to think what will make this day successful."

MEET OUR GUEST Thierry Hulot, General Manager of Merck France and President of LEEM.

Thierry Hulot is a pharmacist by training with an MBA from Ashridge Business School in the UK. He started working at Merck in 1995 in R&D in Lyon. After different strategic and leadership positions, Thierry has taken on the role of General Manager of the Biopharma Division of Merck in France.

Since July 2022, Thierry has been elected to the presidency of LEEM, the professional organization of pharmaceutical companies operating in France, whose mission is to promote the industrial attractiveness of our country and to conduct a viable health policy based on patient needs. An organization that campaigns for better accessibility to technological and therapeutic innovations and that shares my commitment alongside patients.

This episode is special and the third in a series of four. In partnership with ESCP Business School, I’ll be giving the mic to students, the leaders of tomorrow, to discuss with seasoned healthcare executives about their journeys and leadership beliefs. We welcome in this episode, Anette Steenberg, CEO of Medicon Valley Alliance, who discusses her background in international collaboration and her experience in the life sciences industry. Anette emphasizes the importance of leadership qualities such as being a strategic thinker, assembling diverse teams, and being a genuine leader. Anette also highlights the significance of talent attraction and retention and the role of innovation in shaping the future. Lastly, she reflects on Denmark's identity as a small but ambitious country that values collaboration.

"Grow the pie. Collaboration makes everyone stronger."

MEET OUR GUEST Anette Steenberg, Chief Executive Officer at Medicon Valley Alliance.

Anette Steenberg is the CEO of the Medicon Valley Alliance, a cross-border life science organization with 330+ public and private members in Denmark and Sweden. Anette is a leader in health innovation in Europe with over 20 years of experience in strategy, business development, and leadership.

Anette excels in creating, leading, and promoting public-private partnerships, navigating and cooperating between the public, academic, and private sectors, while maneuvering in political and business environments locally, nationally, and internationally. She has extensive knowledge and network in the life science, medtech, and healthtech sectors, as well as in the green transition and sustainability fields

Anette graduated in International Trade and Negotiations and worked for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. After several years in that institution, she joined the Danish pharmaceutical company, Leo Pharma where she had several leadership roles. Anette is now the CEO of the Medicon Valley Alliance, and professional chair and board member in various organizations, where she contributes to their growth, innovation, and impact.

This episode is special and the second in a series of four. In partnership with ESCP Business School, I’ll be giving the mic to students, the leaders of tomorrow, to discuss with seasoned healthcare executives about their journeys and leadership beliefs. We welcome in this episode, Jean-François Brochard, General Manager at Roche France. Through this conversation, hear Jean-François' advice on careers in healthcare, why you shouldn't overthink opportunities and keep an open mind, and what true leadership means to him. It is all about being supportive and demanding, about thinking systems. For Jean-François, "Leadership makes miracles possible, it solves complex problems, it is less about myself and more about ourselves."

"Innovation without wisdom brings chaos"

MEET OUR GUEST Jean-François Brochard, General Manager Roche France.

Jean-François Brochard is the General manager of Roche France and director and chairman of  LEEM  (the French organization of pharmaceutical companies). With over 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Jean-Francois held various leadership positions in both developed and emerging markets in Europe, North America, and Asia.

Before joining Roche France in 2018, he was the President of GSK France. He is also a director and chairman of the Growth, Regulation, and Conventional Policy Commission at LEEM.

In this conversation, Karine Duquesne, general manager of LEO Pharma France, shared insights into her approach to leadership. She emphasized the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and kindness in leadership. She also discussed the challenges and opportunities presented by hybrid work arrangements and highlighted the significance of belonging and purpose in the workplace. Karine's focus on innovation in healthcare was driven by a desire to offer hope and treatments that can make a difference in patients’ lives. Overall, her leadership philosophy centers on being true to oneself and creating a supportive and challenging environment for personal and professional growth.

"Be yourself to be at your best"

MEET OUR GUEST Karine Duquesne Vice President, and General Manager at LEO Pharma.

Karine Duquesne is Vice-President, and General Manager of LEO Pharma France. Karine previously held the position of General Manager at Actelion Pharmaceuticals France, and Johnson & Johnson's rare disease subsidiary prior to its merger with Janssen in 2020.

She holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and has more than twenty years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry within various positions, from Medical Affairs to Head of Marketing and Sales.

Karine is French and has enriched her career with international experiences in the USA within Janssen's Global and Strategic teams in Immunology and Neuroscience.

Karine is passionate about people development, innovation, diversity and inclusion.

This episode is special and the first in a series of four. In partnership with ESCP Business School, I’ll be giving the mic to students, the leaders of tomorrow, to discuss with seasoned healthcare executives about their journeys and leadership beliefs. We welcomed in this first episode, Marc De Garidel Chief Executive Officer at Abivax. Marc shared his personal story and leadership beliefs with the students and several of his insightful learnings. In his closing advice, he encouraged aspiring leaders to pursue their passions, learn from mistakes, and not be overly concerned about others’ opinions.

"You can't have impact if you don't take risks at some point"

MEET OUR GUEST Marc De Garidel Chief Executive Officer at Abivax.

Marc De Garidel, is CEO of Abivax after being the CEO of CinCor Pharma, a biopharmaceutical company that develops therapies for patients with cardiovascular diseases and recently acquired by AstraZeneca.

Marc is a graduate of École Spéciale des Travaux Publics (a leading French civil engineering school), and holds a Master’s degree from Thunderbird School of Global Management and an Executive MBA from Harvard Business School. 

Marc began his career with Eli Lilly, then in 2000, he was appointed General Manager of Amgen’s French affiliate and progressively oversaw an increasing number of countries before heading the Southern region of Amgen International,  the group’s most important region in terms of sales.  In 2010, Marc left Amgen to become the CEO of Ipsen where he helped transform the company by focusing on research and development and expanding Ipsen's international presence. Under his leadership, Ipsen's market value increased significantly. Prior to joining CinCor, Marc served as CEO of Corvidia Therapeutics, a private Boston-based biotechnology company that was acquired by Novo Nordisk in August 2020.

In addition to that, Marc has had extensive non-profit responsibility as VP of EPFIA (Europe Pharma Association) for three years as well as chairing the French pharma association G5 for six years. Marc is also a recipient of the French Legion of Honor. 

In this conversation, Naji Gehchan sat with Gaurav Mehta CEO at Alveolus Bio, and discussed several deep topics from leadership to happiness and being content, and also the current biotech world and its challenges. Gaurav emphasized that leadership involves self-awareness and humility, aiming for productive outcomes that benefit investors, teams, products, and patients. He linked innovation to combining ideas with execution, highlighting the importance of bringing one's best self forward to inspire teams and sell ideas passionately. Regarding entrepreneurship, Gaurav stressed shedding self-limiting storylines, allowing inner genius to flourish, and being open to pivoting when necessary. The conversation also touched on vulnerability, humility, and genuine connections as essential for spreading love within organizations. Gaurav encouraged us all as healthcare leaders to set ambitious goals to tackle significant healthcare challenges effectively.

"Get rid of the storylines you have in your head"

MEET OUR GUEST Gaurav Mehta, CEO at Alveolus Bio.

Gaurav Mehta is the Chief Executive Officer at Alveolus Bio, a biotech Harnessing the power of the microbiome for the prevention and treatment of lung disease. Gaurav has raised multi-million dollars in the form of dilutive and non-dilutive money. He also has progressed long term global strategic partnership deals that authenticate his team, their capabilities, and science with the intent of obtaining investments for his company. He has also created a revenue-generating-business to create value, sustain the company in market volatility and mitigate dilution. While in this capacity, he also advises multiple life science businesses.

Gaurav has co-founded multiple companies. His 20 years of building and scaling depth include having led global operations, business transformations, top and bottom-line improvements, M&A execution, and a turn-around.

This experience has been across large to small firms around the globe in BioTech, MedTech, digital health, and tech.

In the conversation, you'll hear from a changemaker, Marja Pronk, CEO & Founder of Global Young Leaders, Global experts foundation, and MH Pronk Healthcare Consultancy. Naji and Marja discussed various topics including leadership, health equity, and living life by design. Marja emphasizes the importance of leadership at all levels, including personal leadership. She believes that living life by one’s own design leads to happiness and optimal performance. Marja also highlights the necessity of love, transparency, and room for creativity in organizations. In her final words of wisdom, she encourages healthcare leaders to recognize the holistic nature of healthcare, encompassing both technological advancements and human aspects. Hear more about Marja's personal journey, insightful learning, and the incredible impact she is having on young leaders across the globe.

"Take the fear out and bring the love in organizations"

MEET OUR GUEST Maria Pronk CEO & Founder of Global Young Leaders, Global experts foundation and MH Pronk Healthcare Consultancy.

Marja Pronk is CEO & Founder of Global Young Leaders, Global experts foundation and MH MH Pronk Healthcare Consultancy.

Marja is driven by the patient, healthcare perspective ‘to have access to the right treatment’. Her training as a medical doctor at the Erasmus University of Rotterdam and her years of experience at the pharmaceutical company, GlaxoSmithKline, inspired Marja to create the first specialized market access consultancy firm in the Netherlands. She since then helped contributed to more than 650 cases in 35 disease areas across Europe bringing innovation access to patients.

She is also founder of Global Young leader where they equip young people with personalized life skills so that they can create life by their own design.

In healthcare, we are all trying to make people healthier. It seems obvious that genuine care, empathy, and love should be prevailing, unfortunately though, it is still quite the opposite. In this genuine, truthful, straightforward conversation, you'll hear Dheera Ananthakrishnan's perspective on leadership, health equity, DEIB, and spreading love in organizations. Dheera reflects on the challenges of leadership in the medical field, emphasizes the importance of equity and the need for a more compassionate healthcare system. She discusses imposter thoughts and the pressure to excel in her role. Finally, we discussed the significance of spreading love through small acts of kindness and building relationships... It is that simple, yet not seen in healthcare; each of us can make it better.

"Listen to people that are not like you"

MEET OUR GUEST Dheera Ananthakrishnan Orthopedic Spine Surgeon, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist.

Dheera Ananthakrishnan is an academic orthopaedic spine surgeon, currently practicing at Emory Healthcare in Atlanta.

Dheera is also a philanthropist and entrepreneur, having worked with Medecin Sans Frontiere / Doctors Without Borders in Nigeria and the World Health Organization in Switzerland before moving back to the US.

In addition, Dheera is co-founder of Orthopaedic Link, a non-profit that matches unused orthopaedic implants with surgeons and hospitals in developing countries. She has also most recently cofounded Women’s musculoskeletal initiative.

She also recently graduated from the Executive MBA Program at MIT Sloan, Class of 2023.

This episode is in partnership with Boston Biotechnology Summit, a bridge to collaboration and innovative synergies between healthcare stakeholders. I sat with Jean Garrec, Founder and CEO of Biophta to talk about entrepreneurship in the biotech world. Listen to Jean's story, his leadership beliefs, and his journey in founding and building his biotech startup. Jean reminded all of us about our noble purpose; it all starts and ends with and for the patients we serve.

"As a leader, my job is to know where my limits are"

MEET OUR GUEST Jean Garrec Founder and CEO of Biophta.

Jean Garrec is founder and CEO of Biophta, Bioadhesive Ophthalmics, a biotech startup company willing to transform Ophthalmology by relieving patients from the burden caused by their eye diseases.

Jean is the son of 2 ophthalmologists strongly rooted in Brittany, a pharmacist by training, ESCP MSM Healthcare Management alumni, and an Exec MBA at ESSEC. Before founding Biophta Jean held several leadership positions in pharma and medical devices for more than 20 years mostly in SMEs and family-owned companies and startups.

He is also a sailor who participated in and won several regattas, in France, the USA, Carribeans… Jean is passionate about sight&eye, entrepreneurship, and innovation, and wants to have an impact on ophthalmology & changing patient’s lives.

Listen to more episodes from Boston Biotech Summit here.