Series #2, Episode #2

Summary:

In this episode of the Exceptional Leaders podcast, host Andrew MacAskill interviews Don Haut, an experienced executive and board member in the life sciences industry. 

Don shares his career journey, starting as a scientist before moving into business roles across various sectors, including biotech, medical devices, and investment banking. He offers valuable insights into the dynamics of board membership, decision-making in small organisations, and the critical factors to consider when evaluating new opportunities. Don also provides actionable advice for leaders aspiring to join boards and make a meaningful impact.

 
Key Points & Insights:

1. Navigating Career Pivots: Don discusses his transition from science to business and how moving across industries helped him gain a diverse skill set, proving that career pivots can be viewed as an evolution rather than a complete shift.
   
   
2. Differences Between Large and Small Companies: He highlights the unique challenges and advantages of working in both large corporations and small companies, emphasising the importance of learning from each environment to become a well-rounded leader.
   
   
3. Effective Decision-Making in Small Companies: Don advises leadership teams in small organisations to avoid analysis paralysis, emphasising the importance of making timely decisions and not letting ego or organisational stasis impede progress.
   
   
4. Evaluating Board Opportunities: He shares his approach to analysing board opportunities, focusing on the science behind the product, the potential to build a business, and the ability to create an impactful working relationship with the team.
   
   
5. Challenges for First-Time CEOs: Don talks about the challenges first-time CEOs face when transitioning from having one boss to managing a board with multiple, sometimes conflicting, opinions and interests.
   
   
6. Strategic Thinking for Long-Term Success: He stresses the importance of thinking two or three steps ahead in any deal or project, rather than getting caught up in immediate goals, to ensure long-term success.
   
   
7. Cultural Differences on Boards: Don highlights the importance of understanding cultural differences in board dynamics, especially when working with international boards, where expectations and formalities can vary significantly.

Snippets:

•  "Not making a decision is by default making a decision. It is by default making a decision to keep doing what you're doing."
  
  
• "If you're on a board and you're unwilling or unable to help the c-suite make connections... that's critical."
  
  
• "You need to be able to challenge without being a bull in a china shop."

Resources:

• Follow Don Haut on LinkedIn:
  https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-haut-phd-he-him-700030a
  
  
• Follow Andrew Macaskill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jobsearchcoach/

Remember to tune into our next episode for more inspiring insights.

Have questions or feedback about the podcast or want to feature as a guest? Email us at [email protected]

Series #2, Episode #1

In this episode of the Exceptional Leaders podcast, host Andrew MacAskill interviews Sarena Lin, an experienced board member with a rich consulting and life sciences background. 

Sarena shares her journey from McKinsey to serving on various boards, including Siemens Healthineers. She provides valuable insights on board readiness, the evolving role of boards in today's fast-paced environment, and the importance of aligning personal values with board roles. Sarena also discusses the unique challenges and opportunities of serving on public, private, and PE-backed boards.

Key Points & Insights:

1.    Transitioning from Consulting to Board Roles: Sarena Lin discusses how her extensive experience at McKinsey prepared her for board roles, emphasising the importance of asking critical, forward-looking questions.

2.    Differences Between Public and Private Boards: She elaborates on the distinct mandates and expectations between US corporate boards, German boards, and private equity-backed boards, stressing the importance of understanding these nuances.

3.    Mentoring Step-Up Executives: Sarena supports the growing trend of board members mentoring up-and-coming executives, emphasising the value of experienced guidance for developing future leaders.

4.    The Fine Line in Board Roles: She discusses the delicate balance board members must maintain between offering personal mentorship and fulfilling their governance duties.

5.    Advice for First-Time Board Members: Sarena advises those considering board roles to be clear about their motivations, ensuring alignment with the company's mission and board culture.

6.    Importance of Trust Among Board Members: Sarena underscores the necessity of trust and chemistry within the board to ensure effective collaboration and decision-making.

7.    Leadership in Transformation: She reflects on the need for today's leaders to drive constant change and transformation, a skill she believes is increasingly crucial across industries.

8.    The Role of Talent and Leadership in PE-Backed Companies: Sarena points out the growing recognition among PE firms of the need to invest in leadership development and organisational culture to create long-term value.

Snippets:

• "Ask questions that are forward-looking and not just backward-looking".
• "The movie plays on a continuous basis, but as a board member, you only get to see a snippet of it". 
• "Board trust is really important for one to be effective".

Resources:

• Follow Sarena Lin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Sarenalin/
• Follow Andrew Macaskill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jobsearchcoach/

 
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Remember to tune into our next episode for more inspiring insights.

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In this episode of the Talent Lab Podcast, host Andrew MacAskill interviews Davide Pagliaro, Vice President and General Manager of EMEA at Xylox Tonbridge. 

Davide discusses his extensive career in the medical device sector, emphasising the importance of human interactions with healthcare professionals. He shares insights on building trust and effective leadership, navigating technological advancements, and the value of international experience. Davide also reflects on his career journey, offering advice to emerging leaders and detailing Xylox Tonbridge's growth and innovative products in the MedTech industry.

Key Points & Insights:

• Davide Pagliaro's career journey from Johnson & Johnson to VP and GM at Xylox Tonbridge. Discover how his diverse experiences have shaped his leadership style.
• The importance of human contact and building relationships in the medical device sector. Learn how spending time with physicians and healthcare professionals energises and motivates Davide.
• Combining technology with face-to-face interactions in customer relations. Davide discusses the balance between virtual communication and in-person meetings.
• The role of adaptability and open-mindedness in international careers. Davide shares his insights from living and working in six countries across three continents.
• Building trust and fostering collaboration within teams. Understand Davide's approach to leadership and creating a supportive work environment.
• The significance of understanding the real-world application of marketing strategies. Davide emphasises the importance of field experience for marketing professionals.
• Xylox Tonbridge's innovative medical devices and growth ambitions. Explore the company's products and future plans under Davide's leadership.

Snippets:

• "It's important to speak with a physician/customer where there is no desk between you".
• "Data dosen't lie, but it dosent tell you everything".
• "I give everybody a certain amount of trust at the beginning of my relationship".

Remember to tune into our next episode for more inspiring insights.

Have questions or feedback about the podcast or want to feature as a guest? Email us at [email protected]

In this episode of the Talent Lab Podcast, host Andrew MacAskill interviews Ian Metcalfe, co-founder and CEO of Wellscience.

Ian shares his diverse career journey from genetic engineering to biotech startups, highlighting the importance of networking and seizing opportunities. He discusses the challenges and strategies in biotech fundraising and investment, the critical role of tailored communication strategies, and his experiences in major biotech hubs like Switzerland. Ian also talks about balancing personal life and career in a demanding industry and offers insights into the competitive and collaborative dynamics between European and US biotech markets.

Key Points & Insights:

• Ian Metcalfe's career journey from genetic engineering to biotech startups: Ian started in genetic engineering and moved into biotech startups, exploring many roles along the way.
• Importance of networking and seizing opportunities in career transitions: Ian's career changes often came from his network and openness to new opportunities.
• Tailoring communication strategies to different audiences for effectiveness: Ian highlights the need to adapt communication to fit different audiences for better understanding.
• Challenges and strategies in fundraising and investment in the biotech sector: Fundraising in biotech is tough, but Ian shares strategies for navigating this challenging landscape.
• Switzerland's role as a significant hub in the European biotech ecosystem: Switzerland is a key place for biotech, with solid support for startups and innovation.
• The competitive and collaborative dynamics between European and US biotech markets: Ian discusses how European and US biotech markets compete and work together.
• Balancing personal life and career in a demanding industry: Ian talks about balancing work and family in the fast-paced biotech world.

Snippets:

• "It wasn't through me applying for jobs; it was through the network and contacts of presenting yourself in those situations and grabbing the opportunity, whatever it rose to."
• "When you're presenting... and you can actually see it in the audience's eyes when they have that "a-ha" moment".
• "Employees are people that need to be very open to change, constantly developing new skills, and keeping their radars up".
• "[Obtaining a leadership role] relies on a solid network, really being able to interact and talk to people on a different level".

Remember to tune into our next episode for more inspiring insights.

Have questions or feedback about the podcast or want to feature as a guest? Email us at [email protected]

In this episode of the Talent Lab Podcast, host Andrew MacAskill interviews Steve C de Baca, Chief Patient Safety and Quality Officer at Philips.

Steve shares his journey from aerospace to life sciences and the importance of transformation in healthcare organisations. He explains effective leadership using the Sherpa analogy and strategies for creating followership in uncertain times. Learn about the 'Scare to Prepare' onboarding method, balancing conservatism and proactivity in regulatory roles and the critical role of personal development. Discover how proactive engagement can enhance decision-making and the exciting transformation journey at Philips. 

Key Points & Insights: 

• Steve C de Baca's leadership journey from aerospace to life sciences. Discover how his diverse career path shaped his approach to quality and regulatory roles. 
• The importance of transformation in healthcare organisations. Learn why changing mindsets and approaches is crucial for success. 
• Effective leadership through the Sherpa analogy. Steve explores how guiding and supporting the team ensures collective progress. 
• Creating followership in times of uncertainty. Discover strategies to build commitment and trust within your team during transformational periods. 
• The 'Scare to Prepare' method for onboarding new team members. Find out how setting realistic expectations can prepare your team for future challenges. 
• Balancing conservatism and proactivity in regulatory roles. Steve delves into the dynamics of making informed quality and regulatory compliance decisions. 
• The critical role of personal development for leaders. Hear why continuous learning and adaptability are essential for leading effectively in evolving industries. 
• Overcoming the stereotype of risk-averse regulatory directors. Discover how proactive engagement and technical knowledge can enhance decision-making. 

Snippets: 

• "Transformation has to be truly transformative. That means you have to bring the entire organisation along". (Steve C de Baca, 2024) 
• "There are some who are going to be at the forefront, the eager beavers. There's going to be people at the end, the eeyores". (Steve C de Baca, 2024) 
• "The vast majority of people are just looking for support, direction, and commitment. You have to understand that everybody's at different points". (Steve C de Baca, 2024) 
• "You can't just be the leader; you have to be a supporter and a part of the group". (Steve C de Baca, 2024) 

Remember to tune into our next episode for more inspiring insights.

Have questions or feedback about the podcast or want to feature as a guest? Email us at [email protected]

In this episode of the Talent Lab Podcast, host Andrew MacAskill interviews Bart Derde, CEO and founder of KCD Ventures. 

Bart shares his journey from Unilever to starting his own venture and discusses the benefits of combining FMCG agility with pharmaceutical compliance. He covers strategies for balancing operational agility with regulatory standards, his focus on investing, consulting, and educating future executives, and the importance of creating positive cultures. Bart also outlines his vision for training the next generation of supply chain leaders and the increasing role of supply chain executives in businesses.

Key Points & Insights:

• Bart Derde's career journey from Unilever to founding KCD Ventures. Discover how his extensive experience in the corporate world shaped his entrepreneurial venture.
• The benefits of crossover between FMCG and pharmaceuticals. Learn how combining agility and compliance from different industries can create business magic.
• Importance of combining operational agility with regulatory compliance in supply chains. Bart shares his insights on achieving a balance that drives innovation and safety.
• Bart's new venture, KCD Ventures, focuses on investing, consulting, and educating future C-suite executives. Find out how Bert is helping small businesses grow and mentoring the next generation of leaders.
• Insights on leadership, including creating a good culture and leading cross-functionally. Bart discusses the key elements of effective leadership and how to inspire your team.
• The role of regulated environments in maintaining safety and quality. Understand the hidden benefits of strict regulations in ensuring operational excellence.
• The impact of small businesses and the entrepreneurial spirit on corporate simplicity. Hear how lessons from startups can streamline operations in larger corporations.
• Developing a programme for the next generation of supply chain leaders. Bart outlines his vision for training future leaders in supply chain management.
• The increasing presence of supply chain leaders at the executive level. Explore the evolving role of supply chain leaders in driving business success.

Snippets:

• "Inspiring a large group of people is much more important than managing". (Bart Derde, 2024)
• "Understanding the end to end and the impact it can have on a consumer and custo me r is where that co-connectivity really needs to be strong". (Bart Derde, 2024)
• "The sustainability challenge has to be resolved externally, not just internally within your own business". (Bart Derde, 2024)

Remember to tune into our next episode for more inspiring insights.

Have questions or feedback about the podcast or want to feature as a guest? Email us at [email protected]