The PharmaBrands Podcast

In our first episode after a late-summer break, our guest Daniel Smedley looks back on key lessons learned through his career and looks forward to where he sees innovation making the biggest impact. Thoughtful and candid, Daniel shares his journey from CFO of AZ to leading a multidisciplinary team tackling some of the biggest challenges the industry has ever faced. Daniel’s perspective and vantage point make him a terrific guest as we discuss AI, new platforms, change management and so much more.  

 This episode was made possible through the support of Changemakers, find out more at thechangemakers.com

The PharmaBrands podcast is hosted by Neil Follett and Produced by Chess Originals.

There is an old saying that, “When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” Today that could be, “If you have AI, everything looks like it can be fixed with AI.” In this episode of the PharmaBrands podcast, Karim Vassanji, discusses how discipline, curiosity and consensus building are fundamental to the success of any digital transformation effort.

Links mentioned on this episode: Super Human AI Newsletter, The AI Daily Podcast

Our host is Neil Follett, Co-Founder of PharmaBrands and our Producer is Darryl Webster with Chess Originals.

In this episode we have a spirited conversation with Neill Brown, President of IPG Health. Drawing on his globe-spanning career Neill shares his thoughts and insights on timely topics such as: how AI can help us focus on the ‘good stuff’, what drives the most impact in 2025 and how we can inject more creativity into the way we work.

Our host is Neil Follett, Co-Founder of PharmaBrands and our Producer is Darryl Webster with Chess Originals.

Everyone who listens to this show knows that outstanding customer experience is hard to achieve in healthcare—no matter who your customer is. Paul Tunnah's new book is a practical guide for improving customer experience and in this episode we dive deep into the tools and techniques he recommends for improving trust, adherence and outcomes.

Prescription for Success is now available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Prescription-Success-Delivering-Exceptional-Pharmaceutical-ebook/dp/B0FD7858V8

Our host is Neil Follett, Co-Founder of PharmaBrands and our Producer is Darryl Webster with Chess Originals.

Our guest this episode has a circuitous route to her current role leading BeLuz for AZ. Time in Canada, Japan and in Global roles has informed her perspective and shaped her approach as she now leads two countries launching over a dozen new drugs in the next two years. In our conversation Angela shares that perspective and reflects on all that is to come.

After you check out the episode, don’t forget to head to pharmabrands.ca to get your tickets for our June 17th Age of AI event in Toronto, before they sell out!

Our host is Neil Follett, Co-Founder of PharmaBrands and our Producer is Darryl Webster with Chess Originals

David Churchill’s career in healthcare sales, marketing and communications has been powered by curiosity and a lot of hard work. Over 20 years, and increasingly senior roles, in medical device, pharma and agency have given David a unique perspective that he brings to bear on his team and clients. In this episode he shares his perspective and passion as he tells his personal story, talks about what makes Lemieux Bédard different and gives us a peek into the future of healthcare marketing.

After you check out the episode, don’t forget to head to pharmabrands.ca to get your tickets for our June 17th Age of AI event in Toronto, before they sell out!

Our host is Neil Follett, Co-Founder of PharmaBrands and our Producer is Darryl Webster with Chess Originals

In a time when there is so much focus on the pace of technological change, it’s refreshing to hear Lita’s take on how impactful some of the basics are: great customer service, caring deeply, delivering on commitments, these are some of the pillars upon which she’s built LSD, The Agency. In this episode Lita shares stories from myriad stops on her 40 year journey in pharma.

After you check out the episode, don’t forget to head to pharmabrands.ca to get your tickets for our June 17th Age of AI event in Toronto, before they sell out!

Our host is Neil Follett, Co-Founder of PharmaBrands and our Producer is Darryl Webster with Chess Originals

Data driven marketing (the term Aletta much prefers to “omnichannel”) is something a lot of brands and businesses are trying to get just right. In this episode Aletta shares her perspectives on what success looks like and how to drive meaningful behaviour change – hint: it’s about making the most of the channels and content available to a brand.

After you check out the episode, don’t forget to head to pharmabrands.ca to get your tickets for our June 17th Age of AI event in Toronto, before they sell out!  

Our host is Neil Follett, Co-Founder of PharmaBrands and our Producer is Darryl Webster with Chess Originals

Leandra Wells has had an incredible career that has landed her at the top spot in Galderma. Now leading teams across a diverse set of portfolios and categories, Leandra sat down with us to reflect on some key stops in her journey, what great marketing looks like and how marketers and leaders can stay current in a rapidly evolving landscape.

After you check out the episode, don’t forget to head to pharmabrands.ca to get your tickets for our June 17th Age of AI event in Toronto, before they sell out!  

Our host is Neil Follett, Co-Founder of PharmaBrands and our Producer is Darryl Webster with Chess Originals

Dr. Michelle Acorn, CEO of the Nurse Practitioners' Association of Ontario on the growing role of NPs in the health system.

Nurse Practitioners are a growing, and increasingly funded part of the care system in Ontario. In this episode Michelle shares her views on the evolving role of NPs as both clinicians and clinical leaders, and gives some sage advice to industry on how best to engage with this important community.

Our Producer is Darryl Webster with Chess Originals