Financial Strategies for Life Science Startups: Insider Secrets Revealed!

Send us a textIn this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Josh Yelen, a CPA, MBA, and the Founder & CEO of Function, a strategic financial leadership and bookkeeping services company that supports businesses across various industries, including life sciences. With over two decades of experience in operations, accounting, finance, and sales, Josh is also a co-founder of Venture Forward Capital, where he supports early-stage entrepreneurs in building disruptive companies.00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast00:40 Join Our Free School Community01:41 Introducing Our Guest: Josh Yelen02:10 Josh Yelen's Professional Journey04:30 The Birth of Venture Forward Capital and Function09:05 Function's Unique Approach to Financial Services14:55 Challenges in Biotech and Pharma20:40 Trends Shaping the Future of Biotech29:19 Firing the Biggest Client and Growing the Business29:46 Innovative Use of AI in Business30:53 Aligning Company Goals with OKRs32:45 The Importance of Focus and Avoiding Distractions36:46 Leadership Advice and Entrepreneurial Challenges39:31 Motivational Videos and Personal Drive45:37 Concerns About AI and the Future of Work50:48 Excitement for the Future and Final Thoughts

Send us a textIn this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Nissan Cohen, a worldwide expert with over 45 years of experience in high purity water systems, pharmaceutical engineering, and water technology innovation. Nissan is the Owner of Biopharmaceutical Water Doc company and has made significant contributions to the field through his extensive publications, technical expertise, and leadership in international professional societies like ISPE.00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast 00:29 Meet Dr. Nissan Cohen: Water Technology Expert01:24 The Importance of Potable Water01:52 Journey into High Purity Water Systems03:32 Transition to Pharmaceutical Industry06:12 Milestones in Pharmaceutical Water Technology09:54 Current Consultancy and Industry Challenges14:32 Advancements in Pharmaceutical Water Technologies20:51 Sustainability and Zero Liquid Discharge29:22 Agricultural Water Innovations35:43 Leadership and Professional Insights41:23 Concerns and Future Outlook44:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Send us a textIn this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Victoria Donovan. Victoria is the Founder and CEO of Clinically Media, an award-winning agency that is transforming patient recruitment and retention strategies in clinical research.00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast00:38 Meet Victoria Donovan: Founder and CEO of Clinically Media01:34 Victoria's Journey into Life Sciences03:12 The Birth and Growth of Clinically Media05:03 Clinically Media's Mission and Vision08:46 Innovative Approaches in Patient Recruitment11:59 Challenges and Future of Patient Recruitment23:45 Leadership and Personal Insights from Victoria Donovan32:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Send us a textIn this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Mark Stead, Head of Business Development at Atomic AI, a pioneering biotech company using artificial intelligence and structural biology to develop innovative RNA-targeted therapeutics. Mark brings over 12 years of experience in biotechnology, with a proven track record of negotiating high-value partnerships and driving strategic collaborations in drug discovery.00:00 Introduction to the Life Science Success Podcast00:30 Meet Mark Stead: Journey into Life Sciences03:26 Career Insights: From Amgen to Atomic AI11:20 Innovations at Atomic AI: Leveraging AI and Structural Biology19:37 The Future of AI in Drug Discovery31:03 Leadership and Personal Insights39:38 Conclusion and Farewell

Send us a textIn this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Kristien Van Vlasselaer, a Vice President of Operations at Gordian Biotechnology who is a passionate generalist and strategic operations leader dedicated to helping biotech teams execute with excellence. With her unique ability to bridge technical expertise and practical problem-solving, Kristien brings a holistic approach to optimizing organizational performance and driving innovative solutions in the biotech industry.00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast00:40 Meet Kristien Van Vlasselaer: A Passionate Generalist01:05 Kristien's Journey into Life Sciences02:26 The Generalist Powerhouse in Biotech04:23 Career Evolution and Key Milestones09:03 Challenges and Trends in Biotech11:58 Kristien's Role and Initiatives at Gordian Biotechnology27:43 Innovative Approaches in Osteoarthritis Research28:21 Challenges and Limitations of Animal Models29:23 Complex Problem Solving in Biotech35:12 Leadership Advice and Insights42:31 Inspiration and Concerns in the Industry50:26 The Value of Generalists and Future Outlook52:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Send us a textIn this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is John Schmitt, a military veteran, entrepreneur, and Co-Founder & CEO of iXpressGenes who is leveraging innovative RNA biomarker technologies to revolutionize trauma screening in healthcare. With over 20 years of leadership experience in the U.S. Army and a Master's degree in Microbiology and Immunology, John is dedicated to developing data-driven solutions for early detection and prevention of trauma-related diseases.00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview01:02 Welcoming the Guest: John Schmitt02:00 John Schmitt's Journey to Biotechnology05:58 Military Experience and Leadership Insights13:09 Founding  iXpressGenes: The Origin Story17:31 Mission and Objectives of iXpressGenes23:08 Challenges and Innovations in Biomarker Technologies27:42 Personal Leadership and Inspirations35:00 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up

Send us a textIn this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Lauri Befus, Vice President of Clinical Operations at M3 Wake Research, a leading integrated site network in the United States. With over 13 years of experience in clinical research and healthcare operations, Lauri brings a unique perspective to clinical trials, focusing on patient-centric strategies and operational excellence.00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast00:37 Meet Lauri Befus: Vice President of Clinical Operations at M3 Wake Research00:59 Lauri's Journey into Clinical Research01:53 Educational Background and Early Career02:36 Career Progression and Key Milestones04:25 Challenges in the Life Sciences Industry05:18 Diversity and Inclusion in Clinical Trials06:16 Overview of M3 Wake Research07:37 Lauri's Role and Responsibilities13:59 Innovative Projects and Initiatives16:28 Future Goals and Industry Innovations17:31 Leadership Insights and Advice24:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Send us a textIn this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Lyle Small, a seasoned innovator with 35 years of experience in interactive inks and coatings who is now the Founder and CEO of Lahjavida, Inc., a promising cancer research company developing targeted chemotherapy technologies. Lyle has an impressive track record of technological innovation, having previously founded Chromatic Technologies and developed groundbreaking color-changing technologies for brands like Coors Light, and is now focused on creating potentially transformative cancer treatments.00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast00:40 Celebrating Podcast Achievements01:27 Interview with Lyle Small: Background and Journey02:43 Lyle's Early Career and Innovations07:13 Founding Chromatic Technologies Inc. (CTI)09:00 CTI's Impact and Innovations15:13 Transition to Lahjavida: New Ventures in Cancer Research20:16 Challenges and Insights in Cancer Research25:03 Understanding Success Rates in Business27:40 The Importance of Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)28:58 Building Effective Teams: Lessons Learned38:27 Leadership Qualities and Challenges40:39 Current Endeavors and Fundraising Efforts43:45 Inspiration, Concerns, and Excitement48:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Send us a textIn this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Brad Doerschuk, a visionary leader in clinical research with over 20 years of experience in pharmaceutical and biotech development. As the founder of PharmaMed Research and current President and CEO of InFocus Clinical Research, Brad has a proven track record of leading successful clinical development programs across multiple therapeutic areas and is a PharmaVoice 100 recipient.00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast00:34 Meet Brad Doerschuk: Visionary Leader in Clinical Research01:22 Brad's Journey into Life Sciences02:57 Founding a Research Organization06:00 Challenges and Pivotal Moments in Drug Development09:43 Specialization in Retina Diseases18:54 Building and Leading High-Performing Teams21:11 Merging Best Practices for Efficiency22:48 The Role of Innovation in Clinical Trials25:38 Leadership Advice and Personal Insights31:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Send us a textIn this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast, my guest is Ashley Scholz, the Vice President of Marketing at Vector Laboratories, who brings over 16 years of experience in medical devices, diagnostics, and strategic marketing. With a proven track record of driving growth, building high-performing teams, and optimizing commercial strategies, Ashley shares her insights on innovation in the life sciences industry.00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast00:47 Meet Ashley Scholz: VP of Marketing at Vector Laboratories01:21 Ashley's Career Journey and Experience04:52 Transition to Vector Laboratories06:16 Challenges and Learnings at WL Gore13:10 Building High Performing Teams16:08 Why Vector Labs?21:36 Vector Labs' Mission and Future Focus22:49 Marketing's Role in B2B Transition25:24 Supporting Scientists and Researchers26:35 Innovative Projects and AI Integration29:31 Impact of Recent Acquisitions31:12 Balancing Commercial Growth and Customer-Centricity35:14 Leadership and Organizational Insights38:56 Inspiration and Concerns40:47 Excitement for Future Strategies43:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts