Podcast
Life Science Success
Hosted by Don Davis PhD, MBA · EN
On this podcast, you'll find interviews with high-performing successful individuals in Life Sciences. On a weekly basis, we cover their proven methods, principles, strategies, and mindsets to implement new technologies that scale to meet the needs of people in our world.
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Transforming Pharma Regulatory Operations with Megha Sinha
3w ago00:45:28Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Megha Sinha. The founder and CEO of Kamet Consulting Group LLC, she brings 17+ years of experience advising global pharma and life sciences on regulatory operations, quality, and large-scale transformation, including senior leadership at PwC solving complex regulatory, supply chain, and lifecycle management challenges.00:00 Show Introduction00:30 Meet Megha Sinha01:18 Engineering Into Life Sciences03:29 First FDA Audit Lessons04:29 PwC Shaping Consulting07:27 Three Career Pivots12:22 Why Found Kamet17:24 Mission And Programs19:27 Global Regulatory Depth24:57 Transformation In Practice30:24 Scaling Team And Tech35:14 Leadership Inspiration Concerns40:48 AI Beyond Automation44:27 Closing And Next Steps
Transcribe →Breaking Down Silos with Ian Crone: Regulatory Data, IDMP, and AI Readiness in Life Sciences
Apr 1400:49:02Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Ian Crone. He is the VP Regulatory strategy and growth at ArisGlobal and a global life sciences leader known for RIM, UDI, IDMP, and data migration expertise, inspiring teams to deliver compliant, client-centric solutions.00:00 Show Intro00:30 Meet Ian Crone01:12 From Lab Bench Up03:07 Regulatory Deja Vu05:15 IDMP Explained07:39 Single Source Truth10:38 Why Migrations Fail14:40 Interpretive Drift Risk15:56 Best of Breed Debate21:27 Compliance Clock Ticking23:59 AI Needs Humans26:00 Why ArisGlobal27:33 Sportify Overlay Approach28:49 Data Cortex XDI31:10 IDMP Data For AI32:31 AI As Experimentation33:54 Leading Under Pressure36:20 Mentorship Lessons37:05 Personal Motivation Story39:23 AI Hype Versus Readiness42:15 Human In The Loop44:42 Breaking Silos Wins47:02 Closing And Next Steps
Transcribe →Inspection Readiness and Quality Systems with Jennifer Vavala
Apr 900:40:52Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Jennifer Vavala, Founder & Principal at AlignPoint Partners. With more than 27 years in pharma, medical device, and diagnostics leading QA/QC in complex regulated organizations, she focuses on quality systems, inspection readiness, and operational delivery, and developed the Operational Stability Recalibration framework to help leaders rebalance escalating mandates with operating capacity before compliance or delivery risks surface.00:00 Intro00:30 Meet Jennifer Vavala01:39 Microbiology Origins04:13 Capacity Not Capability08:43 Across Regulated Sectors12:25 AlignPoint Partners Mission13:15 Operational Stability Framework18:02 Early Warning Signals19:52 Inspection Readiness Reality23:55 Executives And Regulators32:37 Quality Leadership Future36:15 Inspiration Concerns Excitement39:39 Wrap Up And Where To Connect40:19 Outro
Transcribe →Dean Erhardt: Pharma Strategy, Distribution & Commercial Growth
Apr 200:39:02Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Dean Erhardt, President and CEO at D2 Solutions. He brings more than 20 years of experience across pharmaceuticals and consumer products, with expertise in support program development, distribution, and specialty product management, and has worked with over 100 pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device manufacturers as well as many small and midsized organizations on commercial operations, strategy, and national accounts.00:00 Intro00:34 Dean's career: HMO, Cardinal Health, Express Scripts03:00 Founding D2 Solutions in 200804:00 Pricing strategy and middlemen taking 50–70% of revenue08:00 What separates successful commercialization from failure10:00 D2's three pillars: distribution, reimbursement, patient services15:00 Pharmaceutical support programs for specialty medications16:00 D2's digital patient engagement platform in action21:00 Resource challenges for small and mid-sized pharma22:00 Retail deserts and the rise of direct-to-consumer models24:00 National accounts strategy and long-term payer relationships26:00 When to engage D2 and cleaning up commercialization missteps28:00 The prior authorization crisis31:00 Leadership advice: one vision, said a million times32:00 AI, remote surgery, and the future of care34:00 Looming shortage of 3.9 million healthcare workers36:00 Concerns: aging population, lost patients, NIH funding37:00 Technology accelerating drug approvals38:00 Outro
Transcribe →The Future of Pharma Pricing, Access, and Global Market Complexity
Jan 2900:57:11Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailJesse Mendelsohn and Michael Grosberg from Model N discuss why U.S. pricing complexity is spreading globally, the collapse of the PBM rebate model, what's really driving the pharmaceutical manufacturing boom, and why direct-to-consumer discount programs won't solve America's drug access problem.00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast00:34 Pressing Issues in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing00:51 Introducing the Experts from Model N03:08 Understanding International Reference Pricing04:14 Impact of US Pricing on Global Drug Launches09:26 Challenges with Pharmacy Benefit Managers16:29 Domestic Manufacturing Boom in Pharmaceuticals23:08 AI in Drug Discovery and Personalized Medicine29:03 Access and Policy Discussion30:01 Direct to Consumer Pricing31:32 TrumpRx Overview33:11 Compliance Challenges38:30 Pharmaceutical Revenue Management41:38 AI in Life Sciences48:35 Future of Life Sciences50:45 Concerns and Challenges53:52 Excitement in Current Work55:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Transcribe →Align, Apply, Adapt: Building Lasting Compliance with Troy Fugate
Oct 2000:42:29Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Troy Fugate. The CCO of Compliance Insight, Inc., Troy brings 30+ years of FDA readiness, GMP, and quality leadership—turning complex requirements into practical, culture-shaping solutions and championing the Align–Apply–Adapt framework used across pharma, cell and gene therapy, and medical devices.00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast00:37 Meet Troy Fugate: CCO of Compliance Insight01:09 Troy's Career Journey and FDA Focus04:10 The Align, Apply, Adapt Framework04:47 Differentiating Compliance Insight08:03 The Importance of Clarity in Compliance17:10 Challenges and Solutions in Compliance25:38 Human Behavior and Continuous Improvement34:39 Troy's Inspirations and Concerns39:07 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks
Transcribe →RNA Secrets Unveiled: Byron Purse's Biotech Breakthrough Journey
Oct 1100:43:54Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is Byron Purse, co-founder of AlidaBio and professor of chemistry at San Diego State University who is pioneering innovative approaches to studying RNA modifications. Byron brings a wealth of expertise in synthetic and natural nucleic acid modifications, with a passion for advancing biotechnology and human health through his groundbreaking research and entrepreneurial endeavors.00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast00:29 Meet Byron Purse: Professor and Co-Founder of AlidaBio01:05 Byron's Journey into Life Sciences03:10 From Academia to Entrepreneurship06:49 Founding AlidaBio: Vision and Mission08:59 Innovations in RNA Modifications23:09 Challenges and Successes in Developing the EpiPlex™ Platform28:44 Leadership and Inspiration35:00 Concerns and Future Outlook in Life Sciences43:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Transcribe →Revolutionizing Addiction Risk: Genetics, Tech, and Hope Unveiled
Sep 2700:48:27Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of the Life Science Success Podcast my guest is James Piacentino, CEO of Thrive Genetics, Inc., a pioneering digital health startup focused on transforming addiction risk assessment through genetic and behavioral science. James brings a unique blend of entrepreneurial experience, technical expertise, and personal mission to develop innovative solutions that help healthcare providers manage dependency risk with unprecedented precision.00:00 Introduction to Life Science Success Podcast00:46 Upcoming Podcast Announcement01:08 Introducing James Piacentino01:49 James Piacentino's Background in Digital Health03:29 Corporate Experience and Startup Journey06:53 Founding Thrive Genetics08:35 The Impact of Addiction on Families09:19 Thrive Genetics' Approach to Addiction Risk18:43 Partnerships and Technological Advancements21:29 Combining Genetics, Behavior, and AI25:06 The Conservative Approach to AI in Customer Journeys26:12 Balancing Scientific Rigor with Business Models27:09 Adoption and Value Creation in Technology30:54 The Importance of Customer Feedback40:05 Leadership Lessons and Values-Based Leadership43:18 Inspiration and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs45:29 Concerns and Complexities in Today's World46:47 Excitement for the Future47:35 Conclusion and Farewell
Transcribe →Financial Strategies for Life Science Startups: Insider Secrets Revealed!
Sep 1800:54:52Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn 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
Transcribe →Pharma Water Expert Reveals Groundbreaking Innovation Strategies!
Sep 700:47:30Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn 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
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