Leading Minds by Life Sciences Voice

Today, we are honored to have Gurdyal Kalsi as our guest, holding the position of Chief Medical Officer at Asklepion Pharma and AdventHealth and overseeing a varied Research and Development portfolio. Gurdyal explores the significance of AI in healthcare and emphasizes a long-overdue shift toward giving patients a voice in clinical trials. He underscores the necessity of addressing illnesses and striving for a definitive cure, which he terms "One and Done." Additionally, Gurdyal provides insights into the future direction of the life science field and emphasizes the role AI is poised to play in shaping it.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [03:56] Gurdyal shares his professional journey and his childhood experiences that led to his desire to become a doctor

• [5:41] Gurdyal discusses his current role, goals and objectives, and where he sees the industry going

• [10:14] Gurdyal explains what it means to let the patient have a voice in clinical trials and also the importance of AI in the medical field

• [16:50] Gurdyal explains why he scaled his professional journey and why it is critical to multitask and obtain across-the-board learning

• [20:52] Gurdyal talks about the people and events that have framed his career and gives advice on what he has learned and wants to pass on to the listeners

• [26:35] Gurdyal reveals how he continues his learning and balances his personal and professional life

• [30:08] Jasmeet asks Gurdyal a series of rapid-fire questions

KEY TAKEAWAY:

• [6:43] Many medicinal products in the marketplace are not cures. A change needs to happen in this area of medicine to look for a cure and not continuous treatment.  

• [10:02] The future is moving toward letting patients have a voice in clinical trials, which is the right way of doing a clinical trial.

• [11:21] Gurdyal is encouraged by the use of AI. There are still areas where more work must be done to achieve accuracy. 

RESOURCE LINKS:

Podcast - Leading Minds

Jasmeet Sawhney - LinkedIn

Gurdyal Kalsi - LinkedIn

BIOGRAPHY:

Gurdyal Kalsi is a seasoned executive, a physician-scientist, and a leader engaged in developing novel therapeutic approaches for challenging diseases in rare, orphan, cell, and gene therapy areas.

He's a veteran of global transformational R&D leadership with over two decades of experience specializing in pharmaceutical and critical care medicine. His work has resulted in the development and commercialization of several important human pharma drugs. Gurdyal started his professional journey in the UK and earned his MFPM from the UK joint Royal Colleges of Physicians and medical degrees in medicine and surgery from the Glancy Medical School.

He transitioned into the biopharmaceutical space, first in neuroscience and then in inflammation and immune modulation therapies. He later moved to the US and was instrumental in several strategic investments and collaborations between the public-private sector and US federal agencies. He currently serves as the chief medical officer of AdventHealth and Asklepion Pharma, and manages a diverse R&D portfolio. 

YOUR HOST: JASMEET SAWHNEY 

 Jasmeet Sawhney is a life sciences industry executive, marketing leader, and serial entrepreneur with deep roots in technology and data analytics. He is currently the global head of marketing at Axtria. Jasmeet has over 20 years of experience in the life sciences domain and has helped build and scale three successful companies. He has received several company and individual awards, including Inc 500, Deloitte Fast 500, Crain’s NY Fast 50, NJBiz Fast 50, Business of the Year, SmartCEO Future 50, Top CMO, Forty Under 40, and many more.

Today, we have the privilege of hosting Ramona Sequeira, the President of Takeda's Global Portfolio Division. She will delve into Takeda's involvement in the Life Science sector, shedding light on leadership, employee oversight, and recruitment. Ramona emphasizes three essential qualities for those aspiring to join her team: curiosity, humility, and courage. Additionally, she delves into the importance of making decisions as close to the patient as possible, tailoring strategies to the needs of specific healthcare systems and markets.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [03:56] Ramona provides a background of her professional journey into her current position

• [08:17] What are the major shifts in the industry

• [10:43] Ramona discusses key decisions she has made during her career

• [15:21] Ramona shares attributes she looks for in employees

• [17:39] Keeping abreast of continuing education is critical for Ramona, and she discusses how she prioritizes her career and personal life

• [23:32] Jasmeet asks Ramona a series of rapid-fire questions
  

KEY TAKEAWAY:

• Strategies must be tailored to the needs of specific healthcare systems and countries in order to best meet the needs of patients globally.

• When stepping into a new role, it's crucial to ensure that you bring employees along with you by communicating the why and being clear on your vision.

• Curiosity, humility and courage are essential to lead in a rapidly changing environment.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Podcast - Leading Minds

Jasmeet Sawhney - LinkedIn

Takeda - Website

Ramona Sequeira - LinkedIn

BIOGRAPHY:

Ramona Sequeira is a leader in the biopharmaceutical industry, currently serving as President of Takeda's Global Portfolio Division (GPD) and as a member of Takeda's Executive Team. With a career spanning multiple markets, cultures, and healthcare systems, Ramona has launched brands and built and grown businesses for Takeda and prior to that Eli Lilly, always with an unwavering dedication to building solutions based on a deep understanding of patient needs.

YOUR HOST: JASMEET SAWHNEY 

Jasmeet Sawhney is a life sciences industry executive, marketing leader, and serial entrepreneur with deep roots in technology and data analytics. He is currently the global head of marketing at Axtria. Jasmeet has over 20 years of experience in the life sciences domain and has helped build and scale three successful companies. He has received several company and individual awards, including Inc 500, Deloitte Fast 500, Crain’s NY Fast 50, NJBiz Fast 50, Business of the Year, SmartCEO Future 50, Top CMO, Forty Under 40, and many more.

Jaswinder (Jassi) Chadha, President and CEO of Axtria, which is one of the life sciences' most prominent global leaders, joins us today to discuss how innovation has transformed the global healthcare system. He is regarded as one of the top data scientists and influential thought leaders in the life sciences industry. Jaswinder will share his perspective on the fast-growing and ever-changing life sciences industry, including how Covid created a recognition in pharma of the human-centric aspects of healthcare.  In addition, Jassi shares how he balances his busy work schedule with family and friends. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [03:50] Jassi shares his journey through university to his current position as an entrepreneur

• [07:42] His current focus is working in an industry that saves lives, and his goal is to ensure that the pharma industry serves the patient better

• [09:20] The significant shifts in the industry are decoding the human genome and being able to treat patients globally through innovation 

• [13:33] Jassi talks about what he has learned through his professional journey and how he defines a great leader

• [19:24] As an entrepreneur, you need to continue to seek out learning no matter how busy your schedule is. Jassi shares how he balances the personal and professional aspects of his life

• [26:08] Jassi responds to Jasmeets rapid-fire questions

KEY TAKEAWAY:

• A great leader has a vision and inspires their team to excel in whatever the mission is.

• The healthcare sector gained valuable insights during the Covid-19 pandemic and emerged from it significantly improved.

• Knowledge is like a video game. When you think you’ve reached the top, there is another level.
  

RESOURCE LINKS:

Podcast - Leading Minds

Jaswinder Chadha - LinkedIn

Jasmeet Sawhney - LinkedIn

BIOGRAPHY:

JASWINDER CHADHA, President and CEO, Axtria

Currently serves as President & CEO of Axtria. Since its founding in 2010, Axtria has gone on to become one of the biggest global leaders in the industry with customers in over 120 countries. Previously, Jassi was co-founder and CEO of marketRx, which was acquired by Cognizant Technology Solutions. Jassi and his companies have been featured in some of the most aspirational lists - INC 500, Deloitte FAST 50, NJBiz FAST 50, SmartCEO Future 50, Red Herring, and several other growth, product, culture, and technology awards.

YOUR HOST, JASMEET SAWHNEY

Jasmeet Sawhney is a life sciences industry executive, marketing leader, and serial entrepreneur with deep roots in technology and data analytics. He is currently the global head of marketing at Axtria. Jasmeet has over 20 years of experience in the life sciences domain and has helped build and scale three successful companies. He has received several company and individual awards, including Inc 500, Deloitte Fast 500, Crain’s NY Fast 50, NJBiz Fast 50, Business of the Year, SmartCEO Future 50, Top CMO, Forty Under 40, and many more.

Dr. Devyn Smith, the CEO of Arbor Biotechnologies, one the leading CRISPR gene editing companies today, joins us to discuss cutting and rewriting sections of DNA so that you can replace mutations. This industry is changing daily, and it’s exciting to think that a small molecule and antibody can treat a disease. However, with cell and gene therapies, the industry is moving beyond treatment to thinking about curative approaches. The focus is on curing or treating genetic diseases ALS or Huntington's. Listen in to learn about these revolutionary therapies.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [03:08] Devyn shares his childhood and educational background and what motivated him toward gene therapy 

• [07:34] Devyn discusses what role he has at Arbor Biotechnologies and gene editing

• [09:25] How has the industry evolved, and what events or people shaped Devyn’s career path

• [14:14] Devyn recommends key leadership skills he has found effective and also how to achieve your dreams

• [20:33] How Devyn continues to invest in his career growth and learning

• [23:19] How does Devyn balance his personal life with his professional life

• [25:22] Devyn responds to Jasmeets rapid-fire questions

KEY TAKEAWAY:

• Historically, the industry's been focused on identifying molecules, small molecules or antibodies, that can treat a disease. More recently, they've shifted their focus with cell and gene therapies, moving beyond treatment to thinking about curative approaches like cell therapies that can enable treating cancer and curing cancer patients.

• A learning journey isn’t just regarding your career; it is community focused by serving people.

• A good leader is one who also serves his employees.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Podcast - Leading Minds

Jasmeet Sawhney - LinkedIn

Arbor Biotechnologies - Website

Devyn Smith - LinkedIn

BIOGRAPHY:

Dr. Devyn Smith brings significant cell and gene therapy development and platform expertise from his 20+ year career. Devyn joined Arbor Biotechnologies as Chief Executive Officer on April 27, 2021, after concluding his role as Chief Operating Officer of Sigilon Therapeutics. Before Sigilon, Dr. Smith worked in various roles at Pfizer Inc., including COO of the UK-based Neusentis Unit, focused on discovering and developing cell therapies. He received his Ph.D. in Genetics from Harvard Medical School. He is an inventor with multiple patents and has published in leading scientific journals throughout his career. Dr. Smith is a board member and officer for ARM (Alliance for Regenerative Medicine), the cell and gene therapy industry group.

YOUR HOST: 

Jasmeet Sawhney is a life sciences industry executive, marketing leader, and serial entrepreneur with deep roots in technology and data analytics. He is currently the global head of marketing at Axtria. Jasmeet has over 20 years of experience in the life sciences domain and has helped build and scale three successful companies. He has received several company and individual awards, including Inc 500, Deloitte Fast 500, Crain’s NY Fast 50, NJBiz Fast 50, Business of the Year, SmartCEO Future 50, Top CMO, Forty Under 40, and many more.

Amar Sawhney is one of the most accomplished individuals in the realm of Medical Technology. His achievements and professional journey are unparalleled. In a conversation with Jasmeet, he recounts the path that led him to his current position. He imparts insight into effective leadership, emphasizing a life devoted to service and a keen focus on improving the healthcare system for patients. Keep a pen and paper handy to jot down his advice.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [04:11] Amar shares his journey from childhood through university to his current position as an entrepreneur
• [09:17] Amar discusses what started his entrepreneurial path
• [12:33] Learning from the challenges and benefiting from roadblocks
• [18:39] The background of a holding company and intellectual property
• [23:49] Amar talks about balancing his professional life with his personal life and what brings contentment 
• [30:54] Amar shares innovations that are happening in the field of MedTech
• [36.47] Mentorship has been helpful to Amar and his response to the rapid-fire segment

KEY TAKEAWAY:

• If your business model is a holding company, you can maintain control. When you have stockholders, you can quickly lose control.
• If a leader hires good people and gives them autonomy, he can spend time building other ventures.
• Make sure that the people you partner with have the same goals and life values you do.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Podcast - Leading Minds

Amar Sawhney - Facebook

Amar Sawhney - Linkedin

Jasmeet Sawhney - LinkedIn

GUEST BIOGRAPHY:

Dr. Amarpreet Sawhney is the CEO of Instylla, a company focused on embolic therapies for hypervascular tumors and control of hemorrhage, of Rejoni, a company developing products for preventing intrauterine scar formation; and of Pramand LLC, a company focused on developing biosurgery products. He was previously the Founder and CEO of Ocular Therapeutix, Augmenix, Confluent Surgical, and the technology founder of Focal and Access Closure. Amar’s innovations are the subject of over 120 issued and pending patents in biomaterials and bio-surgery. His inventions include several “first of a kind” surgical sealants, spacers, and drugs to be approved by the FDA, including ReSure Sealant and Dextenza for ophthalmology, DuraSeal for neurosurgery, FocalSeal for Lung surgery, Mynx for femoral puncture sealing, and SpaceOAR for prostate cancer radiotherapy. Amar and his partner Fred Khosravi have created Incept LLC, which provides a platform to support other healthcare entrepreneurs.

YOUR HOST: 

Jasmeet Sawhney is a life sciences industry executive, marketing leader, and serial entrepreneur with deep roots in technology and data analytics. He is currently the global head of marketing at Axtria. Jasmeet has over 20 years of experience in the life sciences domain and has helped build and scale three successful companies. He has received several company and individual awards, including Inc 500, Deloitte Fast 500, Crain’s NY Fast 50, NJBiz Fast 50, Business of the Year, SmartCEO Future 50, Top CMO, Forty Under 40, and many more.

Gregory Rubert, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations at Bausch Health Companies, joins us today. Gregory is responsible for leading a large cross-disciplinary team across various commercial analytics and operational functions and leads a team of roughly 70 employees. Today, he will share great advice on leading that team. Gregory has challenged himself to take on roles that took him out of his comfort zone. However, those roles brought him to the position he holds today. Hear his perspective on leading a team successfully and insights on how Covid has affected the workplace. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [02:38] Gregory Rubert describes his curious career journey and how moving out of his comfort zone ultimately led to professional growth

• [07:37] He discusses his role at Bausch Health and how collaboration has been the key to supporting the businesses they serve

• [09:26] The impact of Covid has spurred dynamic changes in the workplace, and the success of your organization depends on how you adapt 

• [12:47] A lack of connection will spark a disconnect between a leader and his employees. Treating people with respect and care enables employees to trust their leadership. He says when you are the manager, all eyes are on you

• [21:14] Gregory feels that balancing family and a career comes down to making deliberate choices 

• [25:08] Gregory answers Jasmeet’s rapid-fire questions

KEY TAKEAWAY:

• Vital workplaces are predicated on respecting staff, trustworthiness, and integrity. Employees thrive when these conditions are present. 

• Covid created a situation where employees worked remotely. That experience made them appreciate a better balance between work and personal time. Employers should adopt this evolving trend.

• Team members engage and perform at their highest level when the leader fosters a culture of empowerment and truly values his employees. 

RESOURCE LINKS:

Podcast - Leading Minds

Facebook - Michael McBreen

LinkedIn - Gregory Rubert

BIOGRAPHY:

Gregory Rubert:

Greg is a Senior Vice President and head of US commercial operations at Bausch Health. He is responsible for the overall strategic direction and leadership across a broad scope of commercial functions supporting 5 U.S. Commercial Business Units and driving over $3B in annual revenue. In his role, he is the go-to consulting partner for Commercial BU Heads, Marketing, Sales, and Market Access leadership. Prior to this role, he was head of the US Insights and Analytics, where he was responsible for building a centralized Insights & Analytics practice after the company’s reorganization into a central support model.

Before Bausch Health, he held roles of increasing responsibilities within the Commercial, Finance, and Accounting teams at Sanofi, where among other things, he led the integration of the systems, processes and people for Sanofi after its acquisition of Genzyme.

He started his career in Accounting and has a Bachelor of science in accounting, and an MBA from Marist college.

HOST:

Jasmeet Sawhney is a life sciences industry executive, marketing leader, and serial entrepreneur with deep roots in technology and data analytics. He is currently the global head of marketing at Axtria. Jasmeet has over 20 years of experience in the life sciences domain and has helped build and scale three successful companies. He has received several company and individual awards, including Inc 500, Deloitte Fast 500, Crain’s NY Fast 50, NJBiz Fast 50, Business of the Year, SmartCEO Future 50, Top CMO, Forty Under 40, and many more.

Chumi Khurana is Vice President Sales and Marketing Solid Tumor Oncology at Janssen Global Services and Chairperson of the Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Today, she shares her career path and philosophy of leadership. Learn fundamental skills for empowering your employees to be their best and develop their leadership skills. Hear how the culture and vision of your workplace play an intricate role in aspiring employees.  Don’t miss this episode of Leading Minds.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [03:14] Chumi Khurana discusses the journey that took her to her current position

• [06:28] She outlines how her department interacts with other departments at Janssen and the process of bringing new products to the marketplace

• [12:10] Educating the consumer and giving them access to information

• [16:23] Chumi leads by knowing her employees’ strengths and weaknesses and capitalizing on those

• [18:28] Balancing your profession, family, and free time to be successful in all areas of your life

• [25:00] Chumi answers Jasmeet’s rapid-fire questions

KEY TAKEAWAY:

• The culture and vision of the workplace are critical in establishing a healthy work environment.  Employees will follow your leadership when you listen and inspire them.

• Working part-time is not a death sentence to a career. On the contrary, it can be the right thing to do at the right time.  Make life decisions that are personally good for you and your family. Hire help for tasks you don’t enjoy.

• Career paths are a journey. Don’t be discouraged when changes come your way.  Navigate those roads. They can be essential learning experiences.
  
  

RESOURCE LINKS:

Podcast - Leading Minds

LinkedIn - Chumi Khurana

Facebook - Chumi Khurana

Twitter - Chumi Khurana

BIOGRAPHY:

Chumi Khurana:

A truly blended leader with equal parts empathy and strategy, Chumi is a dynamic senior executive with an extensive track record of success in the pharmaceutical industry. Currently, she is Vice President Sales and Marketing Solid Tumor Oncology at Janssen Global Services. Earlier, she was the head of commercial disease area stronghold for Prostate Cancer in the Janssen global commercial strategy organization. She has led her team in their development and execution of the global and commercial strategy for portfolio of both late stage and early pipeline compounds. 

Chumi has established a strong history of achievements in early asset strategy, global product launches, marketing, sales and leadership development at large pharma companies such as Janssen, BMS and GSK. She has over 20 years of experience in multiple therapeutic areas, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and oncology where she demonstrated her agility across functions and geographies with experience in both new product planning and driving in-line business. 

In addition to her business acumen, Chumi is passionate about people and culture. Currently she leads the Janssen DAS Leaders Forum with a focus on talent development, competency building, commercial innovation and best practice sharing in their Global Commercial Strategy Organization. Chumi continues giving back to her community as the Board Chair of the Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She earned an MBA from Temple University and received her bachelor’s degree from the 

International Management School in Germany. If all of that was not enough, Chumi is bilingual in English and German and also speaks French and Spanish. 

She lives in Centre City Philadelphia with her husband, and they are the proud parents of a college freshman and a high school freshman. 

Jasmeet Sawhney is a life sciences industry executive, marketing leader, and serial entrepreneur with deep roots in technology and data analytics. He is currently the global head of marketing at Axtria. Jasmeet has over 20 years of experience in the life sciences domain and has helped build and scale three successful companies. He has received several company and individual awards, including Inc 500, Deloitte Fast 500, Crain’s NY Fast 50, NJBiz Fast 50, Business of the Year, SmartCEO Future 50, Top CMO, Forty Under 40, and many more.

Michael McBreen, Executive Vice President and President of Codman Specialty Surgical at Integra Life Sciences, joins us today. He has demonstrated superior leadership capabilities over the past 30 years in the medical device industry. He also has a proven track record in revenue performance. Learn about his current role at Integra and how a change in position and company has been a positive experience for him. In addition, you will pick up some great tips today to advance your leadership skills.  

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [03:14] Michael McBreen talks about his journey through different medical areas throughout his career

• [06:48] Integra acquired Codman Specialty Surgical from Johnson and Johnson, and that acquisition changed Michaels’ career path

• [09:22] Trends that are shaping the medical device industry and life sciences

• [12:28] Michael shares his theories and philosophy on leadership and how you can continue to grow in your career because of the technology available

• [16:19] He discusses his belief in balancing a career and family

• [19:37] Michael answers Jasmeet’s rapid-fire questions

KEY TAKEAWAY:

• Leadership begins with authenticity. Being comfortable in your own skin sets an environment of openness among your colleagues. Co-workers react more positively when you are yourself.

• Hold onto advice from mentors.  A good mentor is an example of a lifetime of success in any organization. 

• A great leader knows how to treat people. Employees can focus on creative energy if they aren’t worried about being criticized or mistreated.  

RESOURCE LINKS:

Podcast - Leading Minds

Facebook - Michael McBreen

LinkedIn - Michael McBreen

BIOGRAPHY:

MICHAEL MCBREEN is the executive vice president and president, Codman Specialty Surgical. He is responsible for overall strategic direction and commercial operations of the company’s market leading neurosurgical portfolio and broad surgical instrumentation offering.

Mr. McBreen is a 30-year veteran of the medical device industry. He joined Integra following the acquisition of Codman Neurosurgery from Johnson & Johnson in October 2017. As president of Integra’s international division, he led the expansion of Integra’s business in all regions of the world outside of the United States, representing approximately 30 percent of the company’s overall revenues.

Prior to Integra, Mr. McBreen served as vice president, U.S. commercial and global marketing for Codman neurosurgery and neurovascular businesses. Previously, he was worldwide vice president for professional education for the Johnson & Johnson medical device and diagnostics division. Mr. McBreen also held numerous U.S. and global roles of increasing responsibilities in sales and marketing at DePuy Mitek Sports Medicine, a division of Johnson & Johnson, since joining the company in 1996. Prior to Johnson & Johnson, he held various sales and marketing roles at Zimmer Biomet.

Mr. McBreen has served as a corporate advisory board member for the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine and on the Board of Trustees for the Arthroscopy Association of North America Education Foundation. He is a board member of the ThinkFirst Foundation.

Mr. McBreen completed his bachelor’s degree in business administration at Providence College.

Host:

JASMEET SAWHNEY is a life sciences industry executive, marketing leader, and serial entrepreneur with deep roots in technology and data analytics. He is currently the global head of marketing at Axtria. Jasmeet has over 20 years of experience in the life sciences domain and has helped build and scale three successful companies. He has received several company and individual awards, including Inc 500, Deloitte Fast 500, Crain’s NY Fast 50, NJBiz Fast 50, Business of the Year, SmartCEO Future 50, Top CMO, Forty Under 40, and many more.

Leading Minds podcast by Life Sciences Voice, hosted by Jasmeet Sawhney, delves deep inside the minds of the top life sciences executives, including pharmaceuticals, biotech, medical devices, consumer health, animal health, and leaders from related industries. In every episode, we meet a leader who has made a lasting impact in the life sciences industry and continues to drive the industry forward. We go beyond the name and the title to unravel their personality, their beliefs, their mission, and most importantly, to understand how their brilliant minds are changing the world for the better while fueling growth for their companies and their teams. Whether you are on a leadership path of your own, or just here to learn from the experiences of these great leaders, this is the podcast for you!

Lifescivoice.com

Linkedin

Facebook

Twitter