Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the third biggest killer in the world, but it seems only a handful of people know about it. In this interview with Angus Hamblin, we talk about what it is like to work at the interface of the healthcare industry with external collaborators to improve the respiratory community's response to this deadly disease. He discusses the remarkable results that can be achieved by bringing academia, clinicians, policymakers, and the government together. Angus also talks about the importance of having a personal mission, keeping a strong motivation, the characteristics of an innovative leader, and the power of patience in hitting ambitious goals.