In this episode of Clinical Trialblazers, host Alberto Grignolo sits down with Joe von Rickenbach, co-founder of Parexel and a pioneer of the modern clinical research organization (CRO) industry, to discuss his journey from launching a two-person regulatory consulting firm in 1982 to building a global CRO that helped redefine drug development worldwide. Joe reflects on the evolution of clinical trials, the rise of outsourcing and digitization in pharma, and the leadership lessons learned from scaling Parexel over 35 years. He also shares insights on entrepreneurship, navigating major business decisions and the future of AI-enabled clinical research, and why trust, relationships, and adaptability remain essential for success in biotech and healthcare innovation.

How do you go from lawyer to biotech CEO? In this episode of Clinical Trialblazers, Heather Turner, CEO of LB Pharmaceuticals, shares her journey from legal counsel to leading a late-stage biotech company. She discusses the mindset shifts required to step into the CEO role, making high-stakes decisions with incomplete data, and balancing risk versus benefit. Heather brings more than 25 years of experience across biotech and life sciences, with a career that uniquely spans legal, operational, and executive leadership.

In this episode of Clinical Trialblazers, host Alberto Grignolo sits down with Dr. Allison Jeynes, CEO of Nefro Avillion Clinical Development, to explore her remarkable journey from clinician to biotech leader. With over 30 years of experience and a track record that includes the development and approval of nearly 20 drugs, Allison shares how she built a 100% success-rate model in clinical development, and what it takes to sustain excellence in a high-risk industry.

Clinical Trialblazers is back for Season Two. Host Alberto Grignolo speaks with Paul Garofolo, Co-Founder and CEO of Locus Biosciences, about the leadership mindset behind capital efficiency, resource prioritization, and disciplined execution. Drawing on Paul’s journey from global leadership roles at Patheon to founding a next-generation precision medicine company, this episode explores fundraising across market cycles, founder-friendly capital, strategic and government partnerships, and the science behind Locus’ bacteriophage-based platform aimed at tackling multidrug-resistant infections.

Clinical Trialblazers will be back soon! Season 2 will bring together a dynamic mix of biotech innovators, executives, and industry leaders to reveal the strategy and teamwork fueling the next wave of clinical breakthroughs. Across 10 new episodes, host Alberto Grignolo will explore high-stakes decisions, unexpected hurdles, and the defining moments that shape both careers and clinical milestones. Season 2 of Clinical Trialblazers is streaming soon wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this season finale of Clinical Trialblazers, host Alberto Grignolo reflects on key insights and themes from conversations with biotech leaders over the past year. From researchers to entrepreneurs to investors, Alberto spoke with a wide range of leaders in the biotech industry, each with a unique perspective on the evolving biotech landscape and advice for aspiring innovators. This episode is just a sampling of the many compelling stories and lessons shared in this remarkable first season.

In this episode of Clinical Trialblazers, Alberto sits down with Dr. Geeta Vemuri, Founder and Managing Partner of Agent Capital. They discuss Dr. Vemuri’s journey into venture capital, offering valuable insights on what makes successful biotech companies and CEOs stand out. She also speaks about the critical balance between scientific innovation and strong management teams, the role of capital efficiency in building sustainable companies, the value of board membership, and what excites her about the future of biopharma.

In this episode of Clinical Trialblazers, host Alberto Grignolo sits down with Miquel Vila-Perello, Ph.D. co-founder and CEO of SpliceBio, a gene therapy company focused on treating Stargardt disease. They discuss Miquel's journey from academia to biotech, the challenges of fundraising, the importance of passion and resilience in drug development, and the future of gene therapy. Miquel shares insights on balancing rationality and passion, the differences between academic and industry research, and the significance of building trust with investors.

In this episode of Clinical Trialblazers, Lyla Bibi, Partner at Goldman Sachs and Head of Healthcare Equity Capital Markets, shares her impactful career journey focused on helping bring cutting-edge therapies to life by bridging capital and science. Tune in as she offers a behind-the-scenes look into the nuances of biotech investment in today’s competitive landscape, emphasizing the importance of a clear value proposition, the enduring power of trust in leadership, and the essential characteristics of successful biotech CEOs. Beyond the science and market trends, Lyla offers valuable insights on balancing a demanding career with a full personal life and her optimistic outlook on the future of scientific funding.

In this episode of Clinical Trialblazers, Dr. Antti Vuolanto, CEO of Herantis Pharma Plc, shares his unconventional journey into the biotech industry, from bioengineering to leading a company focused on central nervous system (CNS) diseases. He discusses the scientific innovation behind HER096, a potential game-changer for Parkinson's disease, and the challenges of drug development. Beyond the science, Dr. Vuolanto offers profound lessons on the importance of building trust with colleagues and investors, the importance of taking risks, and the importance of work-life balance (a Finnish secret to happiness!). This episode highlights the power of mentorship, honest communication, and a deep commitment to impacting patients’ lives. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the challenges of drug development, and the significance of building trust with investors.