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Clinical Trialblazers

Parexel

Clinical Trialblazers invites you into the world of biotech leaders as they share the untold stories behind their journeys to bring breakthrough innovations to life. This 10 episode monthly series asks biotech visionaries to explore pivotal moments in their careers and the milestones that shaped their lives. Through unscripted conversations, host Alberto Grignolo dives into the decisions, risks, and accomplishments that define these trialblazers legacies to uncover the heart, grit, and ingenuity driving the future of scientific innovation.

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21 episodes
monthly
Avg 29 min
English

Episodes 21

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S2 · E9
November 3 · 38 min
Putting Patients First: Kirk Taylor on Clinical Trials, Trust, and Access to Medicines
In this episode of Clinical Trialblazers, host Alberto Grignolo sits down with Dr. Kirk Taylor, a physician, neurologist, and life sciences executive whose career has spanned leading pharmaceutical companies, emerging biotech organizations, and public-sector leadership. Drawing on decades of experience at Pfizer, Biogen, Sanofi Genzyme, EMD Serono, and other life sciences organizations, Dr. Taylor currently serves as Chief Medical Officer at the CLL Society. He shares lessons from a career at
S2 · E8
October 6 · 32 min
Leading Neuroscience Innovation: A Biotech CEO Playbook with Neil Warma
In this episode of Clinical Trial Blazers, host Alberto Grignolo sits down with Neil Warma, President and CEO of Promise Neurosciences. Neil has more than 25 years of leadership experience across North America, Europe, and Asia, and shares how his unconventional career path—from neuroscience and Novartis to founding and leading multiple biotech companies—shaped his approach to leadership. Neil shares his perspective on Promise Neurosciences' Alzheimer's program, including the thinking behind its
S2 · E7
September 1 · 33 min
Biotech’s Next Era: Data, AI and the Future of Decision-Making with Jay Roberts
In this episode of Clinical Trial Blazers, host Alberto Grignolo speaks with veteran biotech executive, investor, and board member Jay Roberts about his journey from CFO to CEO and the leadership lessons that shaped his career. Jay explains how a foundation in finance prepared him to lead biotech companies through clinical uncertainty, capital challenges, and high-stakes decision-making, while emphasizing the importance of building strong teams, making fact-based decisions, and knowing when to p
S2 · E6
August 4 · 27 min
A Journey through Academia, Big Pharma and Biotech: Building Breakthrough Medicines with Dr. Briggs Morrison
In this episode of Clinical Trialblazers, host Alberto Grignolo sits down with Dr. Briggs Morrison, CEO of Crossbow Therapeutics and former Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Medicines Development at AstraZeneca. Briggs shares lessons from a career spanning academia, Big Pharma, and biotech entrepreneurship—including leadership roles at Merck, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Syndax Pharmaceuticals, and now Crossbow. The conversation explores how small biotech companies drive innovation, why constrain
S2 · E5
July 7 · 36 min
From Setback to Breakthrough: A CEO’s Journey to a First-in-Class Approval with Reenie McCarthy
In this episode of Clinical Trialblazers, host Alberto Grignolo sits down with Reenie McCarthy, the CEO of Mighty Therapeutics, formerly known as Stealth BioTherapeutics. Reenie shares her path from venture investor to biotech CEO and the years-long effort to develop and secure approval for a first-in-class therapy targeting mitochondrial dysfunction. She discusses the scientific, regulatory, and funding challenges of advancing a novel treatment through clinical development, as well as the criti
S2 · E4
June 2 · 25 min
From Startup to Global CRO: Joe von Rickenbach on Building Parexel and Transforming Clinical Research
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 sc
S2 · E3
May 5 · 30 min
From Legal to Leadership: Becoming a Successful Biotech CEO with Heather Turner
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, a
S2 · E2
April 14 · 33 min
From Physician to Biotech CEO: Building High-Impact Clinical Development with Dr. Allison Jeynes
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.
S2 · E1
March 3 · 28 min
Capital, Courage, and Clinical Execution: Lessons from a Biotech Founder-CEO with Paul Garofolo
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 sci
February 17 · 1 min
Season 2 is Coming Soon
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.
S1 · E10
Nov 19, 2025 · 22 min
Leadership Lessons from Biotech Innovators
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.
S1 · E9
Oct 14, 2025 · 29 min
Building Biotech Success: Insights from Venture Capitalist Dr. Geeta Vemuri
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 abou
S1 · E8
Sep 16, 2025 · 28 min
Breaking Barriers in Gene Therapy: Miquel Vila-Perello's Vision for Curing Untreatable Diseases
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, a
S1 · E7
Aug 12, 2025 · 27 min
Investing in Innovation: Lyla Bibi’s Perspective on Biotech Markets
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 characterist
S1 · E6
Jul 15, 2025 · 32 min
The Finnish Formula: Finding Balance and Building Innovation with Dr. Antti Vuolanto
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 i
S1 · E5
Jun 10, 2025 · 35 min
Leading with Science and Heart: Dr. Ross Breckenridge on Building a Resilient Biotech
In this episode of Clinical Trialblazers, host Alberto Grignolo speaks with Dr. Ross Breckenridge, CEO of Arjuna Therapeutics, a company pioneering a novel approach to precision oncology through therapeutic molecular clusters. Dr. Breckenridge shares insights on the cultural differences between academia and industry, the benefits of conducting clinical trials in Europe over the U.S., and the importance of chemistry manufacturing controls (CMC) in drug development. He also discusses the challeng
S1 · E4
May 13, 2025 · 52 min
Bedside to Biotech: Dr. Sam Blackman on Building Trust, Storytelling in Science, and Pediatric Cancer Innovation
In this episode of Clinical Trialblazers, host Alberto Grignolo sits down with Dr. Sam Blackman, co-founder and former Chief Medical Officer of Day One Biopharmaceuticals, board member of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, Bonum Therapeutics and CureSearch for Children's Cancer, and the new Entrepreneur in Residence at Google Ventures. Sam talks about his career journey from physician to biotech executive, and navigating the complexities of clinical trials, especially within pediatric oncolog
S1 · E3
Apr 15, 2025 · 37 min
From Mentee to CEO, Board Member and Mentor: Insights from Kerrie Brady
In this episode of Clinical Trialblazers, host Alberto Grignolo speaks with Kerrie Brady, Chairperson of Neurocentrx Pharmaceuticals and an Independent Board Member at Asklepion Pharmaceuticals and Invea Therapeutics. Kerrie reflects on her extensive career in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries, highlighting the importance of receiving early mentorship, cultivating relationships of trust with investors, working with your Board of Directors, reasons for joining Boards, leadership style, an
S1 · E2
Mar 11, 2025 · 36 min
Leading Through Setbacks with Cytokinetics’ Robert Blum
In this episode of Clinical Trialblazers, host Alberto Grignolo speaks with Robert Blum, president and CEO of Cytokinetics, about his journey from the biology classroom to leading a biopharmaceutical company focused on muscle biology. Robert shares the values that guide his leadership style and how to move forward after failing.
S1 · E1
Mar 11, 2025 · 32 min
De-Risking Clinical Trials: Michael Bailey's Patient-First Approach
In this episode of Clinical Trialblazers, Michael Bailey, President and CEO of Aveo Oncology, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of oncology trials and their impact on patient care. Join host Alberto Grignolo for a thoughtful conversation on the challenges and innovations shaping the future of clinical development.

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