Why is leadership development a bit like working out?
How does a self-confessed introvert and data-driven scientist rewire themselves to make high-stakes decisions with incomplete information?
What does it really mean to lead a biotech as an outsider – an immigrant, a woman, an introvert - who never set out to be a CEO?
Today I’m joined by Ola Wlodek, CEO of Constructive Bio based in Cambridge UK.
Constructive Bio is a biotechnology company specializing the manufacturing and design of proteins and peptides with new chemistries for pharma and other industries.
We’ll talk more about the science at the end of the episode.
About LifeScience ORG
It’s no secret that Europe is a global leader in generating translational science. We’re grateful at LifeScience ORG to have a community of over 400 life science CEOs – leaders driving change in biotech, medtech, techBio and healthcare.
The conversations inside our community – stories of conviction, navigating challenges, and making bold decisions – inspire us every week. To hear the stories, lessons, and experiences of our life science leaders, listen to A Call to Lead @ LifeScience ORG, available on all good podcasting platforms.
Timestamps
4:12 From Medicine to Molecular Biology
6:13 The Path to a PhD and an Unconventional Career
6:57 Leading from the Lab: An Unexpected CEO
7:52 Building Leadership Muscles as an Introvert
10:57 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in the C-Suite
15:55 Navigating Cultural Identity and Bias in Biotech
19:33 Women in Science: Systemic Barriers and Advocacy
22:55 Intentionality as a Strategic Leadership Tool
26:44 The Science of Sustainable Peptide Manufacturing
33:29 CEO Loneliness and the Power of Peer Networks
