Sylke Poehling didn’t set out to lead one of the world’s most advanced gene therapy companies - but a love for drug discovery and a career built on curiosity, courage and conviction brought her there.

Now CEO of Spark Therapeutics and SVP at Roche, Sylke joins us on Careers in Discovery to share her journey from academia into Biotech, how Spark pioneered the world’s first FDA-approved directly administered gene therapy, and what it means to build the next generation of treatments - and the company culture to deliver them.

She reflects on what it takes to lead through risk and uncertainty, how to balance scientific ambition with operational focus, and why authenticity and clarity are at the heart of impactful leadership.

An inspiring conversation with a scientist-turned-CEO who’s still pushing boundaries and redefining what’s possible in genetic medicine.

What does it take to build a Biotech from scratch - with no data, no academic spinout, and nothing but two founders and two laptops?

In this episode of Careers in Discovery, we’re joined by Federico Paoletti, CEO & Co-founder of Exogene, to find out.

Federico shares the story of how he went from a PhD in cancer biology to co-founding an Oxford-based immuno-oncology Biotech, working at the intersection of AI and protein engineering to develop personalised T-cell engager therapies. He talks about why he left academia despite loving science, what “high agency” really means in a Biotech startup, how to win partnerships, funding, and talent with no track record, and how curiosity - and trust - shaped Exogene’s culture from the very beginning.

If you're thinking about the leap into Biotech entrepreneurship, or flexing your leadership muscle in a startup setting, Federico’s journey will inspire you to go after the bold ideas - and find the people who will build them with you.

We're bringing you something a little bit different this week...

After 6 years and almost 200 episodes of Careers in Discovery, Singular CEO Tom Froggatt is passing the torch to a new host - and we're delighted to introduce Tyler Olding.

In this episode, the tables have turned, and the transition begins with - for the first time - an interview with Tom himself. Listen in to learn more about the brilliant career that has been behind Careers in Discovery, and the exciting times ahead for Tom.

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