Guest Title - Desiree Hollemon, Vice President of Clinical Affairs, Aerin Medical

What lessons would you share with your 25-year old self? How do you pick a company? What are your non-starters? When do you let go? These are all the lessons our guest this week appreciates being able to share with her own daughters and her younger colleagues.

A self-declared “innovation addict”, Desiree Hollemon is a seasoned Clinical Affairs leader with over 20 years of experience developing novel medical devices, diagnostics and therapeutics. She started her career as a critical care nurse and sees herself as always working at the intersection of the product and the patient. Desiree is currently the VP of Clinical Affairs for Aerin Medical.

On today’s episode, Desiree shares how she made the leap from clinical care to clinical research and why she values the wisdom she’s gained and the position she’s in to share it. She talks about the price women pay during their career when they are denied direct feedback, and why the companies she chooses to work for have to have the sweet spot of innovative science and transparent people and nothing less.

Guest Title - Susan Tousi, CEO, DELFI Diagnostics

What advice does a woman whose professional pedigree includes leadership roles at three of the most dominant companies in their respective markets? “Enjoy the journey. Don’t rush.”

Susan Tousi started her career in engineering with Hewlett-Packard. As a technologist, she worked her way up into management positions there and at Eastman Kodak before making the leap to the life sciences. In her decade-long tenure at Illumina, Inc. Susan spearheaded the engineering and launch of several of Illumina’s most impactful and well-recognized products, and served as Chief Commercial Officer before joining DELFI Diagnostics as their CEO in 2024.

On today’s episode, Susan shares what it was like rising through the ranks at her first two companies and how she grew by building relationships and establishing a community. She shares how she made the transition to life sciences, even taking a step back on her career journey in order to learn the technology and lexicon so she could be more adept at the business. Susan’s optimism and insatiable desire for betterment are the cornerstone of her career…and her approach to life.

Guest Title - Dina Greene, PhD, DABCC, Founder, Evergreene Labs

Dina Greene navigates difficult spaces by being relatable. It’s what’s allowed her to become a pioneer in her work in gender inclusive laboratory medicine.

She’s also a powerhouse in the clinical laboratory medicine space, having published over 140 scientific papers. Her clinical research studies explore the application and effects of laboratory diagnostics, with an emphasis on how social demographics impact clinical outcomes. In line with her clinical focus, Dr Greene is passionate about designing operational strategies for more inclusive laboratory medicine.

On today’s episode, Dina shares how she got involved in her work with the LGBTQ+ community, and why she is constantly asking herself, “What is my privilege here?” any time she encounters oppression. Dina’s passion is obvious, but so is her authenticity and her genuine likeability. This is the kind of DG you want to have in your corner.