In this episode, host Jasmeet Sawhney engages with Anindita (Ani) Sinha, a visionary leader in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. As Vice President of Commercial Operations at Shionogi U.S., Ani brings a wealth of experience in analytics, market research, and field management. She shares her inspiring transition from academia to pharma leadership, offering actionable advice on harnessing data, driving commercial success, and navigating change with the aid of AI and technology. Her passion for building cohesive teams and aligning them to a common truth makes this a must-listen for anyone aiming to shape the future of the industry.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (03:15) Explains shift from academia to pharma, driven by a love for problem-solving

• (06:00) Pioneering analytics in market access, empowering data-driven decisions

• (11:42) External data trends in the pharma industry, emphasizing the need to ingest and analyze data

• (15:48) Discussion of commercial organizations evolving and of the utilization of AI

• (22:17) Importance of change management and Agile methodology

• (26:18) Knowing team strengths and advising upcoming and senior leadership

• (32:51) How to continue learning and balance both personal and professional time

• (39:22) Jasmeet asks Anindita rapid-fire questions

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Align to a Common Truth: Ani emphasizes the importance of aligning teams across commercial operations, including analytics, market research, and field operations, to a shared, data-driven truth. Doing so enhances cohesion and drives effective strategy in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries.

• Leverage AI as a Tool: AI and technology should be used to solve specific problems, improving efficiency and insights in commercial functions, but only after clearly defining the goal. This ensures transformation is purposeful and impactful.

• Foster Curiosity and Drive Change: Building a culture of curiosity and effective change management helps teams adopt new data methods and leadership approaches. Nurturing this mindset prepares them for the evolving pharmaceutical landscape.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Podcast - Leading Minds

Jasmeet Sawhney - LinkedIn

Anindita (Ani) Sinha - Vice President @ Shionogi - LinkedIn

Shionogi - Website

BIOGRAPHIES:

YOUR HOST:

Jasmeet Sawhney is a life sciences industry executive, marketing leader, and serial entrepreneur with deep roots in technology and data analytics. He is currently the global head of marketing at Axtria. Jasmeet has over 20 years of experience in life sciences and has helped build and scale three successful companies. He has received several company and individual awards, including Inc. 500, Deloitte Fast 500, Crain's NY Fast 50, NJBiz Fast 50, Business of the Year, SmartCEO Future 50, Top CMO, Forty Under 40, and many more.

GUEST:

Anindita Sinha is Vice President of Commercial Operations at Shionogi U.S., bringing 15 years of high-level expertise in pharmaceuticals and biotech. She is recognized for her strategic vision and ability to identify growth opportunities, boost operational efficiency, and lead business development and brand launches. Her track record includes executive roles in both large pharma and startups, driving revenue and building strong alignment among executive teams, stakeholders, and staff. Anindita is passionate about applying analytics to inform strategy and enable data-driven decisions, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and business results.

On this episode, host Jasmeet Sawhney sits down with Dr. Alexandra Goncalves, VP and Head of Digital Health at Bristol Myers Squibb, to explore how a lifelong learner thrives at the intersection of clinical medicine, technology, and innovation. From leveraging AI in clinical trials to championing personalized medicine and remote patient monitoring, Alexandra shares her bold career moves, her approach to leadership, and how she creates space for continuous growth, even in the busiest of schedules.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (03:18) Alexandra shares a snapshot of her professional career, making her a lifelong learner

• (06:54) Discussion of AI, data-driven solutions, clinical trials and patient monitoring, and what makes Alexandra a leading mind

• (13:51) Discussion of the changing trends in the personalized medicine space

• (18:52) Adjusting to technology, and Alexandra advises anyone aspiring to be a leader

• (23:41) Alexandra shares personal insights on how she approaches her position

• (25:09) Jasmeet asks Alexandra rapid-fire questions

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Dr. Goncalves made several pivotal career decisions—leaving a prestigious academic post in Europe, transitioning from clinical medicine to clinical device development, and ultimately moving into pharma—each driven by a desire to make a broader impact and push the boundaries of what's possible in patient care.
  
  

• As VP and Head of Digital Health at Bristol Myers Squibb, Dr. Goncalves spearheads initiatives integrating digital technologies, AI, and data-driven solutions to streamline clinical trials, enable remote patient monitoring, and enhance early diagnosis and treatment personalization.
  
  

• Throughout her journey, Dr. Goncalves has remained committed to contributing meaningfully to the healthcare ecosystem. She always asks how she can do more, help more, and drive tangible outcomes for patients globally. Lifelong learning is not just a habit, but a discipline that can be built into even the busiest schedules through intentional structure, curiosity, and daily commitment.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Podcast - Leading Minds

Jasmeet Sawhney - LinkedIn

Alexandra Gonçalves, MD, MMSc, PhD - Bristol Myers Squibb | LinkedIn

Bristol Myers Squibb - Website

BIOGRAPHIES:

YOUR HOST:

Jasmeet Sawhney is a life sciences industry executive, marketing leader, and serial entrepreneur with deep roots in technology, data analytics, and AI. He is currently the global head of marketing at Axtria. Jasmeet has over 20 years of experience in life sciences and has helped build and scale three successful companies. He has received several company and individual awards, including Inc. 500, Deloitte Fast 500, Crain's NY Fast 50, NJBiz Fast 50, Business of the Year, SmartCEO Future 50, Top CMO, Forty Under 40, and many more.

GUEST:

Alexandra is an internationally recognized academic cardiologist whose unique strength is evident in her business acumen. She serves as VP and head of Digital Health at Bristol Myers Squibb, leading digital health business strategy and execution across the company's portfolio, from clinical development to commercialization.

In this episode of Leading Minds, host Jasmeet Sawhney sits down with Johanna Rossell, SVP and GM Rare Disease at Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc., to explore the evolving landscape of biotech and rare disease treatment. They discuss the critical need for collaboration across the entire healthcare ecosystem—including the FDA, healthcare providers, and researchers—to ensure life-changing therapies reach patients in time. Johanna shares her passion for patient impact, the power of data in demonstrating treatment value, and the importance of breaking traditional silos in pharma to drive innovation. Tune in to hear how Sumitomo is shaping the future of medicine and what it takes to lead with purpose in this dynamic industry.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [3:36] Johanna shares her professional journey through pharma

• [13:06] The difference between rare diseases and regenerative medicine and traditional medicine

• [16:43] Discussion of regenerative therapies and collaboration needed

• [25:56] Johanna shares future innovations and what motivates her

• [36:11] Advice to those who aspire to be leaders and balance personal and professional life

• [41:55] Jasmine asks Johanna rapid-fire questions

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Tissue-based regenerative medicine faces unique challenges, from donor organ sourcing to strict FDA regulations. Unlike traditional drugs, it relies on living tissues, requiring careful transport, testing, and processing to ensure safety and efficacy.

• Regenerative medicine is transforming personalized treatment, especially for rare diseases. Companies like Sumitomo Pharma leverage data and patient registries to improve care while educating families and streamlining the patient journey. Evolving FDA pathways are also helping accelerate access to these groundbreaking therapies.

• Introducing new treatments, especially for rare diseases, requires demonstrating clear value in clinical efficacy in long-term cost-effectiveness and improved patient outcomes. Even without complete data at launch, there must be a commitment to generating evidence over time to prove the drug's place in the standard of care.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Podcast - Leading Minds

Jasmeet Sawhney - LinkedIn

Johanna Rossell - LinkedIn

Sumitomo Pharma - Website

BIOGRAPHIES:

YOUR HOST:

Jasmeet Sawhney is a life sciences industry executive, marketing leader, and serial entrepreneur with deep roots in technology and data analytics. He is currently the global head of marketing at Axtria. Jasmeet has over 20 years of experience in life sciences and has helped build and scale three successful companies. He has received several company and individual awards, including Inc 500, Deloitte Fast 500, Crain's NY Fast 50, NJBiz Fast 50, Business of the Year, SmartCEO Future 50, Top CMO, Forty Under 40, and many more.

GUEST:

Johanna has a broad and deep background across consumer goods and healthcare in the U.S. and global geographies. She has led multi-functional teams delivering strong results for companies including Procter & Gamble, Novartis, Merck, Biogen, and Sumitomo Pharma. She has successfully led new products to market in the U.S. and created integrated pre- and post-launch commercial plans, both in the U.S. and globally, including a Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) tissue-based product and several rare disease therapies. In her recent venture as Chief Commercial Officer of the biotech Enzyvant Therapeutics, she led the expansion of one of the few FDA-approved RMAT products, RETHYMIC. In her current role, she serves as SVP and GM Rare Disease at Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc.

In this episode of Leading Minds, host Jasmeet Sawhney sits down with Nuray Yurt, the Head of Integrated Research and Forecasting at Merck and PMSA President, to discuss the evolving role of AI and analytics in the pharmaceutical industry. Nuray shares her insights on how Merck is leveraging AI to drive innovation in analytical processes, including forecasting and market research, and emphasizing the importance of integrating AI into core capabilities rather than treating it as a separate function. Together, they explore the progress of pharma in the AI hype cycle, the challenges of operationalizing AI versus leveraging it for sustainable operations, and the need for redefining KPIs to measure actual impact. Tune in to hear actionable insights on building a future where AI enables continuous improvement and sustainable, long-term value.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (02:40) Focus on integrating AI into core capabilities
  
  

• (03:43) Giving back to PMSA through data science and AI
  
  

• (06:37) How pharma is progressing in the AI hype cycle
  
  

• (09:20) Discussion of pharma's need for the best technology
  
  

• (12:47) What is the best use of AI in pharma
  
  

• (16:00) Discussion regarding operationalizing AI versus leveraging it for effective operations and sustainability
  
  

• (22:58) Nuray answers rapid-fire questions

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• AI projects must move beyond isolated implementations to become deeply embedded in organizational processes. This ensures sustainable and long-term value by building on past progress rather than starting anew with each initiative.

• Traditional KPIs focused on usage and performance must evolve into multidimensional measures emphasizing storytelling. This approach helps organizations better track and communicate AI's real impact, fostering deeper understanding and alignment.

• Success in the AI era hinges on effectively sharing insights within organizations, enabling faster adaptation and continuous improvement. The focus should be on creating a learning culture and launching better solutions through improved collaboration and clear narratives.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Podcast - Leading Minds

Jasmeet Sawhney - LinkedIn

Nuray Yurt - LinkedIn

BIOGRAPHIES:

YOUR HOST:

Jasmeet Sawhney is a life sciences industry executive, marketing leader, and serial entrepreneur with deep roots in technology and data analytics. He is currently the global head of marketing at Axtria. Jasmeet has over 20 years of experience in life sciences and has helped build and scale three successful companies. He has received several company and individual awards, including Inc 500, Deloitte Fast 500, Crain's NY Fast 50, NJBiz Fast 50, Business of the Year, SmartCEO Future 50, Top CMO, Forty Under 40, and many more.

GUESTS:

Nuray Yurt is the head of integrated research and forecasting at Merck, leading multiple analytics teams globally. Previously, she was the worldwide head of AI solutions at Novartis. Nuray is also the president of PMSA, a nonprofit organization that has been instrumental in bringing together the pharmaceutical data science and analytics community for over 45 years.

Join us for an insightful discussion with Michael Bailey, CEO of AVEO Oncology. Michael and Jasmeet delve into the realities of career growth, exploring both the triumphs and setbacks. Michael, a strong advocate for active listening, shares how this skill empowers leaders. He'll discuss the common pitfalls of aspiring leaders feeling pressure to climb the ladder quickly, which leads to taking shortcuts or neglecting a solid foundation, ultimately hindering long-term success. Michael also introduces his concept of the five E's of life and career. Don't miss this valuable episode packed with leadership insights!

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [3:02] Michael provides an overview of his professional journey

• [6:30] Michael outlines some setbacks and failures he has experienced

• [11:29] Discussion on mergers and acquisitions

• [15:21] Michael describes the goals he has for the company and the importance of being reputable

• [19:35] Michael discusses the future he sees in biotech and the value of mentors

• [26:10] Michael gives advice to up-and-coming leaders and describes how he continues to learn

• [29:50] Michael shares how he balances his personal and professional lives

• [33:11] Jasmeet asks Michael rapid-fire questions

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• [7:53] The FDA is in place to bring patients the best and safest therapies. It's essential to listen to them when conducting and designing studies.

• [11:14] During an acquisition, it must be a strategic fit. There should be a common goal and mission.

• [16:45] Your company's reputation is essential to establish it in the marketplace for long-term success.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Podcast - Leading Minds

Jasmeet Sawhney - LinkedIn

Michael Bailey - LinkedIn

BIOGRAPHIES:

YOUR HOST: JASMEET SAWHNEY

Jasmeet Sawhney is a life sciences industry executive, marketing leader, and serial entrepreneur with deep roots in technology and data analytics. He is currently the global head of marketing at Axtria. Jasmeet has over 20 years of experience in life sciences and has helped build and scale three successful companies. He has received several company and individual awards, including Inc 500, Deloitte Fast 500, Crain's NY Fast 50, NJBiz Fast 50, Business of the Year, SmartCEO Future 50, Top CMO, Forty Under 40, and many more.

Michael P. Bailey serves as president and chief executive officer for AVEO Oncology (an LG Chem company) and is a member of AVEO's board of directors. Michael brings more than 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry to the company. Before LG Chem acquired AVEO in January of 2023, Mr. Bailey was named president and chief executive officer of AVEO Oncology in January 2015. Before that appointment, Mr. Bailey served as AVEO's chief business officer from 2013 to 2015 and its chief commercial officer from 2010 to 2013. Mr. Bailey joined AVEO from Synta (now Madrigal Pharmaceuticals), serving as senior vice president, business development, and chief commercial officer since 2008. Before joining Synta, Mr. Bailey led ImClone Systems' (now Eli Lilly) Worldwide Commercial Organization. During his nine-year tenure at ImClone Systems, he was responsible for commercial aspects of the planning and launch of ERBITUX® (cetuximab) across multiple oncology indications, as well as new product planning for the ImClone Systems development portfolio, which included CYRAMZA® (ramucirumab) and necitumumab. In addition, Mr. Bailey was a key member of the strategic leadership committees for ImClone and its North American and worldwide partnerships. Before joining ImClone Systems, Mr. Bailey managed the cardiovascular development portfolio at Genentech, Inc., and was a key member of their global commercial partnership teams. Mr. Bailey started his career in the pharmaceutical industry as part of SmithKline Beecham's Executive MBA Marketing Development Program, where he held various commercial roles, including sales, strategic planning, and product management. Mr. Bailey received a B.S. in psychology from St. Lawrence University and an M.B.A. in international marketing from the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame.

Today, we are honored to have Gurdyal Kalsi as our guest, holding the position of Chief Medical Officer at Asklepion Pharma and AdventHealth and overseeing a varied Research and Development portfolio. Gurdyal explores the significance of AI in healthcare and emphasizes a long-overdue shift toward giving patients a voice in clinical trials. He underscores the necessity of addressing illnesses and striving for a definitive cure, which he terms "One and Done." Additionally, Gurdyal provides insights into the future direction of the life science field and emphasizes the role AI is poised to play in shaping it.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [03:56] Gurdyal shares his professional journey and his childhood experiences that led to his desire to become a doctor

• [5:41] Gurdyal discusses his current role, goals and objectives, and where he sees the industry going

• [10:14] Gurdyal explains what it means to let the patient have a voice in clinical trials and also the importance of AI in the medical field

• [16:50] Gurdyal explains why he scaled his professional journey and why it is critical to multitask and obtain across-the-board learning

• [20:52] Gurdyal talks about the people and events that have framed his career and gives advice on what he has learned and wants to pass on to the listeners

• [26:35] Gurdyal reveals how he continues his learning and balances his personal and professional life

• [30:08] Jasmeet asks Gurdyal a series of rapid-fire questions

KEY TAKEAWAY:

• [6:43] Many medicinal products in the marketplace are not cures. A change needs to happen in this area of medicine to look for a cure and not continuous treatment.

• [10:02] The future is moving toward letting patients have a voice in clinical trials, which is the right way of doing a clinical trial.

• [11:21] Gurdyal is encouraged by the use of AI. There are still areas where more work must be done to achieve accuracy.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Podcast - Leading Minds

Jasmeet Sawhney - LinkedIn

Gurdyal Kalsi - LinkedIn

BIOGRAPHY:

Gurdyal Kalsi is a seasoned executive, a physician-scientist, and a leader engaged in developing novel therapeutic approaches for challenging diseases in rare, orphan, cell, and gene therapy areas.

He's a veteran of global transformational R&D leadership with over two decades of experience specializing in pharmaceutical and critical care medicine. His work has resulted in the development and commercialization of several important human pharma drugs. Gurdyal started his professional journey in the UK and earned his MFPM from the UK joint Royal Colleges of Physicians and medical degrees in medicine and surgery from the Glancy Medical School.

He transitioned into the biopharmaceutical space, first in neuroscience and then in inflammation and immune modulation therapies. He later moved to the US and was instrumental in several strategic investments and collaborations between the public-private sector and US federal agencies. He currently serves as the chief medical officer of AdventHealth and Asklepion Pharma, and manages a diverse R&D portfolio.

YOUR HOST: JASMEET SAWHNEY

Jasmeet Sawhney is a life sciences industry executive, marketing leader, and serial entrepreneur with deep roots in technology and data analytics. He is currently the global head of marketing at Axtria. Jasmeet has over 20 years of experience in the life sciences domain and has helped build and scale three successful companies. He has received several company and individual awards, including Inc 500, Deloitte Fast 500, Crain's NY Fast 50, NJBiz Fast 50, Business of the Year, SmartCEO Future 50, Top CMO, Forty Under 40, and many more.

Today, we have the privilege of hosting Ramona Sequeira, the President of Takeda's Global Portfolio Division. She will delve into Takeda's involvement in the Life Science sector, shedding light on leadership, employee oversight, and recruitment. Ramona emphasizes three essential qualities for those aspiring to join her team: curiosity, humility, and courage. Additionally, she delves into the importance of making decisions as close to the patient as possible, tailoring strategies to the needs of specific healthcare systems and markets.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [03:56] Ramona provides a background of her professional journey into her current position

• [08:17] What are the major shifts in the industry

• [10:43] Ramona discusses key decisions she has made during her career

• [15:21] Ramona shares attributes she looks for in employees

• [17:39] Keeping abreast of continuing education is critical for Ramona, and she discusses how she prioritizes her career and personal life

• [23:32] Jasmeet asks Ramona a series of rapid-fire questions
  

KEY TAKEAWAY:

• Strategies must be tailored to the needs of specific healthcare systems and countries in order to best meet the needs of patients globally.

• When stepping into a new role, it's crucial to ensure that you bring employees along with you by communicating the why and being clear on your vision.

• Curiosity, humility and courage are essential to lead in a rapidly changing environment.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Podcast - Leading Minds

Jasmeet Sawhney - LinkedIn

Takeda - Website

Ramona Sequeira - LinkedIn

BIOGRAPHY:

Ramona Sequeira is a leader in the biopharmaceutical industry, currently serving as President of Takeda's Global Portfolio Division (GPD) and as a member of Takeda's Executive Team. With a career spanning multiple markets, cultures, and healthcare systems, Ramona has launched brands and built and grown businesses for Takeda and prior to that Eli Lilly, always with an unwavering dedication to building solutions based on a deep understanding of patient needs.

YOUR HOST: JASMEET SAWHNEY

Jasmeet Sawhney is a life sciences industry executive, marketing leader, and serial entrepreneur with deep roots in technology and data analytics. He is currently the global head of marketing at Axtria. Jasmeet has over 20 years of experience in the life sciences domain and has helped build and scale three successful companies. He has received several company and individual awards, including Inc 500, Deloitte Fast 500, Crain's NY Fast 50, NJBiz Fast 50, Business of the Year, SmartCEO Future 50, Top CMO, Forty Under 40, and many more.