This week we chatted with Cheri Ackerman, PhD, Cofounder & CEO of Concerto Biosciences. During her postdoctoral work at MIT, she developed the groundbreaking kChip technology that led to the formation of Concerto Biosciences. We discuss the challenges and opportunities of building a company during the pandemic and the importance of learning the business side of biotech as a scientific founder. As always, we trumpet the value of building a network to leverage during the growth process. Cheri gives really great advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, which is to keep learning and embrace asking questions when you don’t know something. I also loved her views on adapting and experimenting in business, which is one of the key values at Concerto.

00:00 Introduction and Early Career Aspirations

00:09 Journey to Becoming a CEO

01:12 Founding Concerto Biosciences

02:31 Understanding the Microbiome

04:56 Concerto's Innovative Approach

07:53 Challenges and Opportunities in Building a Company

08:58 Navigating the Funding Climate

13:00 Building a Strong Team

21:57 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

29:34 Future Goals and Aspirations

31:55 Conclusion and Contact Information

• Get Cheri's recommended books! Measure What Matters
• The Founder's Dilemmas: Anticipating and Avoiding the Pitfalls That Can Sink a Startup (The Kauffman Foundation Series on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 13)
• No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention
• Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't
• Who
• Learn more about Concerto Biosciences
• Link In with Cheri!

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Download our free startup resources guide to grow your biotech efficiently

If you're on the job market, visit the Collaboratory Career Hub

This week I sat down with Krysta Pellegrino, Chief Client Officer at Health+Commerce, a public relations and marketing agency specifically focused on healthcare. Krysta shared her unique perspective on how biotech companies can leverage communications strategies to tell their stories effectively, attract talent, and navigate complex challenges. She offered insights on the importance of integrated communications, the evolving landscape of media, and how agencies like H+C can help startups and established companies alike build their brands and communicate their innovations. We also touched on the importance of media training, investor pitch decks, and future trends in biotech communications, including the growing role of AI and integrated digital strategies.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:15 Early Career Aspirations and Path

01:03 Journey in Healthcare Communications

03:23 Role and Impact of PR in Biotech

05:40 Talent Acquisition and Company Culture

07:43 Leveraging Social Media and Video

10:52 Strategies for Startups and Established Companies

18:16 Investor Relations and Pitch Decks

22:02 Media and Presentation Training

27:01 Future Trends in Biotech Communications

31:37 Crisis Management and Scenario Planning

35:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

• Get Krysta's recommended book: An Instance of the Fingerpost
• Learn more about Healthcare Digital Marketing Agency | Health+Commerce
• Link In with Krysta!

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In this episode, I had the privilege to interview Bonnie Bertolaet, Ph.D, Executive Director of Science Club for Girls, and Ashley Cooper, MS, MPhil, Curriculum Writer and Evaluation Manager at Science Club for Girls and former Co-Director of the Harvard Chapter of Science Club for Girls. Science Club for Girls aims to ignite excitement, confidence, and literacy in STEM among girls and gender-expansive youth from underrepresented communities. Bonnie and Ashley shared insights into how the organization operates, from engaging young students through hands-on activities to providing valuable mentorship opportunities for biotech employees. They discussed the importance of starting STEM education early, the transformative impact of mentorship, and the ways companies can get involved and contribute. Success stories and the personal experiences of the guests offered a powerful testament to the program's effectiveness in fostering a diverse and inclusive pipeline for future scientists.

• Link In with Ashley!
• Learn more about Science Club for Girls
• Link In with Bonnie!

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Link In with Carina

Subscribe here:

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Learn more about Recruitomics Consulting

Check out our reading list

Download our free startup resources guide to grow your biotech efficiently

If you're on the job market, visit the Collaboratory Career Hub

00:00 Introduction to the Episode

00:51 Meet the Guests: Bonnie and Ashley

02:37 What is Science Club for Girls?

03:47 Engaging Young Minds in STEM

10:26 Mentorship and Corporate Engagement

21:06 Success Stories and Impact

23:16 Virtual Clubs and Future Expansion

26:22 How to Get Involved and Support

32:01 Recommended Reads and Final Thoughts