In this episode of the Active Ingredients podcast, host Thomas Dove interviews Deanna Angello, a veteran commercial leader in the life sciences industry with over two decades of experience.

With a career spanning major pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer, Genentech, Janssen, and Kite Pharma, Deanna has successfully launched seven blockbuster drugs, generating over $7 billion in revenue. Now mentoring seed to Series A CEOs, she helps early-stage companies scale with strategic clarity and a patient-first mindset.

Deanna shares her remarkable leadership journey from her psychology background and consulting foundations to taking on commercial leadership roles nobody else wanted. Her career has been defined by authenticity, adaptability, and resilience in the face of ambiguity.

Key Takeaways

• Discover how authenticity creates trust in leadership, allowing teams to connect with you as a real person rather than just a title—Deanna's refreshing approach makes others feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to work.
• Learn to embrace ambiguity as a career accelerator - Deanna explains how taking on complex, uncertain situations that others avoided became opportunities that advanced her leadership journey.
• Understand the power of cross-functional leadership in life sciences, bringing diverse expertise together with a genuine appreciation for each specialist's contribution toward patient-focused goals.
• Explore the path from large pharma to advisory roles by recognising your transferable skills, building new networks, and finding the courage to follow your unique path.
• Gain insight into "market development" for successful drug launches, particularly when changing standards of care—waiting until approval often limits patient access to breakthrough treatments.
• Take away practical wisdom on career transitions by trusting your gut, aligning with your values, and surrounding yourself with inspiring people who challenge your growth.
• Uncover strategies for developing blockbuster drugs by putting patients at the centre of decision-making and understanding their journey rather than relying on outdated playbooks.

Snippets

• "Being yourself, bringing your whole self to work and what you do in a career, and most importantly as a leader, helps people feel comfortable."
• "I consider this a gift; what do we get to do? But I always say to put the patient at the centre of our decision-making."
• "It's about having the courage to strike out and follow your path. We're not all the same."
• "Always bet on yourself. So believe in yourself and bet on yourself, and you'll never go wrong."

Timestamps & Topics

• 00:12:00 - Thomas introduces DeannaAngello
• 00:14:37 - The three key ingredients ofsuccessful leadership
• 00:17:30 - Deanna's early career andeducational background
• 00:21:04 - How consulting experienceprovided foundational skills
• 00:25:18 - First steps into the lifesciences industry
• 00:27:02 - When Deanna first felt like aleader
• 00:36:56 - Pivotal career move from Pfizerto Genentech
• 00:39:54 - Taking on leadership roles thatno one else wanted
• 00:45:41 - Lessons learned from poorleadership experiences
• 00:50:36 - Insights from launchingblockbuster drugs
• 00:56:18 - The "Dolomitesmoment" - finding clarity and changing direction
• 01:01:31 - Transitioning from corporatelife to advisory roles
• 01:09:58 - The future of leadership inlife sciences
• 01:12:15 - Advice to Deanna's younger self

Resources

• Follow Deanna Angello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannaangello/

• Follow Thomas Dove on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lifesciencesexecutivesearch/

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Have questions or feedback about the podcast or want to feature as a guest? Email us at activeingredients@fraserdove.com