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Blog & Insights
Insights on life sciences leadership hiring and talent strategy—for executive search firms, early-stage biotech teams, and HR leaders building strong, scalable organizations.


Redefining Neurodegeneration: From Plaques and Pathology to Systemic Network Dysfunction
From Single Targets to Systems Biology: A New Framework for Neurodegenerative R&D
For three decades, neurodegeneration programmes have been built around a tightly focused premise: find the toxic protein, clear it from the brain, protect the vulnerable neuron. Alzheimer’s was framed as an amyloid and tau problem. Parkinson’s as a dopamine and alpha-synuclein problem. ALS as a motor neuron problem.
That framing has driven real progress – from disease-modifying antibodies to g
sharonshieldsconsu
Sep 75 min read


The Three Things VCs Are Really De‑Risking
Most platform biotechs don’t fail on science—they fail because investors don’t believe the team can turn that science into a real, defensible engine. This post breaks down what VCs are actually trying to de‑risk in a platform biotech, how your first five hires map to those concerns, and the concrete artifacts (org map, hiring plan, scorecards, RA/QA and BD thinking) you can bring to a pitch to show you’re building a fundable team, not just a cool idea.
sharonshieldsconsu
Aug 237 min read


Patient Advocacy: A Strategic Partner in Rare Disease Commercialisation
Rare Disease as a Strategic Growth Engine Rare disease is no longer just a scientific or regulatory story — it is a commercial one. But in rare disease, “the market” is not an abstract concept. It is a small, tightly connected ecosystem of patients, caregivers, advocates, clinicians, and payers who all know each other — and who expect to be true partners. Speaking to many global commercial leader over the last few weeks Patient advocacy has been a re-occurring theme. For glob
sharonshieldsconsu
Aug 225 min read


Is “Culture Fit” Holding Back Diverse Talent in Specialty Pharma Leadership?
Ask any Specialty Pharma leader what they want in their next executive hire and you’ll hear familiar themes: “fresh thinking,” “diverse perspectives,” “ability to challenge the status quo.”
Then the search progresses, and a strong candidate gets rejected with a vague line: “They’re great, but I’m not sure they’re a culture fit.”
In many organizations, that is where diverse, high‑potential leaders—especially those who don’t look, talk, or network like the current C‑suite—qui
sharonshieldsconsu
Aug 96 min read
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