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Making it in Manufacturing
From Lab Scientist to Pharma Leader: 40 Years of Scaling and Strategy Insight - Alison Clayton
Ep. 26
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From hands-on pharmacology research to leading strategic projects in advanced manufacturing, this episode explores what it really takes to evolve, adapt, and lead across decades of change in life sciences.
This week on Making It In Manufacturing, Harry Sloan sat down with Alison Clayton, Strategic Projects Director at Symbiosis, with over 40 years of experience spanning pharmacology research, pre-clinical and clinical development, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
In this episode, Alison Clayton covers:
(00:00) Transitioning from academia into industry and navigating major company acquisitions early in a career
(01:40) Moving beyond the lab into strategic, customer-facing roles and discovering a passion for leadership
(03:35) Adapting to constant organisational change while maintaining a patient-first mindset
(07:26) The risks of scaling too quickly in CDMOs and the importance of realistic capacity and strong partnerships
(10:02) Maintaining quality and regulatory standards while growing in a highly competitive pharmaceutical landscape
This conversation offers a grounded perspective on long-term career development, leadership in complex environments, and the evolving demands of pharmaceutical manufacturing. If you are building a career in life sciences or scaling within a CDMO environment, this episode provides practical insights worth applying.
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Alison Clayton
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-clayton-78816711/
Harry Sloan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-sloan-605620154/
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to the episode
00:14 Alison Clayton introduction and career reflection
00:53 Transition from academia to industry
01:15 Experience at Syntex Pharmaceuticals, Roche, and Quintiles
01:40 Moving into strategic and customer-facing roles
02:24 Leadership style shaped by scientific background
02:50 End-to-end experience across drug development
03:13 Navigating challenges and career-defining moments
03:35 Adapting through multiple company transitions
04:24 Balancing commercial goals with patient outcomes
04:56 Experiences in a male-dominated industry
05:51 Advice for women in life sciences leadership
06:09 Career development without a fixed plan
07:00 Balancing career and family life
07:26 Scaling challenges in CDMOs
08:30 Risks of overpromising and underdelivering
09:28 Importance of supply chain and transparency
10:02 Maintaining quality and regulatory compliance
10:27 Overview of Symbiosis
10:57 Market demand for sterile manufacturing
11:20 Scottish identity and company culture
11:39 Differentiation in the CDMO market
12:31 Importance of flexibility and partnerships
13:21 Building long-term client relationships
13:41 Future outlook for Symbiosis
14:05 Evolution of biologics and impact on patients
14:32 Career reflection and delivering medicines to patients
15:17 What excites Alison about the future
#MakingItInManufacturing #ARTOTalent #PharmaceuticalManufacturing #LifeSciences #CDMO #Biologics #DrugDevelopment
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27. We Just Built a $1.5B Biologics Company… And We're Here to Disrupt the Industry - Joon Chang
18:23||Ep. 27What does it really take to build credibility as a new CDMO in a highly competitive biologics market, while staying grounded in patient impact?This week on Making It In Manufacturing, Harry Sloan sat down with Joon Chang, Chief Business Officer at Lotte Biologics, with years of experience spanning Pharma, CDMO, project management, and business development roles across global organisations.In this episode, Joon Chang covers:• (02:17) Building credibility as a new CDMO and overcoming the challenge of limited track record while leveraging experienced talent from legacy manufacturing sites• (03:05) Why people and expertise matter more than company age when delivering successful tech transfer, development, and manufacturing outcomes• (04:17) The importance of tailoring partnerships to individual client needs and building long-term relationships across Pharma and biotech organisations• (07:00) Career journey from bench scientist to commercial leadership, and how experience across Pharma and CDMO environments shapes client-centric thinking• (10:10) Creating a patient-centric culture in manufacturing and commercial teams, and why connecting daily operations to patient impact strengthens partnershipsIf you are interested in how emerging CDMOs can differentiate themselves through culture, capability, and client alignment, this episode offers a grounded and practical perspective worth your time.Follow ARTOLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalentSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kEcRZOiJChOoN1KF2n1ngInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/arto.talent?igsh=MWdhbWl5N204a253NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@artotalent?_t=ZG-8tHbGACAZaj&_r=1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-beyond-the-lab/id1783115575Website: https://arto-talent.com/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@life_sciencesJoon ChangLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joon-chang-a337895/Harry SloanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-sloan-605620154/Timestamps:00:00 Introduction at the DCAT Conference00:33 Overview of Lotte Biologics and market positioning01:20 Capabilities in biologics manufacturing and conjugation02:01 Challenges of entering the CDMO market as a new player03:05 Importance of talent and retained expertise from legacy sites03:52 Building relationships with Pharma and biotech clients04:24 Dual hub model across the US and South Korea05:01 Manufacturing scale advantages and commercial readiness06:19 Speed, cost efficiency, and internal tech transfer benefits07:00 Career journey from Pharma to CDMO leadership08:04 Understanding client mindset from both Pharma and CDMO perspectives08:54 Project management experience and client relationship ownership09:43 Leadership philosophy and full lifecycle thinking10:10 Building an ideal organisational culture10:40 Patient-centric approach and ultra-rare disease considerations11:43 Connecting operations to patient impact12:34 Applying culture to commercial and sales teams13:21 Business development mission and value creation13:40 Leadership approach and empowering teams15:00 Vision for disrupting the CDMO industry16:21 Growth, partnerships, and expanding patient reach17:01 Personal motivation and purpose behind the work18:00 Team culture and collaboration#MakingItInManufacturing #ARTOTalent #Biologics #CDMO #Pharma #Biotech #Manufacturing
25. This CDMO Has an Advantage No One Else Can Replicate - Quotient Sciences
30:02||Ep. 2595% of our viewers aren’t subscribed. If you’re watching and not yet subscribed, please subscribe to the channel so you don’t miss future episodes.The CDMO model is evolving fast, but what actually separates the leaders from the rest in today’s market?This week on Making It In Manufacturing, Harry Sloan sat down with Thierry Van Nieuwenhove, CEO of Quotient Sciences, with 25+ years of experience spanning business development, engineering, global manufacturing leadership, and executive roles.In this episode, Thierry covers:• The evolution of the CDMO landscape over 25 years, from API-focused events to a global, multi-disciplinary pharma ecosystem• How Quotient Sciences built a unique translational pharmaceutics platform to combine clinical studies with drug manufacturing, accelerating development timelines by up to 12 months • A career journey from chemical engineering into global business development and leadership, including building manufacturing capabilities in India and working across Europe and the US • Why speed, efficiency, and proof of concept are critical in today’s funding-constrained biotech environment • The growing impact of AI, global innovation shifts including China, and how CDMOs must adapt to remain competitive and support emerging biotech pipelines If you are looking to understand where the CDMO space is heading, and what it takes to lead in a rapidly evolving pharmaceutical market, this episode offers a clear and practical perspective. Be sure to watch the full conversation.Follow ARTOLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalentSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kEcRZOiJChOoN1KF2n1ngInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/arto.talent?igsh=MWdhbWl5N204a253NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@artotalent?_t=ZG-8tHbGACAZaj&_r=1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-beyond-the-lab/id1783115575Website: https://arto-talent.com/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@life_sciencesThierry Van NieuwenhoveCEO at Quotient SciencesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thierryvan/Harry SloanBD CDMO LeadLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-sloan-605620154/Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Making It In Manufacturing at DCAT00:20 Meet Thierry Van Nieuwenhove, CEO of Quotient Sciences01:40 Overview of Quotient Sciences and translational pharmaceutics03:10 Competitive advantage in the CDMO market04:23 Career journey from engineering to CEO07:00 Leadership development across global roles08:18 Operating across international markets and cultures09:17 Translating early-stage assets into clinical success12:00 Industry challenges including funding constraints14:25 AI, partnerships, and innovation in formulation16:01 Data science and accelerating development timelines17:32 Global trends including China’s role in innovation19:56 Strategic adaptation to industry shifts21:34 Demand for integrated CDMO models22:55 Customer expectations: speed, excellence, and innovation25:28 The importance of trust and long-term partnerships#MakingItInManufacturing #ARTOTalent #CDMO #PharmaceuticalManufacturing #Biotech #DrugDevelopment #LifeSciences
24. The Hidden Challenges of Biologics Development - Dr. Adriana Kiędzierska-Mencfeld
27:04||Ep. 2495% of our viewers aren’t subscribed. If you’re watching and not yet subscribed, please subscribe to the channel so you don’t miss future episodes.What does it really take to move from science into CEO leadership while delivering real impact for patients?This week on Making It In Manufacturing, Harry Sloan sat down with Dr Adriana Kiedzierska-Mencfeld, CEO of Rezon Bio, with 20 years of experience spanning biotech, biologics manufacturing, and leadership across industry and scientific roles.In this episode, Dr Adriana Kiedzierska-Mencfeld covers:- Transitioning from academia to industry and the drive to turn science into real patient value- Key leadership moments including entering new technology areas and managing high-pressure decision making- Leading through COVID, maintaining operations, and ensuring both product delivery and team safety- Transforming into a CDMO model and leading organisational change with clarity and purpose- Competing in a crowded CDMO market through cost discipline, quality standards, and operational efficiencyIf you are working in biotech, manufacturing, or scaling scientific innovation into real-world impact, this conversation offers a clear and grounded perspective on leadership, decision making, and building high-performing teams under pressure.Follow ARTOLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalentSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kEcRZOiJChOoN1KF2n1ngInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/arto.talent?igsh=MWdhbWl5N204a253NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@artotalent?_t=ZG-8tHbGACAZaj&_r=1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-beyond-the-lab/id1783115575Website: https://arto-talent.com/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@artotalentDr Adriana Kiedzierska-MencfeldLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-adriana-kiedzierska-mencfeld/Harry SloanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-sloan-605620154/Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:33 Moving beyond science into leadership02:06 Career-defining moments and leadership growth04:56 Leading through COVID and regulatory pressure06:01 FDA inspection and managing high-stakes environments07:13 Transition to CDMO and company transformation09:20 Launch of Resins Bio and stepping into CEO role11:39 Building trust and delivering for clients12:29 Cost competitiveness and market positioning14:20 Speed, quality, and CDMO differentiation15:22 Market trends and opportunities in biologics17:33 CDMO positioning and capabilities18:09 Balancing existing clients and new business20:08 Personal career journey and challenges21:44 Advice for women in biotech leadership22:46 Future of biologics manufacturing24:33 Motivation and leadership purpose#MakingItInManufacturing #ARTOTalent #Biotech #CDMO #Biologics #LifeSciences #ManufacturingLeadership
23. Why CDMOs Must Scale Smarter - Peter Belden
10:13||Ep. 2395% of our viewers aren’t subscribed. If you’re watching and not yet subscribed, please subscribe to the channel so you don’t miss future episodes.What does it take to scale pharmaceutical packaging operations globally while maintaining flexibility, quality, and speed to market? In this episode, we explore how strategic packaging partnerships directly impact patient access and commercial success.This week on Making It In Manufacturing, Harry Sloan sat down with Peter Belden, CCO of Tjoapack, with over 25 years of experience spanning outsourced pharmaceutical services across small, mid-sized, and large organisations, primarily within packaging and global supply chain operations.In this episode, Peter Belden covers:00:00 How pharmaceutical packaging plays a critical role beyond the final step, directly influencing timelines and global market access01:25 The growing need for late-stage customisation and flexible packaging to meet changing patient demand across multiple markets02:21 Why successful CDMO partnerships start with deep client understanding, including patient population, dosing, and supply chain needs03:43 Balancing speed to market with quality through strong planning, collaboration, and supply chain alignment04:43 Strategic expansion in the US, including facility growth and new packaging lines to support long-term demandThis conversation offers a practical look at how packaging strategy, operational discipline, and global experience come together to support pharmaceutical innovation at scale. If you are involved in manufacturing, supply chain, or CDMO partnerships, this episode provides valuable perspective grounded in real industry execution.Follow ARTOLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalentSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kEcRZOiJChOoN1KF2n1ngInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/arto.talent?igsh=MWdhbWl5N204a253NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@artotalent?_t=ZG-8tHbGACAZaj&_r=1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-beyond-the-lab/id1783115575Website: https://arto-talent.com/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@artotalentPeter BeldenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petersbelden/Harry SloanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-sloan-605620154/Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:15 Overview of the company and CDMO positioning01:04 Evolution of pharmaceutical packaging and flexibility01:48 Late-stage customisation and supply chain adaptability02:21 Building strong client partnerships in packaging02:56 Scoping projects and delivering tailored solutions03:21 Industry change and demand for speed to market03:43 Balancing quality with responsiveness04:20 Supply chain collaboration and planning cadence04:34 US expansion and growth strategy05:06 Facility expansion and new packaging lines05:31 Managing growth and operational challenges06:07 Long-term vision and scaling capabilities06:50 Career journey into leadership07:31 International experience and UK market integration08:39 Adapting to global markets and client needs09:03 Delivering across 40+ countries10:05 Motivation and impact on patient access10:22 Closing remarks#MakingItInManufacturing #ARTOTalent #PharmaManufacturing #CDMO #SupplyChain #Biopharma
22. Building a Pharma Company Is Harder Than You Think - David Stevens
15:02||Ep. 2295% of our viewers aren’t subscribed. If you’re watching and not yet subscribed, please subscribe to the channel so you don’t miss future episodes.What does it really take to build a world-class pharmaceutical manufacturing business from the ground up while navigating risk, regulation, and rapid innovation?This week on Making It In Manufacturing, Harry Sloan sat down with David Stevens, CEO of Kindeva, with over 20 years of experience spanning CDMO leadership, startup scale-ups, and pharmaceutical manufacturing across both Europe and the United States, including leadership roles at Kindeva and prior ventures acquired within the pharma ecosystem.In this episode, David Stevens covers:(00:01:02) Transitioning from startup CEO to leading Kindeva, and the strategic vision behind building advanced sterile fill-finish capabilities(00:02:50) Scaling a biologics CDMO from zero to 250 employees during COVID, including lessons from building facilities and teams from scratch(00:05:41) The future of inhalation technologies, including the shift to low-carbon propellants and the impact on sustainability and patient choice(00:07:44) Designing next-generation sterile manufacturing facilities with Annex 1 compliance, advanced robotics, and contamination risk reduction(00:09:57) Why trust, transparency, and operational discipline are critical in a competitive CDMO landscape, especially when managing capacity and client expectationsIf you are working in pharmaceutical manufacturing, CDMO strategy, or scaling complex life sciences operations, this conversation offers a grounded perspective on leadership, growth, and building for long-term impact.Follow ARTOLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalentSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kEcRZOiJChOoN1KF2n1ngInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/arto.talent?igsh=MWdhbWl5N204a253NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@artotalent?_t=ZG-8tHbGACAZaj&_r=1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-beyond-the-lab/id1783115575Website: https://arto-talent.com/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@artotalentDavid StevensLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davecstevens/Harry SloanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-sloan-605620154/Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:14 Guest introduction and CEO journey01:02 Career background and move into @Kindeva02:50 Building and scaling a biologics CDMO05:41 Vision for inhalation technology and sustainability07:44 Future of sterile manufacturing and facility design09:57 Trust and partnerships in CDMO relationships12:12 Managing growth, capacity, and reputation12:36 Long-term vision and defining success as CEO#MakingItInManufacturing #ARTOTalent #PharmaceuticalManufacturing #CDMO #Biologics #LifeSciences #ManufacturingLeadership
24. The Hidden Challenges of Biologics Development - Dr. Adriana Kiędzierska-Mencfeld
27:04||Ep. 2495% of our viewers aren’t subscribed. If you’re watching and not yet subscribed, please subscribe to the channel so you don’t miss future episodes.What does it really take to move from science into CEO leadership while delivering real impact for patients?This week on Making It In Manufacturing, Harry Sloan sat down with Dr Adriana Kiedzierska-Mencfeld, CEO of Rezon Bio, with 20 years of experience spanning biotech, biologics manufacturing, and leadership across industry and scientific roles.In this episode, Dr Adriana Kiedzierska-Mencfeld covers:- Transitioning from academia to industry and the drive to turn science into real patient value- Key leadership moments including entering new technology areas and managing high-pressure decision making- Leading through COVID, maintaining operations, and ensuring both product delivery and team safety- Transforming into a CDMO model and leading organisational change with clarity and purpose- Competing in a crowded CDMO market through cost discipline, quality standards, and operational efficiencyIf you are working in biotech, manufacturing, or scaling scientific innovation into real-world impact, this conversation offers a clear and grounded perspective on leadership, decision making, and building high-performing teams under pressure.Follow ARTOLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalentSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kEcRZOiJChOoN1KF2n1ngInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/arto.talent?igsh=MWdhbWl5N204a253NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@artotalent?_t=ZG-8tHbGACAZaj&_r=1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-beyond-the-lab/id1783115575Website: https://arto-talent.com/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@artotalentDr Adriana Kiedzierska-MencfeldLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-adriana-kiedzierska-mencfeld/Harry SloanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-sloan-605620154/Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:33 Moving beyond science into leadership02:06 Career-defining moments and leadership growth04:56 Leading through COVID and regulatory pressure06:01 FDA inspection and managing high-stakes environments07:13 Transition to CDMO and company transformation09:20 Launch of Resins Bio and stepping into CEO role11:39 Building trust and delivering for clients12:29 Cost competitiveness and market positioning14:20 Speed, quality, and CDMO differentiation15:22 Market trends and opportunities in biologics17:33 CDMO positioning and capabilities18:09 Balancing existing clients and new business20:08 Personal career journey and challenges21:44 Advice for women in biotech leadership22:46 Future of biologics manufacturing24:33 Motivation and leadership purpose#MakingItInManufacturing #ARTOTalent #Biotech #CDMO #Biologics #LifeSciences #ManufacturingLeadership
21. This Model Could Replace Traditional CDMOs
20:52||Ep. 21What if you could access GMP manufacturing without giving up control, ownership, or flexibility? In this episode, a new model challenges how biotech companies think about scaling.This week on Making It In Manufacturing, Harry Sloan sat down with Sarah Stevens, CEO of Chrysalis, with over 20 years of experience spanning CDMO services, technical operations, and leadership roles across biopharma manufacturing.In this episode, Sarah Stevens covers:(00:00) How Chrysalis is redefining the CDMO model with a hybrid approach that allows companies to retain control of IP, timelines, and manufacturing processes(02:20) Why today’s biotech environment demands more flexible, cost-conscious manufacturing strategies and how companies can better manage capital allocation(04:25) Where biotech companies get manufacturing strategy wrong when balancing speed versus long-term scalability in GMP processes(08:57) A 20-year career journey from academic research into executive leadership and what drives success in CDMO environments(13:21) How Chrysalis evolved its model into a scalable and mobile platform, enabling customers to transition seamlessly into their own facilitiesIf you are navigating manufacturing strategy, scaling operations, or evaluating CDMO partnerships, this episode offers a clear perspective on how to approach flexibility, control, and long-term success in biopharma.Follow ARTOLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalentSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kEcRZOiJChOoN1KF2n1ngInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/arto.talent?igsh=MWdhbWl5N204a253NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@artotalent?_t=ZG-8tHbGACAZaj&_r=1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-beyond-the-lab/id1783115575Website: https://arto-talent.com/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@life_sciencesSarah StevensLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stevens-1135964Harry SloanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-sloan-605620154/#MakingItInManufacturing #ARTOTalent #Biopharma #CDMO #GMP #BiotechManufacturing #LifeSciences
20. The Truth About Automation in Modern Biomanufacturing - Daniel Shearer, FujiFilm
16:32||Ep. 2095% of our viewers aren't following, please check!How do you bring a $400M biotech facility online… without getting automation wrong?This week, in another episode of Making It in Manufacturing, we feature Daniel Shearer, Head of Automation at FUJIFILM, with over 15+ years of experience spanning automation engineering, capital projects, and large-scale biotech manufacturing environments.In this episode, Dan covers:- The $400M multi-modal manufacturing asset at Fujifilm’s Billingham site and what it takes to bring it online- How automation has evolved over the past decade and why data integration is now critical- The importance of standardisation, and how it can reduce cost, validation time, and complexity- Integration challenges across systems like MES, LIMS, and quality platforms- The most common pitfalls in automation projects, and how to avoid themWhether you're building a new facility or scaling existing operations, this episode is packed with practical insights from someone working at the forefront of modern biomanufacturing.👉 Be sure to check out the full episode and learn how to get automation right from day one.Follow ARTOLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalent/?viewAsMember=trueSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kEcRZO...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arto.talent...TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@artotalent?_t...Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Website: https://arto-talent.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@artotalentDaniel ShearerHead of Automation at FUJIFILM Biotechnologies LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-shearer-80574b36/Thomas McMannDirector - Contracts DivisionLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-mcmann-05540a10b/Timestamps:00:24 $400M Multi-Modal Asset01:38 Automation Challenges06:59 Standardisation11:18 Integration + Common Pitfalls