Making it in Manufacturing

In this episode of the Making It in Manufacturing Spotlight Series, we sit down with Raj Puri, Chief Commercial Officer at Argonaut Manufacturing Services. With over 12 months in the CCO role and extensive experience across the CDMO space, Raj brings insight from leading business development, project management, and commercial strategy across both life science/diagnostics and aseptic drug-product services.In this episode, Raj covers:- Why Argonaut chooses to support “N of 1” programmes, and the cultural impact of delivering life-saving therapies for single-patient treatments.- The operational challenges of ultra-high-value API filling, and how Argonaut minimises line losses for rare-disease therapies.- The company’s evolution, from diagnostics to becoming a major player in small- to mid-scale aseptic drug-product manufacturing.- How Argonaut’s new $45M facility and commercial-scale filling line will transform output, enable prefilled syringes/cartridges, and support global demand.- The realities of scaling a CDMO, including hiring, maintaining culture, preparing for FDA pre-approval inspection, and setting long-term strategy for future capabilities.Be sure to check out this episode to hear Raj’s candid take on growth, culture, and the future of drug-product manufacturing.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.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@life_sciencesRaj PuriCCO at Argonaut Manufacturing ServicesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raj-puri-3137665/Thomas McMannDirector - Contracts Division at ARTOLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-mcmann-05540a10b/Timestamps:00:10 Stepping Into The Role & Early Lessons04:03 Scaling Smart: Challenges and Capabilities09:07 Culture, Talent & The Future

What does it really take to build one of Europe’s fastest-growing drug-product CDMOs, and do it with scientific precision, culture-first leadership, and a B-Corp mindset?This week, in another episode of the Making It in Manufacturing Spotlight Series, we sit down with Hanns-Christian Mahler, CEO & Founder of ten23.With over 20 years of experience spanning senior roles at Merck, Roche, biopharma development, drug-product strategy, and CDMO leadership, Hanns-Christian brings a rare blend of scientific rigour, sustainability vision, and people-centric leadership.In this episode, Hanns-Christian covers:- The origin story of ten23 and why he left big pharma to challenge the CDMO status quo with ten23- Why ten23 leads with partnership - not execution - and how “asking better questions” is their competitive edge ten23- ten23’s rapid growth journey: new filling lines, site expansion, headcount growth, and strategic partnerships, like with BD- The culture behind the company: transparency, autonomy, values-led leadership, and building a truly learning organisation at ten23- The future of CDMOs: AI adoption with intention, sustainability as a scientific discipline, and what’s next for ten23’s global footprint- Hanns-Christian also speaks about his partnerships with sustainability-focused companies such as Lio, led by CEO Vladimir Keil, highlighting how these collaborations help drive more responsible and efficient operations.If you want a masterclass in modern CDMO leadership, rooted in science, innovation, and purpose, this is the episode to watch.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.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@life_sciencesHanns-Christian MahlerCEO at ten23LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanns-christian-mahler/Thomas McMannDirector - Contracts Division at ARTOLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-mcmann-05540a10b/Timestamps:00:00 Career Beginnings & ten2308:18 Challenges with Scaling14:29 Culture & Leadership Style20:00 Scientific Rigour vs Sustainability26:07 Challenges with Geopolitical Issues29:13 The Future & AI

If you're leading in pharma, biotech, or manufacturing, this is essential listening.This week, we kick off Season 2 of Making It In Manufacturing with a heavyweight guest: J.D. Mowery, Division President, CDMO at Bora Pharmaceuticals. With more than 25 years of experience across the biopharmaceutical and CDMO sectors, J.D. brings a proven track record of building high-performing teams, scaling operations, and driving innovation at every stage of the drug development lifecycle. He has held impactful leadership roles at industry leaders such as Genentech, Lonza, and JSR Life Sciences, and most recently served as CEO of KBI Biopharma. His expertise spans operations, manufacturing, technology transfer, facility construction, and business development, with a global perspective shaped by work across North America, Europe, and Asia. J.D. is known for his hands-on leadership style, commitment to operational excellence, and passion for building strong, collaborative cultures.In this episode, J.D. unpacks:- Smart integration and scaling: Integration and scaling of sites post-acquisition- Why quality is still the sharpest competitive edge- What it means to partner with purpose in today’s pharma landscape- Where CDMOs are headed next - and how AI is shaping that directionIf you're in a leadership role within pharma or biotech, this is the episode you’ll want your entire team to hear.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.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@life_sciencesJ.D. MoweryDivision President - CDMOLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdmowery/Thomas McMannDirector - Contracts Division at ARTOLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-mcmann-05540a10b/Timestamps:00:00 Filling Sites & Scaling Smartly06:38 Quality as a Differentiator13:30 Partnering with Purpose17:19 The Future of CDMOs and AI

In this episode, we feature Michael Vrijs, a well-recognised expert in cleaning validation and biopharma manufacturing, known for turning complex compliance into practical strategy:Currently Manager, Manufacturing Technology at Incyte (since 2021), leading cleaning process development and validation at Incyte’s biologics manufacturing site in Switzerland.Brings nearly 20 years of experience in biopharma manufacturing, specialising in cleaning processes, cleaning validation, tech transfer, continuous improvement, and CAPEX in multi‑product environments.Spent over a decade as a consultant - serving as Senior Consultant with GxP Consulting Switzerland, and holding senior C&Q/validation roles at Novartis, MSD, Biogen, Pfizer, and Dako.A recognised ISPE speaker, Michael shares his expertise on large stages including ISPE conferences, engaging global audiences on biopharma manufacturing best practices.In this episode, we cover a range of topics including Michael’s Career Beginnings, Cleaning and Validation, Common Mistakes Businesses make, Auditor Handling, Advice for young Engineers, and a lot more. This conversation applies broadly to all types of connections in the Life Sciences Industry, and aims to educate and inspire those who want to excel in the manufacturing and engineering space.Follow ARTOLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalentSpotify: Leading Beyond The LabInstagram: Instagram (@arto.talent)TikTok: artotalent on TikTokApple Podcasts: Leading Beyond The LabWebsite: HomeYoutube: ARTO RecruitmentMichael VrijsManager Manufacturing TechnologyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-vrijs-84b97940/Thomas McMannDirector - Contracts Division at ARTOLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-mcmann-05540a10b/Timestamps:00:00 Career Beginnings06:09 Cleaning / Validation13:53 Common Mistakes / Auditor Handling22:11 Advice for Engineers #MakingItInManufacturing #ARTOTalent #ManufacturingAndEngineering #ISPE #AI #OPEX #CDMOS #DataIntegrity #Auditing #CSV, CAPEX, Sustainability #Cleaning #Validation

In this episode, we are joined by Carsten Jasper, a globally recognised leader specialising in pharmaceutical quality, regulatory compliance, and digital transformation within life sciences.Carsten leads Quality & Compliance within Charles River’s R&D division, where he oversees risk management and the validation of regulated systems.With 20 years of experience across in-vitro diagnostics, aseptic manufacturing, and total quality management, he brings deep regulatory and operational expertise.He also runs Jasper Consulting and contributes to PTS Training Service, developing AI-powered tools such as VR/AR simulations and digital twins for cleanroom training.Previously, he held senior roles in diagnostics and chemical technology and is a regular industry speaker, most recently presenting on AI in cleanroom design at a leading Life Sciences engineering conference.In this episode, we discuss a range of topics including CSV Validation, Risk Management, Data Integrity, AI, Auditing, Advice for Candidates and more. This conversation applies broadly to all types of connections in the Life Sciences Industry, and aims to educate and inspire those who want to excel in the manufacturing and engineering space.Follow ARTOLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalentSpotify: Leading Beyond The LabInstagram: Instagram (@arto.talent)TikTok: artotalent on TikTokApple Podcasts: Leading Beyond The LabWebsite: HomeYoutube: ARTO RecruitmentCarsten JasperSenior Director, QRM and CQV (R&D)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carsten-jasper-59189982/Thomas McMannDirector - Contracts Division at ARTOLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-mcmann-05540a10b/Timestamps:00:00 Career Beginnings10:09 CSV Validation & Risk Management 15:13 Data Integrity & AI23:53 Auditing31:54 Rounding Up#MakingItInManufacturing #ARTOTalent #ManufacturingAndEngineering #ISPE #AI #OPEX #CDMOS #DataIntegrity #Auditing #CSV

In this episode of Making It In Manufacturing, we speak with Simon Adams, a seasoned advisor and founder of Adams Bio Consulting Ltd, about the evolving demands of leadership in the Life Sciences sector.He is the Founder and Principal at Adams Bio Consulting Ltd, a leadership consultancy dedicated to the Life Sciences industry.With 25+ years of experience, he specialises in organisational transformation and leadership development in high-stakes environments.His career includes Pharma and Biopharma as well as the broader life sciences remit with previous roles at VP and Group Director levels in Operations, Leadership and Operational Excellence providing services in the UK and extensively across the continent.In this episode, we discuss a range of topics including aseptic compounding, CDMOs - when, where and why use them, OPEX , leadership, cross functional management and more. This conversation applies broadly to all types of connections in the Life Sciences Industry, and aims to educate and inspire those who want to excel in the manufacturing and engineering space.Follow ARTOLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalentSpotify: Leading Beyond The LabInstagram: Instagram (@arto.talent)TikTok: artotalent on TikTokApple Podcasts: Leading Beyond The LabWebsite: HomeYoutube: ARTO RecruitmentSimon AdamsFounder and Principal at Adams Bio Consulting LtdLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-adams-86005710/Thomas McMannDirector - Contracts Division at ARTOLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-mcmann-05540a10b/Timestamps:00:00 Career Beginnings07:18 Aseptic Compounding18:50 CDMOs28:19 OPEX45:44 Leadership & Management#MakingItInManufacturing #ARTOTalent #ManufacturingAndEngineering #ISPE #AI #OPEX #CDMOS

In this episode, we feature Hazem Eleskandarani, P.E., PMP, a distinguished leader in pharmaceutical engineering and quality assurance: Hazem leads the Global Quality Engineering team at CSL Behring, a global biopharmaceutical company specialising in plasma-derived therapies and he holds a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Utah.30+ years of global experience. Hazem has expertise in manufacturing, process engineering, quality engineering, technology management, and project engineering.His career includes significant roles at Fluor Daniel, Jacobs Engineering, Merck, and Johnson & Johnson, where he led global commissioning and qualification initiatives, and is internationally recognised for his contributions to pharmaceutical engineering, including co-authoring the ISPE Baseline Guide 5.Hazem has been a featured speaker at the 2025 ISPE Europe Annual Conference, discussing topics such as risk-based qualification and good engineering practices.In this episode, we discuss a range of topics including risk management, AI, project acceleration and its drawbacks, traits that make a great CQV engineer, common mistakes, cross functional management, as well as tips when it comes to inspectors visiting a new site. This conversation applies broadly to all types of connections in the Life Sciences Industry, and aims to educate and inspire those who want to excel in the manufacturing and engineering space. Follow ARTOLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalentSpotify: Leading Beyond The LabInstagram: Instagram (@arto.talent)TikTok: artotalent on TikTokApple Podcasts: Leading Beyond The LabWebsite: HomeYoutube: ARTO RecruitmentHazem Eleskandarani Senior Director, Global Quality EngineeringLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hazem-eleskandarani-p-e-pmp-47705842/Thomas McMannDirector - Contracts DivisionLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-mcmann-05540a10b/Timestamps:00:00 Career Beginnings12:40 Project Acceleration & Drawbacks20:36 Risk Management & Project Delays31:45 AI & Leadership38:41 Cross Functional Managing #MakingItInManufacturing #ARTOTalent #ManufacturingAndEngineering #ISPE #AI

In this episode, we feature Hilary Mills-Baker, a distinguished expert in process automation and computer systems validation within the life sciences sector:Hilary serves as the Chair of the UK GAMP Community of Practice, where she leads initiatives to advance good automated manufacturing practices in the pharmaceutical industry, and was previously the European Quality and Validation Manager at Emerson Automation Solutions.35+ years in process automation engineering and more than 20 years in the life sciences sector, Hilary has extensive experience in computer systems validation and quality assurance, as well as holding a BSc and an MEng in Engineering from Brunel University London.Hilary is internationally recognised for her contributions to the ISPE GAMP®5 good practice guides, including co-leading the update of the Process Control Systems Good Practice Guide following the publication of GAMP®5 2nd Edition.Hilary was a featured speaker at the 2025 ISPE Europe Annual Conference, where she discussed the integration of digitalised project execution tools in automation and AI-enabled processes.In this episode, we discuss a range of topics including DeltaV, automation, Gender Diversity within Manufacturing and Engineering, GAMP, the ISPE conference, as well as AI and CyberSecurity and a lot more. This conversation applies broadly to all types of connections in the Life Sciences Industry, and aims to educate and inspire those who want to excel in the manufacturing and engineering space.Follow ARTOLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalentSpotify: Leading Beyond The LabInstagram: Instagram (@arto.talent)TikTok: artotalent on TikTokApple Podcasts: Leading Beyond The LabWebsite: HomeYoutube: ARTO RecruitmentHilary Mills-BakerEuropean Manager of Quality and ValidationLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilarymillsbaker/Thomas McMannDirector - Contracts DivisionLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-mcmann-05540a10b/Timestamps:00:00 Career Beginnings12:03 DeltaV & Automation16:40 AI & Cyber Security22:31 Gender Diversity in M&E28:42 GAMP and ISPE#MakingItInManufacturing #ARTOTalent #ManufacturingAndEngineering #ISPE #AI