From Coffee to Cancer Breakthroughs: Russell Hayward’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Journey

In this inspiring episode of Learning from Leaders, we sit down with Russell Hayward, a serial entrepreneur whose ventures span coffee culture, global branding, and leading-edge cancer research. Russell shares how his frustration with mediocre coffee led to the creation of Ascension, a Dallas staple redefining community spaces. He then takes us on his unexpected leap into biotech with Etira, a company advancing groundbreaking therapies for therapy-resistant cancers.

Discover how Russell’s passion for innovation, team-building, and community impact has guided his career across industries and continents—from working in advertising in Australia to producing major music events in the U.S., and now leading a transformative effort in Dallas’s growing life sciences ecosystem. Russell also reflects on his leadership philosophy, lessons learned from his mentors, and the importance of giving back to future entrepreneurs.

Show Notes:

• Learn more about Etira
• Learn more about Ascension

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Episode Details:

Episode 9, Season 1

Host: Lili Clark | Programming Chair, The Cary Council; Senior Associate at Lyda Hill Philanthropies

Guests: Russell Hayward, CEO of Etira

Producer: Dustin Magwire | Digital Media Manager, Southwestern Medical Foundation

Videography: Brazos Film & Video - www.brazosfilms.com

 

Disclaimer:

The Southwestern Medical Foundation Podcast is intended solely for educational purposes.  Nothing contained therein constitutes, nor should be interpreted as medical, healthcare, financial or legal advice. 

Southwestern Medical Foundation strives for accuracy in its publications, including the Podcast.  However, due to the nature of the topics discussed, there frequently is not a clear-cut “right answer.”  Consequently, Southwestern Medical Foundation cannot guarantee the accuracy or sufficiency of any information presented.

The views of the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of their employers or affiliated organizations, nor Southwestern Medical Foundation, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center or the University of Texas System.  The inclusion of any guest or mention of any product or service does not constitute an endorsement thereof, nor of any company, employer, or organization with which the guest, product, or service is affiliated.