Biotech is Broken… Can This Doctor Fix It?

Episode Summary

Host Jennifer Gligoric welcomes Dr. William Ho—biochemist, MBA, biotech veteran, and President/CEO/Co-founder of Innate Bio—to the Super Clinic Project Podcast. Dr. Ho shares his remarkable journey from the lab bench to Wall Street and then to the cutting edge of cancer therapy innovation. He reveals the lessons learned from career pivots, surviving market crashes, and leading a pioneering cell therapy company through the pandemic and beyond. Clinic owners and entrepreneurs will discover how resilience, curiosity, and strategic communication are key to thriving in uncertain times. Plus: actionable insights on leveraging testimonials, navigating industry pitfalls, and embracing next-generation therapies.

Key Topics & Takeaways

Career Resilience & Reinvention

• Dr. Ho’s non-linear path: From biochemistry to investment banking, venture capital, and biotech leadership.
• Surviving layoffs, market crashes, and the pandemic by moving forward and learning from each challenge.
• The power of hindsight: Success often only makes sense when you look back.

Innovation in Cancer Therapy

• Innate Bio’s mission: Developing cell therapies for solid tumors, including glioblastoma—a devastating cancer with little progress in decades.
• The promise and challenge of bringing new therapies to market: Clinical trials, FDA approval, and the importance of peer-reviewed data.
• The biotech industry’s current crossroads: Capital scarcity, the need for ongoing innovation, and the strategic importance of U.S.-based research.

Modern Marketing & Communication

• Why authentic, person-centered testimonials outperform polished ads in today’s healthcare marketing.
• Leveraging every channel—social media, podcasts, and short-form video—to educate and connect with patients and investors.
• The importance of storytelling and human connection in building trust and driving innovation adoption.

Investor Insights & Industry Caution

• Lessons from Theranos: The importance of due diligence, intuition, and not relying solely on “brand name” endorsements.
• Even savvy investors can be fooled—trust your gut and always ask deeper questions.
• The role of “black swans” and asking the right questions in sales, negotiation, and patient care.

Sales, Negotiation & Patient Motivation

• The art of asking, not telling: Uncovering the true motivations behind patient decisions.
• Real-world clinic example: A patient’s desire to attend her son’s wedding was the key driver for seeking care.
• Sales is about finding unique, win-win solutions—not just closing deals.

Looking Ahead

• Hope for a revitalized biotech sector as the FDA and investors embrace innovation.
• The critical role of listening, humility, and removing personal bias in leadership and business growth.
• Innate Bio’s upcoming milestones: New data releases, FDA engagement, and the ongoing push for accelerated approval.

Actionable Insights for Clinic Owners

• Embrace resilience: Every clinic owner faces setbacks—keep moving forward and look for the lessons in each challenge.
• Use authentic testimonials: Short, real, and personal stories resonate most with today’s patients.
• Diversify your marketing: Meet your audience where they are—social, video, podcasts, and beyond.
• Always do your due diligence: Whether investing, hiring, or adopting new tech, dig deeper and trust your intuition.
• Ask better questions: Whether in sales or patient care, uncover the “why now” to deliver real value.
• Stay informed: Innovative therapies are on the horizon—be proactive in learning and preparing your clinic for the future.

Memorable Quotes

“Ask the right questions and the answers will reveal the true motivation behind every decision.” — Dr. William Ho

“You don’t have to see the whole path. Sometimes, you just need to take the next step.” — Dr. William Ho

“Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is simply listen.” — Dr. William Ho

“If you want to build something that lasts, focus on connection, not just transaction.” — Dr. William Ho

Exclusive Resources for Listeners