Claudia Andretta - Pivoting When Things Don’t Go To Plan

Claudia Andretta shares her journey from academia to industry, highlighting the value of being a scientist beyond having a PhD. She discusses her expertise in go-to-market strategy and rare diseases, specifically cell and gene therapy. She also reflects on her academic background in neuroscience and her decision to transition to a career in sales and consulting. Claudia advises those facing toxicity in academia and encourages individuals to explore alternative career paths. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for individuals to consider their options and make choices that align with their goals and aspirations.
Takeaways
Being a scientist is not limited to having a PhD; industry experience and expertise are equally valuable. Go-to-market strategy is crucial for successful product launches, requiring market analysis and customer identification. Transitioning from academia to industry can open up new opportunities and career paths. Toxicity in academia is a real issue, and individuals should seek support and explore alternative options if necessary. PhD programs can be challenging, and it's important to have support and mentoring. There are alternative career paths outside academia for those who feel they don't thrive in a PhD program. Industry experience can be valuable and provide opportunities for growth. It's essential to consider your options and make choices that align with your goals and aspirations.
Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Background
02:00
The Value of Being a Scientist
06:06
Go-to-Market Strategy
10:22
Choosing a Career Path
18:14
Academic Journey and Transition to Industry
23:28
Experience in Neurodegeneration Research
32:15
Transitioning to Sales and Consulting
37:58
Starting a Business and Lessons Learned
43:05
Dealing with Toxicity in Academia
10:30
The Challenges of a PhD Program
20:15
Exploring Alternative Paths
30:40
The Value of Industry Experience
45:23
Considering Options and Finding Support