Heart of the Trial
Welcome to a podcast delving into the personal narratives within the clinical research industry. Through candid interviews, we'll learn about the personal journeys and motivations of individuals who have chosen this profession. What I like to call 'their why'.
My aim is to spotlight the often overlooked heroes of clinical trials, showcasing their passion and dedication that extends beyond the spotlight of 'big Pharma.' These conversations will illuminate the heartfelt narratives of those driving advancements in medical research.
This podcast is not just for industry insiders; it's for everyone curious about the human side of healthcare. Beyond the industry's negative reputation, we'll shed light on the dedicated professionals behind clinical trials.
Join us as we uncover the heart and passion of those working tirelessly behind the scenes in clinical research. Welcome to Heart of the Trial!
Heart of the Trial
Season 2, Episode 3: Breaking Barriers in Biotech with Suzanne Vyvoda
Breaking Barriers in Biotech with Suzanne Vyvoda.
From CRC to clinical exec—how betting on yourself can reshape an industry.
In this episode, Suzanne Turner sits down with biotech executive and clinical trial strategist Suzanne Vyvoda to trace her incredible 20+ year journey through the clinical research world. From learning on the fly as a site coordinator to leading clinical operations at top biotech companies, Suzanne shares how she’s navigated pivots, silos, and the ever-changing landscape of drug development.
We talk about:
- Her transition from site to CRO to sponsor
- Why cross-functional empathy is essential in clinical trials
- The rise of fractional leadership in biotech
- How she’s using LinkedIn to build transparency and connection across the industry
- The power of saying yes to yourself—even when the path isn’t clear
💬 About the Guest
Suzanne Vyvoda is a biotech executive and clinical trial strategist with over 20 years of experience leading development operations across pharma and emerging biotech. She’s advanced programs from IND through pivotal trials in oncology, immunology, infectious disease, and rare diseases, holding senior roles at organizations including Gilead, AbbVie, and Telavant.
She now leads Vyvoda Consulting, offering fractional leadership and strategic support to sponsors and biotech-adjacent companies, and mentoring emerging leaders—especially women—through big career transitions. Passionate about breaking silos in research, Suzanne champions cross-functional collaboration with the patient as the north star.
📍 Connect with Suzanne Vyvoda
Email: suzanne@vyvodaconsulting.com
LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/suzanne-vyvoda/
📞 Connect with Suzanne:
- Website: https://www.iceconsultingllc.com/home
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/turnersuzannem/
💌 Feedback and Questions:
- Email Suzanne at podcast@iceconsultingllc.com
🎙️ Tune in and get to know the passionate professional behind Heart of the Trial!