🧬 Decision Makers vs. Champions: The Real BD Playbook | Mike Stadnisky Rerelease (Part 2/3)

Episode notes

The Biotech Startups Podcast is powered by Excedr—helping life science startups accelerate R&D and commercialization with founder-friendly equipment leasing. Skip the upfront costs, stay lean, and focus on breakthrough science. As a TBSP listener, you can get exclusive perks through Excedr's partner network—special savings, promotions, and more. Explore these offers today: "Startups don't partner with startups, okay? Let's just get that out of the way right now." In this episode, Jon Chee continues his conversation with Mike Stadnisky, Managing Director of Thielsen Capital, on his transition from academic scientist to BD leader. Mike unpacks what business development really means in life science, why chasing "the decision maker" is the wrong frame, and how to identify the technical and business champions who actually move deals inside large organizations. Key Topics Covered: Informational Interviews: The career advice Mike once dismissed — and why he now evangelizes it to every scientist he meets. What BD Really Means: How scientists break into business development and why technical credibility is the key entry point.