Best of 2021: books, podcasts, and more

2021 was supposed to be the year we went “back to normal”, but instead we learned about a new normal. In the midst of the pandemic, I became a father, and it has been both rewarding and challenging. I instinctively learned more about being productive and focused than I did from any book on the topic. Well, boostered and still (!) COVID-free, here are my key learnings of 2021 and the usual recommendations of what I enjoyed last year.

Learnings & thoughts

1. I led the groundwork on 3 investments this year (Tribune Therapeutics, Asgard Therapeutics, and Orbis Medicines), which made me incredibly versed in all matters related to due diligence, negotiation, and the plethora of documentation needed (it can be lengthy!).
2. I took on a new challenge as interim Chief Business Officer in one of our portfolio companies. In essence, I am taking on the hat of CEO/COO/CBO whenever needed. It is giving me a tremendous appreciation for the work and challenges management teams face. I also find it incredibly fun and rewarding, and absolutely love the challenge.
3. Getting a position in VC can be challenging, and there aren’t many opportunities to learn the business, especially around venture creation. This summer I ran the first-ever Fellowship at Novo Holdings — the Venture Creator Fellowship. I had 2 amazing fellows working with me on scoping out new scientific areas and building hypotheses for new company creation.
4. Company boards can be very helpful but can also function sub-optimally. I’ve accumulated enough experience through my board positions to understand what approach works best in each situation/problem/development stage. Even though I realize I have much to learn, I feel confident that I can provide real value to company boards and I have a profound conviction that well-run boards can empower management teams and lead to higher chances of success.
5. Starting new companies can take longer than expected, and there are so many hurdles along the way. Finding startup communities near you and finding experienced mentors that can help tremendously.

Books

Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty by Patrick Radden Keefe. A riveting book profiling the Sackler family and controversy behind OxyContin.

Podcasts

I’ll make this short and sweet — two episodes from one of my favorite interviewers (Guy Raz), and one podcast to follow.

Guy Raz interviews Noubar Afeyan from Flagship Pioneering

Guy Raz interviews former Lego CEO, Jorgen Knudstrop

One podcast to follow is BIOS, done by the folks at Alix Ventures. Relevant and up-to-date interviews with industry leaders.

Resources

RA Capital put together an incredibly helpful document for biotechs with tips and insights on how to run effective board meetings. Check it out here. It’s full of insights and recommendations, for biotech management teams and VCs alike. Peter Kolchinsky — your team did an amazing job, thank you!

Painting

A less productive year in abstract expressionism, but much progress in portraiture.

“People, ideas, and groups”, acrylic on canvas, commissioned work (2021)

“Isabel Ribas”, oil on canvas (2021)

Stay healthy and let’s connect this year!