From Labs to Board Rooms: A CEO’s Unique Journey to Better Patients' Lives

In this episode, Cheryl Blanchard, President and Chief Executive Officer of Anika Therapeutics, joins us to discuss her unique journey to bettering patients’ lives. First, Cheryl talks about how Anika Therapeutics has transformed over the past few years, and how technology has played a massive role in Anika’s transformation as a business. Every company has its own value system and culture; Cheryl explains how she merged different cultures into one coherent team. Tune in as we chat about the importance of everyone’s role in a company in the context of creating future therapies.

 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [03:10] About Cheryl’s journey and how Anika Therapeutics has transformed over the past few years. 
• [08:00] How technology has played a role in Anika’s transformation as a business. 
• [11:30] The challenges Cheryl faced in acquiring companies and integrating them into the existing business.
• [14:10] How Cheryl merged different company values and cultures into one coherent team.
• [16:55] The importance of everyone’s role in a company in the context of creating future therapies.

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Acquiring and integrating companies is challenging for business owners. You must focus on clear performance goals when integrating businesses. 
• Merging multiple company work cultures is difficult. However, a successful merge could make or break the difference in your bottom line. 
• Most companies don’t consider company values when acquiring a business. It’s critical to have all team members on the same page and working toward the same vision. 
• Technology can be a game-changer for your business; make sure you are staying up to date with advancements. 
  
  

LINKS MENTIONED:

Anika Therapeutics

https://www.anikatherapeutics.com/

 

BIO:

Cheryl is the President and Chief Executive Officer at Anika Therapeutics. Anika is a global joint preservation company focused on early intervention orthopedics. 

Prior to her work at Anika, she served as the President and CEO of Microchips Biotech, a venture-backed biotechnology company developing regenerative medicine and drug delivery products. She was there from 2014 until its sale to Daré Bioscience.

Earlier, she served in multiple officer positions at Zimmer, including Senior Vice President, Chief Scientific Officer, and General Manager of Zimmer Biologics. Cheryl was also a member of Zimmer’s executive committee and founded, built, and led Zimmer’s Joint Preservation and Regenerative Medicine business.

Cheryl is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and has served as a Board Director for Vigil Neuroscience, Dare Bioscience, CeramTec, and Anika Therapeutics.