
Quality Grind Podcast
Welcome to Quality Grind!
Welcome to The Quality Grind Podcast, presented by MEDVACON! Join hosts Joe Toscano, President of MEDVACON, and Mike Kent, Director of Learning Platforms, as they (we) have some fun while tackling topics related to the “everyday grind” within Life Science industries. Featuring conversations with key industry players, they’ll dive into their unique problem-solving strategies, career paths and personal interests. Most importantly, their (our) goal is to cultivate a community where information and experiences can be shared with and for the benefit of all, emphasizing the diversity of approaches to industry challenges and the importance of continuous engagement and learning.
- Quality Grind Podcast Episode 26 | Navigating Cell & Gene Therapy: The Quality Path to a Bright Future
by Mike KentIn this episode of the Quality Grind Podcast, hosts Joe Toscano and Mike Kent conclude their four-part series on Cell and Gene Therapy with guest Ray Kaczmarek. They discuss the importance of building relationships and implementing solid quality systems across the development lifecycle. Ray shares his pragmatic views on ensuring quality and compliance from early… Read more: Quality Grind Podcast Episode 26 | Navigating Cell & Gene Therapy: The Quality Path to a Bright Future - Quality Grind Podcast Episode 25 | Navigating Cell & Gene Therapy: Cultivating Partnerships and Progress
by Mike KentWelcome to Part 3 of Medvacon’s 4-part series entitled “Navigating Cell & Gene Therapy”, where Joe and Mike continue their visit with industry leader Ray Kaczmarek. In this episode, the 3 dive deep into the significance of disciplined development, strong supply chains, and well-cultivated partnerships within the cell and gene therapy space. The conversation emphasizes… Read more: Quality Grind Podcast Episode 25 | Navigating Cell & Gene Therapy: Cultivating Partnerships and Progress - Quality Grind Podcast Episode 24 | Lean Principles and Regulated Life Sciences, Part 2
by Mike KentJoin host Mike Kent and special guest Jose Mora as they continue to explore the application of Lean principles within regulated life science environments. In this episode, they explore seven key benefits of Lean: quality and compliance, throughput and operating expense reduction, speed to market, flexibility and adaptability, continuous improvement, risk management, and customer focus.… Read more: Quality Grind Podcast Episode 24 | Lean Principles and Regulated Life Sciences, Part 2 - Quality Grind Podcast Episode 23 | Navigating Cell & Gene Therapy: Accelerating Development and Innovation
by Mike KentWelcome back to the Grind, where Joe and Mike continue their exploration of Cell & Gene Therapy with expert Ray Kaczmarek. In this episode, part 2 of our 4-part series, Ray provides perspective on navigating the development process, highlighting some key factors for success – robust science, integrous data and stage-appropriate systems and structure. Learn… Read more: Quality Grind Podcast Episode 23 | Navigating Cell & Gene Therapy: Accelerating Development and Innovation - Quality Grind Podcast Episode 22 | Navigating Cell & Gene Therapy: Setting the Stage for Success
by Mike KentWelcome to The Grind! Hosts Joe Toscano and Mike Kent caught up with special guest Ray Kaczmarek in San Diego for an insightful discussion highlighting the complexities and dynamic nature of Cell and Gene Therapy. In this episode, the first in a 4-part series, Ray shares his experiences from military service to multiple C-suite roles… Read more: Quality Grind Podcast Episode 22 | Navigating Cell & Gene Therapy: Setting the Stage for Success
- Quality Grind Podcast Episode 11 | Technology Transfer Part 1: Preparing for Successby Medvacon Life SciencesIn this episode of the Quality Grind Podcast, host Mike Kent interviews Medvacon biotechnology consultant Kim Lim about the intricacies of Technology Transfer in regulated life science industries. With over 30 years of experience, Kim shares insights on the importance of communication, planning and engaging partners early in development. They discuss the significance and roles… Read more: Quality Grind Podcast Episode 11 | Technology Transfer Part 1: Preparing for Success
- Quality Grind Podcast Episode 10 | Meeting Leaders Half Way – Part 1: Initiative and Ownershipby Medvacon Life SciencesIn this episode of The Quality Grind Podcast presented by Medvacon, hosts Joe Toscano and Mike Kent continue to expand on Leadership in Life Sciences, this time from a collaborative perspective. Special guest Lisa Bourquin, an expert in Organizational Development and Talent Management, shares her professional journey and insights on how team members can proactively… Read more: Quality Grind Podcast Episode 10 | Meeting Leaders Half Way – Part 1: Initiative and Ownership
- Quality Grind Podcast Episode 9 – Viewpoint Project Journeyby Medvacon Life SciencesIn this special episode of The Quality Grind Podcast presented by Medvacon, hosts Joe Toscano and Mike Kent describe Medvacon’s exciting collaboration with the Viewpoint Project with Dennis Quaid. Joe shares the journey of how Medvacon was approached for this unique opportunity, the steps involved, and the anticipated outcome of this segment. Listen in as… Read more: Quality Grind Podcast Episode 9 – Viewpoint Project Journey
- Quality Grind Podcast Episode 8 – Managing Changeby Medvacon Life SciencesIn this episode of the Quality Grind Podcast, presented by Medvacon, hosts Joe Toscano and Mike Kent discuss the dynamics of and strategies for fostering and embrace change, sharing insights from their extensive consultancy experience. They emphasize the importance of cultivating an environment where all employees feel comfortable presenting and implementing new ideas. Additionally, they… Read more: Quality Grind Podcast Episode 8 – Managing Change
- Quality Grind Podcast Episode 7 – Talent Acquisition: Strategic and Tactical Insights Part 2by Medvacon Life SciencesIn this episode of the Quality Grind Podcast by Medvacon, hosts Joe Toscano and Mike Kent are joined by Rhiannon Shadrick to continue the discussion on talent acquisition. Building on themes from episode six, they delve into the roles of recruiters and candidates to make the hiring process positive for everyone. Highlights include the importance… Read more: Quality Grind Podcast Episode 7 – Talent Acquisition: Strategic and Tactical Insights Part 2
- Quality Grind Podcast Episode 6 – Talent Acquisition: Strategic and Tactical Insights Part 1by Medvacon Life SciencesIn this episode of the Quality Grind Podcast presented by Medvacon, hosts Joe Toscano and Mike Kent are joined by senior recruiting specialist Rhiannon Shadrick to discuss the complexities of talent acquisition in the regulated life sciences industry. The conversation highlights key challenges such as inefficient hiring processes, the importance of first impressions and company… Read more: Quality Grind Podcast Episode 6 – Talent Acquisition: Strategic and Tactical Insights Part 1
- Quality Grind Podcast Episode 5 – Leadership in Life Sciences Part 2by Medvacon Life SciencesIn this episode of the Quality Grind Podcast, presented by Medvacon, hosts Joe Toscano and Mike Kent continue their leadership discussion with guest Kristin Aikin Salada. Building on Episode 4, they further examine ways to overcome challenges of leading in regulated environments, the importance of effective delegation, and the benefits of mentorship programs. The conversation… Read more: Quality Grind Podcast Episode 5 – Leadership in Life Sciences Part 2
- Quality Grind Podcast Episode 4 – Leadership in Life Sciences Part 1by Medvacon Life SciencesIn this episode of the Quality Grind Podcast presented by Medvacon, hosts Joe Toscano and Mike Kent are joined by leadership expert Kristin Aikin Salada. With over 20 years of experience, Kristin shares key leadership strategies applicable at all organizational levels. The discussion covers the importance of listening, taking initiative, understanding organizational culture, and utilizing… Read more: Quality Grind Podcast Episode 4 – Leadership in Life Sciences Part 1
- Quality Grind Podcast Episode 3 – Training, Making an Impactby Medvacon Life SciencesWelcome back to The Quality Grind Podcast, presented by Medvacon, where hosts Joe Toscano and Mike Kent dive deeper into optimizing training programs in regulated life science industries. Building on Episode 2’s discussion about engagement, today’s episode zooms in on maximizing impact. Joe and Mike share insights on involving leadership, engaging frontline management, and the… Read more: Quality Grind Podcast Episode 3 – Training, Making an Impact
- Quality Grind Podcast Episode 2 – Training, The Universal Topicby Medvacon Life SciencesWelcome to the second episode of the Quality Grind Podcast presented by MEDVACON! Join hosts Joe Toscano and Mike Kent as they dive into the critical topic of training within the life science industries. In this episode, they discuss the importance of effective training programs, the role of senior leadership and frontline managers as key… Read more: Quality Grind Podcast Episode 2 – Training, The Universal Topic
- Quality Grind Podcast Episode 1 – Welcome to The Grind!by Medvacon Life SciencesIn this first episode of ‘The Quality Grind Podcast’ presented by MEDVACON Life Sciences, hosts Joe Toscano and Mike Kent introduce the podcast and outline its purpose. They discuss MEDVACON’s history since 2011 as a quality compliance consulting organization and share their excitement about launching a platform for discussing relevant industry topics. The podcast aims… Read more: Quality Grind Podcast Episode 1 – Welcome to The Grind!













