Stand Up to Stand Out

Hosted by Stuart Paap

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Aug 2026

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The Stand Up to Stand Out Podcast Empowering Life-Sciences Professionals to Turn Ideas into Reality through weekly episodes. A Five Star Rated Podcast Free access to expert insights https://dnate.com/podcast/

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August 17, 20261 hr 1 min

Episode 24: The Science of Reading the Room with Dr. Katherine Klein

In this episode of the Stand Up to Stand Out podcast, host Stuart Paap is joined by organizational psychologist and Wharton professor, Dr. Katherine Klein. Together, they explore the dynamics of leadership succession and how new leaders impact collective engagement and organizational performance. Dr. Klein breaks down her latest research, discussing the unique challenges successors face, the critical role of reading the room, and how a team's appetite for change dictates a new leader's success. What You’ll Learn: The Successor Dynamics: Understand why the same leadership behaviors land differently depending on whether you are a new successor or an established incumbent. Reading the Room: Discover why gauging a team's collective "appetite for change" and performance satisfaction is crucial before implementing new strategies. Coaching vs. Vision: Learn why active coaching from a successor yields a significant boost in team engagement and performance, whereas vision communication alone often falls flat. The Power of Anonymity: Explore how well-designed anonymous surveys and focus groups can help new leaders uncover the true temperature of an organization. Navigating Transition: Tips for both new leaders and team members on establishing trust, managing expectations, and creating shared accountability. Timestamps: (00:00:00) Introduction to Katherine Klein Stuart Paap welcomes organizational psychologist Katherine Klein to discuss her new research on leadership succession. (00:01:30) Why Study Leadership Succession? Katherine explains the lack of existing research on succession and why she chose to study this critical organizational transition. (00:04:41) The Successor's Double-Edged Sword An exploration of the unique opportunities and risks that come with being a new leader under intense scrutiny. (00:09:13) Navigating the Transition Practical advice for new leaders entering organizations and tips for followers to support their new managers. (00:15:09) Researching the Appetite for Change Katherine details her study of school principals and how a team's readiness for change dictates leadership success. (00:20:52) Coaching vs. Vision Communication A breakdown of why active coaching drives performance when change is needed, while vision communication often falls flat. (00:29:54) Building Psychological Safety How leaders can establish trust, practice deep listening, and encourage employees to speak their minds honestly. (00:39:07) Sensing True Employee Motivation Understanding the gap between what employees say and do, and how to design better feedback mechanisms. (00:44:31) The Limits of Incumbent Leaders Why established leaders struggle to motivate change compared to successors, and the power of the "good rut." (00:55:44) Cultivating a Culture Code A look at the three pillars of high-performing cultures: safety, vulnerability, and shared purpose. (00:58:27) Connecting with Katherine Klein Katherine shares where listeners can find her work and get in touch to share their own leadership stories. Notable Quotes: "10 to 20 percent of leaders are going to turn over in any given year, and we really don't study this as a field." "The same leadership behaviors land differently if you are a successor versus an ongoing, established leader." "Coaching makes a really big difference when employees are saying 'we need to change, our performance is not great.' They respond really positively to successors who come in and do a lot of coaching." "If you want to galvanize change, if you want to build a workforce where people are really changing, it may well take a successor to do that." Connect with Dr. Katherine Klein: LinkedIn: Katherine Klein Catch More From Our Host – Stuart Paap ️Host... Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction to Katherine Klein (00:01:30) - Why Study Leadership Succession? (00:04:41) - The Successor's Double-Edged Sword (00:09:13) - Navigating the Transition (00:15:09) - Researching the Appetite for Change (00:20:52) - Coaching vs. Vision Communication (00:29:54) - Building Psychological Safety (00:39:07) - Sensing True Employee Motivation (00:44:31) - The Limits of Incumbent Leaders (00:55:44) - Cultivating a Culture Code (00:58:27) - Connecting with Katherine Klein

June 1, 202659 min

Navigating Pre-Clinical Trials with Laura Kelley & Scaling with Conviction

In this episode of Beyond the Lab, host Stuart Paap sits down with Laura Kelley, co-founder of Aperture Bio, a seed-stage spinout from Mass General Hospital. Laura shares the fascinating origin story of Aperture Bio and details how they are addressing the massive 95% failure rate in oncology drug development. From navigating difficult pre-clinical terrain to pitching skeptical investors, Laura and Stuart unpack what it truly takes to bring a high-performance imaging platform to market. If you are a founder trying to align your scientific vision with a repeatable business model, this conversation is packed with tactical, real-world advice on driving your venture forward with speed and precision. Key Takeaways from the Show: The 95% Failure Problem: Oncology drug candidates face an extraordinarily steep failure rate when transitioning to clinical trials. Aperture Bio uses human tissues and organoids to catch efficacy metrics much earlier in the pipeline, optimizing the path forward. The Power of Asking "Why?": Laura details how stepping out of the academic comfort zone allowed them to identify a massive "white space" in pre-clinical development that traditional spatial biology platforms couldn’t efficiently serve. Building Conviction Under Fire: Facing skeptical investors is part of the process. Laura reflects on a pivotal pre-seed pitch that taught her to shift the pitch deck's narrative from a place of mere technical detail to deep, undeniable market belief. The Force Multiplier Effect: In the landscape of biopharma, speed is the ultimate competitive advantage. A successful platform must serve as a "catalyst"—helping partners decide faster, scale accurately, and skip the landmines of drug discovery. Top Quotes from the Episode: "Drug discovery is like walking through a field waiting to step on a rake. At any point, you could just get to a 'no-go.' What we’re trying to do is bring those decisions into an iterative, data-driven process." — Laura Kelley "A company is just a collection of people working on a problem. The effect you're going to have is predicated on the quality and execution of your decisions. You are a catalyst for those higher-quality choices." — Stuart Paap Connect with Our Guest: Laura Kelley: Aperture Bio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraekelley/ Connect with us: Website: dnate.com Subscribe for expert insights and deep dives into the future of Biotech.

April 27, 2026Episode 231 hr 2 min

Episode 23: From Brilliant Minds to Influential Voices with Dr. Laura Sicola

In this episode of the Stand Out podcast, host Stuart Paap is joined by cognitive linguist and executive coach, Dr. Laura Sicola. Together, they explore the concept of the "Prismatic Voice" and its impact on executive presence and effective leadership. Dr. Sicola breaks down the science of communication, the neuro-linguistic programming behind it, and how small shifts in our delivery can significantly enhance our ability to connect and influence others. What You’ll Learn: The Power of Cognition: Understand the gap between what you think you say and what others hear, and how to close that gap. Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP): Discover how your brain processes sensory information and how to use this knowledge to improve your communication. Mastering the 3 C's: Learn the essentials of executive presence: Commandeering the room, Connecting with the audience, and Closing the deal. The Prismatic Voice: Explore the concept of having multiple "voices" or personas that you can adapt based on the context and audience. Breaking the Expert's Curse: Tips for technically brilliant individuals to communicate their ideas effectively to a broader audience. Timestamps [0:00] Introduction and the importance of measurable results in coaching. [2:30] Dr. Sicola's personal story: How her grandmother's "secret code" sparked her fascination with communication. [5:06] The science behind the communication gap: Neuro, Linguistic, and Programming explained. [6:48] Closing the gap: Making the unconscious conscious through video feedback. [10:59] Executive presence and navigating career capital in corporate settings. [12:22] Adapting your feedback style: The "baseball bat to the head" vs. the "even better" approach. [17:12] Using checklists and clear rubrics for objective evaluation and feedback. [21:14] Mastering the 3 "C's" [24:15] The neurochemistry of communication: Shifting from resistance (cortisol/adrenaline) to receptivity (dopamine/oxytocin). [31:20] Daniel Coyle's book, The Culture Code [42:47] The Word "Charisma" and why it scares people. [48:18] The Prismatic Voice [57:43] How to make something think that you are smart [1:01.45] Closing Remarks Notable Quotes: "My job is looking at why [communication gaps happen] and how do we fix that so that we close that gap and actually get the responses that we're looking for." "Executive presence is the ability to command the room, connect with the audience, and close the deal." "The best way to make someone else think that you're smart is to make them feel smart by explaining things in a way that is so crystal clear." Resources Mentioned: - The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande - The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle - The Charisma Myth by Olivia Fox Cabane - Mr. Rogers' 1968 Senate Hearing (for a masterclass in rhetorical communication) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKy7ljRr0AA Connect with Dr. Laura Sicola: Website: LauraSicola.com Special Offer: Download two free chapters of Dr. Sicola's book via the link in the show notes. https://speakingtoinfluence.com/2free-chapters/

March 2, 20265 min

The ABCDE Framework for High-Stakes Communication

Communication is the bridge between strategy and execution. Whether you're presenting to a cross-functional team or a room full of executives, how you frame your message determines your impact. In this video, Stuart Paap breaks down the ABCDE Framework—a proven system designed to help you tailor any communication for maximum clarity and influence in the minimum amount of time. What you’ll learn: ➡️ Audience: How to identify what your listeners truly need to make their lives easier. ➡️ Business Case: Why prioritizing resources and timing is the key to executive buy-in. ➡️ Content: The "Minimal Effective Dose" for powerful storytelling. ➡️ Delivery: Adapting your energy and articulation to own any room. ➡️ Evidence & Effect: Using data to mitigate risk and project clear outcomes. Master the layer between planning and doing. Because when we are clear, we move mountains together. Connect with us: Website: dnate.com Subscribe for expert insights and deep dives into the future of Biotech.

January 5, 2026Episode 2257 min

Episode 22: The Psychology of Disagreement with Julia Minson

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Dr. Julia Minson, a Professor of Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School and a leading decision scientist. Dr. Minson's research addresses the psychology of disagreement—how and why we engage with views that conflict with our own. She shares data-driven insights and practical tools, including the HEAR Framework, to move past negative conflict and harness the incredible value found in diverse perspectives. Discover how to transform disagreements into opportunities for learning, better decision-making, and stronger professional relationships. Key Insights from This Episode: The difference between Disagreement and Conflict: Why disagreement is valuable and how it devolves into destructive conflict. The Core Problem in Conversation: We spend far too much time conveying our own information and not enough time seeking to understand the other person's perspective. The "Unrealistic" Goal: Why persuading someone in a single conversation is rarely a realistic or productive objective. Alternative, Productive Goals: How to shift your intent from persuasion to learning, strengthening a relationship, or showcasing your competence. The Power of Acknowledgment: Learning the language to make your counterpart genuinely feel heard, which is critical for turning a destructive argument into a constructive conversation. The HEAR Framework: A four-step technique for conversational receptiveness, designed to build trust and maintain a positive exchange even when making your own point. The Vulnerability of Leadership: Why expressing curiosity and receptiveness makes you appear more competent, not less, and helps you become a more effective leader. Episode Timestamps – “Stand Up To Stand Out” (00:00) Intro (00:27) Dr. Julia Minson introduction (01:54) The universal nature of disagreement (02:50) Defining disagreement vs. conflict (05:54) Why persuasion is often the wrong goal (08:35) The power dynamic in conversations (10:45) Shifting the balance of time from conveying to seeking information (13:16) The value of considering context and setting ground rules (15:10) Intent vs. Perception: Power dynamics in the workplace (18:24) The importance of questioning your own assumptions (21:04) The need for safe forums for disagreement (23:17) Thinking about the goals of disagreement (persuasion, learning, relationship building) (26:30) Why seeking information (curiosity) is critical (29:33) The paradox of genuine curiosity (31:38) The HEAR framework for conversational receptiveness (33:16) H: Hedging (softening your language) (34:39) E: Emphasizing agreement (35:28) A: Acknowledgment (showing you heard their point) (37:25) R: Reframing (using positive language) (40:17) The connection between vulnerability and competent leadership (43:20) Why the skills of disagreement are critical for a complex world (45:00) Details on the book, How to Disagree Better Catch More From Our Guest – Dr. Julia Minson ‍ Dr. Julia Minson is a Professor of Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, a decision scientist, and the founder of Disagreeing Better LLC. Book: How to Disagree Better (Available March 2026) LinkedIn: Julia Minson Website: https://www.google.com/search?q=julieminson.com Catch More From Our Host – Stuart Paap ️ Host of Stand Up to Stand Out, a podcast dedicated to empowering life sciences professionals to turn ideas into reality through insightful conversations on leadership, communication, and influence. LinkedIn: Stuart Paap Website: dnate.com Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of the host or this channel. This content is for entertainment and informational purpose...

December 15, 202549 min

Episode 21: Beyond the Loss—Reframing Grief in Life and Work with Melissa McCreery Douaire

Join us for a profoundly insightful and essential conversation with Melissa McCreery Douaire, an ordained UCC Minister and certified Grief Counselor. Melissa shares her deeply personal journey that led her to dedicate her life to helping people acknowledge, name, and process the universal impacts of loss and change—not just death. She introduces powerful frameworks, including the Fish Tank Model, for understanding our emotional capacity, setting healthy boundaries, and ensuring we are present and productive both at home and at work. Tune in to gain valuable insights on: The true, universal definition of grief and how it applies to all major life changes, from job loss and divorce to retirement. The psychological and physiological cost of avoiding grief and how this "presenteeism" costs companies billions. Why active listening is a powerful, difficult skill that requires non-judgment and "holding space" for others. The "Fish Tank Model": A brilliant metaphor for understanding your emotional boundaries, managing stress, and protecting your capacity from external pressures. How to create a culture of safety and compassion in the workplace, and why leaders have a financial incentive to support their employees' mental health. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to navigate personal hardship, become a better friend or colleague, or build a more supportive and productive work environment. Episode Timestamps – “Stand Up To Stand Out” (00:00) Intro (00:27) Melissa McCreery Douaire introduction (01:50) Defining grief and the culture of avoidance (03:55) Is grief always a negative experience? (05:54) Melissa's personal journey to grief counseling (09:12) The power of listening and "holding space" (12:54) The danger of hijacking the narrative (15:40) The importance of labeling emotions (18:25) The "Fish Tank Model" for emotional capacity (23:42) Managing boundaries and external "rocks" (25:48) The dynamics of change (The 3 Axes of Loss) (29:20) Grief is not just for death: retirement and other milestones (31:40) The business case for supporting employee mental health (33:15) Why companies lose billions to "presenteeism" (36:12) How to have "whole person" conversations (38:15) Practicing listening and self-awareness (40:10) Final thoughts: empowerment and positive change Catch More From Our Guest – Melissa McCreery Douaire ‍ Melissa McCreery Douaire is an ordained UCC Minister, a certified Grief Counselor, and a compassionate expert dedicated to helping people navigate loss and change. LinkedIn: Melissa McCreery Douaire Website: https://www.wholepersonconversations.com/ Catch More From Our Host – Stuart Paap ️ Host of Stand Up to Stand Out, a podcast dedicated to empowering life sciences professionals to turn ideas into reality through insightful conversations on leadership, communication, and influence. Stuart is deeply committed to helping individuals unlock their potential and make a meaningful impact in their fields. LinkedIn: Stuart Paap Website: dnate.com Instagram: @stuartpaap Twitter: @stuartpaap Facebook: Stuart Paap Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of the host or this channel. This content is for entertainment and informational purposes only.

October 20, 2025Episode 244 min

Anoushka Shahane on AI and the Future of Communication

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Anoushka Shahane, who holds dual PhDs and brings a wealth of knowledge from computational neuroscience to cutting-edge enterprise software. Anoushka shares her groundbreaking research into how natural language and cognitive processes can literally impact human biology, including cardiovascular health. Now leading product strategy at ProS, she discusses the current state of Artificial Intelligence, how to leverage it responsibly, and why a focus on human flourishing must guide the next wave of technological innovation. Tune in to gain valuable insights on: The surprising link between the language we use and our physical health. The evolution of AI from the BERT model to today's agents and LLMs, and where humanity fits into this technological shift. Problem-solving strategies from academia and consulting that are applicable to any business challenge. Practical advice on how to get better, more reliable, and less-biased outputs from AI tools. Why leaders must prioritize human flourishing over mere productivity when developing AI. Whether you're a technologist, a healthcare professional, or an individual curious about the future of work and well-being, this episode will change the way you think about both language and technology. Episode Timestamps – “Beyond The Lab” (00:00) Intro (00:46) Anoushka Shahane introduction (02:08) The link between language, cognition, and health (05:10) Using AI to predict cardiovascular disease (07:44) The power of the BERT model and its relevance today (10:10) The value of problem structuring and consulting skills (13:20) The current state and speed of AI development (17:42) The AI innovation model (LLMs, Problem Solvers, Agents, Innovators, AGI) (19:11) Using language to create a better future (21:45) How to balance human effort with AI efficiency (25:07) AI’s role in optimizing B2B pricing (29:07) The challenge of quantifying 'context' in pricing (33:38) Practical tips for getting better output from AI tools (37:45) The human responsibility in the age of AI (40:30) The 'expectancy effect' and its link to belief (44:11) Final thoughts on human flourishing and AI Catch More From Our Guest – Anoushka Shahane ‍ Anoushka Shahane holds dual PhDs in Computational Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering from Rice University. She is currently a Product Strategy Lead at ProS, an enterprise software company utilizing AI for price optimization. Her research is focused on the intersection of human cognition, well-being, and technology. LinkedIn: Anoushka Shahane Website: pros.com Catch More From Our Host – Stuart Paap ️ Host of Stand Up to Stand Out, a podcast dedicated to empowering life sciences professionals to turn ideas into reality through insightful conversations on leadership, communication, and influence. Stuart is deeply committed to helping individuals unlock their potential and make a meaningful impact in their fields. LinkedIn: Stuart Paap Website: dnate.com Instagram: @stuartpaap Twitter: @stuartpaap Facebook: Stuart Paap Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of the host or this channel. This content is for entertainment and informational purposes only.

October 6, 202546 min

Episode 20: The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership with George Douaire

Join us for an insightful conversation with George Douaire, an experienced business expert, mentor, and CEO of Stride Tech Medical. George shares his journey from being a high school football star to finding his voice and confidence on the stage, a transformation that has significantly influenced his leadership style and business philosophy. Discover how his unique background in sports, theater, and corporate finance has shaped his approach to building successful teams and companies. Tune in to gain valuable insights on: - The significance of embracing vulnerability and getting outside your comfort zone. - How past failures and challenges can serve as powerful catalysts for personal and professional growth. - The art of effective communication and the importance of active listening in business. - Building a culture of psychological safety, where people are encouraged to share their ideas and feel valued. The importance of a leader's ability to delegate, trust their team, and foster an environment of shared ownership. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned leader, or simply looking for an inspiring story, this episode is a must-listen! Episode Timestamps – “Stand Up To Stand Out” (00:00) Intro (00:26) George Douaire introduction (01:50) From football star to theater kid (05:14) The butterfly effect and harnessing nervous energy (08:16) Combining athleticism and communication for leadership (11:00) Lessons from a terrible boss (15:10) George's career journey (18:25) The importance of self-awareness (20:25) Handling failures and setbacks (24:00) How to build a high-performance culture (27:38) The role of leadership in building a strong culture (30:22) Delegating effectively and managing expectations (32:20) Cardinal sins of an entrepreneur (36:12) Habits to unlearn as a leader (38:00) Stepping into a new leadership role (41:10) The importance of communication (43:10) Outro Catch More From Our Guest – George Douaire ‍ CEO of Stride Tech Medical, Entrepreneur in Residence at Venture Partners at CU Boulder, and Venture Partner at the CU Boulder Leeds School of Business. LinkedIn: George Douaire Website: stridetechmedical.com Catch More From Our Host – Stuart Paap ️ Host of Stand Up to Stand Out, a podcast dedicated to empowering life sciences professionals to turn ideas into reality through insightful conversations on leadership, communication, and influence. Stuart is deeply committed to helping individuals unlock their potential and make a meaningful impact in their fields. LinkedIn: Stuart Paap Website: dnate.com Instagram: @stuartpaap Twitter: @stuartpaap Facebook: Stuart Paap Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of the host or this channel. This content is for entertainment and informational purposes only.

September 22, 202514 min

Episode 19: The Essential Skill to Change Your Life: A Preface to Stand Up

In this special episode, Stuart Paap introduces his new book, Stand Up: How Mastering Communication Will Transform Your Business, Life, and Future. From his early fascination with people’s stories to 15+ years of working with entrepreneurs and business leaders, Stuart has seen how the ability to communicate with clarity and courage can change everything. Whether you’re rallying a team, raising funds, or turning an idea into reality, your ability to speak up is the difference-maker. This book is both a love letter to the power of communication and a practical playbook for overcoming fear, building confidence, and inspiring others. In this episode, Stuart shares the preface of the book, setting the stage for why communication isn’t just a skill — it’s a superpower. If you’ve ever felt that your commitment is greater than your feelings, and you’re ready to step into opportunities that matter, this episode is for you. Don’t forget to subscribe to DNATE for more insights and conversations on mastering communication, leadership, and personal growth. Catch More From Our Host – Stuart Paap ️ Host of Stand Up to Stand Out, empowering life sciences professionals through enriching discussions on leadership and communication. LinkedIn: Stuart Paap Website: dnate.com Instagram: @stuartpaap Twitter: @stuartpaap Facebook: Stuart Paap Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of the host or this channel. This content is for entertainment and informational purposes only.

September 1, 2025Episode 1848 min

Episode 18: Leading Through Experimentation with Dr. Carlos Bosques

Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Carlos Bosques, a pioneering scientific leader with over 20 years in biotech, more than 70 patents, and a PhD from MIT. Currently, he is the CEO of the Food Allergy Science Initiative (FASI), a leading nonprofit transforming the lives of those affected by food allergies. Discover how Carlos' leadership, founded on communication and strategic experimentation, plays a critical role in driving change. Tune in to gain valuable insights on: - Communication's role in science and leadership. - Leading through small experiments for impactful outcomes. - The importance of a mission-driven focus in achieving success. - Effective management of cross-functional and global teams. - The profound science and global impact of food allergies. Episode Timestamps – “Stand Up To Stand Out” (00:00) Intro (00:32) Introduction of Dr. Carlos Bosques (05:55) Understanding the scope and increase of food allergies (13:00) Challenges faced and leadership through experiments (20:00) Effective communication strategies in leadership (31:00) Culture at FASI (37:58) The approach to leadership (45:09) Learn more about FASI and its initiatives (46:01) Guidance for aspiring leaders Catch More From Our Guest – Dr. Carlos Bosques ‍ CEO of the Food Allergy Scientific Initiative, leading strategies in immunology and innovation within the biotech industry. LinkedIn: Carlos Bosques Website: https://foodallergyscience.org/team/dr-carlos-bosques/ Catch More From Our Host – Stuart Paap ️ Host of Stand Up to Stand Out, empowering life sciences professionals through enriching discussions on leadership and communication. LinkedIn: Stuart Paap Website: dnate.com Instagram: @stuartpaap Twitter: @stuartpaap Facebook: Stuart Paap Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of the host or this channel. This content is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Chapters (00:00:00) - Intro (00:00:32) - Introduction of Dr. Carlos Bosques (00:05:55) - Understanding the scope and increase of food allergies (00:13:00) - Challenges faced and leadership through experiments (00:20:00) - Effective communication strategies in leadership (00:31:00) - Culture at FASI (00:37:58) - The approach to leadership (00:45:09) - Learn more about FASI and its initiatives (00:46:01) - Guidance for aspiring leaders