Latest / Veramed Stories / Season 2 Episode 002 - Meet the ELT: Troy McCall

Transcript

Season 2 Episode 002 - Meet the ELT: Troy McCall · Veramed Stories

• 0:00
  Speaker 1: Hello and welcome to today's episode of the Veramed podcast.
• 0:03
  Speaker 1: I'm your host Emily, And Today we're bringing you a very special conversation one that marks A new chapter for veramed.
• 0:10
  Speaker 1: We joined by our CEO Troy McCall To talk about leadership long-term vision first impressions industry shifts on what The next three or five years might look like for vera med.
• 0:22
  Speaker 1: Now if anyone who knows me my background in talent acquisition You'll know i'm curious About how people get where they are In their careers.
• 0:29
  Speaker 1: I love understanding the key moments for decisions and development paths that shape someone's journey.
• 0:35
  Speaker 1: And, that curiosity is going to be a big part of episodes i host exploring people stories what drives them how they've built their careers.
• 0:44
  Speaker 1: so todays conversation isn't just about strategy & leadership.
• 0:49
  Speaker 1: it s also chance to hear the human side of CEOs' journey whether you are part part of our wider community, or simply someone who loves understanding what shape's modern executive leadership.
• 1:02
  Speaker 1: This episode is for you!
• 1:04
  Speaker 1: So now I'm excited and honoured to welcome Troy McCall to the podcast.
• 1:07
  Speaker 1: Troy joins us with an impressive background spanning over twenty years in the pharmaceutical industry mainly leading CROs through growth transformation and innovation.
• 1:19
  Speaker 1: Troy also holds a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
• 1:22
  Speaker 1: Today we'll explore how he got here, what shaped him and what he sees on the horizon for Veramed.
• 1:28
  Speaker 1: Troy thank you for joining me in The Twickenham Office and welcome to the podcast!
• 1:33
  Speaker 0: Thanks Emily.
• 1:33
  Speaker 0: it's a pleasure to be here.
• 1:35
  Speaker 1: um so I understand your base in North Carolina.
• 1:38
  Speaker 1: have you always lived there?
• 1:40
  Speaker 0: No actually originally i'm from Memphis Tennessee which as you may know is the home of Elvis the king of rock n roll.
• 1:47
  Speaker 0: After finishing graduate school in Memphis, I actually moved to Connecticut while I was working in New York just outside of New York City.
• 1:55
  Speaker 0: From there i move to Atlanta Georgia where I took my first role with a CRO one that was focused in biometrics Just like we are at Varamed.
• 2:05
  Speaker 0: and then finally I moved to North Carolina.
• 2:07
  Speaker 0: Where?
• 2:07
  Speaker 0: I have been for about fifteen years.
• 2:09
  Speaker 0: find north Carolina great place To live great place to raise the family.
• 2:13
  Speaker 1: Fantastic, so starting in Memphis and then moving to North Carolina is definitely a journey.
• 2:18
  Speaker 1: And lots of music history like you say along the way.
• 2:22
  Speaker 1: Interesting to hear how those move to shape your early career.
• 2:25
  Speaker 1: did You have a sense earlier on that you'd end up in biometrics?
• 2:29
  Speaker 0: Not necessarily Biometrics.
• 2:31
  Speaker 0: I knew That i would End Up In Some Field Of Research.
• 2:34
  Speaker 0: I've Always Wanted To Be Involved With Helping Develop New Medicines Bringing Those Medicines To The Market improve the lives of patients, save the lives and patience all around the world.
• 2:45
  Speaker 0: I think perhaps it's possible that i did find my niche in biometrics since thats where I started And now its were.
• 2:51
  Speaker 0: I found myself today but...I enjoy all aspects of a clinical development life cycle.
• 2:57
  Speaker 1: That is interesting.
• 2:58
  Speaker 1: like you say You obviously found your niche.
• 3:01
  Speaker 1: It really is such an amazing and interesting industry to be part Just thinking about all the patients around the world and like you say, The different aspects of the trial life cycle.
• 3:14
  Speaker 0: So
• 3:14
  Speaker 1: he stepped into the CEO role last July which is crazy because it actually isn't too far off your year mark.
• 3:22
  Speaker 1: now when You were considering a move an interviewing with veramed what initially drew you to us?
• 3:30
  Speaker 0: so When I first came across very med two things stood out immediately.
• 3:35
  Speaker 0: First was the culture.
• 3:37
  Speaker 0: You absolutely do not see many organizations of this size where the people-centric culture isn't just another overused word, it absolutely within Veramed shows up in retention and continuity In how people treat each other And I really felt that right away.
• 3:57
  Speaker 0: The second wisdom was quality.
• 3:58
  Speaker 0: A one hundred percent success rate across key, quality metrics is incredibly rare in the CRO world.
• 4:06
  Speaker 0: You don't stumble into that it comes from being disciplined In your approach having people think clearly take real ownership and set the bar high for themselves And their work.
• 4:20
  Speaker 0: That combination of People centricity & Quality Is really what drew me
• 4:26
  Speaker 1: Amazing, and I love that you've called out both of those things because both of the qualities really do show up day-to-day in life here.
• 4:34
  Speaker 1: So now that we have had a year or nearly a year to meet teams and visit offices how does it compare with these first impressions?
• 4:46
  Speaker 0: That's great question!
• 4:47
  Speaker 0: And after almost being here visiting our office Those first impressions have really only deepened.
• 4:55
  Speaker 0: I expected a strong culture and what i found was the culture with real depth.
• 5:01
  Speaker 0: People thoroughly enjoy working here, in working together They're steady they are reliable And their genuinely invested into each other's success.
• 5:12
  Speaker 0: You don't find that often.
• 5:14
  Speaker 0: There were some real milestone moments for me early on.
• 5:17
  Speaker 0: Those visits where you can feel the energy of a team that knows what it's doing and cares about doing well, And also What I saw was how aligned people were across the regions?
• 5:29
  Speaker 0: It didn't really matter what your location Was...what Your background was but everybody had That same sense Of purpose..and again thats Really really rare
• 5:38
  Speaker 1: It really is and I can a hundred percent say that VeraMed is the best place I've ever worked.
• 5:44
  Speaker 1: And yeah, lovely to hear you have felt same kind of aligns with your initial impressions at VeraMed before you joined The alignment especially across regions something people comment on it's hard to get right.
• 6:00
  Speaker 1: Have any early insights surprised about culture business model or other people?
• 6:06
  Speaker 0: You know, one thing that really stood out quickly for me was how naturally people here go beyond expectations for each other.
• 6:14
  Speaker 0: Everybody seems to have a willingness to step in and help somebody else or think creatively about a tough problem.
• 6:20
  Speaker 0: It's just built into the way we operate And I think it flows onto our motto of Biometrics Built Better!
• 6:28
  Speaker 0: Also noticed how organized and analytical teams are which is probably not surprising.
• 6:35
  Speaker 0: There's real structure and how work gets done.
• 6:38
  Speaker 0: It is very intentional in all that we do, it really fits the VeraMed mindset – build a blueprint get people on the right seats and execute with clarity and
• 6:49
  Speaker 0: purpose.".
• 7:04
  Speaker 1: So hearing that makes me wonder about the moments that actually shaped your approach to leading teams.
• 7:10
  Speaker 1: Looking back over your career, are there any defining moments or turning points that shaped you as a leader?
• 7:17
  Speaker 0: Yeah I think so.
• 7:18
  Speaker 0: looking back there were few defining moments that shaped how I lead.
• 7:21
  Speaker 0: I think leading organizations through big transformations teaches you stay calm, teaches you to think before acting and make sure always create clarity for others When things feel messy, in some of those difficult situations I like to think that myself is kind of the duck gliding effortlessly across the water.
• 7:42
  Speaker 0: But with feet paddling vigorously beneath a surface but above the surface everything's calm.
• 7:49
  Speaker 0: and thats way we work hard to be running commercial organizations reminded me how important straight forward communication people want.
• 7:58
  Speaker 0: clear target stepping into executive roles early taught me the value of ownership.
• 8:04
  Speaker 0: When the stakes are real, you have to learn fast.
• 8:07
  Speaker 0: and I would say that looking back i've been fortunate enough to work with some strong mentors but i've learned just as much from the tough moments.
• 8:15
  Speaker 0: those are the ones that really stretch your thinking...and I think sharpened your instincts.
• 8:20
  Speaker 1: That's a really brilliant insight!
• 8:21
  Speaker 1: And especially the idea of creating clarity when things can feel maybe a little bit messy.
• 8:27
  Speaker 1: And that focus on clarity and steadiness really connects to sort of how leaders show up day-to-day, I think.
• 8:34
  Speaker 1: So how would you describe your own leadership style?
• 8:38
  Speaker 0: So i would describe my style as purposeful calm and straightforward... ...I do like clarity!
• 8:44
  Speaker 0: I think clarity of direction.. ..of expectations & of communication.... ....i feel like im steady under pressure , i've been told that Im steady under Pressure..... ...and I do enjoy setting ambitious goals But I also believe in keeping things human.
• 8:57
  Speaker 0: When people enjoy the work and they enjoy each other, performance really does follow And we all have a need to laugh and keep us strong sense of humor...I think that's
• 9:10
  Speaker 1: very important!
• 9:17
  Speaker 1: I
• 9:20
  Speaker 0: would say that i've learned from several leaders, people who kept high standards and were still able to stay grounded in challenging moments.
• 9:27
  Speaker 0: But overall I probably learn the most for my very first boss out of graduate school.
• 9:32
  Speaker 0: he taught me many great lessons not only about managing The business aspects of working uh...the business aspects Of what we do but also In working with People.
• 9:42
  Speaker 0: And To be fair Probably like a lot of our listeners I've Learned A Lot From Those Tough Situations And those are the moments that really do teach accountability, resilience and truly how to stay steady when others aren't.
• 9:55
  Speaker 1: Interesting um... That first boss sounds like he made a real impact which really highlights how pivotal certain moments some people can be in your life.
• 10:05
  Speaker 1: it makes me wonder sort of which development opportunities or career moments make the biggest difference for you personally?
• 10:13
  Speaker 0: So I think knowing your purpose.
• 10:18
  Speaker 0: Otherwise, leadership just becomes reactive instead of being proactive.
• 10:23
  Speaker 0: I think seeking people who stretch your thinking don't just surround yourselves with people who are going to agree with you.
• 10:30
  Speaker 0: have people surrounding you that're really gonna push you perhaps even out-of-your comfort zone and finally take ownership.
• 10:38
  Speaker 0: stepping up Accelerate Your Growth And i think it helps a team be more successful than It might Be otherwise.
• 10:45
  Speaker 0: And then really lastly, just always keep learning.
• 10:48
  Speaker 0: Curiosity is one of the most valuable leadership instincts and I would say that i try to learn something new every day.
• 10:56
  Speaker 1: So thats some brilliant advice especially about seeking people who sort of like stretch your thinking.
• 11:02
  Speaker 0: um...and
• 11:03
  Speaker 1: that focus on growth and continuous learning sort naturally leads into thinking about future.
• 11:10
  Speaker 1: So when you think about VeraMed's future, what are the top strategic priorities for the next three to five years?
• 11:19
  Speaker 0: When I look at the next few years... ...I think our priorities are pretty clear.
• 11:24
  Speaker 0: One is we need to strengthen our quality advantage.
• 11:27
  Speaker 0: It certainly has one of our most differentiating factors today and we need keep it as such.
• 11:33
  Speaker 0: We need a scale with intent.
• 11:35
  Speaker 0: We need grow key service lines that expand globally.
• 11:39
  Speaker 0: We need to advance our technology enablement through AI, automation next-generation SCE.
• 11:47
  Speaker 0: We need develop people.
• 11:49
  Speaker 0: we already do a really good job of doing that but I think continue build the next generation biometrics talent and then finally shape vision for twenty thirty maintain differentiation in continued long term strength.
• 12:05
  Speaker 0: So these are our priorities and they will keep us moving forward with purpose, I think.
• 12:10
  Speaker 1: Well that's a really strong and very clear set of priorities.
• 12:13
  Speaker 1: it is actually quite scary how soon twenty thirty years but yeah i love the phrase scale within ten.
• 12:21
  Speaker 1: we definitely feel that in talent acquisition as well We're growing quickly But were making sure don't sacrifice quality for hiring.
• 12:29
  Speaker 1: It still about finding right fit not just filling roles.
• 12:33
  Speaker 1: And that focus on intentional growth makes me curious about where you see the strongest opportunities emerging.
• 12:39
  Speaker 1: Is there a particular area?
• 12:42
  Speaker 0: So, I think the biggest opportunity sits at the intersection of our culture and our technology.
• 12:49
  Speaker 0: Many organizations try to scale by reducing human element but we're doing exactly the opposite.
• 12:56
  Speaker 0: We maintain continuity, collaboration... ...and certainly are very high standards And then we elevate all of that with technology that accelerates the work.
• 13:05
  Speaker 0: That combination, those two – culture and technology is extraordinarily powerful!
• 13:13
  Speaker 1: I completely agree... ...I do really think having that balance of culture-technology….
• 13:17
  Speaker 1: …is such a powerful combination.
• 13:20
  Speaker 1: It does actually make me think about how fast things may be shifting across pharma or biotech at the moment.
• 13:26
  Speaker 1: Are there any trends that are exciting you?
• 13:30
  Speaker 1: or something to look out for?
• 13:32
  Speaker 0: Yeah, I think so.
• 13:33
  Speaker 0: There are a few that really standout and the first one is trial acceleration And i can say that's been something That has been at The forefront of discussions For probably my entire career.
• 13:43
  Speaker 0: But it as true if not more True today than It Has ever Been So To get from concept in A laboratory to data faster Than Ever.
• 13:54
  Speaker 0: We also have more recently AI driven analytics, so we're starting to create meaningful value through the application of AI.
• 14:02
  Speaker 0: And then finally flexible biometrics models.
• 14:06
  Speaker 0: sponsors don't want The same thing that they were offered five years ago.
• 14:10
  Speaker 0: ten years ago They really want tailored solutions To match their tailor development programs.
• 14:17
  Speaker 0: So these trends align Exactly with the strengths that we have in VeraMed today and it will continue to moving forward.
• 14:25
  Speaker 1: Very interesting, I would love to ask a follow-up question about your thoughts on AI but i think you could be here all afternoon.
• 14:32
  Speaker 1: so im going move onto more sort of challenges.
• 14:38
  Speaker 1: maybe industry challenge companies like ours should prepare for?
• 14:43
  Speaker 0: So thats great questions And I think not just in our industry but other industries as well, the biggest challenge remains talent.
• 14:54
  Speaker 0: It's also about developing and retaining that amazing talent and expertise on a really fast-moving field.
• 15:03
  Speaker 0: Our retention advantage obviously matters to clients or fellow verameters.
• 15:11
  Speaker 0: I think another challenge is adopting new technology responsibly.
• 15:16
  Speaker 0: There's a temptation, i think to rush AI adoption and you know it's the new shiny toy.
• 15:22
  Speaker 0: It's really cool And i think all of us use it on a daily basis.
• 15:26
  Speaker 0: But we're going to stay steady.
• 15:28
  Speaker 0: We are gonna make sure every step genuinely improves outcomes... ...and were not just using for the sake of using it.
• 15:36
  Speaker 0: Now.
• 15:36
  Speaker 0: i think sponsors increasingly expect partnership over transaction Which is why when we get clients, We're able to keep our clients because it's not a transactional relationship.
• 15:46
  Speaker 0: It truly as a partnership and companies that don't evolve And address these challenges they are going to struggle over time.
• 15:54
  Speaker 1: That's interesting and fascinating really To hear about how this challenge potentially intersects.
• 16:00
  Speaker 1: So talent technology in true partnership kind of paints A picture what company perhaps should be prioritizing moving forward.
• 16:10
  Speaker 1: I guess if everything goes the way you hope, um...I know there's a lot of factors coming into that.
• 16:17
  Speaker 1: Um but what does VeraMed look like ten years from now in your opinion?
• 16:21
  Speaker 0: Wow!
• 16:22
  Speaker 0: Ten Years From Now.
• 16:23
  Speaker 0: Uh..ten years is a long time.
• 16:26
  Speaker 0: But ten years form now.
• 16:27
  Speaker 0: i think VeraMed IS The Absolute Most Trusted Biometrics Partner In The Industry Not Necessarily But Possibly The Biggest But Most Definitely The Best.
• 16:39
  Speaker 0: We're going to be known for unmatched quality, a modern tech-enabled delivery model and a culture others try to emulate but honestly won't be able to match.
• 16:51
  Speaker 0: We'll have deeper global reach.
• 16:53
  Speaker 0: we are gonna strong service lines in leadership pipeline that will built from within Varamedd And it's still the place where people enjoy their work.
• 17:06
  Speaker 0: It is going to be the employer of choice across our industry.
• 17:12
  Speaker 1: That's such an inspiring vision and so great to hear it from you directly, I personally feel very lucky to work for a company with such talented individuals And as we grow... ...it really is important to protect the culture that we are ultimately renowned for.
• 17:28
  Speaker 1: So yeah i just wanted say thank-you so much For taking time to speak today.
• 17:33
  Speaker 1: I've really enjoyed the conversation but to finish, i actually have two questions that we're asking all of our guests.
• 17:40
  Speaker 1: The first is a classic veramed debate.
• 17:44
  Speaker 1: so are you team dog or are your team cat?
• 17:47
  Speaker 0: Yeah i thought i might get that question.
• 17:49
  Speaker 0: uh well i had to say if my wife were here she would say that she only has enough energy to care for her husband and seven children.
• 17:56
  Speaker 0: So We Don't Have Time For Pets.
• 17:58
  Speaker 0: Well,
• 17:59
  Speaker 1: seven children.
• 18:00
  Speaker 1: That is definitely a full house.
• 18:02
  Speaker 1: I can imagine there's never an adult moment when you will get together.
• 18:06
  Speaker 1: Do you also have grandchildren as well?
• 18:08
  Speaker 0: We do have grandchildren.
• 18:09
  Speaker 0: we're fortunate enough that three granddaughters from my eldest daughter And then I also, more recently within the last year have a grandson.
• 18:20
  Speaker 0: So we had four grandkids.
• 18:21
  Speaker 1: That's lovely.
• 18:22
  Speaker 1: that so nice and just yes can imagine it is such full house and that Christmas super exciting as well
• 18:29
  Speaker 0: Amazing!
• 18:31
  Speaker 1: The final question which i always really intrigued to who people pick for this?
• 18:37
  Speaker 1: actually You could have dinner with any three people dead or alive.
• 18:42
  Speaker 1: Who would you choose?
• 18:43
  Speaker 1: Wow,
• 18:45
  Speaker 0: so if I could have dinner with anybody.
• 18:48
  Speaker 0: Uh...I think i'd pick Benjamin Franklin as one.
• 18:52
  Speaker 0: He basically invented productivity before.
• 18:55
  Speaker 0: it was cool!
• 18:57
  Speaker 0: I would add Elon Musk Absolutely not for political views but mostly to see how someone who builds cars digs tunnels and launches rockets into space Would possibly be able handle a simple dinner reservation.
• 19:13
  Speaker 0: And then I think i've rounded out with a comedian, and I don't know if this translates to the side of The Pond but Will Ferrell who's uh very popular American actor and comedian because every good strategy discussion needs at least one person who is going to derail it in the best possible way.
• 19:32
  Speaker 0: Maybe If I Could Sneak In A Fourth It might be Winston Churchill...I do enjoy watching history documentaries And I feel like he could probably be an individual who can turn a meal into a master class in grit, humor and motivation.
• 19:48
  Speaker 0: In about half of minutes!
• 19:51
  Speaker 1: Well, that is certainly an incredible mix of personalities.
• 19:54
  Speaker 1: I think Will Ferrell is one my favourite comedians and I think Step Brothers is one of my favourite films.
• 19:59
  Speaker 0: Mine too!
• 20:01
  Speaker 1: So thank you for sharing that.
• 20:03
  Speaker 1: Troy thanks so much for joining me today in For Sharing Your Vision Experience Enthusiasm From What's Ahead
• 20:11
  Speaker 0: To our listeners.
• 20:11
  Speaker 1: Thank You For Tuning In And If You Enjoy Todays Discussion Please Do Share The Episode With a Friend or colleague and join us next time for more conversations from the Varamad community.
• 20:22
  Speaker 1: Thanks so much for tuning in!