The Agency Advantage

The patient voice is missing: We're here to change that | with Michelle Warner & Sian Feller

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2323528/open_sms] In this episode, I’m joined by two pharma powerhouses, Michelle Warner and Sian Feller: co-founders of The Patient Project. Born out of personal caregiving journeys and deep experience in global pharma, their mission is powerful: to put the patient voice at the centre of healthcare conversations and decisions. We get into why patient input often gets deprioritised, how to break through internal barriers (hello, compliance), and what real partnership with patients actually looks like in today’s industry. 🎧 Expect: - The difference between talking about patient centricity vs living it - Tips on handling internal red tape without losing momentum - How their “Living Proof” programme is changing the game - Why they left big pharma to lead with purpose—and what they’ve learnt since 💡 Sponsored by Pulsetto – use code Agency101 for 5% off 📩 Subscribe to my LinkedIn newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7167252755626115072/?displayConfirmation=true 🧠 Read the blog: siankneller.com/blog 📱 Follow me on Instagram for pharma/biotech careers: @theagencyadvantage_ 🌐 Explore free career resources: www.theagencyadvantage.info 🔗 Learn more about The Patient Project: thepatientproject.com 🌍 Join the global patient engagement community: ISPEP – International Society for Patient Engagement Professionals: https://www.ispephub.org Hit play to hear how Michelle and Sian are flipping the script on patient engagement—and why it’s long overdue. Pulsetto is a vagus nerve stimulator that biohacks your parasympathetic nervous system. I used mine every day for around 5 mins as part of my mental health routine. Sponsored by Pulsetto – Use code Agency101 for a 5% discount on their products!

LinkedIn: Show Up Like a Pro (Even If You're Still a Student)

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2323528/open_sms] In this episode, we’re diving into what it really takes to get noticed on LinkedIn if you're a recent graduate or early-career professional looking to break into the pharmaceutical industry. Whether you're aiming for a role in medical affairs, regulatory affairs, market access, or commercial functions, this episode will give you a roadmap for using LinkedIn as your launchpad. We talk through how to start building your personal brand before you even get your foot in the door—by showing up online like you already have the role. That means thinking and posting like someone already in the job, sharing your take on real industry challenges, and demonstrating that you understand the space. If you're a student, a PhD, a clinician, or someone moving from an adjacent industry like an agency or CRO, this approach works. We explore the idea of “learning in public,” with examples of junior professionals who are absolutely crushing it by reading guidance docs, analyzing press releases, and breaking down regulatory updates—then turning that knowledge into insightful content that adds value. One standout example is Mitali Metha, who’s doing an incredible job of this on LinkedIn. You can check out her profile here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitali-metha [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitali-metha] We’ll also talk about the kind of content that actually performs well on LinkedIn (spoiler: it’s not always what you think), and why personal stories tied to professional insights often get more traction than the polished, hyper-technical posts. I share my own LinkedIn experiments, including which of my posts have gained the most visibility and why. If you’re serious about breaking into pharma and want to start showing up as a thought leader—even before you land your first role—this episode is packed with real talk and practical advice you can start using right now. As always, if you have questions or want to connect, drop me a message on LinkedIn. And if this episode helped you, don’t forget to subscribe and stick around for more. Pulsetto is a vagus nerve stimulator that biohacks your parasympathetic nervous system. I used mine every day for around 5 mins as part of my mental health routine. Sponsored by Pulsetto – Use code Agency101 for a 5% discount on their products!

The Pharma Mindset Shift You Need to Hear Before You Make the Move

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2323528/open_sms] Think working in pharma is just like agency life, academia, or clinical practice, just with a shinier salary? Think again. In this episode, I’m breaking down the real talk about what it’s like to move into biopharma — and why most people underestimate the mindset shift required to thrive here. Whether you're coming from a med comms agency, CRO, academia, or clinical background, you’re going to need to seriously rethink how you work, how you manage your time, and how you handle uncertainty. I’m pulling no punches: from the frustration of endless stakeholder input, to the reality that perfectionism won’t help you here. This is the stuff no one puts in the job description. Hit play if you want the inside scoop, so you can show up ready, not shell-shocked. 👀 Don’t forget to follow/subscribe if you want more no-fluff pharma career content. Let’s get into it. Pulsetto is a vagus nerve stimulator that biohacks your parasympathetic nervous system. I used mine every day for around 5 mins as part of my mental health routine. Sponsored by Pulsetto – Use code Agency101 for a 5% discount on their products!

Job Red Flags You Can't Ignore | How to Spot Toxic Workplaces Before It's Too Late

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2323528/open_sms] Think you found your dream job? Not so fast. In this episode of The Agency Advantage Podcast, we break down the biggest RED FLAGS in job descriptions and the hiring process that you seriously need to watch out for. From vague job roles and chaotic interview processes to sketchy salary talk and toxic "we're a family" vibes — we're unpacking it all so you don’t get stuck in a job that drains your soul  🔍 What You’ll Learn: -  What vague job descriptions are really hiding - Why “fast-paced” and “wearing many hats” might mean burnout - The danger of endless interview rounds - Why you should always ask for the salary band - What ghosting says about a company culture - Real talk: microaggressions and discriminatory red flags - Why “we’re a family” = run for the hills Whether you’re job hunting or just curious about what to avoid, this episode is a must-watch. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more no-BS career advice! Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. Pulsetto is a vagus nerve stimulator that biohacks your parasympathetic nervous system. I used mine every day for around 5 mins as part of my mental health routine. Sponsored by Pulsetto – Use code Agency101 for a 5% discount on their products!

Why You Should Leave Your Agency Job for an In-House Pharma or Biotech Role

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2323528/open_sms] Are you a medical writer, account manager, or CRO consultant wondering if it’s time to leave agency life behind? In this episode of The Agency Advantage Podcast, we break down 5 powerful reasons to transition from agency or consulting to an in-house role in pharma or biotech. Host Sian Kneller shares her personal career switch after 15+ years in agency and how moving into industry transformed her life—think better salaries, stronger career progression, more impact, and access to global experts. We cover - Why in-house pharma roles offer better long-term career growth - How salaries and bonuses compare (spoiler: it’s a big difference) - What it’s like to have your ideas actually heard by senior leadership - Perks, pensions, and packages you don’t get in agency settings - How in-house roles bring you closer to patients and allow you to make a real-world impact If you’ve been curious about careers in pharma or biotech, or want to know how to transition from agency to industry, this episode is for you. 👉 Don’t forget to follow or subscribe for more insights on building your career in life sciences, pharma, and biotech. Pulsetto is a vagus nerve stimulator that biohacks your parasympathetic nervous system. I used mine every day for around 5 mins as part of my mental health routine. Sponsored by Pulsetto – Use code Agency101 for a 5% discount on their products!