In this episode of Leaders & Legends, Patty Leuchten speaks with Peyton Howell, CEO of Parexcel, about her journey from entrepreneur to executive leader and the principles that guide her leadership today. Peyton reflects on the value of bold decision-making early in her career, the importance of aligning teams around purpose, and how her dual experience in both startups and large corporations shapes the way she leads.

They also discuss the future of clinical research—from the promise of AI and machine learning to the importance of patient-guided drug development and global representation. Peyton shares how Parexcel is evolving to meet today’s challenges while building a strong, inclusive culture grounded in authenticity, energy, and impact. It’s a timely conversation on leadership, innovation, and the future of clinical trials.