In this episode of Life Science Talent Talks, Thomas Kirkegaard Jensen, CEO of Amplify Therapeutics and a seasoned entrepreneur in the life science startup world, joins Søren for an in-depth conversation about building healthy company culture in high-pressure environments.
Drawing on over 15 years of experience—including his pivotal role at Orphazyme, where he contributed to the development and FDA approval of a groundbreaking rare disease treatment (now part of Zevra Therapeutics through acquisition)
The discussion explores how to foster trust-based, high-performance cultures, with a focus on psychological safety, clear communication, competence mapping, and managing the organizational challenges that come with growth. Thomas reflects on his leadership style, the importance of understanding personal strengths and blind spots, and the tools and systems he uses to shape team culture intentionally.
Thomas shares practical insights on when to begin deliberately cultivating culture, how Amplify Therapeutics approaches team dynamics, and the key lessons he’s learned from leading in both startup and scale-up phases.
The conversation also touches on milestones in team development and R&D, and Thomas’s vision for the company’s future.
This episode is especially relevant for startup leaders and life science professionals interested in entrepreneurship, innovation, and building strong, sustainable teams in complex, high-stakes environments.
Timestamp and Shownotes:
00:43 – Thomas’s Journey in Biotech
02:04 – Deep Dive into Amplify Therapeutics
06:53 – The Birth of Amplify Therapeutics
16:40 – Building a Healthy Startup Culture
34:23 – Specialization and Responsibility Shifts
35:33 – Leadership and Organizational Growth
38:05 – Competence Mapping and Skills Assessment
39:33 – Trust and Communication in Teams
45:22 – Balancing Fast Decisions with Thoughtfulness
52:28 – Reflections on Achievements and Culture
55:18 – Advice for First-Time CEOs
56:43 – Future Challenges and Opportunities
58:15 – Support and Career Opportunities
01:02:39 – The Reality of Working in Biotech
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Warm Regards from your podcast hosts: Nehar Mortuza and Søren Spanner Bach
