Acuity + Acumen

New Year, New Vision: Building the Biotech Leaders of Tomorrow with Dr. Bridgette Kirkpatrick

What does it take to build the biotech leaders of tomorrow? Join us on Acuity + Acumen, where we illuminate leadership and inspire change, as we chat with Dr. Bridgette Kirkpatrick, Biotechnology Professor at Collin College, about the future of this exciting field. We explore the vital role of education in shaping future biotech professionals, the explosive growth of life sciences in North Texas, and the power of mentorship. Dr. Kirkpatrick shares her insights on the biotechnology program at Collin College, the latest industry trends, and how academia and industry can work together to solve real-world problems.
 
Discover how you can be a part of the biotech revolution!
 
Ready to learn more? Become a subscriber to Acuity + Acumen and join the conversation! Like, follow, and share this episode with anyone interested in #biotech. Let us know what you think in the comments!

Bridging Public Health and Biotech in Texas with Dr Fred Cerise, CEO of Parkland Health

In this new season of Acuity + Acumen, host, Deanna Armstrong sits down with Dr. Frederick Cerise, President and CEO of Parkland Health, for a powerful conversation about healthcare innovation, leadership, and the future of biotech in Texas.
 
Learn how Parkland Health is bridging the gap between public health and biotech by leading meaningful partnerships that improve patient outcomes and spark innovation. From strategic leadership insights to Parkland’s growing role in North Texas’ life sciences boom, this episode is a must-watch for healthcare leaders, innovators, and change agents.
 
Subscribe to Acuity + Acumen for more interviews that illuminate leadership and inspire change. Host: Deanna Armstrong Sponsored by: Armstrong Walker Coaching + Consulting
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Accelerating Healthcare Innovation

What does it take to transform a healthcare idea into a company that changes lives? In this episode of Acuity + Acumen, I sit down with Dr. Hubert Zajicek, MD, MBA, CEO of Health Wildcatters, one of the nation’s leading healthcare accelerators, to unpack the mindset, strategy, and leadership behind launching tomorrow’s biotech and health-tech breakthroughs.
We cover:
The future of healthcare innovation and what investors really look for.
Lessons from guiding and mentoring more than200 startups.
Why bold leadership is the key to survival in biotech.
The inside view of Dallas as a rising hub for life sciences.
This conversation is packed with insights for executives, founders, and investors who want to understand how disruptive healthcare companies are built — and how visionary leaders like Dr. Zajicek are shaping the future of healthcare.
 
Tune in for a candid conversation with Dr. Hubert Zajicek on accelerating healthcare innovation and inspiring change.
#PonyUp

Part 2: Empowering Tomorrow: Upskilling and Reskilling in the Age of AI

In Part 2 of this special series on the Acuity + Acumen Podcast, host Deanna Armstrong continues her engaging conversation with Benjamin Magill, Associate Vice Chancellor at Dallas College, and Christopher Edwards, Assistant Director of the EDA Biotech Grant. Together, they explore the transformative impact of the $8.7 million Good Jobs Grant, awarded to Dallas College to expand the biotech workforce in North Texas.
 
This episode highlights how strategic partnerships with employers, academic institutions, and nonprofits like the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas are shaping the future of workforce development. Ben and Chris share actionable insights into how innovative programs are addressing the skills gap, fostering equitable access, and paving the way for a thriving biotechnology sector.
 
Key Takeaways
• Transforming workforce development through strategic collaboration
• The $8.7M Good Jobs Grant: Building the biotech pipeline
• Leadership and innovation in bridging education and industry
 
Tune in for a compelling discussion that showcases the power of innovation, leadership, and collaboration in creating a skilled and inclusive workforce for tomorrow.

Empowering Tomorrow: Upskilling and Reskilling in the Age of AI

In this two-part special series of the Acuity + Acumen Podcast, host Deanna sits down with Benjamin Magill and Christopher Edwards, leaders in workforce development and education, to discuss empowering tomorrow's workforce in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). This insightful conversation dives deep into the future of workforce development, focusing on upskilling and reskilling in high-demand sectors like biotechnology.
 
Benjamin Magill is an Associate Vice Chancellor at Dallas College, and Christopher Edwards is an Assistant Director of the EDA Biotech Grant. Ben is the visionary behind the $8.76 million Good Jobs Grant, transforming the biotech workforce in North Texas, while Chris is driving equitable access through strategic partnerships like Panthera BioSolutions and Collin College.
 
In Part 1 (airing December 4th), we explore how community colleges, businesses, and community organizations are collaborating to bridge the skills gap and create meaningful opportunities in emerging industries. Ben and Chris share their expertise on effective leadership, the evolving role of community colleges, and the importance of hands-on, skills-based training.
 
In Part 2 (airing December 11th), we focus on the $8.7 million Good Jobs Grant awarded to Dallas College to grow the biotech workforce in North Texas. Ben and Chris explain how their project is shaping the future of the region's biotechnology sector, through strategic partnerships with employers, academia, and nonprofits such as the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas.
 
Tune in for these powerful episodes of Acuity + Acumen, where we illuminate leadership, inspire change, and explore the ways that education and industry can come together to create a better future.

🌱Bonus: Something good is blooming in North Texas – Part 2 is here!

🌱 Something good is blooming in North Texas – Part 2 is here!
 
In the second episode of our special two-part series, we continue our conversation with Gabby Everett, Ph.D., Director of Business Operations Strategy & Site Head at BioLabs Pegasus Park, and Kelly Cloud, Vice President of Economic Development – Life Sciences at the Dallas Regional Chamber.
 
In Part 2, Gabby and Kelly unpack the future of biotech in North Texas, discussing key initiatives like ARPA-H, the critical role of clinical trials in advancing innovation, and how regional development is setting the stage for the next wave of breakthroughs. They also explore how collaboration between industry, government, and academia will continue to fuel the region’s growth as a biotech powerhouse.
 
🎧 Listen to this continuation of our insightful discussion on the future of biotech in North Texas!
 
🔗 Remember to subscribe to Acuity + Acumen. Sponsored by Armstrong Walker Coaching & Consulting – Empowering leaders to reach their full potential.

From Vision to Reality: Biotech's Blooming Ecosystem in North Texas (Part 1)

🌱 Something good is blooming in North Texas!
In the first episode of our special two-part series, we’re joined by two leaders driving the biotech revolution in North Texas: Gabby Everett, Ph.D., Director of Business Operations Strategy & Site Head at BioLabs Pegasus Park, and Kelly Cloud, Vice President of Economic Development – Life Sciences at the Dallas Regional Chamber.
 
In Part 1, Gabby and Kelly explore the exciting biotech ecosystem in North Texas, from the innovative work happening at BioLabs Pegasus Park to the economic development strategies that are propelling the region’s biotech sector forward. Gabby shares her perspective on supporting startups and fostering innovation, while Kelly outlines how regional initiatives are positioning North Texas as a leader in biotech.
 
🎧 Tune in now to hear how collaboration, community, and innovation are shaping the future of biotech in North Texas! Be sure to subscribe and join us next week for Part 2, where we’ll unpack topics like ARPA-H, clinical trials, and the next phase of biotech growth in the region.
 
🔗 Subscribe to Acuity + Acumen: https://awc2coaching.com/podcast Sponsored by Armstrong Walker Coaching & Consulting – Empowering leaders to reach their full potential.

Live, Work, Play: Building a Biotech Hub in DeSoto

"Live, Work, Play: Building a Biotech Hub in DeSoto" with Matt Carlson
 
In this episode of Acuity + Acumen, we are joined by Matt Carlson, MBA, CEcD, Executive Director of Economic Development for the City of #DeSoto and CEO of the DeSoto Economic Development Corporation. Matt shares his vision for transforming DeSoto into a thriving biotech hub that supports innovative growth, community, and opportunity.
Key Highlights:
• The “Live, Work, Play” Concept: How DeSoto aims to create an ideal ecosystem for biotech companies to grow and thrive.
• Economic Development Strategies: Insights into the initiatives driving DeSoto's appeal for biotech and life sciences.
• Building Community and Innovation: The importance of fostering collaboration between industry leaders, local businesses, and the community.
 
Tune in for a conversation packed with strategic insights on economic development, industry growth, and what it takes to make DeSoto a biotech destination! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes that bring you leadership insights from across the biotech and life sciences landscape.
#SomethingGoodIsBlooming #Leadership #DeSoto #illuminate #inspire #AcuityPlusAcumen

Welcome to Acuity + Acumen

Deanna Armstrong is an executive leadership coach, consultant, and host of Acuity + Acumen. She empowers high-performing leaders to remove performance blocks, clarify their values, and lead with vision and confidence.
With a deep understanding of today’s rapidly shifting landscape—including the rise of AI—Deanna helps clients upskill, reskill, and stay future-ready. Her work blends emotional intelligence, strategic clarity, and a human-centered approach to leadership.
On the podcast, Deanna leads bold conversations with changemakers across biotech, healthcare, and business—exploring what it truly takes to thrive in a world defined by disruption, innovation, and opportunity.
Tune in to learn how to lead with insight, impact, and intention.

Empowerment Through Storytelling with Dr. Candice Lucas Bledsoe

Empowerment Through Storytelling with Dr. Candice Lucas BledsoeIn this compelling episode of Acuity + Acumen, we sit down with Dr. Candice Lucas Bledsoe, Global CEO of the Action Research Center, to explore the transformative role of storytelling in modern leadership.
Dr. Bledsoe shares powerful insights on how authentic narratives can empower individuals, strengthen communities, and foster inclusive leadership. We also unpack the evolving dynamics of connection—what it means to lead and communicate effectively in a world of texts, emails, and digital overload.
If you're a leader who values purpose, presence, and meaningful impact, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped with tools to lead with intention and voice.
🎧 Subscribe now to discover how storytelling is not just a tool—but a strategy for transformation.