From Pipeline to Patient: Humanizing Business Development in Clinical Trials

Beyond The Protocol

In this episode, Senior Director of Business Development Karen Harris joins Melody Keel to share how her two decades in clinical research—and her personal connection to rare disease—have shaped a career rooted in empathy, strategy, and purpose.

Karen breaks down what it means to lead with intention in the high-stakes world of clinical trials. From navigating complex sponsor partnerships to staying grounded in the “why” behind the work, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone working at the intersection of people, process, and patient impact.

What You’ll Learn:

• How business development can be a clinical trial success driver—not just a sales function
• Strategies for navigating complexity and alignment in modern trial ecosystems
• Why personal connection can fuel leadership and deepen partnerships
• Ways to lead with empathy while meeting demanding sponsor expectations
• Advice for new leaders building careers in clinical research
  

Whether you're building sponsor relationships, leading through complexity, or searching for deeper meaning in your work—this episode offers real-world insights and human-centered strategies to lead with clarity, empathy, and purpose when it matters most.

Welcome to Beyond the Protocol—where authentic conversations about clinical research happen.

Hosted by Melody Keel, bringing together diverse professionals from across the industry to share insights and experiences about what it really takes to deliver successful clinical trials.

This isn't about perfect processes—it's about real people sharing real solutions.

Let's go beyond the protocol.

That's all for today's episode of Beyond the Protocol—where we explore what it truly takes to deliver successful clinical trials.

If you found value in today's conversation, please subscribe, share with your network, and leave a review.

Have experiences or insights to share? Reach out and be part of the conversation.

Join us next week as we continue to discover what lies beyond the protocol.

You can catch it on :
📺 LinkedIn Live

📺 YouTube ▶️https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondTheProtocol

🎧 Spotify ▶️https://open.spotify.com/show/5tJlyePbEkmXLEPzSPtBcK?si=d209a257a8224056

🎧 Apple Podcasts ▶️https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-protocol/id1798238612

🎧 Deezer ▶️https://dzr.page.link/Wy8E6rSXR7NpR15W7

🎧 Podcast address ▶️https://beyondtheprotocol.buzzsprout.com/
This Podcast is Sponsored by The Research Associate Group, Inc.

Chapters

1. Welcome & Guest Intro (00:00:00)

2. Karen’s Unexpected Path into Clinical Research (00:02:17)

3. Transitioning into Business Development (00:05:06)

4. Why Relationships Matter in BD (00:06:24)

5. Business Development: Not Just Sales (00:07:42)

6. Common Sponsor Missteps in Vendor Selection (00:10:50)

7. How BD Is Evolving with Decentralized Trials and AI (00:14:19)

8. When Research Becomes Personal (00:17:44)

9. Final Thoughts for Leaders Choosing Vendors (00:23:02)

10. Longevity, Transparency & Persistence in BD (00:26:53)

11. Wrap-Up & Appreciation (00:28:33)