Build the Company You Say You Are: How culture shapes real-world execution

The Emerging Biotech Leader

In this episode, Kim speaks with Jill Milne, Ph.D., CEO of Astria Therapeutics, about what it really takes to build a biotech company around patient needs, not just in mission statements, but in everyday decisions. Drawing on her 25+ years in pharma and biotech, Jill shares how Astria is redefining what it means to be patient-first, why culture is more than a slogan, and how leaders can align boards and investors behind values that also deliver business results.

They talk about:

• Patient-Centricity as Strategy: Jill details how Astria embeds patient insight across every phase of development; from target product profile to clinical design to commercialization. This is not just about listening sessions or checkbox advocacy, it’s about consistently translating lived experiences into decisions that accelerate development, improve retention, and drive value.

• Culture being a Strategic Asset: With the motto “Patients first. People always,” Jill emphasizes how every function, from finance to CMC, is connected to patient impact. The culture extends beyond Astria’s walls to CROs and partners, creating a shared mindset that scales.

• Board & Business Alignment: Jill outlines a compelling case for why patient-centered and culture-led approaches aren't just feel-good strategies but force multipliers that enhance clinical development, commercial positioning, investor confidence, and regulatory credibility.

For biotech leaders building companies with long-term impact in mind, this episode offers a grounded look at how values like culture and patient focus can be turned into consistent, daily execution.