Insight Drop: Strategic Thinking Over Execution: Redefining Agency Value In MedComms Transforming Medical Communications podcast

Insight Drop: Strategic Thinking Over Execution: Redefining Agency Value in MedComms

4M ago 12:30

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Execution is everywhere in Medical Communications, but is your agency helping you think?

In this solo episode of Transforming Medical Communications, host Wesley Portegies draws from the 2025 State of MedComms survey to explore what pharma teams truly want from their agency partners. And the answer isn’t more slide decks. It’s strategy.

Wesley breaks down the five capabilities that Medical Affairs leaders expect from modern agencies, ranging from scientific depth to digital fluency, and explains why empathy, insight, and operational awareness are just as important as technical skill. He also shares a practical example that reveals the difference between a transactional vendor and a true thought partner, and offers clear steps to activate more strategic collaboration.

Whether you’re a Medical Affairs leader briefing an agency, this episode offers a timely shift in mindset, from output to impact.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

Recognize the five qualities that define a true thought partner
Brief agencies with context, not just deliverables
Create space for challenge, insight, and innovation
Measure value beyond the slide deck
Move from tactical output to strategic influence

Before you hit play, ask yourself: Is your agency just doing the work, or helping you make smarter decisions?

Cut Through the Noise. Elevate Your Strategy.
Guiding Medical Affairs strategy across Medical Communications, Field Medical, or Medical Affairs Training? Wesley Portegies, host of Transforming Medical Communications, is opening up a few exclusive 30-minute consultancy sessions.

This is a candid, insight-rich opportunity to step back from the day-to-day, pressure-test your approach, and explore fresh solutions to complex MedComms challenges—from scientific engagement to operational alignment.

If you’re shaping the future of Medical Affairs at your organization, this conversation is for you.

Reserve your session → Schedule now https://bit.ly/4n1R62l

Previous guests include: Sissy Easo-Joseph at GSK, Barbara Bish at Janssen, Drew Provan at Queen Mary University, Rebecca McCracken at Agios Pharmaceuticals
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Disclaimer: The opinions and views expressed by the guest are their own and do not represent any past or current employers.

31 episodes