The Power of Better Questions: How Great Leaders Balance Risk, Growth and Curiosity

What separates exceptional life sciences leaders from merely capable ones? According to veteran biopharma executive Craig Tooman, it often comes down to one deceptively simple skill: asking the right questions.

In this episode of Pharmaceutical Executive’s podcast series Leading Edge with Ken Banta, Tooman reflects on the lessons from a leadership career spanning clinical, operational, financial and capital market roles, including as the CEO of Silence Therapeutics, and shares how curiosity, disciplined thinking and openness to unexpected opportunities have shaped his leadership philosophy. Joined by Ken Banta, The Vanguard Network founder and CEO, and Mike Christel, MJH Life Sciences group managing editor, the discussion examines how leaders can balance prudent risk management with long-term growth, cultivate cultures where cross-functional teams challenge assumptions and avoid the groupthink that often stifles innovation.

The conversation also explores the changing role of AI in decision-making, why human judgment remains indispensable and how today's CEOs must think differently about funding, scientific strategy and organizational adaptability in an increasingly complex industry.

Throughout a career as a company builder, Tooman has helped lead the execution of numerous strategic transactions across the biotechnology sector. He also has extensive board experience, including serving on the supervisory board of CureVac N.V. from 2019 until its acquisition by BioNTech in 2025. Last month, Tooman was appointed an independent non-executive director of Coiled Therapeutics, a clinical-stage oncology company.