In today’s episode, I was joined by Biana Torres, Senior Director of Quality Assurance at Encoded Therapeutics.

I really wanted to speak to Biana because she has built a strong leadership career in quality, moving through both big pharma and small biotech. She’s now leading in the dynamic world of cell and gene therapy, where quality and adaptability are critical.

Biana started out aiming to be a doctor, pivoted into biotech by accident, and has since built a career leading quality teams through acquisitions, evolving regulations, and high-impact projects that put patients first.

We talk about the following:

🎙️ Her unexpected entry into quality through a temp job at Baxter

🎙️ The transition from big pharma to small biotech and what she learned from both

🎙️ Why cell & gene therapy is different from traditional small molecule and biologics

🎙️ How quality leadership has evolved from being "the police" to a business partner

🎙️ The impact of working at Kite during a pivotal time for the industry

🎙️ How she overcame the "no CGT experience, no interview" hiring barrier

🎙️ The mindset shift needed to work in advanced therapies

🎙️ The importance of coaching & mentorship in leadership development

🎙️ Why future quality leaders need to think outside the box

Biana is a passionate leader who thrives in fast-moving biotech environments. She’s driven by curiosity, continuous learning, and a commitment to mentoring the next generation of quality leaders.

Thank you, Biana, for sharing your incredible journey.

Hope everyone enjoys the show!