The Nucleus Commercialize Award is sponsored by cbre
For a career as decorated as yours, what are you most proud of?
Firstly, the lasting impact that Spark has had – and will continue to have - on patients living with genetic disease. And a close second, how Spark has been a catalyst for Philadelphia’s emergence as a leader in cell and gene therapy.
You’ve talked about saying “yes” to opportunities to coach people who don’t look like you. How has this work changed or evolved your perception of leadership.
Well, I believe that genuinely relating to people from all walks of life is fundamental to great leadership. I have always enjoyed learning about other people’s lives and discovering all that we have in common. It enriches my life and makes me more empathetic, a quality critically needed in leaders today.
There was no playbook when you sought out to commercialize the first gene therapy for a genetic disease. What’s the next playbook you want to write?
I’ve never been more excited about the possibilities presented by today’s boldest scientific ideas. Maybe it’s time to develop a universal cure for cancer?
What is the headline about Philadelphia that you’d like to see 10 years from now?
Sparked by its life sciences industry: How Philadelphia became the model for America’s new economy
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Grand Teton National Park, July 2022 -
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Grand Teton National Park, July 2022
When you’re not harnessing the potential of the boldest scientific ideas, what can we find you doing in your free time?
On an adventure in the mountains or rediscovering my love of music by learning classical guitar.
What is your superpower?
Understanding and connecting the dots between complex, disparate information, and motivating stakeholders from patients to employees and investors to support a common mission.
As a kid, what did you want to be?
The quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles - my back-up plan was to become a doctor. And decades later my love of the Eagles and medicine reached near simultaneous pinnacles as Spark received approval of the first gene therapy for a genetic disease in the U.S. only months before the Eagles won their first Super Bowl!
Join us on September 28th as we honor Jeff Marrazzo with the Nucleus Commercialization Award.
2022 commercialize award sponsor
