In this inaugural Season 3 episode, Dr. Paul Peter Tak, MD PhD FMedSci, shares his journey from rheumatologist and academic to biotech leader, framed by a central purpose: to transform cancer care with truly impactful medicine.
In this episode, Tak reflects on key themes that define mindful leadership, resilient innovation, and scientific courage.
From Clinic to CEO
Tak starts by revisiting his early medical calling—treating patients first-hand in Amsterdam—which shaped his values around translational science. He credits a pivotal mentor whose guidance helped pivot his career from academia into executive roles at GSK, where he became Head of Immunology and Global R&D portfolio lead. At GSK, he cultivated the “Immunology Network,” a strategic bridge between pharma and academic research.
Why Candel?
Tak chose Candel Therapeutics for its agility and mission alignment. He recounts how the company nearly got delisted from NASDAQ before refocusing on signature assets like CAN‑2409, a viral immunotherapy showing promising results in prostate, lung, and pancreatic cancers, even in chemo or radiation-resistant cases. The episode delves into how patient impact, not incremental metrics—shaped the turnaround strategy and investor confidence.
A “Bloody-Obvious Test” in Innovation
A core philosophy Tak shares is the “Bloody Obvious Test”: innovation must deliver material benefit, not just statistical significance. He pushed early clinical trials in experimental medicine to deliver dense, high-quality data, even with small patient cohorts, to rapidly learn whether a therapy could genuinely transform lives. This discipline enabled early program termination and resource reallocation, when clinical outcomes didn’t align with molecular targets.
Reframing Failure as Fuel for Growth
In a candid segment, Tak discusses a failure he’s proud of: the shutdown of the ribbon kinase development program at GSK. Despite excellent chemistry and target engagement, the trial lacked meaningful patient outcomes. By stopping it early, he preserved credibility, resources, and focus for more promising programs. He mentors others to see failure not as defeat but as opportunity, an essential part of innovation and self-discovery.
The Mindful Leadership Challenge
Tak offers a reflective challenge to leaders: “Could you do what you do today in a fundamentally different way? Not for novelty, but as a thought experiment.” He stresses questioning status quo, not necessarily to change, but to break mental boundaries and unlock creativity
