What happens when a scientist’s career leads from the laboratory to Wall Street? In this episode of Spread Love in Organizations, Johanna Grossman, Head of Healthcare and Life Sciences Capital Markets at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Group, shares her unconventional journey from aspiring physician and organic chemist to Yale PhD, healthcare leader at GLG, and NYSE executive. Her story highlights the power of mentorship, curiosity, and staying open to unexpected opportunities—and how scientific training can become a foundation for leadership far beyond the lab.
Johanna brings a unique perspective on biotech leadership, healthcare innovation, and the life sciences capital markets, drawing on years of experience working with investors, founders, and hundreds of healthcare companies. She discusses what she sees in biotech leaders who successfully turn scientific breakthroughs into companies and medicines: fearlessness, passion, courage, persistence, and the ability to tell a compelling story. She also explores the evolving biotech IPO market, what investors are looking for in emerging companies, the importance of human clinical data and de-risked assets, and how founders can prepare strategically for going public.
Looking ahead, Johanna sees AI, data, and digital transformation reshaping drug discovery and development, from identifying new targets and designing medicines to optimizing clinical trials and accelerating the path to patients. But her most enduring leadership lesson is simpler: keep an open mind. Say what you are thinking, have the conversation, seek out mentors, and remain open to where the next opportunity may lead. For Johanna, leadership is ultimately about helping people and companies connect the right ideas, people, and capital to move innovation forward and make a difference for patients.
“Science is not enough. You need to be able to communicate, tell your story, and bring people along with you.”
MEET OUR GUEST Johanna Grossman, Head of Healthcare & Life Sciences Capital Markets at NYSE.
Johanna Grossman, PhD, is Head of Healthcare & Life Sciences Capital Markets at NYSE Group, part of Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE). In this role, she leads efforts to attract healthcare and life sciences companies to the exchange, advising businesses, private equity and venture capital firms, and other key stakeholders on the IPO landscape, NYSE initiatives, and listing venue selection. Prior to NYSE, Johanna served as Head of Healthcare at GLG, where she oversaw the strategic and operational direction of the firm’s U.S. healthcare practice. She led a team of content and client service professionals who organized executive meetings and managed client diligence engagements across all healthcare sectors. Johanna holds a PhD and master’s degree in Organic Chemistry from Yale University and a BS in Chemistry from Florida International University.
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT: Johanna Grossman
Naji Gehchan: Welcome to SpreadLove in Organizations, the healthcare leadership podcast where we explore leadership with purpose. I’m Naji, your host, and I’m delighted to be joined today by Johanna Grossman, Head of Healthcare and Life Sciences Capital Markets at New York Stock Exchange Group, part of Intercontinental Exchange. In this role, Johanna leads efforts to attract healthcare and life sciences companies to the exchange, advising businesses, private equity and venture capital firms, and other key stakeholders on the IPO landscape, NYSE initiatives, and listing venue selection. Prior to NYSE, Johanna served as Head of Healthcare at GLG, where she…
