Let’s Talk Pharma With Todd Blaquiere

Introduction and Welcome to Productside Stories

Rina Alexin | 00:00–01:12

I am so excited to talk to **Todd Blaquiere** today! We’ll be covering some of the most important topics in product management — leadership, culture, and the pharmaceutical industry.

Todd has an impressive career spanning publishing, consulting, and pharma, including his time with us at Productside. Todd, thank you so much for joining today!

Todd Blaquiere | 01:12–01:25

Thanks, Rina — I’m really happy to be here. This is one of my favorite topics, and it’s great to reconnect.

Todd’s Career Journey from Media to Pharma

Todd Blaquiere | 01:12–03:50

I started my career in **creative media**, leading marketing for several companies before becoming a **product manager at the LA Times**. It was a natural transition — I moved from video production to video products.

Eventually, I was drawn to pharma because I wanted to have impact, learn continuously, and work in a company with a strong culture. That combination led me to IQVIA, where I focused on simplifying clinical trial processes through data and automation — ultimately reducing costs and improving patient access.

The Mission at Better RX — Ending Medication Delays

Todd Blaquiere | 06:25–08:15

At **Better RX**, our mission is to **end needless suffering caused by medication delays**. Everything we build ties back to that goal. As a head of product, it’s inspiring to know exactly how our work impacts real people’s lives.

Knowing When Product Teams Are Truly Empowered

Todd Blaquiere | 08:15–11:40

You can tell if a product team is empowered by how close they are to customers. If your product managers can’t speak directly with customers, they can’t build successful products. Access is everything.

One of my PMs, Lisha Hayes, refused to accept barriers — she went on Reddit, joined Facebook groups, and talked directly to clinical researchers. That’s impressive initiative, but product managers shouldn’t have to go rogue just to talk to users.

The Role of Product Leaders in Removing Barriers

Todd Blaquiere | 14:35–17:00

As product leaders, our **number one job is to clear the way** for our teams. If a PM can’t access stakeholders or customers, we need to step in and open doors. Sometimes leaders just don’t know that’s part of their job — but it is.

Why Product Managers in Silos Lose Their Impact

Todd Blaquiere | 19:25–21:40

A product manager in a silo is **useless**. Engineers can still code, sales can still sell, but a PM without collaboration can’t create value. Our job is to connect dots, not just pull tickets.

From Features to Outcomes — Changing the Conversation

Todd Blaquiere | 21:40–25:50

Many companies still measure success by features shipped. I once told a room full of executives, “If your goal is 20 features, I’ll build them in a month and spend the next two months at the beach. But what do those features actually accomplish?”

We must focus on outcomes, not outputs. Every feature implies a problem and a goal — the question is whether we’re solving the right one.

Measuring Outcomes in Pharma and Complex Industries

Todd Blaquiere | 25:50–29:40

In pharma, metrics are complex. When measuring patient outcomes, sometimes we start with qualitative research — talking to clinical coordinators about their workflows — then prototype solutions and measure improvements over time.

Discovery leads to hypotheses, and hypotheses lead to measurable product impact.

Discovery, Hypotheses, and the Righteous vs. Well-Trodden Path

Todd Blaquiere | 29:40–34:15

The **righteous path** is hypothesis-driven — you focus on outcomes, discovery, and customer problems. The **well-trodden path** is building whatever’s on the stakeholder list, tracking features, and hoping for success.

The well-trodden path feels comfortable, but it leads to wasted money and talent.

How Poor Alignment Wastes Millions — and Talent

Todd Blaquiere | 38:00–41:25

I’ve seen products built over three years and $25 million that ended up with **zero customers**. The worst part isn’t the money — it’s the people who spent years on something that never launched. That’s how great talent gets demotivated and leaves.

How to Avoid the “March to Death” in Product Delivery

Todd Blaquiere | 44:20–48:00

Product managers must avoid the “march to death” by asking questions, seeking mentorship, and focusing on outcomes. Great leaders build confidence in their teams and help them learn, not just execute.

What Great Product Leaders Do Differently

Todd Blaquiere | 48:00–51:35

My first product manager role taught me the power of leadership. My boss told me, “You’re here because you understand your audience — I can teach you the rest.” That confidence changed my career. Product leaders should remind their teams *why* they were hired and empower them to grow.

Closing Thoughts and How to Connect with Todd

Rina Alexin | 54:10–End

Todd, thank you for joining us — such incredible insights on product management and leadership in pharma.

Todd Blaquiere | End

Thank you, Rina. It’s been amazing. If anyone wants to connect, I’m always up for talking product — find me on **LinkedIn**.