Rethink Change

About Rethink Change

When growth is stagnant, culture’s a mess, the brand’s adrift, and the board wants miracles by Monday, Pennebaker’s podcast, Rethink Change, is where innovators and disruptors go for clarity. Hosted by CEO Ward Pennebaker and President Matt Pennebaker, this podcast delivers sharp insights from battle-tested leaders who’ve navigated chaos and turned challenge into momentum. You’ll hear from executives from startups to global behemoths from a wide range of industries. No fluff. All results. These conversations uncover what actually works — so you can think differently and act smarter.

Publisher

Pennebaker

Category

business · business · business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

31 May 2025

Latest episode

30 Dec 2025

Latest episodes

26 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   30 Dec 2025

   Commercializing Science That Changes Patient Outcomes with Dr. Westbrook Weaver, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Tempo Therapeutics Inc

   How do you get people to believe in something they can’t yet see? It starts with conviction, an unshakable belief in the problem you are solving and the future you are building. When you pour that clarity into one meaningful problem at a time, selling the vision becomes less about persuasion and more about helping others recognize what is possible, especially in fields where progress directly affects people’s health and quality of life. Our guest this week brings that kind of focus to every stage of innovation. In this episode of Rethink Change, Matt and Ward chat with Westbrook Weaver, PhD, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Tempo Therapeutics. Dr. Weaver brings more than 7 years of executive management experience and 15 years of life sciences R&D experience to Tempo. He is an inventor of the microporous annealed particle (MAP) core technology that is the basis of Tempo’s product pipeline. With deep expertise in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and biomaterials, Westbrook brings a unique capability critical to Tempo’s mission at the intersection of materials, medicine, and immunology. Throughout their conversation, Dr. Weaver reflects on what it truly takes to lead a medtech company built on breakthrough science and unrelenting uncertainty. He explains how he translates complex biomaterial technology into clear value for clinicians, investors, and regulators, and how staying disciplined around a single real-world problem became the turning point for Tempo’s growth. He also shares why embracing risk, listening deeply, and surrounding yourself with experienced operators are essential skills for anyone looking to lead in a highly regulated, innovation-driven industry. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro to Guest: Dr. Westbrook Weaver and Tempo Therapeutics 02:30 Challenges in Biotech: Finding the Right Problem to Solve 04:03 Simplifying Tempo's Mission: Improving Lives of Skin Cancer Survivors 06:10 Tempo's Innovative Solution: Synthetic Biomaterials 07:28 Commercialization Strategy and Market Challenges 11:27 Expanding Applications: Future Directions for Tempo's Technology 19:05 Lessons Learned: Imposter Syndrome and Team Building 22:40 Navigating Change: From Scientist to CEO 35:30 The Importance of Regulatory Bodies and FDA 37:02 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Topics Discussed: Focusing on solving one problem at a time Getting clear on identifying problems and finding the right solutions Why imposter syndrome never truly goes away as a Founder and CEO Finding the right people who are willing to take on big risks with you How to sell a vision that means something (to both doctors and their patients) The biggest risks in early startups and learning how to pivot overnight Connect with Dr. Westbrook Weaver: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/westbrook-weaver-b106ab17/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/westbrook-weaver-b106ab17/) About Rethink Change: When growth is stagnant, culture’s a mess, the brand’s adrift, and the board wants miracles by Monday, Pennebaker’s podcast, Rethink Change, is where innovators and disruptors go for clarity. Hosted by Founder Ward Pennebaker and President Matt Pennebaker, this podcast delivers sharp insights from battle-tested leaders who’ve navigated chaos and turned challenge into momentum. You’ll hear from executives from startups to global behemoths, from a wide range of industries. No fluff. All results. These conversations reveal what actually works, enabling you to think differently and act smarter. Get Connected with Rethink Change: Website: https://www.pennebaker.com/podcast (https://www.pennebaker.com/podcast) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennebaker/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennebaker/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pennebakerbrand (https://www.facebook.com/pennebakerbrand) Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/pennebaker.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/pennebaker.bsky.social) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennebakeragency/ (https://www.instagram.com/pennebakeragency/)

2. 

   23 Dec 2025

   Leading Change  at the Intersection of Science, Strategy, and Transformation with Julia Chapman, Vice President of Program and Portfolio Management at Latigo Biotherapeutics

   Some leaders grow through intention. Others grow through fire. And then there are leaders like Julia Chapman, who evolve through a rare combination of curiosity, serendipity, and the willingness to tackle problems most people would run from. Our guest this week doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff. She uses her engineering mindset to run full force into challenges and leads her team to do the same. In this episode of Rethink Change, Julia Chapman, Vice President of Program and Portfolio Management at Latigo Biotherapeutics, takes us inside a career shaped by unexpected pivots, from filing records in a Novartis plant to designing pandemic response frameworks that later influenced global vaccine development. Throughout their conversation, Julia talks openly about what it takes to lead in an industry filled with uncertainty. She explains how she breaks down complex scientific challenges, how she communicates value to investors who expect clear direction, and how she’s learned to step back as a leader so her team can step forward. She also shares why understanding the problems above your role is one of the most important skills you can develop, no matter where you are in your career. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro to Guest: Julia Chapman: Using Science and Strategy to Lead Change 01:19 From Duke & Med School Dreams to Novartis Records Room 04:48 Serendipity & Sponsorship: How Chance and Mentors Shape a Career 06:50 Pandemic Planning, mRNA, and Biotech Innovations at Novartis 12:02 Inside Latigo Biotherapeutics: Non-Opioid Pain and Nav1.8 15:13 Why Pain Is So Hard to Treat—and Where Current Drugs Fall Short 17:09 Making the Case: Communicating Value to Investors and Pharma Partners 23:48 Why This Team Will Win: Expertise, Vision, and Smarter Clinical Design 32:03 Scaling Yourself: Letting Go of the Details and Building Strong Teams 37:04 Career Advice for Emerging Leaders: Don’t Fear Hard Problems 42:04 Final Thoughts on Key Leadership Lessons Topics Discussed: The difference between thinking like a C-Suite leader and a VP Leveraging serendipity, curiosity, and relationships to accelerate your career Breaking down complex scientific challenges into clear, actionable strategies De-risking innovation and making smarter, faster decisions in uncertain environments Communicating value with clarity to investors, partners, and internal teams Learning to scale yourself as a leader and let go of the details Creating a sustainable culture that reduces pressure and strengthens trust Connect with Julia Chapman: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-chapman-9319b824/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-chapman-9319b824/) About Rethink Change: When growth is stagnant, culture’s a mess, the brand’s adrift, and the board wants miracles by Monday, Pennebaker’s podcast, Rethink Change, is where innovators and disruptors go for clarity. Hosted by Founder Ward Pennebaker and President Matt Pennebaker, this podcast delivers sharp insights from battle-tested leaders who’ve navigated chaos and turned challenge into momentum. You’ll hear from executives from startups to global behemoths, from a wide range of industries. No fluff. All results. These conversations reveal what actually works, enabling you to think differently and act smarter. Get Connected with Rethink Change: Website: https://www.pennebaker.com/podcast (https://www.pennebaker.com/podcast) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennebaker/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennebaker/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pennebakerbrand (https://www.facebook.com/pennebakerbrand) Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/pennebaker.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/pennebaker.bsky.social) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennebakeragency/ (https://www.instagram.com/pennebakeragency/)

3. 

   16 Dec 2025

   Heart-Led Leadership: Why Mission and Values Come Before Systems with Pierce Bush, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star

   Navigating financial strain, organizational change, and the isolation of leadership demands courage and clarity. The strongest leaders pivot quickly, stay grounded in their values, and act rather than wait for circumstances to shift. Growth often emerges in seasons of pressure, when optimism, resilience, and strong relationships become essential tools for navigating the unknown. Our guest this week shares how these exact principles shaped his leadership journey. In this episode of Rethink Change, Hosts Matt and Ward chat with Pierce Bush, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star. Pierce Bush is an Experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history in non-profit organization management, with skills in Organizational Leadership, Open Book Management Systems, Fundraising, Business Development, and Team Building. Pierce is also a strong results-oriented professional with a BA focused in American Studies from The University of Texas at Austin. Throughout their conversation, Pierce explains that leadership starts with heart, values, and mission, long before systems or processes come into play. He reflects on how his early experiences as a volunteer shaped the way he leads today, emphasizing that clarity of purpose is the anchor for every decision. From unifying fragmented teams across Texas to stabilizing an organization facing serious financial strain, Pierce shows how values-first leadership creates alignment even in moments of uncertainty. He also discusses the importance of empowering staff with information, embracing transparency, and simplifying complex missions into language anyone can understand. His approach highlights how a clear, consistent message not only strengthens internal culture but also helps donors and volunteers see themselves as central to the mission. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro to Guest: Pierce Bush on Becoming a Big Brother 04:06 Transitioning from Volunteer to CEO 09:31 Implementing the Great Game of Business 15:17 Navigating Major Changes and Building Consensus 17:20 Reflections on Leadership and Mentorship 20:04 Conviction, Challenges, and Values in Nonprofit Leadership 21:06 The Great Game of Business 24:42 Communicating Value to Donors and Simplicity in Messaging 28:05 Empowering Donors and Volunteers and Lessons Learned in the Nonprofit World 35:38 Final Thoughts on Looking Forward to New Challenges and Gratitude Topics Discussed: Incorporating a clear set of values before creating systems Building a culture between various entities around excellence Why having a strong network is vital to leadership How to pivot and seize the challenges in business Breaking down a “complex” mission into simple language How to differentiate yourself during tough times Learning to pivot and take quick action vs. “thumbsucking” Connect with Pierce Bush: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/piercebush/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/piercebush/) About Rethink Change: When growth is stagnant, culture’s a mess, the brand’s adrift, and the board wants miracles by Monday, Pennebaker’s podcast, Rethink Change, is where innovators and disruptors go for clarity. Hosted by Founder Ward Pennebaker and President Matt Pennebaker, this podcast delivers sharp insights from battle-tested leaders who’ve navigated chaos and turned challenge into momentum. You’ll hear from executives from startups to global behemoths, from a wide range of industries. No fluff. All results. These conversations reveal what actually works, enabling you to think differently and act smarter. Get Connected with Rethink Change: Website: https://www.pennebaker.com/podcast (https://www.pennebaker.com/podcast) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennebaker/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennebaker/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pennebakerbrand (https://www.facebook.com/pennebakerbrand) Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/pennebaker.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/pennebaker.bsky.social) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennebakeragency/ (https://www.instagram.com/pennebakeragency/)

Who has been a guest on Rethink Change

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Brett Cope
• Maggie Montaigne
• Jim Watt
• Sam Veselka

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

8 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 37 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

43

Social presence

91

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Rethink Change

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.