Wisdom.MBA - Managing Moderna’s Global Launch, MIT’s EMBA Program & More with Jen "JB" Braly

Managing Moderna’s Global Launch, MIT’s EMBA Program & More with Jen "JB" Braly

04/02/23 • 75 min

Jen “JB” Braly is a hands-on transformation executive with a proven track record of driving large-scale change. Most recently, she was the Vice President, Program Office for Moderna during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reporting directly to the Chief Digital and Technology Officer, JB helped the company grow from a pre-commercial research start-up with less than 1,000 US employees and no revenue to a $20 Billion global enterprise with over 4,500 employees. There needs to be an operations and logistics business case on Moderna because JB’s stories from behind the scenes are wild.
JB is an absolute force of nature with a very impressive resume. Air Force Captain, project manager, lean guru, Poets & Quants “100 Best & Brightest Executive MBA,” and the 1st and only EMBA to receive MIT’s “Graduate Women of Excellence Award.” In addition to all her success, she is also a really cool and fun person. I loved this conversation.
If you are interested in knowing what it was like managing one of the largest and fastest product rollouts in human history or what it’s like doing an Executive MBA at a top business school, then you’ll want to listen to this episode.

Discussion Topics:

(2:35) AI productivity tools for project managers.

(13:01) Moderna and the COVID-19 response.

(29:39) Working with brilliant classmates in EMBA programs.

(46:35) Advice for people thinking about an EMBA program.

(1:04:05) Rapid fire questions.

Discussion Topics:

(2:35) AI productivity tools for project managers.

(13:01) Moderna and the COVID-19 response.

(29:39) Working with brilliant classmates in EMBA programs.

(46:35) Advice for people thinking about an EMBA program.

(1:04:05) Rapid fire questions.

Previous Episode

Multiple Exits, Fast Cars & Saying no to Elon with Kelly Smith

Kelly Smith has had an incredibly diverse career and is a true business renaissance man. 5 exits. Investor in companies which were acquired by ESPN, Amazon and Google. Vice President of Digital for Starbucks China when the company was experiencing massive growth opening a store a day. Chief Digital Officer at MGM Resorts International, Hagerty and now Athletic Greens.

Kelly and I talk about what it’s like transitioning from start-up founder to a Fortune 100 corporate role. His successful track record for building companies that get acquired. Digital transformation and the future of the online art space.

We also talk about German cars, Swiss watches and other luxurious spoils awarded to those bold entrepreneurs who are comfortable taking risks. There is a lot of great wisdom in this episode and Kelly is an all-around good guy with great stories to tell.

Discussion Topics:

(1:40) Fast dad cars.

(6:34) Entrepreneur to intrapreneur.

(12:30) 5 exits. What’s the secret?

(17:50) Venture capital & investing.

(20:18) Saying no to Elon Musk.

(23:49) Digital transformation mindset.

(31:48) Building a new category of product with Athletic Greens.

(38:11) Imagekind and the online art market.

(51:00) Rapid fire questions.

Next Episode

Hemp and Health: An Unconventional Journey to Business Success with Mike Fata

Mike Fata is a true pioneer in the health food sector and a passionate advocate for wellness. Mike's story is as inspiring as it is unconventional. His career began not in the boardroom, but in a personal battle with weight loss and the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle. This journey led him to discover the nutritional potential of a plant that was largely overlooked.

In 1998, Mike co-founded Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods, transforming it into the world's largest hemp food manufacturer, and in the process, changing our understanding of hemp as a health food ingredient. In 2019, the company sold to Tilray for $419mm.

Like his passion for the hemp industry, Mike now devotes his time, energy and capital to helping founders in the natural products industry grow and thrive. Mike has a proven track record of success. As the Chairman of the Board for Sol Cuisine, the company was acquired by Plant Plus Foods in January 2022 for $125mm. Many of Mike’s portfolio brands like Mid-Day Squares and Love Good Fats have experienced incredible growth thanks in part to his mentorship and guidance.

While very busy, Mike still provides wisdom and guidance to entrepreneurs through his podcast Founder to Mentor and his new book GROW 12 Unconventional Lessons for Becoming an Unstoppable Entrepreneur.

Mike and I talk about the early stages of launching a startup in a nascent industry, health and wellness and launching consumer products online and in retail. Mike’s story is a fascinating journey of personal transformation and overcoming adversity with a great deal of wisdom that I think many people can relate to.

Discussion Topics:

(1:48) Icebreakers: How Mike is currently using AI tools and 80s TV.

(6:33) Early days of hemp in Canada.

(14:52) Financing/bootstrapping a hemp business.

(19:56) The health & wellness boom.

(25:56) Investing in founders and natural products startups.

(29:02) Do you launch in eCommerce first then retail?

(30:50) Can the Mid-Day Squares playbook be replicated?

(34:14) Breaking into the US market from Canada.

(35:53) Advice from Mike’s book GROW.

(41:06) How nutrition and health benefit entrepreneurs.

(45:13) Best lessons for entrepreneurs that you will not learn in business school.