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Michael Pietrack

Michael Pietrack

Practice Lead

Michael Pietrack is the managing director of Kaye/Bassman International’s life sciences recruiting practice. He is also the host of “The Pharmaverse Podcast,” featuring candid conversations with biopharma leaders on leadership, careers and culture. You can follow him on LinkedIn.  

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Career Advice
When Senior Leaders Are Asked To Carry Too Much
With leaner teams and tighter budgets, senior leaders can face tremendous strain as they juggle increased workloads and leadership responsibilities. In this column, Kaye/Bassman’s Michael Pietrack discusses how pressure builds and what can ease it.
February 18, 2026
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5 min read
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Michael Pietrack
Contemporary art collage. Creative design. Group of young people, employees walking down to start new business. Personal growth. Concept of business, career development, success, growth, occupation
Leadership
The Four Employment Agreement Questions Every Pharma Executive Must Ask
Clarity on employment terms is essential to protect careers. In this column, Kaye/Bassman’s Michael Pietrack speaks to employment attorney Howard Matalon, JD, partner at OlenderFeldman, on how to evaluate the fine print of an employment agreement.
December 18, 2025
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6 min read
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Michael Pietrack
Employees walk toward exit
Leadership
Leadership Lab: How To Spot When Employees Are About To Walk Away
Employees rarely leave companies for one reason alone. In this column, Kaye/Bassman’s Michael Pietrack shares a framework that helps leaders identify when their team members are thinking about heading for the exit—and how to address it.
October 22, 2025
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7 min read
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Michael Pietrack
Illustration showing conversation during interview
Career Advice
Leadership Lab: 4 Ways Biopharma Leaders Can Prepare for Media Interviews
Media coverage can help biopharma executives connect with, inform and inspire the public. In this column, Kaye/Bassman’s Michael Pietrack and three communications experts share how to make the most of these opportunities.
August 20, 2025
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6 min read
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Michael Pietrack
Illustration of red paper plane leading white paper planes up into the sky
Career Advice
Leadership Lab: 5 Ways Biopharma Execs Can Restore Trust, Retain Talent After Layoffs
In the latest installment of his column, Kaye/Bassman’s Michael Pietrack shares five ways leaders can help their teams after a layoff, from acknowledging emotions to reestablishing culture.
June 25, 2025
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4 min read
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Michael Pietrack
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Leadership
Leadership Lab: 9 Tips for Fully Benefiting From an Executive Coach
Learn how to extract the full value from executive coaching, starting with being open and honest with your coach.
April 30, 2025
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4 min read
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Michael Pietrack
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Leadership
Leadership Lab: Take a Cue From Athletes by Working With an Executive Coach
Executive coaches can help executives take their game to the next level in four key ways, from improving their self-awareness to reshaping their thinking.
February 19, 2025
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6 min read
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Michael Pietrack
Illustration shows leader watering employees on branch
Leadership
Leading From the Front: 3 Leadership Lessons From Mark Cuban
Businessman and entrepreneur Mark Cuban recently discussed leadership with Leadership Lab columnist Michael Pietrack. The three lessons that came out of that conversation start with one word: caring.
December 17, 2024
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6 min read
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Michael Pietrack
Illustration showing executive staying visible while between jobs
Leadership
Leadership Lab: 10 Ways Executives Can Stay Visible, Valuable Between Jobs
For biopharma executives who are between roles, navigating the transitionary time can be challenging. However, they can remain visible and valuable so they’re ready to seize their next big opportunity.
October 22, 2024
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5 min read
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Michael Pietrack
Website, money and target
Leadership
Leadership Lab: 5 Steps for Building Your Personal Brand
By building and nurturing a strong personal brand, you can benefit in multiple ways, including enhancing your credibility, attracting opportunities and inspiring investor confidence.
August 19, 2024
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5 min read
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Michael Pietrack