CEO Today USA Awards

75 www.ceotodaymagazine.com CEO Today USAAwards 2018 MASSACHUSETTS business as well as scientifically proficient. A rounded set of skills is critical for the success of any leader. Dr. Menzel has used his diverse background not only to drive TCR 2 forward but to identify the talent who can translate ideas into sustainable actions. He is a true believer in the power of teams and sees his chief role as providing the tools that enable the scientists of TCR 2 to do the incredible work that leads to breakthrough innovations. One of the key traits that Dr. Menzel looks for in potential recruits is passion. People do their best work when they are passionate about what they are doing – they will put in the extra effort that is usually required to achieve something meaningful. The mantra in the company is to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients by building a fully integrated immunotherapy company. Even their charity work is dedicated to causes that help cancer patients. Success requires a range of personalities but Dr. Menzel has streamlined the hiring and review forms so that they are consistent and emphasize the core values of the company – passion, team, work ethic, leadership, technical expertise and a specific focus on achieving goals. And he encourages people to be open with one another and have fun. As a result, the company has rapidly attracted a management team with a strong track record of relevant accomplishments. Having been founded by Dr. Patrick Baeuerle, a world-renowned immunologist, it was left to Dr. Menzel to build out the team. TCR 2 currently has 45 employees operating out of a new facility in Kendall Square and many have either been involved in the approval of other drugs or worked on immunotherapy programs in development. One other key trait that Dr. Menzel possesses and looks for in potential recruits is staying power. Biotechnology is a tough business with a high failure rate and requires people who are talented but also able to recover from setbacks. His own discipline was honed in the mountains. Climbing big peaks around the world causes significant hardship but brings reward in the summits. He is currently training to run the Boston Marathon for the first time. As he will tell you, however, that is nothing compared with the long distances and dedication required from the TCR 2 team to have the chance of curing cancer with TRuC-T cell therapies.