Author: [AUTHOR] Published on 1/1/2026 12:00:00 AM
Thaddeus (Ted) Grasela, PharmD, PhD, Managing Director, Azimuth Global Health Consulting, LLC, Amherst, NY
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
Being the founder and architect of Cognigen. Designing the modeling and simulation workflows enabled talented individuals to deliver results that shaped drug development and regulatory decisions. Watching our work influence critical decisions in bringing new therapies to patients is deeply rewarding.
What is the most important leadership lesson that you have learned the hard way?
Managing ego – both my own and others’. While confidence drives courage to tackle complex problems, unchecked ego breeds mistrust that undermines success. True leadership balances self-assurance with humility.
Who has inspired you in your career?
Lewis Sheiner set me on my career path. He integrated mathematics and statistics for modeling and simulation, developed accessible software, and inspired clinical pharmacology to embrace these tools – fundamentally transforming how we assess risk and benefit in drug development, regulatory review, and clinical practice.
What has been the greatest challenge in your career?
Recognizing that I had agency to effect change was the greatest challenge. Early on, I focused on executing tasks rather than questioning processes. Choosing to innovate rather than to complain transformed both my career and my teams.
Do you have a favorite tip or trick that you want to share with fellow members?
Trust your intuition and encourage others to do the same. That little voice saying something is not right often reveals hidden issues and breakthrough insights. Create environments where people feel safe voicing concerns.
How do you keep focused and motivated?
When you see work as creating futures worth living in, frustrations and tedious details become meaningful steps forward. Everyone should find a “big reason”–the deeper purpose behind every challenge–and remember that you are not just analyzing data; you are building a better world.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?br> Two years ago, I started piano lessons and recently performed two jazz classics, “Take Five” and “Moanin’”, at a student recital.
When you are not working, how do you spend your free time?
Sharing in the unbridled joy that comes from laughing and playing with my grandchildren.
What was your childhood dream job?
Architect. I was fascinated by Buckminster Fuller’s tensegrity concept – building structures that defy gravity and convention.
Dr Grasela has been a member of ASCPT since 1984.
