Episode 1: Meet Dr. Tony Coles
Launch Date: July 10, 2026
In our inaugural episode, Rob Perez sits down with Dr. Tony Coles—physician, entrepreneur, biotech executive, and one of the industry's most respected leaders—for a candid conversation on leadership, innovation, and building a lasting legacy.
Together, they explore Dr. Coles' remarkable career journey, the lessons he's learned leading some of the world's most influential life sciences organizations, and the responsibility leaders have to create opportunities for those who follow. From navigating the evolving biotechnology landscape to reflecting on the importance of purpose, mentorship, and resilience, this conversation offers timeless insights for professionals at every stage of their careers.
Whether you're an aspiring leader, seasoned executive, or simply passionate about the future of healthcare, this episode provides an inspiring look at what it takes to lead with vision, integrity, and impact.
Our Team
Meet The Host, Rob Perez
Co-Founder & Chairman of the Board at BLOCRob Perez is a biopharmaceutical executive, entrepreneur, and community leader with more than 30 years of experience building organizations and advancing innovation across the life sciences industry. He is the Co-Founder of BLOC (Biopharma Leaders of Color) and the Founder and Chairman of Life Science Cares, two organizations dedicated to expanding opportunity, strengthening communities, and developing the next generation of life sciences leaders.
Previously, Rob served as President and CEO of Cubist Pharmaceuticals, where he led the company through a period of significant growth before its acquisition by Merck in 2015. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles at Biogen and today serves as a Senior Advisor at General Atlantic, where he advises life sciences investments and portfolio companies. He also serves on the boards of several biotechnology companies and nonprofit organizations, including the Board of Trustees of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
As host of the BLOC Podcast, Rob brings together the executives, entrepreneurs, scientists, investors, and changemakers shaping the future of biotechnology and healthcare. Through thoughtful conversations, he explores leadership, innovation, career journeys, and the ideas transforming the life sciences ecosystem.
2026 Marshall Scholar, Former Analyst at DeciBioMeet The Executive Producer, Tomi Siyanbade
Edith "Tomi" Siyanbade is a life sciences analyst, researcher, and science communicator whose work sits at the intersection of biotechnology, global health, and innovation. A graduate of Harvard University, where she studied Molecular and Cellular Biology with a secondary in Global Health and Health Policy, Tomi was named a 2026 Marshall Scholar and will pursue a D.Phil. in Clinical Medicine at the University of Oxford. Her research has focused on infectious disease diagnostics, vaccine development, pandemic preparedness, and strengthening global health infrastructure, with a particular emphasis on equitable access to healthcare.
Professionally, Tomi advises biotechnology and pharmaceutical organizations on molecular diagnostics and commercialization strategy while remaining deeply committed to mentorship, education, and scientific storytelling. As Executive Producer of the BLOC Podcast, she helps shape conversations that spotlight the leaders, ideas, and innovations driving the future of biotechnology and healthcare.