Rethink Change

How do you get people to believe in something they can’t yet see? It starts with conviction, an unshakable belief in the problem you are solving and the future you are building. When you pour that clarity into one meaningful problem at a time, selling the vision becomes less about persuasion and more about helping others recognize what is possible, especially in fields where progress directly affects people’s health and quality of life. Our guest this week brings that kind of focus to every stage of innovation. In this episode of Rethink Change, Matt and Ward chat with Westbrook Weaver, PhD, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Tempo Therapeutics. Dr. Weaver brings more than 7 years of executive management experience and 15 years of life sciences R&D experience to Tempo. He is an inventor of the microporous annealed particle (MAP) core technology that is the basis of Tempo’s product pipeline. With deep expertise in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and biomaterials, Westbrook brings a unique capability critical to Tempo’s mission at the intersection of materials, medicine, and immunology. Throughout their conversation, Dr. Weaver reflects on what it truly takes to lead a medtech company built on breakthrough science and unrelenting uncertainty. He explains how he translates complex biomaterial technology into clear value for clinicians, investors, and regulators, and how staying disciplined around a single real-world problem became the turning point for Tempo’s growth.  He also shares why embracing risk, listening deeply, and surrounding yourself with experienced operators are essential skills for anyone looking to lead in a highly regulated, innovation-driven industry. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro to Guest: Dr. Westbrook Weaver and Tempo Therapeutics 02:30 Challenges in Biotech: Finding the Right Problem to Solve 04:03 Simplifying Tempo's Mission: Improving Lives of Skin Cancer Survivors 06:10 Tempo's Innovative Solution: Synthetic Biomaterials 07:28 Commercialization Strategy and Market Challenges 11:27 Expanding Applications: Future Directions for Tempo's Technology 19:05 Lessons Learned: Imposter Syndrome and Team Building 22:40 Navigating Change: From Scientist to CEO 35:30 The Importance of Regulatory Bodies and FDA 37:02 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Topics Discussed:  Focusing on solving one problem at a timeGetting clear on identifying problems and finding the right solutionsWhy imposter syndrome never truly goes away as a Founder and CEOFinding the right people who are willing to take on big risks with youHow to sell a vision that means something (to both doctors and their patients)The biggest risks in early startups and learning how to pivot overnightConnect with Dr. Westbrook Weaver:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/westbrook-weaver-b106ab17/  About Rethink Change: When growth is stagnant, culture’s a mess, the brand’s adrift, and the board wants miracles by Monday, Pennebaker’s podcast, Rethink Change, is where innovators and disruptors go for clarity. Hosted by Founder Ward Pennebaker and President Matt Pennebaker, this podcast delivers sharp insights from battle-tested leaders who’ve navigated chaos and turned challenge into momentum. You’ll hear from executives from startups to global behemoths, from a wide range of industries. No fluff. All results. These conversations reveal what actually works, enabling you to think differently and act smarter. Get Connected with Rethink Change: Website: https://www.pennebaker.com/podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennebaker/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pennebakerbrandBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/pennebaker.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennebakeragency/