Run Your Life Show With Andy Vasily

#279- From Refugee to Marine to CEO: A Life of Service and Mission with Quang X. Pham

• Andy Vasily

Share episode

Send us a text

In this powerful conversation, Andy Vasily sits down with Quang X. Pham, CEO of Katrina Therapeutics, to explore an extraordinary life journey spanning from Vietnam War refugee to Marine Corps pilot to biotech entrepreneur. Quang shares deeply personal stories about service, sacrifice, and the transformative power of embracing one's mission in life.

Quang X. Pham is the CEO of Katrina Therapeutics, where he's developing safer blood thinner medications. A former Marine Corps helicopter pilot who served during the Gulf War, Quang escaped Vietnam with his family in 1975 and has dedicated his life to serving his adopted country through military service and healthcare innovation. He's also a recent author and maintains an 11 handicap at Sawgrass Country Club.

Key Topics Discussed

Family Legacy and Service (4:41)

  • Quang's family's dramatic escape from Vietnam in 1975 - marking 50 years in America
  • The three pillars of his life: serving his new country, honoring family legacy, and contributing to healthcare
  • How gratitude shaped his decision to join the Marine Corps despite skepticism from others


Military Service and Leadership Lessons (28:04 - 42:44)

  • Gulf War Experiences: High-stakes decision-making as a helicopter pilot in Kuwait City
  • Navigating through smoke and enemy territory while evacuating wounded Marines
  • The critical importance of psychological safety in team environments
  • How military experience translates to entrepreneurial leadership


Entrepreneurship and Mission-Driven Leadership (47:33 - 55:31)

  • The role of tact in effective communication and fundraising
  • Understanding investor expectations and adapting pitch strategies
  • Balancing urgency in startups vs. consensus-building in larger organizations
  • Why patient needs must drive pharmaceutical development, regardless of economic challenges


Personal Philosophy and Mentorship (59:56)

  • Learning from mentors both personal and distant (John Wooden, General Colin Powell)
  • The importance of continuous self-reflection and growth
  • "Love what you do until you can do what you love" - navigating career transitions
  • How success encompasses resilience and character, not just financial achievement


Timestamps

  • 4:41 - Opening and background discussion
  • 28:04 - Decision to join the Marine Corps and embracing destiny
  • 39:22 - Gulf War piloting experience and high-stress decision-making
  • 42:44 - Leadership insights and psychological safety
  • 47:33 - Entrepreneurship, tact, and resilience
  • 55:31 - Core values and mission-driven approach
  • 59:56 - Mentorship and personal growth philosophy


Connect with Quang X. Pham


Episode Themes

  • Immigrant experience and the American Dream
  • Military service as character formation
  • Translating military leadership to business success
  • Mission-driven entrepreneurship in healthcare
  • The power of mentorship and continuous learning
  • Resilience through life transitions