Bio Break Book Club: Sleep Science and Change Management

Two men, Nick A. (left) and Nigel (right), sit at a white table, engaging in a lively and friendly conversation. Both wear checkered shirts and lavalier microphones, suggesting a filmed discussion or interview. Nick holds tissue samples in one hand and gestures animatedly, while Nigel smiles in response. Each has a white mug labeled with their name and a purple star logo. The background is a bright white, creating a clean and professional studio setting.
Resources

Bio Break Book Club: Sleep Science and Change Management

Topic: Bio Break
YouTube video thumbnail

In this Bio Break episode, Nick Allan and Nigel Syrotuck share what they have been reading lately. From exploring the science of sleep to diving into change management, their picks show how books can spark insight both inside and outside the lab.

Why We Sleep: A Scientific Perspective

Nick admits he has been working through Why We Sleep by Dr. Matthew Walker. The book takes a detailed look at sleep science, including melatonin levels and REM cycles. While Nick appreciates the depth and the references, he jokes that reading it at bedtime makes it hard to get very far. Despite the challenge, he calls it a fascinating resource for anyone curious about the mechanics of rest.

Change Management and Innovation

Nigel has been reading a book on change management. He explains that it helps him stay on top of how innovation is rolled out in real-world organizations. The focus is on aligning teams, improving processes, and making sure new approaches are adopted effectively. While less technical than Nick’s choice, Nigel values it as an important lens for understanding how change succeeds.

A Lighter Take on Reading

The conversation even touches on whether fish sleep, sparked by Nigel’s son asking about their new betta fish. This lighthearted exchange highlights the mix of curiosity and humor that defines the Bio Break book club. Together, Nick and Nigel show that scientific detail and organizational strategy both have a place in shaping how we think about innovation.

Enjoying Bio Break? Sign up to get new episodes sent to your inbox.

Subscribe to Bio Break
A fluorescent protein assay sample glows under UV light as part of medical device cleaning validation testing.

Fluorescent Protein Assay Testing in Medical Devices

Nick Allan and Nigel Syrotuck explain how a fluorescent protein assay helps engineers measure contamination and cleaning performance in medical devices.

Engineer assembling electronic components during medical device design transfer process.

Bridging the Design-to-Manufacturing Gap in Medical Devices

Your team is ready for design validation. The prototype performs well, test plans are in motion, and everything points to a smooth handoff to manufacturing. Then your partner calls with bad news: they can’t build the device as designed.

Contract Manufacturer Rejection - Engineering team reviews early-stage medical device design and manufacturability during a design transfer meeting at StarFish Medical.

When the CM Says No: What to Do When Your Contract Manufacturer Rejects Your Early-Stage Build

You’ve cleared the toughest engineering hurdles and proven your design works. Then, just as you prepare to scale, your contract manufacturer turns you down.

Black cubes with white arrows changing direction, symbolizing strategic pivots and disciplined commercialization in MedTech exit optimization.

Exit Optimization: Building Strategic Optionality

In Medtech, a successful exit isn’t just about having an innovative device, it’s about building a business that potential buyers and investors can clearly see a future in.