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Lucka Bibic Redefines Leadership as a Living Lab

October 31, 2025

From Spider Venoms to Strategy: How Lucka Bibic Is Redefining Leadership as a Living Lab Lucka Bibic, PhD, is a leader who defies conventional categorization. From her beginnings as a pharmacist to becoming a pioneering figure in product leadership and innovation, her career has unfolded like a sketchbook, filled with bold detours and unexpected turns. Known as "Spiderwoman, PhD" for her groundbreaking research on spider venoms and chronic pain, Lucka’s non-linear career trajectory demonstrates the power of embracing curiosity, courage, and imagination. Like the spiders she once studied, she’s not easy to pin down Her approach to leadership is a blend of science, strategy, and storytelling, earning her the nickname "Product Alchemist." This unique mix has allowed her to lead transformative projects in the fields of digital health, biotech, ed-tech, and scientific publishing. As a global communicator, she has used her platform to inspire change and make complex scientific ideas accessible to the public. Bridging Science, Strategy, and Storytelling At the heart of Lucka’s work is a philosophy that intertwines rigorous scientific understanding with creative strategy and compelling storytelling. Colleagues describe her work as a "leadership lab," where the precision of science meets the artistry of imagination, and where strategy becomes a testing ground for real-world impact. This innovative approach has not only shaped her career but also led to several groundbreaking projects and successful ventures. From founding CryoThaw , which introduced novel cryopreservation solutions in collaboration with pharmaceutical giants, to creating Bug Off Pain , a VR platform that reimagines neuroscience education and chronic pain awareness, Lucka's ventures have consistently broken new ground. These projects have secured substantial funding, including over €300K in grants for Bug Off Pain , a project that remains a model for science-driven innovation within academic ecosystems. A Leadership Style Rooted in Resilience Lucka’s leadership style is deeply influenced by her experiences as an endurance runner. Over more than 25 years, she has participated in over 80 races, including challenging mountain trails stretching up to 100 kilometers. These races, which often push her to the limits of physical and mental endurance, have taught her that resilience is not about being unbreakable but about finding the courage to continue, even when the road ahead feels insurmountable. Her approach to leadership mirrors this mindset. Instead of seeking quick wins, she focuses on the long-term, building momentum and resilience in both herself and her teams. By understanding how to navigate steep climbs and adapting to changing environments, Lucka has earned the trust of those around her, inspiring them to embrace bold moves and tackle challenges head-on. Recognition and Influence in the Industry Lucka’s contributions to science and innovation have earned her widespread recognition. She was recently awarded the Inspirational Leadership Award by Springer Nature in 2025 and was named a Global Product Management Leader Finalist in 2023. In addition to these accolades, she has been honored with numerous leadership award, including the CAS Future Leader Award in 2018 and the UK National Entrepreneurship Award in 2017. Her work at Springer Nature, where she established a strategic team to integrate emerging technologies into the workflows of over 3,000 journals, has further solidified her influence. She has also participated in executive programs at Yale School of Management , INSEAD , and London School of Economics , continuing her professional growth while shaping the future of scientific publishing. A Global Voice in Science Communication Beyond her product leadership, Lucka has emerged as a leading voice in science communication. She has delivered a TEDx Talk , contributed to BBC 5Live in the UK as well as ABC in Australia , and spoken at over 20 international scientific symposiums. Through her podcasts and broadcasts, she has reached an audience of over one million people worldwide, with more than 100,000 downloads of her science communication content. Her ability to turn complex scientific concepts into engaging, accessible content has made her a key figure in the global dialogue about the role of science in society. Curiosity, Courage, and a Little Bit of Magic At the core of Lucka’s work is her simple yet powerful motto: curiosity, courage, and a little bit of magic . This philosophy drives her approach to leadership, product innovation, and storytelling. Her ability to navigate uncharted territories, experiment with new ideas, and inspire others to do the same has made her a transformative figure in her field. Her career, shaped by bold detours and an unwavering belief in the power of intellectual curiosity, serves as an inspiring reminder that the future of leadership is less about rigid processes or predefined paths. It is about embracing experimentation, fostering resilience, and transforming the world through science, strategy, and storytelling. About Lucka Bibic Lucka Bibic is a product leader, innovation strategist, and global communicator known for her transformative work in digital health, ed-tech, and scientific publishing. With a PhD in pharmacology and a background in both academia and the private sector, she has pioneered innovations in cryopreservation, chronic pain awareness, and neuroscience education. She is the founder of CryoThaw and Bug Off Pain and has been recognized for her leadership with multiple industry awards. Lucka is also an influential science communicator with a global audience of over one million people. Media Contact Lučka Bibič Dr. Product Alchemist Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: Lucka Bibic LinkedIn Website/Portfolio: Lucka Bibic Portfolio

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