From consulting stay at home dad to global CRO CEO

Greg Plunkett’s story is a great reminder that some of the best businesses are not born from a grand plan. They evolve from capability, reputation, and being useful, then doing it again, and again, until it becomes a real company.

He started in big pharma, got exposure across the full journey from concept to commercialisation, then moved into a smaller company where he learned what it really means to run a business. That combination set the stage for what came next.

What I learnt

The shift from big pharma to small company life can be a real turning point. Greg described the mindset change clearly. In a big organisation, someone owns every function. In a small one, you have to step in, adapt, and support decisions at the CEO and board level. That experience gave him a much more complete view of how strategy becomes execution.

Accelagen did not start with a polished business plan. It started as a few days of consulting a week, while Greg was also a stay at home dad. It grew through trust, referrals, and repeat customers. That came through strongly in the conversation. Relationships and reliability created the momentum.

Australia’s clinical trial ecosystem is a genuine advantage for global sponsors. Greg explained the reasons well. Quality that aligns with international standards, meaningful cost benefits including tax incentives, and speed to first patient in driven by how the ethics and regulatory pathways are designed. For smaller biotechs chasing milestones, that time advantage is everything.

I also liked his emphasis on identity. Greg was clear that he is not trying to become a giant multinational CRO for the sake of it. He is focused on sustainable growth while protecting what makes the company special.

What I liked

Greg is thoughtful and practical. You can feel he has been there across discovery, development, regulatory and commercialisation, so he speaks with calm conviction rather than theory.

I also really respected his grounded approach to growth. He talked about culture, mission and the why behind the work with genuine belief, not as empty slogans. Putting the mission statement on the wall so people see it daily is simple, but it is the kind of thing that actually shapes behaviour.

The way he spoke about looking after people also stood out. Wellness days each quarter and a birthday day off are small gestures that send a big message. People matter. Culture is built deliberately.

Reflection

What stayed with me most is that Greg has built a business the old fashioned way. Trust, referrals, steady delivery, and relationships that deepen over time. In a sector where many chase scale at all costs, his focus on sustainable growth and keeping the identity intact is refreshing.

Greg’s story also reinforces something I believe strongly. You give a little and you get a lot. When you invest in your people and stay clear on why you exist, the business becomes more resilient and more enjoyable to build.

🎧 Hear the full episode here: Apple | Spotify

As always, thank you to our sponsors Bora Pharmaceuticals and Lead Candidate for supporting Molecule to Market