Why Most Cancer Deaths Don’t Have to Happen: White House Cancer Research | Dr. Catharine Young | S2 E5
Download MP3In this episode of the Badass Leaders Podcast, host Angela Gill Nelms sits down with Catharine Young, a scientist, immigrant, and global health leader who has worked at the highest levels of government and international collaboration.
Catharine shares her journey from growing up in post-apartheid South Africa to serving in the White House on the Cancer Moonshot, and now leading efforts to close the cancer care gap in low- and middle-income countries. The conversation explores how systems change actually happens, why early cancer detection is one of the most powerful levers for saving lives, and what it takes to lead boldly inside bureaucratic institutions.
Learn More About Catharine Young:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/catharine-young-ph-d-25959148/
- https://x.com/DrCatharineY
- https://alphapodcast.studio
Mentioned in this Episode:
- The Cancer Moonshot (U.S. and global initiatives)
- www.gcf.finance
- The Dash Poem: https://www.angelagillnelms.com/the-dash-poem-by-linda-ellis/
Similar Episodes:
- Brain Cancer Breakthrough to $100M Medical Device: https://youtu.be/ex1hDKRPrxg
- Why Diversity Drives Better Healthcare Innovation: https://youtu.be/lrFVN8oN0g0
Produced by: The AGN Group
Host: Angela Gill Nelms
Producer: Katie Hart
Tagline: Be Brave. Be Badass.
Websites: www.theagngroup.com and www.AngelaGillNelms.com
About The AGN Group:
At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. www.TheAGNGroup.com.
Social Media Channels:
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Want to be a Podcast Guest?
If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, email brave@angelagillnelms.com.
The discussion also tackles questions leaders, policymakers, and mission-driven professionals frequently search for, including:
- How do global cancer initiatives really get funded?
- Why do most cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries?
- What is “stage shifting” in cancer care, and why does it matter?
- How can governments, nonprofits, and the private sector collaborate without duplicating efforts?
- What does it look like to push for urgency inside slow-moving systems?
- How can leaders balance burnout, bureaucracy, and long-term impact?
Key Takeaways:
- Catching cancer earlier saves lives and reduces long-term healthcare costs
- Global health solutions work best when designed with, not for, local communities
- Bureaucracy is unavoidable, but leaders can still drive meaningful change within it
- Bold decisions often feel uncomfortable in the moment but define long-term impact
- Sustainable funding models require creativity beyond traditional philanthropy
- Leadership at scale is about systems, not individual heroics
Themes:
- Global cancer prevention and early detection
- Health equity and access
- Leadership inside government and large institutions
- Systems change vs. individual impact
- Women in STEM leadership
- Immigration, resilience, and purpose-driven careers
- Navigating urgency in bureaucratic environments
Creators and Guests
Host
Angela Gill Nelms
Angela Gill Nelms is a founder, board leader, podcaster, and award-winning entrepreneur with a career spanning SaaS, medical devices, biotech, and clinical research. She builds high-impact teams and organizations rooted in culture, resilience, and strategic execution—helping innovators move ideas from lab to market and leaders grow with intention. She hosts three podcasts that reflect her mission to elevate leadership and accelerate biomedical innovation: Badass Leaders Podcast, Holy Shift! Biomedical Breakthroughs Shaping Tomorrow, and Recovery Advocate Network: Coffee & Conversation. Across each show, Angela creates space for honest conversations that drive impact, reduce stigma, and shape the future of leadership and health. A Georgia Tech Academy of Distinguished Alumni honoree and INC 500 award recipient, Angela serves on multiple boards across innovation and mental health ecosystems. Outside of work, she’s beekeeping, blacksmithing, turning wood, or training—6× IRONMAN and lifelong advocate for humans being human.
Producer
Katie Hart
Katie Hart is the Senior Client Relations Manager and Executive Podcast Producer at The AGN Group, where she leads podcast production, brand strategy, and client experience from concept to launch. Equal parts creative and operational powerhouse, she guides clients through branding, recording, and distribution while ensuring every detail runs seamlessly. Known as a customer experience magician, Katie is passionate about making every client and guest feel seen, supported, and celebrated—delivering a five-star experience that amplifies bold stories and builds meaningful impact.
