Believe in Progress: an AACR Foundation Podcast

Believe in Progress: an AACR Foundation Podcast


055: Accelerating Innovation in Cancer Care through Strategic Thinking - Larry Kanarek

September 17, 2025

Your support matters. Help us take action in the fight against cancer:

 

  • Donate to the AACR: Fuel innovation by supporting cutting-edge cancer research at https://AACR.org/Give
  • Share this episode: Help amplify Larry’s story and inspire action to advance cancer research
  • Listen and subscribe: Find Believe in Progress on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts


How can strategic thinking transform not only companies but also cancer research? 

 

In this episode, Larry Kanarek, a retired senior partner from McKinsey & Company, joins Mitch Stoller to reflect on his high-stakes corporate work—most notably the transformation of Tyco—and the lessons he now brings to supporting lifesaving cancer research and advocacy.

 

Larry talks with Mitch about his personal journey with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), including how pioneering cancer research and clinical trials gave him hope, time, and perspective. With insights from both the boardroom and the hospital room, Larry reminds us that progress happens when compassion and strategy work hand in hand.

 

Episode Highlights:

 

  • Introduction to Strategic Thinking in Cancer Research
  • Larry Kanarek’s Journey to Consulting
  • The Tyco Transformation Story
  • Larry’s Personal Cancer Journey
  • Choosing Ibrutinib and a New Oncologist
  • Starting Ibrutinib and Clinical Trials
  • Achieving MRD Undetectable Status
  • Family Reactions and Support
  • Reflections on Cancer Research
  • Personal Stories and Family Influence
  • Impact of AI on Cancer Research
  • Closing Remarks and Gratitude

 

Take Action: Support Cancer Research & Survivors


  • Donate to the AACR: Help advance the research that saves lives at https://AACR.org/Give
  • Share this episode: Someone in your network needs to hear Karlie’s story, so help us tell it by sharing it with them
  • Subscribe to Believe in Progress: Never miss a story that could inspire hope and action, you can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen


Production Credits:

 

Host: Mitch Stoller

Guest: Larry Kanarek

Executive Producer: Anthony Lopes

Executive Producer: Michael Leary

Director: Anthony Lopes

Creative Director/Director of Photography: Michael Leary

Writer: Anthony Lopes

Editor: Michael Leary

Associate Producer: Heather Holland


Believe in Progress is produced by CollegeCast LLC