Karen Dodson, Katie Hornberger, Dr. Allison Hubel, Rui Li
According to National Geographic, an ecosystem is a geographic area where plants, animals, and other organisms and weather and landscapes, work together to form a bubble of life. At BlueCube Bio, the geographic area, expands the globe as their role is to “spread cell therapies throughout the world,” says Karen Dodson, President and CEO. They are doing groundbreaking research and product development to help get us out of this pandemic bubble and get on a path to cure inflammation, trauma, and injuries where storing cells can mean the difference between a cure and ongoing treatment. Founder and CSO Allison mentions a friend who had the coronavirus and what he found out later of his lungs’ damage.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell is a term to know. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) can repair damage to the lungs, cancer, and other life-threatening diseases. MSC is in one of BlueCube Bio’s product line solutions: mCube. Allison uses pneumonia as an example of how mCube can work.
The MSC-type is being used in clinical trials to treat acute lung injuries like pneumonia and multi-inflammatory diseases in children with the coronavirus, explains Allison. Scientists are trying to determine what therapeutic effects MSC-type have on resolving some of these lung injuries that are being observed right now. They know MSC is really important in treating the consequences from the coronavirus infection. The timing of their product launch could not be better.
BlueCube Bio’s four-person team is ready to expand into the next growth-phase to secure seed monies and increase sales and marketing efforts. The methods required in maintaining cell viability can be adapted to the long-term viability and sustainability of their venture. “Part of the reason we are so committed to this path is we see cell therapies as the future of medicine. It is essential to understand that unlike a drug or medical advice, cell therapies are meant to be curative and regenerative. What we are hoping to support is a future where disease can be cured and not just managed. This is why we are excited, and this is why we are committed to this path,” says Allison.
Allison, Karen, Rui Li, and Katie Hornberger are improving cell manufacturing and the cryopreservation process by making it safe, efficient, and scalable. We discuss their teams’ philosophy, core values, and the management of time constraints. In the Midwest, if you are talking about manufacturing, a popular system for accountability in teams is EOS (entrepreneurial operating system). Find out what they are learning.
We briefly discuss the four products they manufacture. These products are divided into two types of off-the-shelf Cryopreservation Solution Kits. Included in each Kit is a solution, cell collection buffer, a comprehensive technical manual, and quick start study guide. The therapies are for academic researchers and cell manufacturers.
1st Type: The MSC (Mesenchymal Stem Cell) with two mCube options; GLP and GMP.
2nd Type: The stem cell therapy PSC (Pluripotent Stem Cell) with iCube options; GLP and GMP.
Karen Dodson said, “I felt like our podcast conversation was a warm invitation to share our BlueCube Bio story. Hopefully, we’ve inspired listeners to learn more about the role of cryopreservation of cells and how that supports cellular therapies for patients with cancer and other life-threatening diseases.”
If you are a private investor, they are looking for a $550,000 1st-round seed investment. If not, you can provide a resource to support them in their journey. Or, if you are looking to be part of this expanding entrepreneurial team, they are hiring. DOWNLOAD
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Conscious Attentive Leadership Mentoring
After listening, do the following three WeMentor C.A.L.M. Exercises:
- Take this risk: If you are a private investor, connect with Karen and Allison. They are looking for a $550,000 1st-round seed investment. If not, provide a resource to support them in their journey. If you are looking to be part of this expanding entrepreneurial team, they are hiring, apply.
- Apply Self-Compassion: Take a break to appreciate. Do #3.
- Welcome Appreciation: I am grateful to learn the term Mesenchymal Stem Cell. I am grateful for Allison and Karen’s generous spirit and openness. Find something to be appreciative of each hour of today. Notice your mood at the end of the day. Thanks in advance for experimenting with being present and appreciative.
“I believe finally, that education must be conceived as a continuing reconstruction of experience; that the process and the goal of education are one and the same thing.” – John Dewey
Mine your experiences with new learnings so you can reinvent (or evolve) yourself as you redesign your business. When WeMentor… your life gets better!!! Mentoring WORKS.
Podcast Guest Mentor
About Dr. Allison Hubel, Founder and CSO BlueCube Bio
Allison is a key opinion leader in preservation with over 30 years of expertise in the field. In addition to serving as BlueCube Bio’s Chief Scientific Officer, Allison is also a Professor of Mechanical Engineering and the Director of Biopreservation Core Resource at the University of Minnesota. Allison’s research focuses on developing fit-for-purpose protocols for preservation, the development of technology to improve the preservation process of cells, and understanding the molecular mechanisms of damage during preservation. BlueCube Bio stems from six years of federally-funded research on DMSO-free preservation led by Allison.
Podcast Guest Mentor
About Karen Dodson, President and CEO BlueCube Bio
Karen has 26 years of cellular therapy experience working in numerous senior roles at the National Marrow Donor Program (NMPD). Karen served as the Chief Operating Officer at NMPD, where she led revenue-generating operations with a P&L of $200 million (USD) and a global network of transplant, donor, collection centers, and international registries. Karen strives to obtain operational excellence by streamlining processes and mentoring young leaders to reach the overall goal of enriching and improving lives.
Episode 252: Expanding BlueCube Bio’s Ecosystem
Author: Nancy Meyer, MA
Nancy Meyer, M.A., an entrenovation mentor, author, podcaster, and founder of WeMentor, inc. Nancy has invested more than three decades guiding entrenovators and creative leaders in developing the self-leadership, clarity, and resilience required to bring meaningful ideas to life. Her work blends strategic thinking with mindful practice, helping clients evolve themselves as they redesign their businesses. A former entrepreneurship and small business finance professor at two private universities, Nancy has shaped curriculum and leadership programs that integrate research, innovation, and emotional intelligence. She is known for uniting practical business insight with relational literacy and a deep respect for the creative process. Raised on a Minnesota dairy farm, she learned early that work can be both contribution and calling—a lesson that informs everything she teaches. Nancy lives in Minnesota with her husband, Matthew, and their miniature schnauzer, Letty, and delights in the unfolding adult life of their daughter, Olivia. Nancy founded WeMentor, inc. in 1992 to transform the leadership in our country by providing experiential mentoring to entrenovators - where innovative thinking dances with entrepreneurial action. She has mentored thousands and is eager to work with you! Assert self-leadership and get started today! Clients say, “Nancy is a compelling, engaging, and...

