Delighted to share this classic phoenix-from-the-ashes story, created for the team at ApconiX as part of their tenth anniversary celebrations.

Back in 2013, AstraZeneca announced it would close its research facility at Alderley Park in Cheshire, UK—a surprise, if not a shock, to many. Suddenly, staff were faced with an unexpected career-defining decision: relocate to Cambridge, or walk away and pursue something new.

After careful thought, discussion, and planning, Mike, Richard, and Ruth chose the latter—striking out on their own to found ApconiX.

In this one-off anniversary podcast, the three founders and members of the team reflect on the journey from fledgling start-up to a global, multi-award-winning company.

As I researched and planned the episode, it became clear this story was best told by those who lived it. So I took a ‘silent interviewer’ approach—structuring questions and coaching contributors so their answers could stand on their own, without the listener needing to have heard the questions.

I’m really pleased with how it’s turned out: tight, authentic, and full of insight—told entirely by the people who made it happen.

In this inter-season special Paul interviews Professor Ruth Roberts, Dr Park Ellingson, Dr Kim Rockley and Michael Sebastian about their involvement in the Tubular Cells project. Where did the idea originate, how was it developed and realised, and what does the final piece sound like?

Special thanks to ApconiX for allowing us to share this episode, and to Jodrell Bank, University of Manchester UK for permission to use the soundtrack of the electrical emissions from Pulsar PSR B0329+54.

For a graphic-supported version of this podcast click here:

https://www.apconix.com/tubular-cells/

As an inter-season special, we are delighted to be able to share an example of work completed for a client.

Tubular Cells is a piece of music inspired and driven by the electrical output from cultured brain cells. It's also the outcome of a collaboration between a group of scientists who came together to see if they could make an abstract idea a reality for no other reason than to see if they could, how it would turn out and because it would be fun.

In the episode we made for ApconiX on the Tubular Cells project, Paul explores the origin of the original idea and how the key players worked together to craft the final piece.

Click here to jump to the episode.

https://www.talkingleaders.com/podcast/episode/609050b1/tubular-cells-part-2-the-music-of-thought