Why Most Cancer Deaths Don’t Have to Happen: White House Cancer Research | Dr. Catharine Young | S2 E5

In 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.

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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