James Leslie

Pioneer
DISC Type : Dsi

Chief Financial Officer at Formation Bio

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

Overview

James Leslie is the Chief Financial Officer at Formation Bio, leveraging over a decade of experience leading finance for high-growth, venture-backed companies. His expertise spans the healthcare, education, and insurance technology sectors, following an early career in investment banking at Blackstone. He holds an MBA from Columbia Business School.

While specific personal hobbies are not publicly detailed, James has a demonstrated professional interest in transformative industries. His career choices reflect a focus on companies aiming to solve significant challenges, from improving womens health with genomics at Celmatix to enhancing drug development at Formation Bio.

He managed finance and operations at TitleVest during a period of extreme growth, accommodating a 950% increase in transaction volume.

Personality Overview

Decisive But Friendly

Friendly But Fast

Driven But Considerate

They have the unique ability to win both love and respect from their team (or outsiders)  If they are convinced, they can become very strong champions for your product They combine a unique set of diverse traits where they are fast and friendly but can slow down to be thorough when needed

Topics They Care About

Biotech Financing
As CFO of a tech-driven pharma company, he recently led a $372MM Series D financing round and oversees all financial operations, including drug asset acquisition.
Efficient Drug Development
His company, Formation Bio, focuses on acquiring clinical-stage drugs and using technology to accelerate their development, a mission he helps lead from a financial perspective.
Growth Stage Leadership
He has a strong track record as a CFO for companies in "hyper growth, " including steering Flatiron School through its subsequent sale to a private equity firm.

Media Appearances

James has no verified media appearances

Work History

11-2021
Chief Financial Officer at Formation Bio
9-2018 - 10-2021
Chief Financial Officer at Flatiron School
1-2014 - 1-2018
CFO & COO at Celmatix
1-2011 - 1-2014
Chief Financial Officer at TitleVest
6-2004 - 1-2011
Associate at Blackstone

Education

Master of Business Administration - MBA from Columbia Business School
BA from Vassar College

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 20 Location : Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Job Level : Leadership Designation : Chief Financial Officer at Formation Bio
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Insights For Selling To James

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Showcase existing customers and use case-studies to grab their attention
  • Mostly stick to your standard pitch and qualifying script, but add some stories or anecdotes to it
  • Use phrases like ‘your decision will’, ‘you will impact’ etc.

DONT's

  • Don’t hesitate from asking questions or pushing them, but take a formal approach
  • Don’t be too verbose or overly friendly; a little bit, however, is fine
  • Don't lean very heavily into providing too much information, sharing whitepapers etc.

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with James is

  • Nothing less than a strong combination of proof of results, relationship and high levels of professionalism is effective with them.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from James

  • They can say no while staying friendly, but can also be pursuaded to reconsider

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will James move?

  • They are generally fast movers and can take quick decisions
  • Can James take some risk or not?

  • They have high risk-appetite but can get ahead of themselves once in a while. Observe carefully

You And James

Personality Compatibility


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