Executive Spotlight: Hyalker Amaral
One Man. 26 Startups. 197 Races. Meet Hyalker Amaral
Q: Reflecting on your career, how has your work as a fractional executive compared to traditional full-time positions?
Hyalker: Being a fractional executive is a bit like being a consultant—but with the key difference that you actually get to do the job. You're not just advising from the sidelines. You’re integrated into the team, helping to implement and execute. What I love is the ability to work across different therapy areas or functional projects, applying what you learn in one area to another. It keeps things dynamic and helps build a richer set of experiences and skills.
Q: With the rise of fractional leadership in biotech, how do you ensure you integrate effectively with existing teams?
Hyalker: One thing that consistently shows up for me is empathy. Whether that’s innate or learned from working across cultures and functions, I’ve developed a strong ability to understand and adapt to different personalities. Engineers, scientists, finance teams—they all operate differently. Self-awareness helps you shift how you communicate and collaborate based on who you're working with.
Q: You’ve launched products globally. What’s been the most defining moment in your career?
Hyalker: I'd say my time in the medical lab device space. It pushed me out of my element. I was working with 80 engineers as the sole commercial lead, launching an automated cell and gene therapy system. There wasn’t a clear playbook, so I had to lean on all my skills—from communication to regulatory insight—to bring everything together. We launched across Europe, the U.S., and Asia. That period was intense but one of my proudest accomplishments.
Q: With experience in large corporations, startups, and advisory roles, how do you adapt your approach to each environment?
Hyalker: It’s about understanding your role in the ecosystem. In some cases, you're driving the bus. In others, you’re just navigating. Even if your title suggests you’re leading, sometimes the best thing to do is step back and guide others forward. It’s about sensing the dynamics and knowing when to lead by consensus versus when to take charge.
Q: What’s the most overlooked aspect of a successful product launch?
Hyalker: That every piece matters equally. Sales might think they’re the key, while manufacturing might say nothing happens without them—but if one link in the chain breaks, the whole launch suffers. You have to step back, see the full picture, and put your energy where it’s needed most to keep everything moving forward.
Q: You’re currently advising around 26 startup projects. What’s one trend you’re seeing in early-stage biotech?
Hyalker: Many researchers are deeply focused on the science, which is great—but often they struggle to articulate the story of what they’re building. Investors, patients, and partners all need to understand not just what you're doing, but why it matters. We call it the "how to say it." You might have 3 seconds or 5 minutes—either way, you need a compelling pitch that connects and keeps people interested.
Q: What’s a leadership lesson you learned the hard way?
Hyalker: Be humble. I often say, "It’s OK to be the smartest person in the room—but not OK to always think you are." Early on, I was probably too confident. Over time, I realized that every team member, regardless of their function, brings something valuable. Listening more helps you uncover insights and avoid blind spots.
Q: You’ve run over 170 races. How does marathon training compare to product launches?
Hyalker: It comes down to mental fortitude. I don’t train for marathons the conventional way, and I don’t approach launches like checklists either. You keep your head down, push through the challenges, and trust your plan. Just like in a race, you’ll hit walls—but you remember the finish line and how good it will feel to cross it.
Q: What’s one skill you use all the time that you definitely didn’t learn in business school?
Hyalker: Empathy. Business school teaches theory, but application comes from life. Living and working internationally, immersing myself in different cultures—that taught me how to solve problems across functions and make people feel seen and heard. It’s been one of my greatest assets.
Q: What’s the most surprising insight you’ve gained from working across continents?
Hyalker: At our core, most people share similar values. Success feels better when it’s shared. Some folks are more self-focused, but with the right experience, even they can see the benefits of openness. No matter your background or experience level, you can always learn something new—especially when you’re humble and willing.
Quick Snapshot:
Q: What do you love most about fractional work?
Hyalker: The variety. You get to apply your experience to new, evolving challenges and constantly learn. It keeps things fresh and exciting.
Q: Favorite place you’ve lived internationally?
Hyalker: Madrid. I speak Spanish, which made day-to-day life easier compared to places like Budapest or Prague where the language barrier adds stress.
Q: What’s your superpower?
Hyalker: Reading context. I once ordered six things at a food truck in Switzerland and the vendor asked me something in German. I didn’t speak German, but I said “Nein” because I assumed she was asking if I needed a bag. My colleague confirmed that was exactly it.
Q: How many languages do you speak?
Hyalker: English, Portuguese, Spanish, and conversational Russian. I can still read and write Cyrillic and could get back to being functional with a few hours of practice.
