In this episode of Innovating Clinical Trials, Liam and Ted explore why building strong relationships with clinical trial sites requires more than dedicated relationship teams, it requires fixing problems at their source.

They discuss how many site challenges stem from outdated processes, one-sided agreements, and preventable operational friction that relationship teams are left to manage after the fact. Using real-world examples from confidentiality agreements to lab and portal issues, the conversation highlights the need for sponsors and CROs to look inward, modernize systems, and address root causes before sites feel the impact.

This episode is for professionals looking for a practical perspective on how proactive leadership, smarter vendor decisions, and more thoughtful processes can reduce site burden, improve trust, and strengthen trial execution.

Tune in to learn why the future of site engagement depends on prevention, not escalation.

In this episode of Innovating Clinical Trials, Liam and Ted explore what determines the trajectory of a clinical trial and why success often depends on preparation, collaboration, and the ability to adapt when things don’t go as planned. They discuss how factors outside a site’s control, such as vendor selection and monitoring approaches, can significantly influence trial momentum.

Through real-world examples, the conversation highlights how thoughtful planning, supportive site interactions, and small human touches can have an impact on study performance.

Tune in to learn how anticipating challenges and strengthening collaboration can help keep trials moving steadily toward their goals.

In this episode of Innovating Clinical Trials, Liam and Ted challenge a familiar question in clinical research: “How do we increase enrollment?” Instead, they argue that progress starts by asking a better one- “What makes enrollment challenging in the first place?”

They explore how study design, existing therapies, operational factors, and most importantly, the lived experience of participants and their families all shape recruitment outcomes. Ted shares a practical framework for slowing down, asking deeper questions, and creating space for ideas that don’t emerge when teams jump straight to solutions.

Tune in to learn how reframing the problem can unlock more meaningful, effective approaches to enrollment.

In this episode of Innovating Clinical Trials, Liam and Ted explore why clinical research is, at its core, a people-driven business. Drawing on real-world experiences from both patient and site perspectives, they discuss how trust, communication, and human connection directly influence recruitment, retention, and study success.

From participant consent conversations to site selection and prioritization, the discussion highlights how “soft skills” often have a measurable impact on trial performance, yet are frequently overlooked in favor of technical experience alone.

Liam and Ted reflect on how small moments of empathy, transparency, and genuine engagement can transform transactional interactions into long-term partnerships.

Tune in to understand why focusing on people not just processes can dramatically improve how trials are delivered.

Welcome to Innovating Clinical Trials, the podcast designed for clinical research professionals eager to deepen their understanding of clinical trials through concise, insightful segments.

Join your hosts, Liam Eves and Ted Trafford, as they uncover the core issues in clinical research, reflect on the industry, and challenge conventional wisdom.

In this episode, Liam and Ted reveal how minor, unexpected requests often snowball into a significant site burden. They dive into why scope creep occurs, how sites can respond, and what sponsors can do to prevent it before it disrupts a study.

Welcome to Innovating Clinical Trials, the podcast designed for clinical research professionals eager to deepen their understanding of clinical trials through concise, insightful segments.

Join your hosts, Liam Eves and Ted Trafford, as they uncover the core issues in clinical research, reflect on the industry, and challenge conventional wisdom.

In this episode, Liam and Ted explore what it truly means to be a sponsor of choice for clinical trial sites. They discuss how communication gaps between sponsors, CROs, and sites can slow progress, and hinder recruitment. They offer practical steps for improving communication in both directions for creating a more collaborative environment.

Welcome to Innovating Clinical Trials, the podcast designed for clinical research professionals eager to deepen their understanding of clinical trials through concise, insightful segments.

Join your hosts, Liam Eves and Ted Trafford, as they uncover the core issues in clinical research, reflect on the industry, and challenge conventional wisdom.

Season 2 kicks off with Liam and Ted exploring what it means to be a “Sponsor of Choice.” Through thoughtful analogies and real-world insights. They explore why the “sweet spot” for feedback is just after a site enrolls its second or third participant when motivation, momentum, and study experience intersect.

Tune in to discover the small shifts that can lead to gains in study outcomes.

Welcome to Innovating Clinical Trials, the podcast where Liam and Ted explore the evolving landscape of clinical research and challenge the assumptions holding it back. In this episode, we sit down with Maya Zlatanova — CEO of TrialHub and FindMeCure, and host of Trials with Maya Z — for a no-nonsense look at one of the most misunderstood concepts in research: feasibility.

Episode Overview:

Maya takes us deep into the hidden layers of clinical trial feasibility, arguing that what most of the industry calls "feasibility" is really just site contracting in disguise. Instead, she introduces a broader, patient-aligned view that incorporates standard of care, access, and real-world motivation. We discuss:

How clinical trials often fail because they ignore the healthcare systems patients actually live in

Why standard of care varies country to country — and how that affects recruitment and retention

The painful disconnect between pharma’s incentives and patients’ reality

Why relying on investigators alone leads to blind spots

How AI and emerging tech can streamline feasibility, but only if paired with real-world insight

And why hope, as Maya bluntly reminds us, is not a strategy

This is an unflinching and inspiring conversation about why better feasibility planning isn’t just a project task — it’s the foundation for better trials, faster development, and ultimately, better care.