By Patrina Pellett, PhD & Tom Caravela

Have you recently done a scan of your territory and noticed that some of your KOLs have fallen through the cracks? Or perhaps you are breaking into a new territory and working your tail off to build relationships?

Getting access to KOLs and building the relationship is no joke! Every KOL is different and there is no one size fits all approach. We all know how challenging KOL engagement and access have become after COVID.

To help MSLs maximize KOL engagement, Tom and I put together this list of 6 MSL Talk podcast episodes. These podcast episodes will give you an insider's view on what other MSLs are doing to gain access and develop relationships.

6 Amazing Resources for MSLs to Maximize KOL Engagement

You will learn strategies and tactics for:

🌟How to meet your KOLs where they are
🌟Secrets and techniques to prepare for KOL engagements
🌟Ways to leverage social listening
🌟What info you need to know to be effective
🌟How to effectively communicate value
🌟Models to implement for engagement
🌟Common engagement mistakes
🌟How to partner with commercial counterparts
🌟How to gain access to difficult KOLs
🌟More resources to improve your skills (we know once you devour these podcasts, you will want more)

 
✅ If you want deeper, structured training on relationship-building strategies and effective scientific communication, explore our Presentation Mastery course. It covers exactly how to engage KOLs confidently, deliver value-driven conversations, and strengthen your impact.

Special Thanks To The Awesome Guests 

👏Episode 26: Best Practices and Creative Ways to Gain KOL Access During COVID-19 with Jason Demuth

👏Episode 70: Engagement Strategies: Crafting Your Story to Clinical Professionals with Ryan Norman

👏Episode 106: Perceived, Probe, Reflect-KOL Engagement Model with Amy Patel

👏Episode 107: Effective Relationship Strategies for MSL Success with Commercial Counterparts with Rob Rosti

👏Episode 119: Difficult KOLs: How to overcome challenges, find success and gain access with Andrea Johnson

👏Episode 122: What I DO….How I BUILD Relationships with Bernadette Mamone

Conclusions

Our favorite theme that shows up over and over in these episodes is persistence. This quality is key to helping MSLs maximize KOL engagements and demonstrate their value.

What were your big aha moments when listening to these podcasts? Did you try any of these approaches and have a great experience (or not)? What tips do you have to add if you were on the podcast with Tom? Share with us on the MSL Mastery LinkedIn page. We want to know what resonated with you and to cheer you on!

Subscribe to the MSL Talk Podcast on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. 

🎯 Want to take your KOL engagement to the next level? Our Elite Presentation Lab is designed for current MSLs who want advanced skills in impactful communication, engagement strategy, and persuasive scientific storytelling.

MSL Talk Podcast Testimonial

"
Dear Mr. Caravela,

I just wanted to say a big thank you for providing your podcasts on YouTube! I am a huge fan of your MSL Talk! After implementing some of your advice in my everyday life, I really noticed a difference!

I am a medical doctor and worked for almost three years at a University Hospital, but I always dreamed of getting a job in Pharma.

I truly believe that hard work always pays off. However, there's also the aspect of being at the right place at the right time. Last year, I decided to quit my job and try to get a position as an MSL. It was quite a difficult time, but one day, while I was scrolling on YouTube, one of your videos caught my interest out of nowhere. I watched it and was really impressed. So I continued watching your videos (by now I have seen many episodes )  and I thoroughly enjoyed them. Especially Episode 86 got me thinking, and I started to adapt your advice, noticing a change.

As you said, there is always a bigger plan we don’t see. As time went by, I also secured a job as an MSL and just started working. I hope I can manage it - I mean, I have a good basis with your videos  - and I really want to be successful and help others as well.

I just wanted to let you know that you surely have a great impact on a lot of people. You motivated me a lot, and I really wish you all the best and hope you keep your podcast going!"