Eva Hurst (Biel, Switzerland, 1969) is a Managing Partner at Competitive Drug Development International Ltd. or CDDI, in short, a bio-medical consulting company based in London and Barcelona, which works in clinical research and protocol feasibility.

“I studied Sociology but was never satisfied with classroom learning alone and spent a lot of my time in the field, working for NGOs in Armenia and Bosnia. Since this needed funding, I started working very early on in the Pharma Industry, an obvious choice in Basel, where I lived at the time. For instance, my formative years were at Novartis HQ”.

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

EH: Currently, CDDI is focused on the feasibility of clinical trial protocols and Paedriatic Investigational Plans.

TB: A good idea you have had.

EH: The best thing that happened to me is my daughter.

TB: A bad professional experience.

EH: Working remotely in a new job when it was not the norm yet and I had no clue how to do it.

TB: The best advice you’ve ever been given.

EH: The successful person learns how to structure ambiguity.

TB: A professional reference that inspires you.

EH: I am inspired by all the good people who try to do a good job, regardless of their role, pay or circumstances. For instance, I admire a Vueling crew that still smiles at you on the last delayed flight out of Heathrow.

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

EH: AI, for sure.

TB: What are you worried about?

EH: I am worried about the state of the world in general: the inequalities, war, the environment…

TB: A startup.

EH: Alpenguertel.ch

TB: A book to recommend.

IF: Any book bought in an independent bookshop.

TB: A series, film or song that defines your moment in life.

EH: I do not watch series, I love independent cinema, and no particular song – I am still amazed how much truth lies in pop songs!

TB: A recipe, a meal, a restaurant.

EH: What makes me happy every time is a plate of sardines at O’Tino, a humble little great restaurant in Camden Town, London.

TB: A city, a journey.

EH: Once again, my favourite city is London. The word “journey” evokes the desire to undertake one, to enjoy again the act of travelling, rather than rushing from place to place.

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

EH: I would like to give the money to one of the NGOs I like and collaborated with: Doctors Without Borders.

TB: And a million euros?

EH: I would prefer to start with the question “how existing wealth can be distributed better”.

TB: If you weren’t an entrepreneur…

EH: While I have always had the desire to change things, I never truly envisioned myself as an entrepreneur. However, I am still discovering what I can achieve as one.

TB: What is Tech Barcelona for you?

EH: I love the new workspace at Pier07. My favourite soundtrack is the decisive, relentless typing of my colleagues there, where everyone is trying to give their best. And that is so motivating.