Resilience, Reinvention, and Leading With Purpose: A Conversation with Cheri Wilczek of ClinAudits

In this episode of the Growing Up B2B Podcast, host Ed Delia interviews Cheri Wilczek, Founder and President of ClinAudits, to explore her inspiring journey from corporate downsizing to building a respected audit and quality assurance firm in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors. Cheri shares candid insights on resilience, partnership, leadership evolution, and navigating profound personal challenges—offering B2B leaders and founders a compelling look at how purpose and perseverance shape long-term success.

How Cheri Transformed Adversity Into a Purpose-Driven Business

Cheri’s entrepreneurial leap began after being downsized from Hoffmann-La Roche, a moment she chose to interpret not as a setback but as an opportunity to define her own path. She describes how family values, particularly her parents’ work ethic, fueled her determination to create a business built on excellence, integrity, and impact in an industry where quality directly affects human lives. That foundation of purpose continues to guide ClinAudits’ mission and culture today.

A significant portion of the conversation centers on partnership—specifically Cheri’s decades-long personal and professional partnership with her late husband, Jim. Their complementary strengths were instrumental in building ClinAudits, and Cheri reflects on the importance of role clarity, communication, and mutual respect when couples embark on business ventures together. She also underscores the importance of setting boundaries between work and home life, a balance that was learned through early challenges in their business journey.

Cheri also opens up about profound personal losses and how they shaped her leadership. The passing of her husband, father, and pet within a short period demanded both emotional resilience and operational adaptability. She explains how taking on new financial responsibilities, leaning on her team, and embracing vulnerability helped her reposition ClinAudits for continued success—ultimately transforming her leadership style into one grounded in empathy, humility, and servant leadership.

About Cheri Wilczek

Cheri Wilczek is the Founder and President of ClinAudits, bringing decades of experience in pharmaceutical auditing, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance. Her leadership is defined by resilience, integrity, and a deep commitment to improving patient outcomes through rigorous quality standards.

About ClinAudits

ClinAudits is a trusted provider of auditing, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance services for the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries. Known for subject matter expertise, reliability, and a mission-driven culture, the company supports organizations in delivering safe, effective therapies that improve patient lives.

Links Mentioned in This Episode

• ClinAudits Website

• Cheri Wilczek LinkedIn Profile

Key Episode Highlights

• How Cheri reframed downsizing as an opportunity for reinvention

• Why purpose and patient safety drive ClinAudits’ mission

• Lessons learned from running a business with a spouse and setting healthy boundaries

• How personal loss reshaped Cheri’s leadership approach

• The shift from top-down management to servant leadership

Conclusion

This episode offers a powerful reminder that leadership is not defined solely by business outcomes but by the resilience, purpose, and humanity leaders bring to their work. Cheri Wilczek’s story demonstrates how adversity can become a catalyst for reinvention, how partnerships—both personal and professional—shape success, and how leading with empathy strengthens teams and organizations alike.

Explore Ed Delia’s website to learn more about leadership strategies for family businesses and B2B growth. If you’re a B2B leader with insights to share, apply to be a guest on the Growing Up B2B Podcast here.