Read Time: 7 minutes

Joseph Arcangelo, Sr. is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of inSeption Group. With over three decades of experience in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry, Joe has witnessed the rapid evolution of Pharma/Biotech outsourcing and the unique challenges it brings. His entrepreneurial journey began unexpectedly after being fired from a previous job, a turning point that led him to explore new career paths and eventually co-found inSeption Group. In this feature, Joe reflects on his experiences and offers valuable insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, and the core values that have fueled his success in a competitive industry.

With such a rich background in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries, Joe, we’re excited to hear about the journey that led you to entrepreneurship. Can you share your entrepreneurial journey and what inspired you to start your business?

Years ago, when I was young and just starting a family, I was unexpectedly fired from an organization for reasons that remain unclear to this day. I vividly remember going home, scanning the help-wanted ads, and telling my wife that I wasn’t sure I ever wanted to work for someone who could make decisions that weren’t in my best interest. That moment set me on a journey to discover my true path. I explored various careers—studying to become a realtor, an insurance agent, and even a locksmith—searching for the right fit. Then, in 1986, my mentor introduced me to the world of Executive Recruiting, a profession I’ve been honing and practicing ever since, and which is the foundational basis of my current company.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when launching your business, and how did you overcome them?

Changing a paradigm within a 20-30-year-old industry that had learned to accept mediocrity has proven to be difficult, and still, to this day, 14 years later, it proves to be a challenge.

How has your personal background and experiences influenced your approach to entrepreneurship?

As the youngest of five siblings and a “change-of-life” baby, I was raised by parents who instilled in me the values of integrity, hard work, and determination. However, my greatest education came from learning to be independent during my formative years. That sense of independence—what I call freedom of thought—combined with my upbringing, has shaped the path that led me to where I am today.

Given the strong foundation of integrity, hard work, and independence that shaped your journey, Joe, it’s clear how deeply your values influence your approach to business. With that in mind, what are the core values that drive your business, and how do you make sure they come through in your operations?

inSeption is based upon a foundation of character and principle, as well as dedication to the patients, colleagues, and clients we serve.

What strategies have you implemented to scale your business successfully?

Successfully scaling a business requires strategic planning, operational efficiency, and a strong company culture. From the start, we have remained steadfast in delivering a clear vision, mission, and core values—both to our industry and our employees. By hiring the right people, we have cultivated a culture of accountability and personal responsibility, with an unwavering focus on building strong relationships, delivering exceptional value, and maintaining high service standards. This commitment has been fundamental to our sustained growth and success.

How do you stay innovative and adapt to changes in your industry?

Staying innovative and adapting to industry changes requires a proactive mindset, continuous learning, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. We continuously monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory shifts to anticipate changes and adapt accordingly. We actively engage with clients, industry experts, and strategic partners to understand these evolving needs and expectations. We maintain a mindset that embraces change and fosters adaptability in both strategy and execution. By staying forward-thinking, adaptable, and committed to excellence, we ensure that we not only keep pace with industry changes but also lead the way in driving meaningful progress.

Joe, your dedication to innovation and continuous learning really stands out. As someone who values progress and adaptability, how do you ensure that these principles are reflected in the people you bring onto your team, and how do you foster a culture that encourages these traits?

When building our team, we look for individuals who embody integrity, accountability, passion, adaptability, and a strong customer-centric mindset. We seek professionals who take ownership of their work, embrace challenges with a problem-solving attitude, and thrive in collaborative environments. By bringing in the right people and fostering an environment where they feel valued, motivated, and aligned with our vision, we cultivate a workplace that drives both individual and organizational excellence.

Can you share your approach to leadership and how you motivate your team, especially during challenging times?

My approach to leadership is centered on transparency, authenticity, accountability, and empowerment. I believe in leading by example—demonstrating integrity, resilience, and a strong work ethic to inspire those around me. During challenging times, I focus on a solution-oriented mindset, emphasizing adaptability and a collective approach to problem-solving. By instilling a sense of ownership and reinforcing our collective mission, I help guide the team through adversity while keeping them motivated and engaged.

How do you ensure effective communication within your team, especially in a remote or hybrid work environment?

I prioritize clear and consistent messaging by leveraging collaboration tools such as video conferencing, instant messaging, and project management platforms to keep everyone aligned. Regular check-ins, team meetings, and one-on-one discussions help foster connection, provide clarity on priorities, and address any challenges in real time. Encouraging an open-door policy—where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas, asking questions, and providing feedback—helps maintain trust and collaboration. To strengthen team cohesion, I incorporate virtual team-building activities and opportunities for informal interactions, helping to maintain a sense of camaraderie despite physical distance. By fostering a culture of transparency, active listening, and open dialogue, I ensure that communication remains strong, keeping the team connected, engaged, and productive regardless of location

Thank you, Joe, for sharing your inspiring journey and the principles that have guided your success. Your insights into innovation, leadership, and team culture are sure to resonate with many entrepreneurs.

In next week’s Part 2, we’ll explore Joe’s approach to financial management, work-life balance, personal growth, and the meaningful impact he’s making through philanthropy. Stay tuned!

Marc J. Bernstein JD, ChFC®, CLU®, CAP®

Financial Planner and Consultant, Bestselling Author, and Creator of the Forward Focus Forums

Marc helps high performing entrepreneurs and business owners create a vision for the future, accomplish their business and personal goals, financial and otherwise, and assists them in following through on their intentions.  Marc recently co-founded March, a forward-looking company with a unique approach to wealth management.  He captured his philosophy in his #1 Amazon Bestseller, The Fiscal Therapy Solution 1.0.  Marc is also the founder of the Forward Focus Forum, a suite of resources tailored specifically to educate and connect high performing entrepreneurs, and to help them realize their vision of true financial independence. The forum includes;

• the Founders’ Forward Focus Forum: a series of articles focused on entrepreneurship
• the Founders’ Forum Radio Show and Podcast: featuring interviews with some of the area’s top founders and their experiences in business
• the Manufacturers’ Forward Focus Forum: a specialized resource group for owners/founders of manufacturing companies, including a private Facebook group; a private discussion group for high performing leaders of manufacturing companies to share resources, news, network with each other, and collaborate