How Networking, Curiosity, and Lifelong Learning Shape a Career
About the series: When you sit down with professionals across the BioHealth Capital Region, you quickly realize no two journeys look the same. That’s exactly what makes our 5 Questions With series so compelling: the framework never changes, but the stories do. Each conversation pulls back the curtain on the people shaping our industry—their pivots, their challenges, their big wins, and what keeps them motivated.
Brian Sheroda didn’t follow a conventional path into biotech, but his journey underscores the power of networking, adaptability, and continuous learning.
Starting in logistics and distribution, stepping briefly into the wine industry, and ultimately returning to biotech, Brian now oversees the central warehouse at MacroGenics’ Frederick site. In this conversation, he shares what inspired his career, how he’s building connections in a largely introverted world, and the small wins and lessons that keep him moving forward—both in work and life.
###
1. What did you want to be when you grew up? How’d you get from there to here?
Like many kids, I had a lot of different ideas—police officer, firefighter, even a pilot at one point. But really, the way I ended up in biotech was all about networking.
My mother-in-law, who had a long career in the industry, helped me get my first biotech job. From there, I stayed in logistics and distribution roles, and even though I took a detour into the wine industry as a tasting room manager, COVID shut that down and brought me back to biotech. That combination of personal connections and being open to opportunities is what ultimately got me here.
2. How are you helping to build a more connected community?
I’m naturally introverted, so plugging into a community doesn’t come easily. But once I do, I’m loyal and committed. I’m actively trying to branch out, meet new colleagues, and see where I can fit in. MacroGenics has been supportive, too—hosting events, facilitating visits to the main office, and creating opportunities to connect with people across departments. It’s still a work in progress for me, but small steps—like taking part in this interview—help me engage more and strengthen relationships.
3. What are you currently buzzing about? Anything and everything…
Right now, I’m focused on going back to school for a degree in supply chain management. Even though it’s not required for my current role, I see it as a way to open doors for future opportunities. MacroGenics supports this through tuition reimbursement, and my manager and director are encouraging and check in regularly on my progress. Balancing work and school is a challenge, but I’m excited to keep learning and expanding my skills.
4. If you could travel back in time—what early career advice would you give yourself? Or what advice would you shout from the rooftops now?
I’d boil it down to three things: organization, communication, and networking. Being organized is essential—it helps manage multiple projects and keeps things from falling through the cracks. Communication is critical, especially when working with people from different backgrounds—being clear and concise avoids misunderstandings.
Networking is the toughest for me personally, but it’s the most powerful. I’ve seen how making connections, even within the company, can open doors you wouldn’t expect. I’d tell my younger self to focus on all three, because they’re foundational to building a lasting, impactful career.
5.The fun (and rotating) one… If you could have an endless supply of one snack, what would it be?
Reese’s Nutrageous bars. Hands down the best candy bar in the world.
It’s a bit of a guilty pleasure—I love peanut butter, even though my daughter has a peanut allergy, so we have to hide it around the house. It’s one of those small joys that makes life fun, and sometimes you need those little things alongside the bigger career and life goals.
