With a lengthy career focused on healthcare communications, including roles at some of the world’s largest agencies, Michelle Toscas knows what it takes to lead with impact. An integrated communications leader with deep experience partnering with healthcare stakeholders and clients to discover, organize and amplify their most powerful brand and corporate stories, she guides strategic communications and leads teams here at H+C. Learn more about Michelle’s take on leadership, client service, and the future of H+C.
- What drew you to work at H+C, and how has your experience been so far?
I’ve spent my career in healthcare communications, guiding strategy for clients across nearly every therapeutic area, stage of development, and scale. I’ve had the opportunity to lead programs for companies at pivotal inflection points, from early launches to major transformations. Those experiences shaped how I think about brand, leadership, and long-term value.
I wasn’t actively looking for another agency role, but what stood out about H+C was the clarity of its vision, and the strength of its momentum. The firm is growing with discipline, backed by a smart acquisition, a high-performing team, and a leadership approach that balances ambition with purpose.
What drew me in was the opportunity to help shape what comes next. Beyond client delivery, this role is about building, including expanding our presence, scaling intentionally, and strengthening the systems and talent that will support H+C’s next chapter.
- Given your deep agency background, how do you envision your role at H+C?
My role is equal parts builder, connector, and strategist. We’re entering a phase of growth where we’re expanding our reach to serve more complex, later-stage biotech and pharma clients – those navigating commercialization, valuation pressures, and heightened stakeholder scrutiny. These are high-stakes moments, and I see our value as both strategic and executional.
At the same time, I’m passionate about scaling with purpose: hiring and nurturing the right talent, implementing systems that uphold quality, and preserving the high-touch, agile culture that defines H+C.
I’m here to amplify what’s working, introduce new structures where needed, and ensure we’re growing in ways that strengthen our impact, both for our clients and for our team.
- Client service is something you’re deeply passionate about. What does excellent client service look like to you?
Exceptional client service starts with strategic understanding. More than just answering the ask, it’s about knowing what’s behind it: the business pressures, internal dynamics, and success metrics our clients are accountable to. When we understand that, we can anticipate what’s needed and lead with clarity.
Consistency matters. So does credibility. Clients count on us to think ahead, solve problems, and elevate outcomes, not just execute. That kind of relationship is built over time, through trust, responsiveness, and results.
Above all, working with my clients is personal: I care as deeply about their brand and mission as they do.
- How would you describe your leadership style and how you work with teams?
I lead by creating the conditions for people to thrive: clarity of purpose, strong communication, and a culture of trust. I stay close enough to offer perspective, but far enough to empower ownership. My goal is to set people up for success, and then step back so they can shine.
I believe that people do their best work when they understand the strategy, the impact, and their role in driving both. That alignment builds confidence, and confidence raises the quality of everything we deliver.
I’ve also led enterprise-wide initiatives focused on quality, culture, and continuous improvement. I bring that mindset here: creating scalable systems, identifying patterns, and evolving how we work together.
- What excites you most about the future of H+C?
What excites me most is the opportunity to grow with purpose and precision. We’re not just scaling, we’re doing it thoughtfully, in ways that stay true to what makes H+C distinct: boldly strategic in our thinking, nimble in our execution, trusted in our counsel, and authentic in the stories we tell. While many agencies are consolidating or retrenching, we’re advancing with a clear identity, a strong team, and real momentum.
I see a shared sense of ownership across the team. People at every level show up with ideas, confidence, and a clear point of view. That culture doesn’t just happen on its own. It’s shaped through deliberate action and shared values. stays true to the people-first values that make our work resonate
As we grow, my focus is on protecting that culture while evolving our capabilities. We’re building something lasting: an agency that leads with integrity, delivers with excellence, and stays true to the people-first values that make our work resonate – attracting clients and talent who want to do meaningful work. That’s what makes H+C meaningful. And that’s what I’m proud to help shape.
Looking for more perspectives from the H+C team? Check out our blog for more.
