Panthea Heydari

Vice President, Scientific Communications - Los Angeles

Panthea Heydari is an integral member of the Element Scientific Communications team as a Vice President within the Healthcare arm of Weber Shandwick. She uses her neuroscience and research background to creatively tell scientific stories and provide strategic guidance to clients.

Panthea Heydari

Vice President, Scientific Communications - Los Angeles

When did you start at Weber Shandwick?

I started in the winter of 2019 but in Los Angeles;
it was a perfect 75 degree, sunny day.

What’s the best thing you’ve ever seen happen inside
the Weber Shandwick offices?

The collaborative and community nature of Weber
Shandwick during/after the pandemic has been pretty
remarkable. Not only did we continue to conduct
excellent work and bring about incredible ideas,
but we came together to support one another during
a difficult time. The people here are truly THE BEST!

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever gotten?

It’s never too late to try something new. Don’t
underestimate your skills.

Panthea holding a microphone pack

In five words or less, how would you describe your
Weber Shandwick colleagues?

Smart AF, creative, ambitious, kind

What’s the coolest (or weirdest) place a project
has taken you?

Healthcare is full of weird stuff — from looking
at poop and gut microbiome research to a metaverse
experience around needles in your eye to treating
depression with psychedelics. Science is cool, kids!

If you weren’t working in this industry, what would
you want to do?

Continue my career as a science consultant for TV shows.

What’s your favorite thing about Los Angeles?

The culture, diversity, mountains, beach, museums,
food, people. We have it all. #WestCoastBestCoast

What’s your favorite restaurant in Los Angeles?

There are so many great places to eat in LA! We have
amazing hole-in-the wall places (Tacos Chapala or
Guerrilla Tacos), sushi (Sugarfish is a must!),
pasta (Pasta Sisters or Il Pastaio) and many more
(Girl and the Goat, Bavel, Bestia).

Oh and also Persian food (Shamshiri) — the smell
takes me straight back to Iran. Let me know if you
want a dinner buddy!

What’s something surprising people might not know
about you?

I used to want to be a choreographer until I realized
I can’t dance.

What’s your favorite way to unwind in your free time?

Getting out in nature (especially running or
backpacking) gives me the clarity I need to be
grounded and creative. There’s even neuroscience
studies about it!

Panthea out walking in the woods

Where would you love to travel in the world to
gain inspiration?

After these last two years of the pandemic, my travel
list is long! Patagonia, Mexico City, Croatia, Alaska,
Shanghai, and Bali are top contenders.

Start with the science and let the story follow. But don’t forget that at the end of it all exists a person.

Panthea Heydari

Vice President, Scientific Communications

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Panthea Heydari

Vice President, Scientific Communications - Los Angeles

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