Podcasts about Boston Scientific

Der Börsengang von SpaceX ist kein normales IPO, sondern ein Stresstest für Anleger, ETFs und Indexanbieter. Deshalb dominiert er den ersten Teil unserer Q&A-Reihe: Tobias Kramer beantwortet eure Fragen zu SpaceX, Starlink, American Tower, DAX und FAZ-Index, Gesundheitsaktien und Depot-Transparenz – nüchtern, mit Zahlen, ohne Hype. SpaceX kommt zu 135 bis 162 Dollar je Aktie an die Börse, das entspricht einer Bewertung von 1,8 bis 2,1 Billionen US-Dollar. Neue Class-A-Aktionäre halten danach zusammen gerade einmal 11,5 Prozent der Stimmrechte, während Elon Musk über seine Class-B-Aktien mit zehnfachem Stimmrecht rund 85 Prozent der Stimmen kontrolliert. Tobias rechnet einen bewusst optimistischen Bull Case durch (400 Mrd. Umsatz und 30 Prozent Nettomarge bis 2033) – und landet selbst dann bei einer unbequemen Antwort auf die Frage: Wie viel Zukunft ist hier schon bezahlt? Die Themen im Überblick: ▪️ Starlink Mobile als Angriff auf Deutsche Telekom, T-Mobile US und den globalen Mobilfunkmarkt – Chance, Schwachstelle und Frequenz-Politik ▪️ Nasdaq 100 vs. S&P 500: Warum die Fast-Track-Aufnahme von SpaceX Kritik verdient – und der S&P 500 mit seinen Regeln überzeugt ▪️ American Tower: Hat der Funkturm-REIT gegen Starlink noch eine Zukunft? ▪️ SpaceX shorten? Warum Tobias dringend davon abrät – Stichwort Lock-up-Fristen und Optionsprämien ▪️ DAX oder FAZ-Index: Welcher deutsche Index gehört ins Depot? ▪️ Gesundheitsaktien (Abbott, Medtronic, Pfizer, Boston Scientific): Übersehener Sektor oder Value-Falle? ▪️ Depot-Einblick: Der Link zur Google-Sheet-Übersicht steht in den Timestamps Unterm Strich eine klare Absage an Bewertungsromantik: Große Visionen reichen nicht, wenn Anleger heute schon den Gewinn von übermorgen bezahlen. Schreibt in die Kommentare, wie ihr den SpaceX-Case rechnet: 2 Billionen gerechtfertigt, 60 Prozent Rückschlagpotenzial – oder seht ihr den Weg zu 10 Billionen? Und wenn ihr solche Q&A-Folgen wollt: Abonniert den Kanal und meldet euch für unseren Mail-Verteiler auf echtgeld.tv an – dort laufen Umfragen, Fragerunden und Verlosungen. Teil 2 mit den weiteren Fragen (u. a. Marvell Technology und LVMH) folgt in der nächsten Sendung.

In this episode of The Lead, host Christopher C. Cheung, MD, MPH, FHRS, is joined by Edward P. Gerstenfeld, MD, MS, FHRS, and Paul C. Zei, MD, PhD, FHRS, to discuss the journal article, A Prospective Randomized Multicenter Global Study Comparing Pulsed Field Ablation versus Anti-Arrhythmic Drug Therapy as a First Line Treatment for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation (AVANT GUARD). Together, they review the study design and findings, examining pulsed field ablation and anti-arrhythmic drug therapy as first-line treatment approaches for patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. Learning Objectives Review the design and key findings of the AVANT GUARD study comparing pulsed field ablation with anti-arrhythmic drug therapy as first-line treatment for persistent atrial fibrillation. Discuss the potential role of pulsed field ablation as an initial treatment strategy for patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. Examine the comparative considerations of ablation-based and pharmacologic approaches in the management of persistent atrial fibrillation.   Podcast Contributors: Host: Christopher C Cheung, MD, MPH, FHRS       Guests: Edward P. Gerstenfeld, MD, MS, FHRS and Paul C Zei, MD, PhD, FHRS   Disclosures: Christopher C Cheung, MD, MPH, FHRS Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting Fee: Medtronic, Inc., Biotronik, Biosense Webster, Inc., Abbott Edward P. Gerstenfeld, MD, MS, FHRS Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting Fee: Medtronic, Inc., Biosense Webster, Inc., Abbott, Boston Scientific, Varian Medical Systems Other Non-Financial Relationships: Adagio Medical, Boston Scientific, Abbott Medical Research: Abbott Medical Officer, Trustee, Director, Committee Chair, or Other Fiduciary Role: American College of Cardiology Paul C Zei, MD, PhD, FHRS Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting Fee/Speaker's Bureau: Varian Medical Systems, Biosense Webster, Inc., Abbott, Boston Scientific, APT Medical Research: Biosense Webster, Inc.

How can targeted liver radiation unlock surgical or transplant options for tough hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases? In this episode of BackTable 2026 HCC Creator Weekend™ host Dr. Kavi Krishnasamy is joined by interventional radiologists Dr. Beau Toskich and Dr. Chris Malone to explore how downstaging and radiation lobectomy with Y-90 are creating new surgical and transplant opportunities for patients with limited future liver remnants. They discuss Y-90's role as a “test of time” for tumor biology, strategies to prevent post-hepatectomy liver failure, and the ongoing challenge of recurrence even after R0 resection in cirrhotic livers. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Sirtex and Boston Scientific. --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction01:31 - Rad Lobectomy Goals and Case Discussion06:09 - Selective vs Lobar Dosing07:51 - PVE Versus Y9009:35 - Downstaging to Transplant13:03 - Patient Selection Factors19:22 - Radseg vs. Lobar Strategy22:12 - Percent Liver Treated Debate26:38 - Particle Density and Catheter Bias28:04 - Downstaging Evidence MERIT LT36:20 - Operating After Y9041:25 - Hypertrophy Timing and Readiness43:03 - Wrap Up --- More about this episode The discussion features a case of massive right-lobe HCC in a non-cirrhotic patient, with stepwise Y-90 dosing and selective retreatment leading to complete response and marked liver hypertrophy. The doctors compare radiation lobectomy with portal vein embolization (PVE), explore dosimetry advances from studies like DOSISPHERE and MERITS-LT, and stress the importance of careful mapping and patient selection. Additional topics include the pros and cons of different downstaging methods, functional imaging to assess risk, the impact of lab values and portal hypertension, and the practicalities of timing surgery after Y-90. --- Resources Long-Term Overall Survival After Selective Internal Radiation Therapy for Locally Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinomas: Updated Analysis of DOSISPHERE-01 Trialhttps://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/early/2024/01/10/jnumed.123.266211 Downstaging hepatocellular carcinoma before liver transplantation: A multicenter analysis of the "all-comers" protocol in the Multicenter Evaluation of Reduction in Tumor Size before Liver Transplantation (MERITS-LT) consortiumhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37532179/ --- BackTable Vascular & Interventional (VI) is the go-to podcast for interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons, and interventional cardiologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app

Board of Regents of the University of Texas v. Boston Scientific Corp.

Neste episódio, Paulo Leite e Igor Vieira analisam a Boston Scientific, uma das maiores empresas globais de dispositivos médicos. Descrevem a sua evolução desde os cateteres até se tornar uma plataforma global de dispositivos médicos, destacando a sua cultura de inovação e aquisição de empresas para potenciar o desenvolvimento de novos produtos. Abordam ainda a liderança da empresa nos segmentos de cardiologia, endoscopia e urologia, e discutem se a empresa conseguirá manter a liderança nestes mercados perante o aumento da concorrência, aquisições ambiciosas e expetativas elevadas dos investidores.

What does it really take to run a high-volume Y-90 program that is efficient, scalable, and patient-centered? In this episode of BackTable 2026 HCC Creator Weekend™, host Dr. Zach Berman is joined by Drs. Nima Kokabi and Kirema Garcia-Reyes to break down the systems, workflows, and strategies that drive successful radioembolization centers. The conversation focuses on overcoming referral and insurance delays, implementing multidisciplinary clinics, and using tools like single-session Y-90 and routine post-treatment dosimetry to reduce treatment times and improve outcomes. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Sirtex and Boston Scientific. --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction04:46 - Multidisciplinary Model on Radioembolization08:39 - Referral Pathways and Embolization Preferences13:18 - Y-90 Follow Up and Imaging15:51 - Procedure Preparation and Involvement18:00 - Dosimetry Planning and Software ROI22:59 - Analyzing Outcomes and Quality Control26:47 - Various Ways to Expedite Treatments34:04 - Wrap Up and Credits --- More about this episode The doctors discuss the importance of robust internal systems for patient selection, integration of dosimetry planning, and standardized follow-up protocols.They share insights on procedural workflows, including best practices for dosimetry ownership and equipment setup, and highlight the growing role of post-Y-90 dosimetry as both a quality control measure and a billable service. The episode also explores the order-map-treat paradigm, the impact of multidisciplinary tumor boards and clinics, and how single-session strategies are reshaping HCC care by cutting delays, reducing costs, and enhancing the patient experience. --- BackTable Vascular & Interventional (VI) is the go-to podcast for interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons, and interventional cardiologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app

Weitere Infos zu unseren Werbepartnern finden Sie hier: https://linktr.ee/aktienfuers_leben Wochenrückblick: Die zweite Reihe des US-Techsektors holt auf, der Dax hat mindestens einen Aufsteiger. Klein, aber oho: Das neue Elektromodell Luce von Ferrari ist ein ziemlicher Fehlgriff und hat die Aktie zusätzlich belastet. Aber das Kerngeschäft läuft weiter ziemlich rund. Deal or no deal? Der Mobilitätskonzern Uber will den Lieferdienst Delivery Hero übernehmen. Was bedeutet das für die Uber-Aktie? Das Ganze sehen: Die Aktie des US-Medizintechnikherstellers Boston Scientific steht seit Monaten unter enormem Druck. Ein Warnzeichen oder eine gute Einstiegsgelegenheit? Um diese Aktien geht es: Dell (A2N6WP), Intel (855681), Hochtief (607000), Ferrari (A2ACKK), Uber (A2PHHHG), Delivery Hero (A2E4K4) und Boston Scientific (884113) +++ Keine Anlageberatung oder -empfehlung. Alle Angaben ohne Gewähr, diese stellen keinen Ersatz für eine professionelle und individuelle Beratung dar. Wertentwicklungen der Vergangenheit sind kein Indikator für zukünftige Wertentwicklung. +++ Vermögen aufbauen und Wirtschaft verstehen mit Capital+: https://angebot.capital.de/#digitale-angebote +++ Dieser Podcast wird vermarktet von Julep Media: sales@julep.de Wir verarbeiten im Zusammenhang mit dem Angebot unserer Podcasts Daten. Wenn Sie der automatischen Übermittlung der Daten widersprechen wollen, melden Sie sich hier: datenschutz@julep.de

Most CEOs think their sales pipeline is healthy, but the real story is hiding in stalled and quietly lost deals. We unpack why processes always beat skills for predictability and how top sales teams are winning bigger in a tougher market. In this episode, Janice B Gordon sits down with Steve Gielda to reveal the pitfalls of sales assumptions and the strategic moves that accelerate revenue and increase deal velocity. What you'll learn: a) Why understanding your buyer's real metrics is the secret to beating lower-cost competitors b) The critical difference between stages and milestones in sales processes c) How assumptions, especially by experienced reps, kill deals Steve Gielda has spent 30 years at the forefront of global sales performance, co-founding Ignite Selling and helping world-class organisations like Boston Scientific, Siemens, and Mastercard drive faster, more strategic revenue growth. Timestamps: 00:00 Understanding buyer priorities and metrics 04:53 Understanding the buyer's perspective 08:42 Identifying and leveraging key stakeholders 13:30 Improving sales processes 16:27 Defining and leveraging stakeholders 19:00 Win-loss analysis findings 23:23 Engaging sales rep conversations 27:18 Strategic sales approach boosts revenue 31:36 AI tools for sales strategies 32:58 Defining product advocates   Connect with Steve LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgielda/   Connect with Janice Book Janice to speak at your next sales or leadership event: https://janicebgordon.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/janice-b-gordon/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janicebgordon Scale Your Sales Podcast: https://scaleyoursales.co.uk/podcast Enjoy the episode? Share your takeaway in the comments and leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help more leaders discover the show.

Great medtech innovations win because patients actually use them. In this episode, Ken Nelson, Partner and Founder at Nelson Jennings Ventures, shares his journey from cardiac device sales at Boston Scientific to helping commercialize major players in cardiac monitoring, including iRhythm, BioTelemetry, and Bardy Diagnostics. He highlights how innovations such as wearable cardiac patches have transformed patient adoption and reshaped the monitoring market. Ken reflects on Medtech Innovator's impact in accelerating commercialization, partnerships, and investor readiness. He advises early-stage companies to leverage accelerators and industry events like Life Science Intelligence to strengthen their path to market and fundraising success. Tune in to hear how decades of experience in cardiac monitoring and startup scaling translate into practical advice for founders navigating commercialization and growth! Resources: Connect with and follow Ken Nelson on LinkedIn.

Send us Fan MailMeet Ash Seddeek, a globally recognized executive coach and change leadership advisor with over 15 years of experience helping leaders drive transformation through compelling communication and strategic influence. Ash has coached senior teams at Cisco, Uber, Google, Boston Scientific, San Francisco International Airport and Doosan Bobcat. A former leader at Deloitte, Oracle, and Cisco, Ash blends deep expertise in executive presence, strategic facilitation, and change sponsorship. Ash is also an Amazon bestselling author and creator of leadership frameworks such as Chief Excitement Officers (CExOs) and Exponential Value Moments (EVMs) through which he equips leaders to lead with clarity, align stakeholders, and inspire action. Ash is a two-time Fulbright Scholar, linguist, AI fintech inventor, and entrepreneur. Ash is currently also working on a passionate AI startup Intelligent Context AI. Hit play for the lowdown! [4:26s] Fulbright Scholar to Leadership Communication Coach[6:48s] The Top 1 % for Sales Leadership [9:36s] Strategic Communication in Leadership [16:10s] On his book ‘Meaning: How Leaders Create Meaning and Clarity During Times of Crisis and Opportunity' [19:33s] What makes a great coachee[31:48s] On AI in the world of coaching[41:46s] On his Intelligence Context AI launch plansRWL Read: ‘Meaning: How Leaders Create Meaning and Clarity During Times of Crisis and Opportunity' by Ash Sedeek and Leslie Rubin; 'The Path of Least Resistance' by Robert FritzRWL Listen: Jim Rohn Motivation Connect with Ash on LinkedIn or email him at ash@executivegreatness.com Connect with Vinay on LinkedIn What did you think about this episode? What would you like to hear more about? Or simply, write in and say hello! podcast@c2cod.comSubscribe to us on your favorite platforms – Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Tune In Alexa, Amazon Music, Pandora, TuneIn + Alexa, Stitcher, Jio Saavn and more.  This podcast is sponsored by C2C-OD, your Organizational Development consulting partner ‘Bringing People and Strategy Together'. Follow @c2cod on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook 

Cette nuit, deux pays officiellement « sous cessez-le-feu » se sont copieusement bombardés. Drones, missiles, défense anti-aérienne koweïtienne en mode feu d'artifice du 14 juillet. La totale. La réaction du marché ? Le Nasdaq baisse de 0,2%. Zéro. Virgule. Deux. Voilà. C'est tout ce que ça lui fait. Une escalade militaire au Moyen-Orient, un cinquième du pétrole mondial pris en otage dans le détroit d'Ormuz, une Fed qui ne parle plus de baisser les taux mais de les MONTER (oui, vous avez bien lu, on a fait demi-tour complet en six mois)… et Wall Street encaisse tout ça avec le calme olympien d'un type bourré qui réclame les clés de la voiture à 4h du matin. Dans cet épisode du Morningbull Live, on dissèque l'absurdité du jour : ➡️ Pourquoi le pétrole fait le yo-yo au rythme des humeurs (et des posts) de Donald Trump ➡️ L'Iran qui veut installer un PÉAGE à 2 millions le ticket sur Ormuz (« vous payez en cash ou en otages ? ») ➡️ Le grand retournement de la Fed que personne n'a vu venir ➡️ Le PCE de 14h30 qui peut tout faire basculer ➡️ Snowflake +37% en une nuit, Zscaler -32%, Boston Scientific puni pour avoir dit la vérité ➡️ Et LA question qui hante ce marché : s'il ne tombe pas MAINTENANT… tombera-t-il un jour ?Spoiler : il n'y a aucune rationalité là-dedans. Et c'est précisément ce qui rend la chose fascinante. Bienvenue dans le cessez-le-feu le plus violent de l'histoire

Can the right dosimetry approach turn palliative Y90 into a curative therapy? In this episode of the BackTable 2026 HCC Creator Weekend™, Interventional oncologists Dr. Riad Salem, Dr. Nima Kokabi, and Dr. Zach Berman examine modern Y90 dosimetry, from the decline of body-surface-area calculations to newer strategies that tailor treatment intensity to tumor burden, liver reserve, and clinical intent. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Sirtex and Boston Scientific. --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction03:16 - MIRD and Dosing Considerations06:20 - BSA Is Dead09:26 - Early Stage Segmentectomy13:04 - Sphere Density Questions18:12 - CPN as the Goal18:41 - BCLC B Multifocal Strategy22:56 - Radiation Lobectomy Explained25:49 - Surgery and Adhesions28:59 - Advanced PVT Patients30:22 - Dosisphere and Biomarkers34:29 - Wrap Up --- More about this episode The doctors discuss how to choose how much radiation treatment to give and why “activity” (what you order) is different from “dose” (what tissue receives). The episode goes on to compare one-area calculations with more nuanced methods that distinguish tumor from healthy tissue, and explains why advanced 3D planning is often simpler after treatment than before. The discussion also covers treatment goals for various clinical scenarios, such as when to aim for complete ablation versus palliation, managing radiation lobectomy, and tailoring therapy in cases with portal vein tumor thrombus. The episode concludes with insights on how imaging informs treatment intensity and how local and systemic therapies work together in the latest Y90 approaches. --- Resources Combination treatment with transarterial chemoembolization, radiotherapy, and hyperthermia (CERT) for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis: Final results of a prospective phase II trialhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5581058/ A global evaluation of advanced dosimetry in transarterial radioembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma with Yttrium-90: the TARGET studyhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35394152/ Y90 Radioembolization Significantly Prolongs Time to Progression Compared With Chemoembolization in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinomahttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27575820/ Long-Term Overall Survival After Selective Internal Radiation Therapy for Locally Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinomas: Updated Analysis of DOSISPHERE-01 Trialhttps://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/early/2024/01/10/jnumed.123.266211 --- BackTable Vascular & Interventional (VI) is the go-to podcast for interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons, and interventional cardiologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app

This late-breaking sub-analysis from the CHAMPION-AF trial evaluated outcomes of left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) with the WATCHMAN FLX device versus oral anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation who had previously undergone catheter ablation. Investigators found that LAAC provided similar protection against stroke, cardiovascular death, and systemic embolism compared with non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs), while significantly reducing non-procedural bleeding events, regardless of prior ablation status. These findings suggest LAAC may be a viable alternative to long-term anticoagulation in select post-ablation AF patients through a shared decision-making approach. Join Digital Education Committee member Sandeep A. Saha, MD, MS, FHRS and his colleagues Scott C. Brancato, MD, FHRS and Rakesh Gopinathannair, MBA, MD, FHRS for this late-breaking coverage from Heart Rhythm 2026 in Chicago!   Learning Objectives Review the rationale for left atrial appendage closure as an alternative to long-term oral anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation following catheter ablation. Analyze the CHAMPION-AF sub-analysis outcomes comparing LAAC and NOAC therapy with respect to stroke prevention, cardiovascular outcomes, and bleeding risk. Discuss how these findings may influence patient selection and shared decision-making for stroke prevention strategies in post-ablation atrial fibrillation care.    Podcast Contributors Sandeep A. Saha, MD, MS, FHRS Scott C. Brancato, MD, FHRS Rakesh Gopinathannair, MBA, MD, FHRS    Host and Contributor Disclosure(s): S. Brancato Nothing to disclose. R. Gopinathannair Board/Advisory Committee Membership: Heart Rhythm Society, AltaThera Pharmaceuticals Honoraria/Speaking/Teaching/Consulting: Abbott, Johnson and Johnson, Boston Scientific, Sanofi S. Saha Board/Advisory Committee Membership: Medtronic Honoraria/Speaking/Teaching/Consulting: Medtronic 

Good morning from Pharma Daily: the podcast that brings you the most important developments in the pharmaceutical and biotech world. The industry is currently navigating a pivotal era marked by a blend of scientific innovation, regulatory shifts, and intriguing clinical trial results. A key regulatory upheaval unfolds as the FDA faces leadership changes. The recent departures of key figures from both the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) and the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) underscore a period of uncertainty. With former commissioner Marty Makary stepping down, concerns arise about how these changes might affect drug approvals and regulatory guidance at such a crucial time in the industry. Turning to clinical trials, Regeneron has experienced a setback as its lag-3 inhibitor failed to surpass Merck's Keytruda in phase 3 melanoma studies. This marks Regeneron's second significant late-stage failure within a year, prompting analysts to reassess its strategic direction in oncology. In parallel, Regeneron has inked a $2.3 billion agreement with Parabilis Medicines to develop an advanced antibody-drug conjugate (ADC)-like therapy. The goal is to enhance targeting capabilities by improving binding to complex target sites, which could revolutionize ADC technology. Similarly, BioMarin's substantial investment in Inozyme's enzyme replacement therapy faced hurdles after falling short on one of two primary endpoints in a phase 3 trial for a rare genetic disorder. Such outcomes highlight the inherent risks and high stakes involved in late-stage drug development. Yet, innovation continues to drive progress. Vincentage Pharma's oral GLP-1 agonist has demonstrated a promising mean weight loss of 12.4% over a year, positioning it as a competitor to Eli Lilly's Orforglipron in the burgeoning Chinese market. This reflects the global pursuit to harness GLP-1 receptor agonists in tackling metabolic disorders and obesity. Ipsen has made strides with its long-acting neurotoxin for aesthetic applications, advancing into phase 3 trials following encouraging phase 2 results that showed significant improvements in frown lines lasting up to 24 weeks post-treatment. This progress suggests robust competition against established players like Botox. Meanwhile, Merck and Kelun-Biotech have successfully completed a phase 3 trial with their trop2-directed ADC sacituzumab tirumotecan (SAC-TMT) for endometrial cancer, achieving primary endpoints and paving the way for further regulatory submissions. Such advancements emphasize ADC technology's growing importance in oncology therapeutics. Broad industry trends reflect strategic investments, exemplified by Boston Scientific's $1.5 billion investment in Mirus and an option to acquire its transcatheter aortic valve replacement system—highlighting continued interest in high-growth medtech sectors. In another notable development, Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca have reached a milestone with their ADC Enhertu, securing dual FDA approvals for early breast cancer treatment. These approvals underscore Enhertu's potential to expand treatment options for patients at an early disease stage, potentially altering standard treatment protocols. On the regulatory front, AstraZeneca has secured FDA approval for baxdrostat—an aldosterone synthase inhibitor developed through its acquisition of CinCor Pharma—demonstrating strategic investment in innovative cardiovascular therapies aligned with ambitious revenue goals. However, challenges persist as demonstrated by Amgen's Tavneos being linked to fatalities across Japan and the U.S., raising significant concerns about data integrity and pharmacovigilance. In contrast, Revolution Medicines' RAS inhibitor doubled survival rates in phase 3 pancreatic cancer trials. This breakthrough positions Revolution as an emerging leader in oncology therapeutics amidst fierce competition from companies aiming to improve drug tolerability and extend survival benefits. These narratives paint a picture of an industry poised for transformation—balancing scientific breakthroughs against regulatory challenges and financial pressures. As therapeutic modalities evolve—from oral biologics to advanced ADCs—the sector is set on course for substantial impacts on patient care and drug development pipelines. In summary, the pharmaceutical and biotech industries' focus on advancing therapeutic options through scientific innovation while navigating complex regulatory landscapes underscores an ongoing commitment to addressing unmet medical needs through new drug classes and targeted therapies. These efforts highlight trends toward personalized medicine and precision oncology that are likely to shape future trajectories in these dynamic fields.Support the show

This week, we revisit our conversation with Rich Ferrari. Rich is a seasoned healthcare entrepreneur and investor with a track record of building and scaling medical device and biotech companies. He is a Co-Founder of De Novo Ventures, a premier life sciences venture firm that managed $650M, and has helped raise over $1B in capital while contributing to nearly $1.8B in successful acquisitions. Most recently, Rich served as CEO and Chairman of PQ Bypass, leading to its $350M acquisition by Endologix. He has also led and exited multiple companies, including Cardiovascular Imaging Systems (acquired by Boston Scientific) and CardioThoracic Systems (acquired by Guidant), where he drove one of the fastest IPOs in medtech history. A prolific founder, Rich has co-founded several successful ventures acquired by major players like Johnson & Johnson, Abbott, and Medtronic. He currently serves on multiple boards, including Tenon Medical (NASDAQ: TNON), HeartBeam, and Medlumics. Rich holds a BS from Ashland University and an MBA from the University of South Florida, and is a recipient of the Mallinckrodt Award for Excellence in Medicine.

A high-functioning HCC tumor board can turn complex transplant decisions into coordinated treatment plans that account for liver reserve, tumor biology, and evolving biomarkers. In this episode of the BackTable Podcast 2026 HCC Creator Weekend™, abdominal transplant surgeon Dr. Ari Cohen (Ochsner Health) and transplant hepatologist Dr. Neil Mehta (UCSF) join host Dr. Kavi Krishnasamy to map out strategies for effective multidisciplinary treatment and transplantation planning in HCC. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Sirtex and Boston Scientific. --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction00:51 - Starting a Tumor Board06:39 - Building Referral Streams09:03 - Academic and Community Practice Integration14:31 - Treatment Selection Criteria20:38 - Modern HCC Biomarkers25:24 - Role of ctDNA and Biopsy29:37 - Bridging Therapy on Transplant Waitlist32:34 - Downstaging Strategy and Risks39:25 - Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks --- More about this episode The physicians discuss what it takes to build a robust tumor board, from fostering hospital buy-in to engaging leaders across specialties and utilizing virtual formats for consistent participation. The conversation explores clinical decision-making, emphasizing the integration of AFP-L3 and DCP biomarkers alongside AFP to better understand tumor biology and predict post-transplant recurrence. Dr. Mehta and Dr. Cohen also share their patient selection criteria, discussing how bilirubin, liver disease etiology, and INR influence decisions. While radiographic guidance remains central to HCC management, they highlight the growing potential of reliable ctDNA analysis and other biomarkers. The specialists conclude by emphasizing that an integrated, communicative tumor board is the most effective way to navigate the nuances of liver reserve and HCC biology to achieve the best possible patient outcomes. --- Resources Sustained AFP-L3 or DCP expression is associated with progression risk and inferior outcomes in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.https://doi.org/10.1007/s10238-025-01877-8 --- BackTable Vascular & Interventional (VI) is the go-to podcast for interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons, and interventional cardiologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app

Boston Scientific Corp. v. Stryker Corporation

Today we are going to describe and explain neuropathy. What is it? Why am I experience the symptoms? What causes the symptoms to come and go? Is it due to my Parkinson's disease or just old age? This is the second of three episodes in the "Dr. Ospina Explains" series. In this episode, we learn all about neuropathies. So, if you have or had or anticipate having any tingling, numbness, burning, weakness is your feet or elsewhere, this is the episode for you. https://www.apdaparkinson.org/article/peripheral-neuropathy-parkinsons-disease/ Thank you to our sponsor – Boston Scientific, the maker of Vercise Genus, a Deep Brain Stimulation or DBS system. To learn more about the latest treatment options for Parkinson's disease at https://DBSandMe.com/17branches   

Kat Hurd, executive coach and founder/CEO of Med Tech Collective, shares how nearly two decades in medical device sales and leadership, including at Boston Scientific and Saluda Medical, shaped her mission to help reps and leaders build influence, ownership, and long-term career momentum in complex, high-stakes environments. Kat explains why strong clinical partnership can elevate sales conversations into trusted-advisor relationships that impact outcomes, and outlines how she coaches individuals, trains teams, and supports go-to-market strategy. She also dives into the distinct challenges women face when navigating rooms where they're “the only,” the career accelerant of mentorship versus sponsorship, and practical ways to break into medtech by identifying gaps and learning the industry's language.    Guest links: https://kathurd.com/   Charity supported: Save the Children Interested in being a guest on the show or have feedback to share? Email us at theleadingdifference@velentium.com.  PRODUCTION CREDITS Host & Editor: Lindsey Dinneen Producer: Velentium Medical   EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Episode 079 - Kat Hurd [00:00:00] Lindsey Dinneen: Hi, I'm Lindsey and I'm talking with MedTech industry leaders on how they change lives for a better world. [00:00:09] Diane Bouis: The inventions and technologies are fascinating and so are the people who work with them. [00:00:15] Frank Jaskulke: There was a period of time where I realized, fundamentally, my job was to go hang out with really smart people that are saving lives and then do work that would help them save more lives. [00:00:28] Diane Bouis: I got into the business to save lives and it is incredibly motivating to work with people who are in that same business, saving or improving lives. [00:00:38] Duane Mancini: What better industry than where I get to wake up every day and just save people's lives. [00:00:42] Lindsey Dinneen: These are extraordinary people doing extraordinary work, and this is The Leading Difference. Hello, and welcome back to another episode of The Leading Difference podcast. I'm your host Lindsey, and I am delighted to welcome today Kat Hurd. Kat is an executive coach and the founder of MedTech Collective, where she helps medical device sales reps and leaders build influence, ownership, and long-term career momentum in complex, high stakes environments. With nearly two decades of real world experience in medical device sales and leadership, including senior roles at Boston Scientific and Saluda Medical, Kat brings a rare blend of commercial rigor, strategic insight, and credibility earned in the field based in Arizona. Kat is a speaker, advisor and coach who believes that when sales reps and leaders learn to own their voice, their business and their influence, the ripple effects extend far beyond individual success, shaping teams, cultures, and the future of the industry itself. Kat, welcome. Thank you so much for being here today. I'm super excited to speak with you. [00:01:45] Kat Hurd: Thank you so much for having me, Lindsey. It is an honor. I always love these conversations. [00:01:49] Lindsey Dinneen: Excellent. Well, if you don't mind just starting off by sharing a little bit about who you are, your background, and what led you to medtech. [00:01:58] Kat Hurd: Yeah, absolutely. Well, medtech, I like to say it's always, I was kind of born into it. So my mom is a nurse and she ran a medical clinic when I was in middle school and high school. So truly I would go to the clinic after school and, if, if actually we didn't have school, I remember one of the days sitting in a pharmaceutical rep lunch presentation, so I really got exposed before I even knew what it was. Even in that moment, I wish I'd understood more of what that rep was doing and really dug deep. You know, I thought I was gonna go to school and be a doctor, and then I quickly realized I didn't like freshman bio. And I wanted something where I could have an impact but still have some flexibility. So I actually, my to, to take you back to like how this all started, my background, sports medicine and so my undergrad and graduate degrees are in exercise science. I used to be taping ankles and rehabbing knee injuries and doing all of those things. And then I got exposure through that of being in the operating room when our athletes would have, you know, the injuries that were being surgically repaired, and that was really where I got that secondary introduction into medical device and started having conversations with other people who'd made the transition from athletic training where you have a ton of, you know, in insight into the human body and understanding of the medical world. And moving that into the sales arena. And so I met with someone in Iowa City. I'm a University of Iowa grad, and he was running the western half of the US for Boston Scientific at the time. And one thing led to another, led to me flying to Arizona and interviewing and then moving their site unseen really. I was there for, you know, max of 24 hours total in my interview process. And I just packed two suitcases and said "I wanna break into medical device." And that was in 2010. And I just fell in love with the industry and the therapy. So I was in neuromodulation working directly with spinal cord stimulator patients and started as a clinical specialist, and then I really quickly realized the way to have very clear impact on patients and providers was really actually to be in that sales role and be the one directing the support, directing the resources. And in neuromodulation, because you're in the OR and actually programming the stimulator, you're also kind of supporting the patient's care, which for me was right in my wheelhouse. And then I moved into leadership. And you know what you really wanna know is probably how did I land where I am now? And so I spent 10 years or 11 actually at Boston Scientific. And then moved to Saluda Medical, so to commercialize a small Australian based startup here in the US, which was such a fun and unique opportunity. And I always knew that was gonna be more of a three to five year play, and I just had it on my heart that I wanted to build a business to help reps be better reps, because I believe that the quality of care and the quality of outcomes is also directly tied to the partnerships and the caliber of the industry that supports the therapies. [00:05:00] Lindsey Dinneen: Okay. I love that. And I have so many questions as a result, but okay, let's start a little bit with what you're doing now and then maybe, we'll, we'll get to some of the other stuff as well, but, so you're supporting reps, and I think you said something really impactful about a lot of the patient outcomes kind of goes back to how, how the reps can be the best they can be. So I'm curious what all goes into that for you and what kind of training or coaching do you provide? [00:05:31] Kat Hurd: Absolutely. You know, I really, I saw that squarely and believed it when I was a sales rep myself. So I spent the first six years of my career on the sales side of things, and then moved into being a sales leader. And as a sales leader and then an area Vice President Saluda, it was the thing that I saw of like our teams and our people that excelled the most, weren't just the best salespeople, but they were the people that understood how to, for lack of a better word, leverage that clinical and patient experience into the entirety of the sales process and sales cycle. So good clinical care and driving good sales conversations, levels up the partnership and really creating this layer of, not just being a partner, but being a trusted advisor with the providers that you work with. So how that translates into my business now, 'cause oftentimes, you know, I get the question of like, why did you leave a burgeoning career? I had one physician who was like, "You were gonna be a CEO. Like, why'd you leave medtech?" I'm like, "I didn't leave. I'm just doing it differently," because I saw so strongly and so clearly that having the right resources as a sales rep and at the right time as a sales rep changes your career. I was lucky to have great mentors, but there's things that if I had had the right support and resources at the right time, I could have been even, you know, faster or more impactful in my results. And so that's what I do now. What my business looks like now is really, you know, threefold. So I work directly with sales reps who, not through their companies, but they'll come to me directly and we do sales and leadership coaching. So working on the strategies in their business, how they're, you know, clinically supporting. But, you know, I, I leave the clinical nuts and bolts to the organization because I'm not an expert, and that, unless it's spinal cord stimulation, then we can talk that for days. But you know, really how they're leveraging their clinical prowess into their sales process and building systems for success. And then I work directly with companies helping train and elevate their talent, both on the sales and leadership level. Then I also have an arm of my business where I do, and that's kind of more of the consulting arm of my business. I also help with sales strategy and go to market strategy. And then I also do more of like corporate speaking. So keynotes and workshops and seminars really focused on both how do you build and grow your career in medtech, particularly as a woman, because we know there's just not a lot of us. And you know, part of what I'm so passionate about is helping everyone and raising the caliber of talent everywhere, but also making sure that women have the structure, the resources, and the idea of the systems that they need to create so they can go as far as they want to. Doesn't mean they have to go all the way to the C-suite level if that's not what they want, but to ensure that they have the representation and the pathway in front of them to understand how to get there. [00:08:27] Lindsey Dinneen: Excellent. Okay, so let's dive into that a little bit because I know, I know you're super passionate about helping, you know, in general the industry succeed and, and move forward. But yeah, you have a particular passion for helping women. And I'm curious what's, what are some of the challenges or differences you see in a woman as she's trying to build her career in this versus say, a man who might just have a, a different experience? [00:08:52] Kat Hurd: Yeah, very different lived experiences and a lot of the tools and tactics and strategies that I work with my clients on are pretty universal. But what isn't universal and what we really work on for my female sales leaders and sales executives is that mindset and approach. Because you both have to you, well, you have to understand one thing, how to navigate rooms where you're the only or the lonely. Because most often in medtech, you will find yourself, at some point in your career, and if you haven't, please call me. I wanna know who you are and talk to 'cause that would be amazing if you've never been in a room where you haven't been the only woman. But it, it requires nuance. It requires an understanding of how to position yourself and your insights in a way that they land. And land effectively with the decision makers that you build the right connections. So you have access and visibility, and that's really the internal corporate side of things. And then you have the customer facing where there's of course nuance of, I mean, I had, when I was a sales rep, I had three female physicians as customers over the duration of my career. So I needed to understand how to work closely and collaborate with male physicians and do it in a way that there was a clear and fast line of what that relationship and rapport was. And I was able to do that so successfully that not only did I win a bunch of awards, but many of those individuals have become friends and mentors and sponsors of mine as well. [00:10:22] Lindsey Dinneen: Wow, that's incredible. Yeah. I actually wonder if you could speak a little bit to what you just said, because this is something-- so recently I had an opportunity to host a leadership summit, and one of the things that came up in the keynote was about how there different types of mentorship available. So, so you need, you need people who are kind of in your corner coaching you, but then you also need that kind of next tier, which is that sponsor like you were saying. So I wonder if you could speak a little bit to that. [00:10:54] Kat Hurd: Absolutely. Mentorship and sponsorship is, is some of the best lighter fluid that you can add to your career growth, truly. And I'm so passionate about it, I, some of what I do from a consulting work standpoint is actually help organizations build mentorship programs. That was my very first consulting contract when I started my business. So I, I'm actually very proud of that and I, I don't ever share that, so thank you for asking that question. 'cause I don't think I would've even called that out. But it's so inherently valuable and I, I'll just take us on a quick sidebar of why it's so important especially for women, because women, when it comes to career growth, will wait until they have 100% of the qualifications to apply for a role. When left to our own devices, we oftentimes will look at it and say, "I either don't wanna be rejected, I don't wanna waste anyone else's time or my time, or, well, I don't have all of those qualifications, so I'm not going to apply. I'll wait." Now, our male counterparts are far more brazen and they need three out of five of those qualifications, and they are convinced they are the top candidate, and there's something to be said for that, right? You know, I, I aspire to that level of, of confidence and conviction and I, I, you know, really both, you know, encourage and in some ways push and, and motivate my clients to do, to take that mindset and approach and not just the unbridled confidence. We do need that. But to understand that you don't have to have every single checkbox because when you're looking at career growth, if you're fully qualified and can do everything of the entire job scope on day one, you've actually already entered a role that you're already overqualified for. [00:12:37] Lindsey Dinneen: Ooh. [00:12:39] Kat Hurd: Because where do you grow? [00:12:41] Lindsey Dinneen: Mm-hmm. [00:12:42] Kat Hurd: So, so that's, that's the importance of mentorship and sponsorship is to have others see maybe what you don't, and help you identify where your talents and where your strengths are. Because really career growth, the best thing you can do is lean into those talents and then explore the edges that you need to grow into, and mentorship can help you do that. Now, the difference between mentorship and sponsorship: a mentor is someone who's likely walked the same path or similar, has done much of what you've done or has insight into it, and can provide insight, guidance, resources, and be a sounding board. What you don't want is a mentor that just commiserates or tells you that everything you're doing is right, yeah, because we all have areas to grow. So that's, mentorship is so important to have those people that it's kind of your lifeline, right? Can you, what's your phone a friends? You gotta have some of those phone a friends. And then sponsorship, those are people that can help you open doors. And sometimes a mentor will also be a sponsor. They're not mutually exclusive, but those sponsors are individuals who have influence and access to rooms that you aren't in, as do your mentors oftentimes, but can help open doors create introductions and open pathways that you didn't even know existed. The mentors and sponsors alike will be those people to encourage you to apply for roles when you think, "Oh, I don't know, I'm, I'm not sure if I'm ready." I mean, that actually, as I said, that took me right back to, I was in Atlanta, Georgia when there was an area vice president role that opened up. I was a regional director at Boston Scientific at the time. And I went to my area vice president, who I worked for, and he's like, I was like, I don't know if I'm qualified. He's like, absolutely, you're applying. [00:14:28] Lindsey Dinneen: I love that and "I'm gonna follow up with you." [00:14:32] Kat Hurd: Yeah, yeah, exactly. And I didn't get the role, but that isn't the point. It's the conversations and the growth that even comes from it too. So, so sponsorship is so important because it really is what can create some of the access and avenues and opportunities that you didn't know were possible. I'll share kind of a quick illustration of that 'cause it's very relevant. Dr. Mike Dorsey, he has a, a society called Sierra Spine Society. Not sure if you're familiar it. [00:14:59] Lindsey Dinneen: Little bit. Yeah. [00:15:00] Kat Hurd: It's one of the best conferences out there. I'll just say that. Like you get to ski while you're there and it is wonderful. But when you talk about sponsorships, so I've known Mike through my career, especially as I moved to Saluda Medical, you know, expanded my sales leadership influence and the geographies that I supported. But when I went out and started my own business, he was the first one to come to me and say, Hey, I wanna partner with you. I want you to come to Sierra Spine and run an industry panel. [00:15:30] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Yeah. [00:15:31] Kat Hurd: And there's no conversation like that that exists now. And we were texting about it this morning. It's why it's such a timely example, because now these conversations are, are popping up at other society meetings about the partnership, the collaboration, what is the role of industry and outcomes, all of those important things. And so his sponsorship has led to me now having other opportunities and conversations with different societies and different physician partners about the importance of those collaborations, about the accelerant that they can be in care and in, in outcomes. And so without someone like Mike, like Dr. Dorsey, I wouldn't have had that opportunity. I wouldn't have even had necessarily the proof of concept to go have these conversations. So that's where sponsorship can be so inherently valuable in your growth and creating movements and motions that you just truly didn't know were gonna be possible. [00:16:26] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah, and I think you said something that I wanted to touch base about. So, you know, you were talking about how oftentimes women don't apply for positions because they don't meet all the qualifications. And I, I know that's a very common thing and something that I've heard from people that I've helped mentor are sometimes when they're young in their career or they're wanting to break into, say, medical device sales, sometimes they have all of these incredible skill sets, but because they're not already part of the industry, they feel that they're not always sure how to connect the dots and get seen. And I'm curious, what are some of the things that you recommend for young professionals who are in this spot trying to break in or trying to keep growing? [00:17:10] Kat Hurd: Yeah. Yeah. It's getting, gaining a clear understanding of your talents, your experiences, and how they translate to the person that's hiring is one of the most challenging and also most transformative things that you can do when you're searching to break into the industry. And so it's really, you know, having conversations with hiring managers before you're in an interview process. The job interview starts, the job application, the job opening, and you know, recruiting starts far before the opening is posted. So, step one, and I know that folks out there know this, but it's really, it's getting clearer on what facet of industry you wanna get into, understanding what those pieces are that you, that are, are critical in that role. Like what does that hiring manager really need? What are the problems they're looking to solve with that hire? And then translating your experience into the solutions that they're ultimately looking for. So what that like in said and simpler language, you have to be able to speak their language and understand their needs so you can position yourself as the solution to those needs. [00:18:31] Lindsey Dinneen: Do you think also there are some good resources out there that you would recommend in terms of, part of what I know the barrier can feel like, and, and it, it can be really daunting when you first get in the medtech industry because, for many reasons, but somebody might say an entire sentence where you're like, I have no clue what you're talking about, based on all of the industry jargon um, and acronyms and things like that. And so I'm wondering, are there resources available that, you know, people that are looking to break into the industry could access? [00:19:04] Kat Hurd: There are a ton of resources out there. The challenge is knowing the right resources. There's also a ton of programs that will support you in your breaking in. This is gonna be an unpopular opinion. I don't think you need big, expensive programs to create results. What you need is a strong belief in your candidacy and an understanding of what your gaps are. [00:19:29] Lindsey Dinneen: Mm-hmm. [00:19:31] Kat Hurd: And then the solutions and strategies of how to fill them. Now you can get there faster with the resources and framework. I mean, I don't have a formal program, but I still help people on a, you know, one-off basis break into the industry. But at a broader level, I think what you're really asking is how does someone, it's kinda like eating an elephant. Like where do you, where do you take the first bite? You have to get started in knowing what you don't know. And so truly, I would encourage people if you're looking to break into the industry, to sit down and make a list of all the things that you don't know about the medical device industry. And that might be what are the different, you know, verticals of the industry? What are even the, you know, the specialties or the therapies and then, okay, so "I don't know even what space I would want to get into." That's, you know, bullet number one to identify. Then, "I don't know the language or terminology." That's an easy one to fix. I used to always tell candidates that go take an online medical terminology class. Learn to speak the language. I feel like they're out there for like 20 bucks or something. You can find really easy ones. I'm sure you could do free ones. You could probably ask chatGBT to create you, you know, a laundry list of acronyms and medical terminology and an understanding. Because when you understand the environment, that's when you can translate your experience into something that's relevant. But when you don't understand the environment the customers work in, what the needs are of the hiring manager and what the positioning is of the company, it becomes really hard to position yourself as the right candidate. So to go back to like, what are those resources? Absolutely. There's, there are folks that do some free programs. I mean, honestly, TikTok, there's a ton of people dropping knowledge on TikTok. There's some YouTube channels out there. I'm actually recording kind of a mini podcast series this week with Jay Pendleton, who's another. You know, big name in the medical device space, but adjacent to medical device from an industry standpoint, where we're gonna be talking about a lot of this because there is such a need, and the most important thing is first you identify the gaps and then you go find those resources. Of course, AI is a great place to go, but also have those human connections, make that outreach because that actually will help you then in your job search as well. [00:21:47] Lindsey Dinneen: Right, exactly. And then making those connections. I always say you never know where that'll lead. You just, you don't, you might think it's just a quick intro and, and that's fine, but then your, your name will come to mind from if somebody's hiring or needs something. It's just, yeah, that, that's great advice. So, one of the things I wanted to ask about is you do a lot outside of, you know, your full-time job, which I'm sure feels more, even more full-time now, uh, running your own business. But tell us a little bit about some of the things that you're passionate about outside of full-time work that you volunteer for. [00:22:25] Kat Hurd: Yeah. It, it's funny you say that, you know, the, the, the full-time job now is definitely like an all-time job, not just a full-time job, but I love it. So I hate to be that person that's like, it doesn't feel like work when you love what you do, but I loved what I did before, you know, this is a new way of me doing it. But I also firmly believe that the, and I've seen it in my business, the best years I had as a sales rep and as a sales leader were the years where I wasn't just giving to my team and to my organization but was also connected and giving to my community as well. So right now, that looks like me spending a ton of time at Ballet Arizona. I'm the Vice Chair of the board of directors, so I have, I committed to a four year leadership, yeah, leadership journey with them. So I have two years as vice chair and then I'll be Board Chair for two years. And it's just really, you know, I've been dancing since I was itty bitty. I had a short stint on the Phoenix Suns for a hot minute, and you know, it's been something that has been creatively my kind of happy place since I was little. And it's been really fun to take my business acumen and my strategic mind and get to apply it to the art form that I love. So that's where, you know, these days where I'm spending a lot of my time, but I also do rescue work and work at our local animal shelter, walking dogs, giving them treats, you know. There's something to be said for walking in after a long day or a long week to, and yes, people often are like, it's so sad. How can you do that? Those dogs are so happy to see you, there is no way, truly no way that you can leave pissed off. Like, it just, it takes the, the weight of the week or whatever the situation is, and shifts your mind and shifts your perspective because truly I think when we, you know, come from a head space of gratitude, because we are all so lucky to be in the medtech world, the opportunities that we have, the, you know, just uncharted territory really that our career can take. That's the best part. I'm sure you didn't imagine that you would have a podcast and you would have, you know, the influence that you do with MD&M and all these other opportunities that are afforded to you. And so, it's good to be reminded of how much we do have, and it never hurts to get some puppy kisses too. [00:24:42] Lindsey Dinneen: Exactly. Well, you're speaking my language on both of them. [00:24:46] Kat Hurd: Love that. [00:24:46] Lindsey Dinneen: When we were, when my husband and I were paused for a little while in Oregon, we would go and do and go walk dogs and, and yeah, it is, it is hard because you kind of fall in love instantly all the time, but it is such a, it's so, it's such a gift. It's a gift for you. [00:25:02] Kat Hurd: Yeah. It, it really is. And we foster failed twice, so, yeah. You know, so we probably just should admit that we aren't good fosters we're good, you know, pet parents, but it is, and even you can't take all of them home with you. So just, you know, having those moments with them is really fun. [00:25:21] Lindsey Dinneen: So you mentioned your business acumen being wonderfully applied to the arts world, which is a, which is so great. I'm also wondering how it's worked on the opposite side of things. Like what do you think dance taught you growing up that you apply? [00:25:37] Kat Hurd: I love this question, and I was just saying this last week. I sat down at dinner with a mentor and sponsor of mine, and I was telling him that I am convinced --you cannot convince me otherwise-- that my dance background-- 'cause I actually, I went as far as to get a degree in dance. So like I live and breathe it for for a long time. And that is what made me such a successful sales rep especially in the OR environment because what do you do as a dancer? You observe patterns of movement and you, you are, you can predict what's going to happen physically before it happens because you can read those cues and so that is exceptionally valuable in the OR when as a sales rep, your job is to be like bright and present when they need you, and blend into the background when they don't. And it is like a dance in the OR, it's absolutely choreographed. And then when that goes into sales conversations, it's reading the nonverbals and understanding what someone's body positioning and posture is telling you without their words. And you really do, especially I, I did a lot of modern dance in college, you learn that improvisation, you have to be able to read someone's movement before it happens. So yes, it's a great question and I, I, you know, strongly believe, I know that athletes often get hired as medical device reps, but I think dancers are just an untapped and really under leveraged subset of talent because their skills can translate so strongly. [00:27:09] Lindsey Dinneen: I love that. Well, shout out to dance is I think many of the listeners know I'm also a dancer, so I of course, feel very strongly about the connection and the power that the arts can provide for any career really. [00:27:23] Kat Hurd: Truly. I'm curious for you, what do you feel like your, if of your background, right, of your maybe it's dance or some of the volunteer work or the travel that you do, how has that positioned you in your current career for success? [00:27:36] Lindsey Dinneen: Oh, that's, that's a fun one. I think so I think all of the skills that I learned as a dancer have been instrumental. Things like learning how to take correction with grace and apply, apply it quickly, apply the feedback quickly, permanently to make a big difference. I think learning teamwork and how you fit into the broader picture as a whole, you're not always gonna be the soloist or kind of the leader in charge necessarily. So sometimes you have to know when you're gonna be to put in dance terms, the corps de ballet. You have to know when to be the main group of dances. But again, not feeling like any role is insignificant. We all work together to success. I also think that resilience is a huge component of it. The grit that is required for dancing translates so well into anything else because this industry can be difficult and like you said, depending on where you're navigating, and what you wanna do, sometimes it takes a lot of sort of persistence and, and resilience and grit. Yeah, I could go on and on, but those are things that come immediately to mind. [00:28:48] Kat Hurd: Yeah, absolutely. It's that resilience. I mean, when you take it back to the conversation about breaking into the industry, you have to be willing to-- and same as in arts or in athletics-- like be willing to let yourself fail, to push yourself to your edges, to understand your limitations, and then blow past them. Because if you just stay at what your limitations are, you're never really gonna get where you wanna go. And as a dancer, you have to live that life all the time. And it is, it's absolutely, those are the hallmarks to breaking in. You have to be agile. You have to be very comfortable with rejection. You have to be very gritty in trying and trying and trying again, and it doesn't matter how many times you don't get a response, you're still gonna send out those messages. You're still gonna ask people for coffee chats. You're still gonna send one question to one person and ask for three minutes of their time. [00:29:39] Lindsey Dinneen: Yep. Yep. I love it. All right, so I'm curious, as you've had a really cool career in this industry, what are, what is a moment maybe that stands out as really solidifying that, "Hey, I'm, I'm in the right place at the right time." [00:29:54] Kat Hurd: Oh man, that's a hard question. I love that because I feel like I've had so many of those moments, and interestingly, it's not the moment that have been, you know, me standing on stage accepting an award. I think it's been in the little moments, like those quiet whispers of like, " Yes, this is it." You know, the, the times where my customers, you know, as a sales rep would come to me and say, "Here's the challenge I'm having. What are your thoughts?" Not about spinal cord stimulation, but because we built this trusted partnership and, you know, and I became an advisor in their world and not just another rep, right? So like those moments as a sales rep really were the moments that were were those kind of inflection points for me. And then I look as a sales leader of seeing my team win as a coach. You know, I, I get the question of like, well, you know, how did you prepare for what you're doing now? I'm like, "Guys, I'm coaching. I was coaching people for the last 10 years as a sales leader. Now I just do it for my own company instead of others." You know, but, and I will say this. The moment I knew that I was on the right path in my, my current role in starting my own company was starting to see the impact that it would have on the reps that I was working with. The sales leader who came to me as she first got promoted and then now is currently ranked first in her company, you know, like the, the reps-- even just this last weekend I got a text message from a rep I hired a few years back and who's at a different company doing big things and they just won a massive onstage award as Rookie of the Year. You know, really cool moments that getting to be a part of their success and their journey because not only is it incredibly fulfilling do you get to make a, a massive impact, but it also financially sets you and your family up for massive opportunity ahead. You know, I just had a client where we negotiated an additional 25K on her offer. Like that's a big deal, right? [00:31:58] Lindsey Dinneen: Wow. Yeah. Yeah. That's huge. [00:31:59] Kat Hurd: So, so I apologize because I didn't give you just one moment because, for me, it's, it's the invisible thread that runs through and that, because that thread has always been present in a different form or fashion, it's given me this in some ways insane courage to do things that people think are, are delusional and know that it's the right thing because of the impact that it's gonna have. [00:32:24] Lindsey Dinneen: Love it. Absolutely love it. Okay, so pivoting the conversation just for fun, imagine that you were to be offered a million dollars to teach a masterclass on anything you want. It could be within the industry or what you're doing now, but it doesn't have to be. What would you choose to teach? [00:32:42] Kat Hurd: Anything I want? Oh my gosh. Can I give two answers? Good. Because the first thing I would absolutely just want to teach one on this industry, and that's the power of influence in building your net, your web, I call it your, your web of, of influence. That changes your career. It's who you, who knows you, what they know of you, and that is what opens doors. So I feel like I would, I would do that. Right. And I, I have to do that because that's really what I'm so passionate about. But if it was like any off the wall topic, it would be traveling to Europe on a budget. I have it on lock. And particularly how to do the long haul flights without jet lag. [00:33:35] Lindsey Dinneen: Oh, excellent. [00:33:37] Kat Hurd: Yeah. [00:33:38] Lindsey Dinneen: Might need to talk more about this offline. [00:33:41] Kat Hurd: I feel like I have such a system and one of my my last boss used to always say, he's like, "You can go," 'cause I international travel is my, like, my passion outside of dance. And he's always like, "You can go, you just have to promise me that you'll come back." He used to joke. He's like, "I'm afraid that one day you just won't come back." So I made good on my word. I always came back, but I did learn a lot of tips and tricks along the way. [00:34:07] Lindsey Dinneen: Awesome. Excellent. Great masterclass topics. How do you wish to be remembered after you leave this world? [00:34:15] Kat Hurd: Oh, I love that. And what it unique question to ask in a podcast about medtech. I, I think we get so stuck in talking about who we are as professionals, that we don't always talk about the bigger pieces. So I wanna be remembered as someone who cared deeply and made an impact on others. Yeah. [00:34:35] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Yeah. I love that. And you're well on your way, so there you go. [00:34:41] Kat Hurd: I like to think so. It's all a work in progress and it's truly a testament to, you know, to take it back to some of the start of our conversation to the mentors and sponsors I've had along the way who have given me-- you know, I, I talk about borrowed belief a lot because there's gonna be times in your career where you don't think you have what it takes. And that's where mentors and sponsors come in. And having people that will loan you their belief in you, so you can believe in yourself, even just for a moment to go do the thing that feels really scary. And because I've had those people, you know, I've I've felt brave enough to take those risks and moments. [00:35:17] Lindsey Dinneen: Love it. Yeah. Excellent. All right. And then final question. What is one thing that makes you smile every time you see or think about it? [00:35:26] Kat Hurd: Oh my gosh. Well, at the risk of sounding like that dog lady, it's a hundred percent our pups. We have, we have two now, and our current foster slash foster fail has this unbridled energy that I always look at her and think, "Gosh, if I could bottle that." Yes. So yeah, it's my family, right? My partner, Matt. I think that those, it's those moments. At the end of the day, I couldn't do what I do without my family, without Matt and yeah, so I'm very lucky to have them. [00:35:55] Lindsey Dinneen: Love that. Excellent. Well, this has been an amazing conversation, Kat, and we are so honored to be making a donation on your behalf as a thank you for your time today to Save the Children, which works to end the cycle of poverty by ensuring communities have the resources to provide children with a healthy, educational, and safe environment. So thank you so much for choosing that charity to support, and also thank you for continuing to work to change lives for a better world. We're grateful, and I wish you the most amazing continued success. [00:36:30] Kat Hurd: Well, Lindsey, thank you for all that you're doing as well. Even hosting these conversations, it's such an important, you know, distinction to talk about how do you make a difference in this space and change things for the better. So thank you for your kind words and the opportunity to have this conversation, get to hang out with you for a little bit. And yeah, I look forward to our next conversation. [00:36:50] Lindsey Dinneen: Awesome. All right. Thank you. [00:36:53] Dan Purvis: The Leading Difference is brought to you by Velentium Medical. Velentium Medical is a full service CDMO, serving medtech clients worldwide to securely design, manufacture, and test class two and class three medical devices. Velentium Medical's four units include research and development-- pairing electronic and mechanical design, embedded firmware, mobile app development, and cloud systems with the human factor studies and systems engineering necessary to streamline medical device regulatory approval; contract manufacturing-- building medical products at the prototype, clinical, and commercial levels in the US, as well as in low cost regions in 1345 certified and FDA registered Class VII clean rooms; cybersecurity-- generating the 12 cybersecurity design artifacts required for FDA submission; and automated test systems, assuring that every device produced is exactly the same as the device that was approved. Visit VelentiumMedical.com to explore how we can work together to change lives for a better world.

In this episode, Stafford sits down with Terry Roberts, a man who spent decades navigating the corporate world with companies like IBM, Procter & Gamble, Kimberly-Clark, Boston Scientific, and Medtronic only to walk away and bet on himself.After realizing in his mid-50s that corporate advancement had a ceiling, Terry made a hard pivot. No safety net, no guarantees. Just a decision to learn real estate from scratch. Over the next several years, he built a portfolio strong enough to replace his income and step away from corporate life on his own terms.Now semi-retired, Terry shares what that transition really looked like; the uncertainty, the discipline, and the long game most people aren't willing to play. This is a conversation about reinvention, knowing when to pivot, and building something that actually gives you freedom.Outside of business, Terry is a family man first. He's been married to his college sweetheart Gina for over 40 years, with three daughters, a growing crew of grandkids, and a life centered around family, faith, and Mississippi State athletics. You'll usually find him at a game, at the lake house on the Tombigbee, or in the shop working with his hands.He also co-hosts the Cardiovascular Matters podcast alongside Dr. Craig Walker, where they dig into heart health and real-world medical insights.This one's about what happens when you stop waiting for permission and start building your own path.

Today I sit down with Kelly Abbott, one of my absolute best friends and someone I have known for more than 20 years, and we get into a conversation I think all of us need to be having right now. Kelly is one of the most talented CIOs, internet entrepreneurs, and technology minds I know, and what I appreciate most about him is that he does not approach AI like a hype man. He approaches it like a builder, an artist, a strategist, and a deeply curious human being. That combination is rare. What really stands out to me in this conversation is that Kelly is not using AI in a shallow, gimmicky way. He is exploring how it can become a genuine creative partner. He walks me through a project he has built called Writer's Room, a tool designed to simulate the collaborative energy of a real writers room so people can develop long-form fiction with multiple AI personas, story structure, quality control, continuity, and creative tension built in. It is a fascinating example of what becomes possible when you stop thinking about AI as a shortcut and start thinking about it as a thought partner. We also talk about the AI-generated video he created for Seven CTOs, and this part of the conversation opens up something deeper than tools alone. Kelly shares how he used AI to translate an inner idea into a full creative artifact by scripting with ChatGPT, shaping voice in ElevenLabs, experimenting with music, and embracing imagery, archetype, and non-deterministic outputs along the way. One of the most powerful parts of this conversation is hearing him describe why he chose an unexpected narrator voice and how he thinks about the relationship between text, emotion, music, image, and trust. It is a masterclass in taste, not just tech. We also get honest about the tension many people feel around AI. I say in the episode that I am less worried about AI destroying the world by itself than I am about people using it stupidly and at scale. Kelly does not brush that off. He agrees that the concern is real, and he makes a strong case that the answer is not avoidance. The answer is learning. He talks about why he teaches Claude in particular, why he respects Anthropic's stance on safety, and why becoming capable with these tools puts you in the driver's seat instead of leaving you vulnerable to being outpaced by them. Another piece I love is that this conversation is not just about AI in the abstract. It becomes personal. Kelly starts exploring what it could look like to use tools like NotebookLM to understand my body of work more deeply, surface the real pain points my clients face, and eventually help build something like an on-demand “Johnny brain” people could interact with for coaching and insight. That is where this episode gets especially exciting to me, because it moves from fascination to application. We are not just asking what AI is. We are asking how to use it in service of real communication, real creativity, real usefulness, and real human connection. And then, because life is funny and friendship matters, we close by telling the story of how Kelly and I first met on a flight to South by Southwest. It starts with him defending an empty seat, me walking back up the aisle in a too-tight Flash T-shirt, and Kelly greeting me with, “I don't like you very much right now.” What followed was a conversation, a weekend, and a friendship that has lasted for decades. Honestly, that ending says a lot about this whole episode. Beneath all the tools and ideas is something more important: curiosity, candor, play, and the willingness to engage what is right in front of you. This episode matters because AI is not coming someday. It is here. And like it or not, all of us need to get familiar with what it can do, where it helps, where it misleads, and how to use it without giving up our judgment, our values, or our originality. That is why I expect this to become a semi-regular part of the podcast.   Key Takeaways AI becomes far more useful when you treat it as a creative partner rather than a magic shortcut. Kelly's “Writer's Room” concept shows how AI can simulate diverse voices, roles, and editorial functions to strengthen storytelling and idea development. A learner's mindset still matters as much as any tool. Kelly says one of his advantages has always been being “a page ahead in the manual” because he stayed up learning. Great AI output still depends on human taste, curation, and judgment. The tools can generate, but the human being still has to choose. Non-deterministic outputs are not always a flaw. In creative work, unpredictability can actually produce something more alive and surprising. Voice, music, and image are not separate from strategy. They shape trust, tone, and emotional impact. AI literacy is quickly becoming a real professional advantage. The people who learn how to use these tools well will be far less likely to be overwhelmed by them. Safety matters. Kelly makes a clear distinction between powerful use and careless use, which is one reason he emphasizes Claude and Anthropic's public posture around AI safety. The future is not only about automating tasks. It is also about making your ideas more discoverable, more creative, and more accessible to the people you serve. Friendship, curiosity, and long conversations still matter. Some of the best ideas begin with a human relationship, not a prompt.   Addressing Relevant Issues This conversation touches a nerve that a lot of people are feeling right now. We are living through a moment where AI is moving faster than most people can comfortably track, and that creates a strange mix of excitement, intimidation, skepticism, and risk. This episode speaks directly to that. We get into leadership, creativity, communication, entrepreneurship, technology, safety, and discernment. We also touch the deeper issue underneath all of it, which is whether we are going to let technology flatten our humanity or help us express it more powerfully. To me, that is the real issue. Not whether AI exists, but whether we develop the judgment, character, and skill to use it well.   Why This Episode Matters This episode matters to me personally because Kelly is not just a brilliant technologist. He is someone I trust. That matters a lot in a space where there is so much noise, so much hype, and so much confident nonsense. What really stands out to me is that Kelly brings both depth and play to this conversation. He understands the technical side, but he also understands voice, story, aesthetics, and what makes something actually resonate. I think listeners will come away with something rare here: not just more information about AI, but a healthier and more useful way to think about it. And honestly, I care about this because I do believe we all need to start getting familiar with what these tools can do. The people who learn thoughtfully are going to be in a much stronger position than the people who ignore this and hope it goes away.   Resources Mentioned Writer's Room Studio — https://writersrooms.studio/ Kelly's AI video — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XteCrxWZIvA ElevenLabs — https://elevenlabs.io/ Mother / music sample generation invite — https://mother.is/invite/USER-D071D3FA Ideogram — https://ideogram.ai/ Google Flow — https://labs.google/fx/tools/flow NotebookLM — https://notebooklm.google.com/ BOL Agency — https://www.bol-agency.com/ The K State — https://thekstate.com/   Connect & Subscribe If this conversation gave you something to think about, subscribe to Live Like a Leader, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who is trying to make sense of AI, leadership, creativity, or where communication is headed next.   Next Steps A good next step is to spend a little time with Kelly's work and then actually try one of the tools we discuss. Don't just have an opinion about AI from a distance. Get your hands on it. Explore it. Test it. See where it helps, where it falls short, and where your own judgment needs to get stronger. And if this conversation resonates, stay with us, because this is going to be an ongoing part of the show. -----   Kelly Abbott is Chief AI Officer at BOL Agency and founder of K-State LLC, where he helps organizations stop talking about AI and start operating with it. A two-time exit founder (Match.com, Adobe), Kelly now builds AI-native systems for marketing agencies, law firms, and enterprise teams. He trains teams on Claude, designs agentic workflows, and creates products at the intersection of AI, music, and creative technology. He lives in Washougal, WA with his family. Ohio State alum. Still writing stories. --------John Bates provides 1:1 Executive Communications Coaching, both in-person and online. He also gets 92+ Net Promoter Scores for his large and small group leadership development trainings at organizations like Johnson & Johnson, NASA, Google, Intuit, Boston Scientific, and many more. Find more at https://executivespeakingsuccess.com.Sign up for his weekly micro-trainings for free at https://johnbates.com/mini-trainings and create a great leadership communications habit that makes you the kind of leader who inspires trust, loyalty, and connection.

Prabagar Sankar, Senior Engineer at Intuitive, a leader in robotic-assisted healthcare innovation, shares a front-line perspective on how healthcare innovation actually makes it from lab to patient. We explore the critical role of concurrent engineering and early stakeholder alignment in bridging the gap between technical breakthroughs and real-world, regulated deployment. With experience spanning wearable health technologies, medical device R&D, and clinical research across organizations like Sonova, Boston Scientific, and Drexel University, Prabagar dives into how clinician–engineer collaboration drives adoption, and why the future of healthcare lies at the intersection of sensors, data, AI, and robotics. He also unpacks the shift from reactive care to proactive and preventative medicine, powered by continuous monitoring and smarter systems. From wearable sensors to scalable medical devices, this conversation highlights what it takes to build technologies that are not only innovative—but safe, effective, and truly impactful for patients.

This episode covers: Cardiology This Week: A concise summary of recent studies Time for physiological pacing in heart failure? Same-day discharge after EP procedures: from evidence to practice EHRA 2026 Scientific Highlights Host: Gerd Hindricks Guests: Haran Burri, Emma Svennberg, Julia Vogler Want to watch that episode? Go to: https://esc365.escardio.org/event/2555    Disclaimer ESC TV Today is supported by Novartis through an independent funding. The programme has not been influenced in any way by its funding partner. This programme is intended for health care professionals only and is to be used for educational purposes. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) does not aim to promote medicinal products nor devices. Any views or opinions expressed are the presenters' own and do not reflect the views of the ESC. All declarations of interest are listed at the end of the episode. The ESC is not liable for any translated content of this video.  The English language always prevails. ESC TV Today uses a range of tools and resources (including AI) to support content production. All content is reviewed and approved by the editorial team. Statements and opinions expressed by guest speakers are their own.   Declarations of interests Stephan Achenbach, Yasmina Bououdina and Nicolle Kraenkel have declared to have no potential conflicts of interest to report. Carlos Aguiar has declared to have potential conflicts of interest to report: personal fees for consultancy and/or speaker fees from Abbott, AbbVie, Alnylam, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Bayer, BiAL, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Daiichi-Sankyo, Ferrer, Gilead, GSK, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, Servier, Takeda, Tecnimede. Haran Burri has declared to have potential conflicts of interest to report: institutional research and fellowship support or speaker honoraria from Abbott, Biotronik, Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Microport. John-Paul Carpenter has declared to have potential conflicts of interest to report: stockholder MyCardium AI. Davide Capodanno has declared to have potential conflicts of interest to report: Abbott Vascular, Bristol Myers Squibb, Daiichi Sankyo, Edwards Lifesciences, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi Aventis, Terumo. David Duncker has declared to have potential conflicts of interest to report: lecture honorary from Abbott, Astra Zeneca, Biotronik, Boehringer Ingelheim, Boston Scientifics, Bristol Meyers Squibb, CVRx, Daiichi Sankyo, Medtronic, Microport, Pfizer, Sanofi, Zoll. Gerd Hindricks has declared to have potential conflicts of interest to report: institutional research and fellowship support or speaker honoraria from Abbott, Biotronik, Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Microport. Konstantinos Koskinas has declared to have potential conflicts of interest to report: honoraria from MSD, Daiichi Sankyo, Sanofi. Felix Mahfoud has declared to have potential conflicts of interest to report: research grants from Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (SFB TRR219), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kardiologie (DGK), Deutsche Herzstiftung, Ablative Solutions, ReCor Medical. Consulting fees, payment honoraria lectures, presentations, speaker, support travel costs: Ablative Solutions, Astra-Zeneca, Novartis, Inari, Recor Medical, Medtronic, Philips, Merck. Steffen Petersen has declared to have potential conflicts of interest to report: consultancy for Circle Cardiovascular Imaging Inc. Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Helmut Puererfellner has declared to have potential conflicts of interest to report: speaker fees, honoraria, consultancy, advisory board fees, investigator, committee member, etc., including travel funding related to these activities for the following companies: Abbott, Biotronik, Biosense Webster, Boston Scientific, Daiichi Sankyo, Medtronic. Emma Svennberg has declared to have potential conflicts of interest to report: Abbott, Astra Zeneca, Bayer, Bristol-Myers, Squibb-Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson. Julia Vogler has declared to have potential conflicts of interest to report: honoraria for talks: Abbott.

From $50k to $115k: How a Ministry Director Broke into Medical Sales (and Survived a Major Setback)Can you pivot from a nonprofit background to a six-figure medical device sales role? Kevin Maher did—but it wasn't a straight line. From landing a dream $115,000 offer at AstraZeneca to having it rescinded over a driving record error, this is the raw, unfiltered truth about the medical sales journey.In this episode of Medical Sales U, Kevin Maher and I dive deep into the grit, the "corporate game," and the exact steps needed to land a role at top companies like Applied Medical.What You'll Learn in This Episode:The "Panera Strategy": How Kevin hunted down a hiring manager in real life.Transferable Skills: Why ministry, teaching, and coaching are "secret weapons" for sales.The Driving Record Warning: The $115k mistake you MUST avoid before you apply.The "Corporate Game": How to balance radical authenticity with professional wisdom.Clinical Interviewing: A look inside the Applied Medical vNOTES procedure test.Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction: Kevin's transition from Young Life to Med Sales.04:20 - The skill set: Why "Area Directors" make great Territory Managers.08:15 - Networking 101: Finding an AstraZeneca manager at Panera Bread.16:30 - The $115k Offer: Doubling a salary overnight.18:45 - DISASTER: Why the offer was rescinded (and how to fix your record).22:10 - The Grind: Delivering bulletins and taking calls from the car.27:50 - Learning from Rejection: Failing the Boston Scientific final round.31:15 - The "Corporate Game": When to be authentic vs. when to be wise.36:40 - Success at Applied Medical: The vNOTES clinical interview.41:20 - Final Advice: Perseverance and the future of Medical Sales.Connect with Us:Follow Kevin Maher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinmaher1/About Medical Sales U:We help high-performers—teachers, nurses, and professionals—break into the medical device and pharmaceutical sales industry through expert coaching and a proven community of winners. We help professionals transition into top-tier medical sales roles: medicalsalesu.com/#MedicalSales #CareerPivot #MedicalDeviceSales #AstraZeneca #JobInterviewTips #SalesCareer #MedicalSales

In this discussion, Dr. Deep Chandh Raja, MBBS, MD, PhD, is joined by Dr. Chi Keong Ching, MBBS, FHRS, and Dr. Haris M. Haqqani, MD, PhD, FHRS, to review the growing empirical evidence supporting anatomically guided ablation strategies for idiopathic left ventricular (LV) summit ventricular arrhythmias. The panel highlights how integrating multimodality mapping with a nuanced understanding of the region's complex anatomy can improve procedural success and safety. They also emphasize the role of evolving techniques and shared clinical experience in refining outcomes for these challenging cases.   Learning Objectives Describe the anatomical challenges of the left ventricular (LV) summit and their implications for catheter ablation of idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias. Evaluate the role of multimodality mapping and anatomically guided strategies in improving procedural success and safety.  Identify emerging techniques and clinical insights that inform optimal ablation approaches for LV summit arrhythmias.    Article AuthorsTakumi Yamada and G. Neal Kay Podcast ContributorsDr. Deep Chandh Raja, MBBS, MD, PhD Dr. Chi Keong Ching, MBBS, FHRS Dr. Haris M. Haqqani, MD, PhD, FHRS   Host and Contributor Disclosure(s): D.C. Raja Nothing to disclose. C.K. Ching •Honoraria/Speaking/Teaching/Consulting: Abbott, Biotronik, Boston Scientific, Biosense Webster, Inc, Medtronic H. Haqqani •Honoraria/Speaking/Teaching/Consulting: Abbott Medical •Membership on Advisory Committees: Boston Scientific

Send us Fan MailMustafa Poonawala is a globally recognized leader in medical device and diagnostics innovation, known for his ability to translate strategy into execution across R&D, clinical operations, and portfolio management. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he has built and led world-class engineering and program teams, guided products from early development through regulatory approval, and driven large-scale organizational transformation in highly regulated environments.Currently, Mustafa is the CEO of DynaMill Research, a specialized Clinical Research Organization focused on helping diagnostics companies dramatically reduce cycle times and improve cost predictability. DynaMill's approach blends agile program management, end-to-end digital clinical workflows, predictive enrollment strategies, and deep partnerships with multi-site clinical networks. The goal is simple but ambitious: help diagnostic innovations reach patients faster without sacrificing rigor or quality.In parallel, Mustafa is Managing Partner at Steps Program Management, where he has spent nearly a decade advising organizations on agile transformation, PMO maturity, and portfolio optimization—particularly within medical device R&D. His work emphasizes lean, value-driven processes, difficult prioritization, and delivery predictability, all grounded in real-world execution rather than theory.Previously, Mustafa held senior leadership roles at BD, Hospira, OBS Medical, and Boston Scientific. His experience spans implantable and disposable devices, complex electromechanical systems, software and cybersecurity for safety-critical systems, and large-scale diagnostics portfolios exceeding billions of dollars in revenue. With a PhD in Software Engineering focused on safety-critical systems, Mustafa brings a rare blend of deep technical rigor, business acumen, and servant leadership to every challenge he tackles.LINKS:Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mustafapGuest website: https://dynamillcro.comAaron Moncur, host Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday.The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.usWatch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus 

Ingenion Medical, run by our guest Ed Cappabianca, is going to change the standard catheter in the UK - The Foley catheter. Urinary catheter-associated infections kill 2,100 people a year and block 1.2 million hospital bed-days. And yet, the Foley catheter - the standard of care - has barely changed in 91 years. Ingenion Medical has built what replaces it.The cymactive™ 2.0R is a CE-marked, patient-controlled urethral catheter with a patented magnetic valve that is already in clinical use across the UK and 15 international markets. It is superior to either standard Foleys or intermittent catheters, and generates revenue today. Ingenion Medical are seeking investors. Here's the Investment case:• Revenue generative, regulatory approved. CE Mark achieved Q1 2024. ISO 13485 renewed October 2025. FDA pre-sub meeting completed.• Commercial traction. Distributor agreements in over 10 countries. NHS Supply Chain at contract award stage. 15 NHS hospitals active or in pipeline.• Profitable at 1,600 patients per month (80 urologists x 20 patients). Breakeven H2 2027. £49m revenue projected 2030.• Exit precedent. Comparable urology acquisitions: Urotronic > Laborie $600m;Neotract > Teleflex $1.1b; Augmenix > Boston Scientific $600m; .• World-class advisors. Advisory board includes: Professor Chris Chapple (former European Association of Urology Secretary General) and Professor Kurt Naber, global authority on urinary tract infections.If you would like the detailed Investor Pitch Deck, go to: ingenion.approvedinvestors.co.ukSummary of PodcastKey TakeawaysThe Problem: Current catheters cause frequent, costly infections (£2k–£3.5k per cycle for the NHS) and severely limit patient mobility and quality of life.The Solution: Ingenion's cymactive catheter is a 30-day, self-voiding device with no external bag, restoring patient dignity and designed to reduce infection risk.Market Validation: The NHS created a new framework channel specifically for SimActive, signaling strong support for its innovation and cost-saving potential.The Ask: Ingenion is raising £2M (for ~10% equity) to fund commercialisation, targeting a future trade sale to a major urology firm for a potential 10x investor return.The Problem with Current CathetersUrinary Retention: A common condition caused by issues like BPH (enlarged prostate), Parkinson's, MS, and spinal cord injuries.Foley Catheter (Indwelling):The 100-year-old standard, anchored by an internal balloon.Creates a "superhighway for bacteria," causing frequent, costly infections.Full cost of ownership for the NHS is ~£800/month per patient.Intermittent Catheters (Single-Use):Used 5–8 times daily, creating significant waste and inconvenience.Account for 90% (£157.5M) of the NHS's £175M annual catheter spend.Patient Impact:Fear of infection and public voiding → social isolation.Reduced fluid intake → dehydration, which can worsen conditions like dementia.The cymactive SolutionInnovation: A 30-day, self-voiding catheter with no external tubes or bags.Mechanism:An internal, patient-controlled magnetic valve.An external magnet opens the valve; removing it allows the valve to close naturally.Infection Defense:The urethra seals over the valve's end, mimicking the body's natural defense against bacteria.Anecdotal evidence suggests reduced infections and restored function.Product Pipeline:Current: cymactive for male urinary retention (CE marked).In Development: Versions for women and for male incontinence.Market Validation & CommercialisationNHS Adoption:The NHS created a new framework channel for cymactive, as it didn't fit existing categories.Ingenion was the sole applicant and signed a 2-year contract on March 12, 2026.Ordering codes are now live for hospitals.Go-to-Market Strategy:Goal: Build awareness among clinicians and patient groups.Method: Target early adopters and use their case studies, shared by the NHS innovation team, to drive broader adoption.Rationale: A randomised control trial was unfeasible because Foley catheter users were unwilling to risk being randomised to the control group.Investment OpportunityThe Ask: £2M for ~10% equity (pre-money valuation: £18M).Exit Strategy: Trade sale to a major urology firm (e.g., Coloplast, Becton Dickinson).Rationale: Leverage a large firm's infrastructure for rapid, global scaling.Target Return: A typical venture capital return of ~10x investment.Investor Profile: High Net Worth (HNW) or Sophisticated Investors.Due Diligence: Pitch deck available at ingenion.approvedinvestors.co.ukThe Next 100 Days Podcast Co-HostsGraham ArrowsmithGraham founded Finely Fettled in 2014 to provide data from The UK High Net Worth Database to marketers targeting affluent and high-net-worth customers. He's the founder of MicroYES, a Partner for MeclabsAI, creating lead generation AI Agents & Workflows and introducing the MeclabsAI Platform. Graham also provides an Answer Engine Optimisation solution to get your website in shape to be found by LLMs.Kevin ApplebyKevin specialises in finance transformation and implementing business change. He's the COO of GrowCFO, which provides both community and CPD-accredited training designed to grow the next generation of finance leaders. You can find Kevin on LinkedIn and at kevinappleby.com

Omar Ford, Editor in Chief of MD+DI, shares his journey from small-town print journalism to covering medtech, and the steep learning curve that taught him how to find the real story behind press releases, FDA pathways, and industry trends. Omar explains how thinking like a “contemporary medtech historian” helps connect past events to present innovations, and why curiosity—and an unusually open, helpful industry—accelerated his growth. He reflects on defining leadership moments, imposter syndrome, and the mentors who shaped his style, plus memorable conversations from his Let's Talk Medtech podcast.   Guest links: omar.ford@informa.com | https://www.mddionline.com/  Charity supported: March of Dimes Interested in being a guest on the show or have feedback to share? Email us at theleadingdifference@velentium.com.  PRODUCTION CREDITS Host & Editor: Lindsey Dinneen Producer: Velentium Medical   EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Episode 078 - Omar Ford [00:00:00] Lindsey Dinneen: Hi, I'm Lindsey and I'm talking with MedTech industry leaders on how they change lives for a better world. [00:00:09] Diane Bouis: The inventions and technologies are fascinating and so are the people who work with them. [00:00:15] Frank Jaskulke: There was a period of time where I realized, fundamentally, my job was to go hang out with really smart people that are saving lives and then do work that would help them save more lives. [00:00:28] Diane Bouis: I got into the business to save lives and it is incredibly motivating to work with people who are in that same business, saving or improving lives. [00:00:38] Duane Mancini: What better industry than where I get to wake up every day and just save people's lives. [00:00:42] Lindsey Dinneen: These are extraordinary people doing extraordinary work, and this is The Leading Difference. Hello and welcome back to another episode of The Leading Difference podcast. I'm your host, Lindsey, and today I'm delighted to welcome as my guest Omar Ford. Omar is an experienced Editor in Chief, currently at MD+DI, with a demonstrated history of working in the medical device industry. Skilled in medical devices, technical writing, marketing, strategic planning, and marketing strategy, he also has a strong media and communication professional background with a bachelor's degree focused in journalism from the University of South Carolina, Columbia. Well, hello, welcome. I'm so excited to have you here today. Thank you for being here, Omar. [00:01:28] Omar Ford: Lindsey, I'm excited to be here as well. You know, I have been prepping for this all week, and then all the little notes and all the things I took down, I said, "You know what? I wanna give her the original experience," so I'm gonna chuck 'em to the side and we're just gonna do this off the top of my head. How's that? [00:01:43] Lindsey Dinneen: That's perfect. My favorite. [00:01:46] Omar Ford: Awesome. Awesome. [00:01:48] Lindsey Dinneen: That's how conversations work in real life. I feel like this shouldn't be any different, so, great. [00:01:53] Omar Ford: Agree. Agreed. [00:01:54] Lindsey Dinneen: Love it. All right, so would you mind starting off by telling us just a little bit about yourself, your background, and what led you to medtech specifically? [00:02:02] Omar Ford: Oh wow. So that is an interesting story what led me to medtech. But a little bit about myself first. So, I graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2001 as a print journalism major. And, my goal was to go into newspapers, you know, I wanted to go into-- I wanted to be that next print journalist 'cause I had a face for radio, right? I had a face for print, you know, wasn't the, the, the broadcast type. And so I, I did small newspapers for a few years and then this magical thing called marriage happened. And, I was looking at the salary that I made as a print journalist, and it just, it, it just wasn't enough to sustain a family. So, was looking at branching into something else. And back then, we had the, the, the classified ads in the newspaper where they would actually advertise jobs, and I and my wife pointed this one out to me and it was a, a job about it was a job for a company called AHC Media and they had a publication called Medical Device Daily, and that was around, I wanna say 2007. And she said, "Why don't you try it? You know it the pay--" 'cause they advertised the pay there too back, back then-- she said, "The pay is much more than, you know, being, you know, a newspaper reporter. You can, you can leave that, that's something that you could do to, to support the family." And I said, "Yeah, yeah, why don't I try it?" And a lot, there were a lot of adjacencies, so I jumped on it and, you know, got hired and left the newspaper behind. And that was in 2007 and I've been with medtech ever since, so it's been an incredible journey. It's been one that you kinda, you know, once you jump in, there's like a, a steep learning curve, but if you manage to stay in for a few years, you can, you can really learn a lot about the industry. [00:03:53] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Okay. Excellent. Lots of questions. I'll start with that learning curve because I was just thinking about this. [00:04:00] Omar Ford: Yes. Yes. Go ahead. [00:04:01] Lindsey Dinneen: So, okay. So you go from, I might imagine a more generalist approach to all sorts of different topics, to... [00:04:09] Omar Ford: mm-hmm. [00:04:10] Lindsey Dinneen: ...a really crazy niche industry where somebody can say a full sentence and. If you're not from the industry, you're like, "Mm-hmm." [00:04:18] Omar Ford: Yes. [00:04:19] Lindsey Dinneen: So what was that like for you and how did you, how did you navigate that, that steep learning curve and your own personal growth so that you could, you know, really speak to the industry? [00:04:32] Omar Ford: So going back to the head nod, "Um, mm-hmm," a lot of my interviews were like that at the very beginning. But I remember the Editor in Chief of, of Medical Device Daily. He's now deceased-- Don Long-- he pulled me to the side one day and he said, "Omar, each of these companies has a story. You want to be able to tell that story." You know, you look at it from a business sense, and then you drill down into the innovations. You know, when you get a press release from a company such as a Boston Scientific or an Abbott Laboratories, or a Medtronic, you wanna drill down in the press release and look at what the news is. But you also wanna look at the story that they've been telling up until now about that product or about that sector that they're in. You know, if they're looking to get approval for a device, you know, was it easy for them to go through clinical trials? Was this something that bombed a couple times or that was rejected by FDA? Each company has a story about their innovation, right? And you look at the company as your sources, like your, like they're your county commissioners or they're your --I'm going back to my newspaper days-- or they're your board of education members. You know, each company has a personality like that. And you try to hone in on that and you look for those adjacencies and then you kinda fill things in as you go along. The other thing that helps is traveling to some of the trade shows and talking to the people and meeting them face to face, because back when I started, we had this wonderful thing called a landline, a telephone, and we could call people and get messages, right? There were no teams calls or no Skype or anything like that, or, or Zoom. And in fact, I don't think they're Skype anymore. But you know, you didn't have that, so you just heard a person's voice, but when you met them face to face, when you talked about some of these innovations, when you saw how passionate they were or when you could read some of their body language or when you could say, "Hey, can you kind of take the time and talk to me about this," and make that personal connection, it helps you understand the science a little bit more. It helps you understand what they're trying to communicate a whole lot more. And that kind of rounded out that steep learning curve. But I like to tell people all the time, when I first started, I didn't know a 510K from a PMA. You know, I struggled to explain that one time to our, our sales manager back when I was with AHC Media and Medical Device Daily. But if you can stay in this industry long enough and if you can you know, just focus long enough on the content material and have an understanding of the companies that you're, you're talking to and see them each having an individual story, you know, and, and also finding the conflict that the companies might have too, that helps round that, that, that steep learning curve down out a a whole lot. A whole lot. [00:07:44] Lindsey Dinneen: I love that. That's, that's great advice. And also something I was thinking about is the more that you get into the industry too, you know, curiosity solves so much, right? [00:07:59] Omar Ford: Yes. [00:07:59] Lindsey Dinneen: The more that you can just be curious and ask questions. And I've found-- and I'd be curious about your own experience with this-- but I found that this industry is extremely helpful. Like if you go with a genuine desire to learn and grow, people are like, "Great, how can I help you?" [00:08:17] Omar Ford: Now, that is one thing that I will testify to and I will say was different from reporting, doing beat reporting because when I was working with the small newspapers, it was all about holding back information. It was all about, "I don't wanna talk to you about this." But this industry, when you talk to people, when you show a level of interest and the ability to understand, they will talk to you for days and they are very, very helpful. So that is ano--, I'm, I'm glad you brought that up because that is a, a another level that really, really helps to understand this industry a lot. Yeah. [00:08:55] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. I love what you were talking about in regards to storytelling. You were talking about you know, sometimes I feel like press releases can, they're getting out information. There's obviously a really important point to them, but it sometimes can feel very dry and slightly just inhuman, I suppose. [00:09:15] Omar Ford: Mm-hmm. [00:09:15] Lindsey Dinneen: I love the fact that you were able to take what you saw, read a little bit between the lines and go, "Okay, I know there's a story here." Like you said, "What did you overcome? What are the challenges you're still facing?" Yeah. I'd just love if you speak a little bit more to that, that fine art of digging through and finding the gems. [00:09:35] Omar Ford: A lot of that is being a contemporary MedTech historian and realizing that everything builds on something else, right? That there are different layers. I'll give you an example of this. Back in 2018, Boston Scientific was acquiring a lot of companies. I think they acquired like 10. That was the trend. And they bought a lot of different companies in a lot of different areas and the easy story was, "Boston Scientific is on a spending spree. Look at what they're doing, look at what they're doing." And that was the easy part of it. But what happened to Boston Scientific before? What happened to them when they acquired Guided back in 2006 and that was heralded as one of the worst acquisitions ever. You, as a writer, as a reporter, as a journalist, when all of this is happening in 2018, I'm able to go back and say, "Wait a minute, this is a far cry from where the company was a few years ago," because there wasn't as much information. You know, they weren't as talkative as they used to be, as they are now. You know, a lot wasn't communicated, but when you go back and, and, and you, you look at where they were and then you look at where they are now. That is a great story and that's how you can read between the lines. And you can see those connections. Okay. They're really, they're really building up their electrophysiology space, right? You know, they're building up their cardiovascular offerings. This is something that was perhaps heard or tainted during the acquisition in the fallout from it. So let me draw back from those past stories, make some connections, see the adjacencies, see the parallels, create a new piece of content from that, that really communicates the story of what's really going on with Boston Scientific. So it's being able to look to the past, realizing that things don't happen in a vacuum, and also to, to work on the trends, to look ahead at how the trends will develop and are developing. [00:11:51] Lindsey Dinneen: I love that, and especially love the term contemporary historian. I was just giggling to myself about how wonderful that is. Okay, so I'm all right. So going back to when you were growing up, could you have imagined yourself where you are now? Would, were you always interested in writing and journalism? [00:12:11] Omar Ford: Oh gosh, you, you're gonna ask me about growing up? Oh God. Oh. So I, I, I, to answer your question, no. No. I am very blessed to be in this position. I never imagined myself here. I was a poor kid growing up in rural South Carolina. My mom was a teacher. My dad was a Vietnam veteran who became an educator. I'm saying that for a reason. Read between the lines. He was, he was tough. And, but my mom always wanted something better for me, right? And my dad, he was just sports and the news. He didn't watch any movie, I don't think, for as long as he lived. I think the only movie we saw together was "Lean On Me" with Morgan Freeman is is Joe Clark. That's the only movie that my whole family watched. He was just. That's all he, he did. And I wanted to impress him, and I wanted to be able to you know, he, he wanted an athlete and that's clearly not what I was back then. But he I, I just wanted to impress him. And I remember he would sit down, he would watch "Crossfire." It was, that came on, I believe, 7:30 on CNN. Pat Buchanan, he was a host, I can't remember the other host, and he would watch "60 Minutes" and then he'd watch the local news with Dan Rather on CBS, that that's all he watched. And he would read the newspaper. It'd come out Mondays and Thursdays. And so I, I wanted to be a journalist to impress him. So I got on the school newspaper, you know, I found out that I had a gift of not necessarily talking, but I had a gift of listening to people and being able to, to kind of relate to, to relate their stories of what they were telling me in writing. So I was able to, to write down what people told me in a sense. And, so if you would've asked me, would I be editor in chief of MD+DI or, or anything like that growing up, no. That wasn't my intention. I just wanted to be, I just wanted to impress my dad. I just wanted to be a a, you know, a good reporter and thankfully he, while he didn't live to see me be Editor in Chief, he did see me become Managing Editor of MD+DI, and my mom actually lived to see me become Editor in Chief and, you know, she was I remember when I told her and she was like, super, super proud. So, yeah, yeah. But no, I couldn't have imagined that me a kid growing up in a, in a, in rural South Carolina in a trailer? No, no, no. [00:14:56] Lindsey Dinneen: Wow. Thank you for sharing that story. That's really powerful. And I actually love how inspirational it is too. You know, you, of course you have to start somewhere and you're working your way up and look where you are now. It's incredible. And now you, you have been there now eight years, is that correct? [00:15:13] Omar Ford: Yes, I've been with in, with MD+DI for eight years now. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm going back. Well, yes, I'm thinking back. Yeah. Yeah. I have to think about that. And I've been Editor, Editor in Chief, I think I took over in of 2022. Yeah. April of 2022. Yeah. So yeah. Wow. My hair was a whole lot darker; it didn't have gray streaks when I started. [00:15:40] Lindsey Dinneen: What a journey. Oh, that's so cool. Congrats. Yeah, so as you've been a journalist, but maybe specifically within medical device, what are some interviews that kind of really stand out that you just for their impact or how they touched you or how they touched others? [00:16:00] Omar Ford: I would say some of my best interviews I did on the podcast, Let's Talk Medtech, because I could finally kinda let-- I could let my hair down and my guests could let their hair down as well, and we could just, we could just talk and just, it, it would it, we could just be open and transparent. And sometimes that doesn't always happen when you're doing an interview. Sometimes some people are reading from the script. Sometimes people are guarded. Sometimes people like to use the old, "Okay, I know I said that, but. That was off the record. Please don't use it." You know, sometimes that happens, but to answer your question, some of my best interviews have been with Marissa Fayer. She is CEO of DeepLook Medical and HERhealthEQ. In fact, we just did a podcast with her. It, it's not even fair to call that an interview because it's just like two old friends talking and our banter is going back and forth and I'm like, "Yeah, I saw some pictures of you, you know, on Facebook. You were on this trip. You were on this trip." You said, "Oh, Facebook is still a thing. I just put everything in Instagram so it funnels out. What you trying to call me old? Marissa, are you trying to say that that old, old people use Facebook?" "No, no, no. I'm not saying that." And, and just that. And then we leap into AI and how AI is really helping the cause of women's health right now and how it's helping with imaging and how it won't replace the radiologist or the physician, but it will give them an extra tool. But you see how comfortable that transition is. We're able to have those talks. We're able to have those conversations. And it's not stiff, you know, it's, it's just like. It's not like we're reading from a paper or we are just trying to be super, super guarded. So Marissa's a good person that I that I talked to. Chris Toth-- he's the CEO of Vantive-- and he had the most energy and enthusiasm about, about his job and his position, and it was just smooth and we, we interviewed him for an episode of Let's Talk Medtech, and it was just incredible. He, he, he really opened up about the company. He talked about some of the goals and it was refreshing to see a CEO, you know, have that type of discussion you know, have those discussion points. So those were some of the most memorable interviews that I've had in, in recent, in recent months. [00:18:29] Lindsey Dinneen: Awesome. Thank you for sharing those. That's, that's fun. Now I'm gonna have to go and listen to them. Marissa was one of my first guests, and I couldn't agree more that the conversation was so just easy and natural and she's got such cool things to talk about. [00:18:43] Omar Ford: Yes, yes. [00:18:45] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. So one thing I noticed about your LinkedIn was it seems like you are very fond of learning because you are continually taking courses, maybe on and off LinkedIn, but I was looking through the laundry list of, of amazing courses you've taken, and I was like, "That is impressive." So I'm curious if you could talk about that. [00:19:06] Omar Ford: Oh gosh. Well, I look at some of the, the most interesting courses that I can find. And one of the things that I've been looking at is just artificial intelligence and generative AI. How to best use that, how to best write prompts, what are some of the pitfalls? Just how to, for lack of a better term, master it or understand it a little bit more because I understand that content is changing and generative AI is a huge driver of that. I don't fear change. I want to change. It's just, I don't know where change is going to, to, I, I don't know what that looks like now because we're in the middle of it, you know? Something similarly happened to me back in 2006, I wanna say, when Google kind of came on the scene and was taking newspapers and, and publishing the entire newspaper online, and you could look at it for free. And I was like, "This isn't a sustainable model. I need to get out of this and I'm barely making, I'm barely making enough to get by. I need to leave, but what do I need to to go to?" And that was the B2B experience that was in medtech. And that was where it was more focused. It was more targeted. There was a paywall. The, the sales metrics were a whole lot different. It wasn't necessarily about buying an ad because someone is looking at the at the site or looking at your story or the ad impressions, but it was more, "Who's going to buy in for this gated content or this content behind a paywall that specifically talks to them, not everybody." I think that's an issue that newspapers had back then. They tried to be something for, for everyone and I don't think that turned out to, to work too well for them. But I just totally went off the cuff and went off line and just talked about everything except answering your question, so. [00:21:03] Lindsey Dinneen: That is, it's not, you're awesome. I absolutely love it. Okay, so, oh, this is what I wanted to ask. So as you have-- especially with the medical device side of things-- as you have grown in your journalist career, are there any moments that really stand out to you as just affirming to you that, "Wow, I am in the right place at the right time?" [00:21:32] Omar Ford: Yeah. Yeah. And one happened fairly recently and it happened at West. I was coming out of, from the, the showroom floor at, in the Anaheim Conference Center and I had my Informa name tag on and I had my suit and one of the, the guys at the door-- he was a, a, a young person of color-- and he came up to me and he said, "Man, I want to be just like you when I grow up." And I, I brought him in and I gave him a hug and I couldn't say anything and. I walked up those winding stairs. I didn't take the escalator. You, you know what I'm talking about. I didn't take the, I walked up those winding stairs and by the time I got upstairs, I was in tears. And that was validation that, "Hey, you're supposed to be here." If you know, if not, for just that one moment where that young man was able to see me and make a connection. And that was really, that was really emotional for me. And, again, I grew up with a dad that was a Vietnam veteran. Emotions weren't allowed, so you had to hold it in, but that was a point I just, I, that was just an emotional moment for me, and it said, "Yeah, you're, you're supposed to be here. You're all right, Omar. You're supposed to be here." Because I think when you're in leadership, I think you struggle with that, especially coming into it, right? You, you have, well, for me, I had imposter syndrome. I, I just, I, "Why does anybody wanna follow me? Am I doing this right? Am I doing this wrong?" Oh my gosh. And, and also I, I wanted to be the person that always got all the accolades or that, because I thought that that was doing a good job. And that's not what leadership is. You, you will get some of those accolades, but your accolades are to build someone else up so that they can get, so that they can get the spotlight and so that they can become leaders in their own right. So you wanna grow your professionals that are under you. That was the challenge for me at first because I was a great soldier and I was a great person who could roll up their sleeves and I would jump headfirst into it and I would, I would work and knock out and tackle the problem, but asking someone else to do it-- you know, coming up with a strategy to do it was easy too, but just enforcing it, having someone else to do it, that was the tough part for me. That's what I struggled with. And so bringing back to when you, when you were talking about that defining moment, that moment when that young man, you know, when I embraced that young man, when I hugged him, that was saying, "Omar, you're supposed to be here." And that meant a lot to me, so, yeah. [00:24:29] Lindsey Dinneen: That's a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing that. Oh, I, yes, I understand the imposter syndrome for sure. And, you know, and, and you know, I recently, as you know, had the opportunity to host the Leadership Summit at MD&M West, which was really an amazing experience. And there were moments-- I remember I was, I was checking out the space ahead of time, you know, looking to see what it's all gonna be set up as. And I had this moment of like, "You don't, you don't deserve to be here." And like that just very intrusive thought, just came into my head and I just said, "No, that's not true. That's, it's, it's not true. I've worked hard to be where I am apparently some people care what I have to say." Not everyone, I'm sure, that's a thousand percent fine, but it was just such an interesting, it, it, it's just you keep having to have these moments, I feel like, of sometimes, sometimes outside validation from somebody who looks up to you like that, that young man, and just to say, "Yeah, I'm, I'm okay to be here. In fact, I'm, I deserve to be here. I'm supposed to be here. I make a difference. I, at least I try." [00:25:40] Omar Ford: Yes, it, it's hard because you're, you know, you're trying to be humble, but you're also coming against all of these different, these different things in your role. You know, you have people above you, you have people below you. You're kinda like the sandwich generation when it comes to, to, to leadership in your professional career. And you're not necessarily-- I don't wanna say fighting against them. I don't want to say that-- but you're, you're giving up. You're giving down at the same time, you know, you, you're, you know, you're talking to, to your management team, to your managers, and you're giving them information and you're serving their needs, but you're also serving the needs of, of the people that work under you. You're giving them support And so, if you don't have anything to constantly fill you up, it can be it, I don't wanna say draining, that's not the word, but it can take a lot out of you. So you, you, you sometimes don't see the role that you play because you're, you're giving both ways and, you know, I was I, I'll, I'll tell you, I had an amazing leader. She was a great leader, because when I look at bosses, I look at people who tell you, "Okay, I want you to do this. I want you to do this, I want you to do that." All they wanna do is get the task done and go home. That's what I see as a boss. But a leader will actually sow into you, will actually nurture you, will actually tell you right from wrong and will feel like they have a personal responsibility or stake, or stake, I'd say in your growth, right. And that person for me was Daphne Allen. She was my predecessor. She's now Editor in Chief of Design News. It's a sister publication to MD+DI. And I can always remember she was firm and assertive and, but in a almost nurturing way. And if you came up with an idea that didn't quite jive right, she would talk to you, she would say, "Well, maybe we could look at it this way." It would validate the idea, but tell you you're not quite on the right path, but show that she's willing to help you get on the right path all in one blow. And that was so incredible. And I can remember at West, I, I, I pulled her aside, 'cause every time I see her, I talk to her and I tell her, "You've been such a great inspiration for me, you've, I, I'm. I'm forever thankful for you. I'd say the only bad thing is that you're, you're no longer my manager. That's the only bad thing that I have to say." But she just taught me a leadership style. You don't have to yell and scream to get your point across. You don't have to be nasty. You can be assertive and you can give support while being assertive. I think that's something that is missed in in a lot of roles. Just, "Hey, Omar, you, you might've done this a way that we didn't need to do it. But here's how we get back on track to do it, and I want you to think about what you did over here and how we can improve, improve upon it." So it, it was just, it, it, it's just those conversations that I had with her that were, you know, I mean, she really stands out to me as, as one of the best leaders that I've had. And there, there are quite a few more that I could mention. But definitely Daphne Allen. I owe her so much and I'm so thankful to have met her. She's just an amazing person. [00:29:25] Lindsey Dinneen: Well, shout out to Daphne. [00:29:27] Omar Ford: Yes, yes, yes. [00:29:30] Lindsey Dinneen: Excellent. Oh, that's, that's wonderful. I love hearing stories of really great leaders who make an impact because it does matter so much in your experience at work just as a whole, but just also your personal and professional growth. So yeah, thank you for sharing that. So, all right, pivoting the conversation a little bit just for fun. [00:29:51] Omar Ford: Sure. Sure. [00:29:52] Lindsey Dinneen: Imagine you are to be offered a million dollars to teach a masterclass on anything you want. It can be within your industry, but it doesn't have to be. What would you teach? [00:30:03] Omar Ford: Hmm. A million dollars to teach anything. Oh gosh. I, you know what? I would teach really common sense, old school journalism. I would do that. I think that there are a lot of things that have been lost in journalism over the years and that is one thing that I would teach, not necessarily the writing aspect of it but just how to relate to people, how to talk to people you know, how to just be in a position where you can have discussions with, with a person. We have so many people nowadays that don't even know how to talk on a telephone. They don't know how to have a phone conversation. And I think that that is one of the basics for journalism, right? You gotta be able to pick up that phone or hop on that Teams call and have a conversation with someone. I, I remember a few years ago we had a, a journalist and this person was, this person struggled with talking to people on the phone or doing those cold calls. And I said, "You know, you gotta be able to breach that and you gotta be able to, to, to try and at least make that connection." And there are tips that you can do to, to really get that information out there to, to really make connections with people, you know, you can-- subtle things that you can do, but if you gave me a million dollars, I would yeah, that's what I would do. I would teach just common core principles of journalism. [00:31:39] Lindsey Dinneen: I love it. Sounds like a great course. All right. How do you wish to be remembered after you leave this world? [00:31:48] Omar Ford: Oh gosh. I would say as a good husband and a good father. Those are two things that are really important to me, but I would love to be just a go out as a good husband and a good father. That's, that's ultimately what I wanna be. [00:32:04] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Wonderful. All right, and then final question. What is one thing that makes you smile every time you see or think about it? [00:32:14] Omar Ford: Oh goodness. What's one thing that makes me smile or, oh gosh. I will say this. My youngest daughter, my youngest daughter, Emily, and she, we named her after my mom. She was a total surprise to us. We're in, well, I will tell my age. I am 47 years old and she is now two. So do the math. My other children are like in their teens. And Emily makes me smile because, you know, we didn't know that my wife was pregnant at the time. We just, and then when we found out she was pregnant at 21 weeks-- yeah. Yeah. Yes, yes. When we found out she was pregnant, we didn't even want to we didn't know if Emily would survive. We, we didn't. She spent like 10 weeks in the NICU and now she is a big, healthy toddler who has caused a lot of this to turn a lot grayer, but she makes me smile each time I see her. You know, she reminds me of her grandmother, my mom, and she reminds me that miracles can happen. So, yes. [00:33:29] Lindsey Dinneen: Oh, I love that. What a beautiful answer. Well, Omar, this has been an absolutely amazing interview and I am so very thankful for your time. Thanks for just sharing a little bit of your afternoon with me, and thank you so much for everything you're doing to change lives for a better world. Really appreciate it. [00:33:48] Omar Ford: Thank you. Thank you, and thanks for having me on and we've gotta have you on Let's Talk Medtech. [00:33:52] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah, let's do it. I would love that. [00:33:55] Omar Ford: Awesome. [00:33:56] Lindsey Dinneen: Well, thanks again. [00:33:59] Dan Purvis: The Leading Difference is brought to you by Velentium Medical. Velentium Medical is a full service CDMO, serving medtech clients worldwide to securely design, manufacture, and test class two and class three medical devices. Velentium Medical's four units include research and development-- pairing electronic and mechanical design, embedded firmware, mobile app development, and cloud systems with the human factor studies and systems engineering necessary to streamline medical device regulatory approval; contract manufacturing-- building medical products at the prototype, clinical, and commercial levels in the US, as well as in low cost regions in 1345 certified and FDA registered Class VII clean rooms; cybersecurity-- generating the 12 cybersecurity design artifacts required for FDA submission; and automated test systems, assuring that every device produced is exactly the same as the device that was approved. Visit VelentiumMedical.com to explore how we can work together to change lives for a better world.

I love bringing you innovative ideas that are improving the lives of people with Parkinson's—and this one truly surprised me. I never thought learning to play the harmonica would make the list, but here we are. In this episode, I share the story of an inspirational physical therapist in Hawaii who received a grant to study how learning the harmonica can impact speech in people with Parkinson's disease. Even though it was a small study, the results were encouraging, and he's now expanding his work to bring this creative therapy to more people. It turns out the harmonica isn't just about making music—it's a powerful tool for strengthening breathing, mouth muscles, and coordination, all of which are essential for clear speech. Similar to established speech therapies, this approach helps build vocal strength and breath control, but with a fun and engaging twist that keeps people motivated. To make it accessible, he's even creating a program-in-a-box that includes everything you need: a harmonica, a lesson book, and access to a companion website and YouTube tutorials.You have to listen to this episode—even if you're not musically inclined. This is about so much more than music; it's about discovering creative, effective ways to improve quality of life. https://harmonicaparkinsonsproject.com/   (Lauching soon) kevin.lockette@bsci.com (email address for our guest) https://store.bookbaby.com/Book/the-harmonica-parkinsons-project  (purchase book) Thank you to our sponsor – Boston Scientific, the maker of Vercise Genus, a Deep Brain Stimulation or DBS system. To learn more about the latest treatment options for Parkinson's disease at https://DBSandMe.com/17branches   

Today I sit down with my dear friend Sebastian Bates. Seb and I first met when he was a client of mine, and from the beginning, I was deeply impressed by him—by his drive, his heart, his courage, and the sheer scale of what he is building in the world. He is one of those rare people who combine intensity with purpose, and ambition with service. I respect him tremendously. In this conversation, Seb shares the extraordinary story of a wingsuit BASE jumping accident in the Dolomites that nearly killed him and left doctors telling him he would never walk again. He takes us inside the physical agony, the long rehabilitation, the identity shift, and the fierce defiance that helped him come back from one of the lowest points of his life. From there, we go back into his childhood, including years of bullying and the role martial arts played in helping him develop the confidence, discipline, and character to stand up for himself. That early pain became part of the seed for what would later become Warrior Academy—now the largest martial arts academy in the Middle East, serving more than 10,000 children every week. We also talk about fatherhood, purpose, and the moment Seb realized he could no longer live only for adrenaline and adventure. After becoming a dad, he redirected that same intensity into business, leadership, and service. Out of that journey came not only Warrior Academy, but also the Bates Foundation, which now serves thousands of vulnerable and at-risk children each week in some of the toughest environments on earth. One of the most powerful parts of this conversation is Seb's conviction that everything is downstream from character. If you can help a child build confidence, emotional intelligence, resilience, focus, and self-respect, you can help change the decisions they make—and in many cases, change the course of their lives. That philosophy is now reaching children in slums and deeply impoverished communities, where the Bates Foundation is combining martial arts, mentoring, nourishment, and hope in ways that are deeply moving and profoundly practical. We also spend time talking about communication and storytelling—how Seb refined his message, what happens when a great story is truly shaped to land with an audience, and why the smallest details in delivery can create a nonlinear leap in impact. That part of the conversation meant a lot to me personally. Most of all, this episode is about what can happen when pain becomes purpose, when adventure becomes service, and when leadership becomes something much bigger than personal success.   Key Takeaways A near-fatal accident can become a turning point rather than an ending. Character development shapes decisions, and decisions shape lives. Martial arts can become a vehicle for confidence, self-respect, emotional regulation, and leadership in children. Bullying often cannot be solved for a child; they need support, tools, and character to overcome it themselves. Fatherhood changed Seb's relationship to risk and redirected his life toward service. The Bates Foundation is built around a powerful idea: help children build character, belonging, and hope—and you help change their future. Great storytelling is not just about having lived through something extraordinary; it is about learning how to bring others into the moment so the story serves them too. Small refinements in communication can create a dramatic increase in impact.   Addressing Relevant Issue This conversation touches on several issues that matter deeply right now: childhood bullying, mentorship, ADHD and identity, emotional resilience, absent support systems, fatherhood, vulnerable youth, and the importance of building strong inner character in a world that often fails children who need support most. It also speaks to a bigger leadership question: how do we turn our pain, our setbacks, and our gifts into something that serves others?   Why This Episode Matters I really, really like Seb, and that comes through here. He has become a dear friend, and I support his mission tremendously. What he is doing through Warrior Academy and the Bates Foundation is not theoretical. It is practical, courageous, compassionate work that is changing real lives. If this episode moves you, I hope you'll do more than listen. I hope you'll check out the Foundation and consider contributing to the work.   Next Steps Learn more about Sebastian Bates, Warrior Academy, and especially The Bates Foundation. And if you're in a position to support meaningful work in the world, I encourage you to take a serious look at what Seb and his team are doing. Connect with Seb on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastian-bates-4b70412b/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Seb_bates Warrior Academy: warrioracademy.ae   Visit livelikealeader.show for more episodes and resources. --------John Bates provides 1:1 Executive Communications Coaching, both in-person and online. He also gets 92+ Net Promoter Scores for his large and small group leadership development trainings at organizations like Johnson & Johnson, NASA, Google, Intuit, Boston Scientific, and many more. Find more at https://executivespeakingsuccess.com.Sign up for his weekly micro-trainings for free at https://johnbates.com/mini-trainings and create a great leadership communications habit that makes you the kind of leader who inspires trust, loyalty, and connection.

Good morning from Pharma Daily: the podcast that brings you the most important developments in the pharmaceutical and biotech world. Today, we're diving into a series of transformative developments that underscore the continual evolution of this dynamic industry.First, let's explore the latest strategic move from Takeda Pharmaceuticals, which has embarked on a $1.3 billion restructuring plan in the United States. This has resulted in layoffs affecting 634 employees, a decision aimed at streamlining operations and cutting annual costs by over $1.26 billion. Such significant restructuring efforts are likely to alter market dynamics, as Takeda reallocates resources to focus on its core competencies and innovation-driven growth. The industry may witness shifts as Takeda aims to bolster its competitive edge amid a rapidly evolving market landscape.In a significant regulatory development, Biogen has successfully secured FDA approval for a high-dose version of Spinraza, designed to treat spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). This approval, following the resolution of prior manufacturing concerns, is a strategic effort to enhance therapeutic efficacy and maintain Biogen's competitive positioning against newer market players. The high-dose formulation of Spinraza promises improved patient outcomes, reinforcing Biogen's dedication to addressing unmet medical needs in SMA and offering hope to patients and families affected by this debilitating condition.Meanwhile, Samsung Biologics faces internal challenges as its labor union votes in favor of striking over unresolved governance issues and rigid labor policies. This potential strike highlights growing tensions within the company and raises concerns about operational continuity, which could affect production timelines and contractual obligations with partners. It's a reminder of the delicate balance between corporate governance and employee relations within major organizations.On the innovation front, Idorsia's investigational drug Quviviq has shown promise in treating pediatric insomnia following successful Phase 2 trials. If approved, Quviviq could be a pioneering treatment for children with insomnia, setting a new standard of care for this underserved patient population. This development highlights the importance of addressing specific medical needs across different demographics within the broader field of sleep disorders.Financial investments in research and development continue to shape the industry, with Eli Lilly embracing insilico medicine's AI technology through a $2.75 billion collaboration. This partnership aims to leverage AI-driven insights for drug discovery, reflecting an industry-wide trend toward integrating digital technologies into R&D processes. By adopting AI, companies like Eli Lilly are poised to accelerate drug discovery timelines and enhance precision in identifying potential therapeutic candidates. Additionally, Eli Lilly is spearheading research efforts into GLP-1 receptor agonists for treating substance use disorders, based on emerging scientific evidence suggesting these compounds could play a role in managing addiction by modulating reward pathways linked to addictive behaviors.In cardiovascular health advancements, Boston Scientific's Watchman heart implant has demonstrated substantial clinical benefits by reducing bleeding risks compared to traditional anticoagulants while maintaining non-inferiority in stroke prevention and mortality outcomes among atrial fibrillation patients. This advancement is likely to influence future clinical practice guidelines by offering safer long-term management options for atrial fibrillation.Moreover, Advocate Health's ambitious hospital drone delivery program, in partnership with Zipline, seeks to revolutionize logistics within healthcare delivery systems across major U.S. cities. By enhancing supply chain efficiencies and ensuring timely access to critical Support the show

Scott Wapner and the Investment Committee discuss the state of stocks with no signs of an end to the war. The experts detail their latest portfolio moves. Calls of the Day include Robinhood, Boston Scientific, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and American Express. The desk debates Evercore's new list of "stocks for stability." Michael Santoli joins with his Midday Word. Investment Committee Disclosures   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sysco, Palo Alto, L3 Harrys, Boston Scientific, Nike... bajo la lupa de Ignacio Vacchiano, responsable de distribución en España de Levereage Shares.

Today I sit down with cybersecurity experts Jay Korpi and Jeremy Dodson, two men I genuinely respect and really enjoy talking with. Jeremy and Jay came through Media Mastery Experts, and I think they are total salt-of-the-earth great guys. They also happen to be unusually deep thinkers with backgrounds in cybersecurity, attack emulation, AI, consulting, and systems design, so this conversation goes far beyond tech. What really stands out to me is that, underneath all the jargon and complexity, this episode is about leadership, trust, judgment, and responsibility. We begin with the world they know best: risk. Jay and Jeremy explain that although many people think they are simply cybersecurity consultants, the deeper truth is that they are really helping organizations understand business risk. That distinction matters. They are not just asking whether a company can pass a test or satisfy an insurance requirement. They are asking what risk a company is accepting, whether that risk is intentional, and whether leadership has built the right policies, defaults, and guardrails to support people when pressure hits. One of the most powerful ideas in this conversation is Jeremy's point that under pressure, people do not rise to their intentions. They fall to their defaults. That is a profound leadership insight, and it applies far beyond security.   From there, the conversation opens into one of the biggest issues leaders are wrestling with right now: AI. Jay and Jeremy are not anti-AI, not even close. They are building with it. But they are deeply clear-eyed about the danger of using it lazily. We talk about how AI can create an “easy button” mentality, how it can blur credibility when leaders stop thinking for themselves, and why the real job is not to let AI do your thinking but to let it sharpen the thinking you are already doing. I was especially struck by Jeremy's framing that AI should amplify rigor, curiosity, and expertise, not overwrite them. In other words, if you are thoughtful, it can make you better. If you are sloppy, it can make you sloppier at scale.   We also talk about the future they see coming: more niche, purpose-built AI tools, and a growing need to make team knowledge more usable across an organization. Jeremy describes a problem many leaders already feel without having language for it: people across a company are building valuable context inside separate AI conversations, but that knowledge often stays fragmented. Their work points toward a future where better systems can help organizations preserve decision-making context, reduce duplicated effort, and bring people into the loop faster and more intelligently. That part of the episode is especially relevant for founders, executives, and anyone trying to help a team move with more speed and less confusion.   Then the conversation gets even more interesting, because Jay and Jeremy bring all of this back to something very human. They share stories from attack work and real-world breaches, including one wild story about trying to access the literal “keys to the kingdom” in a municipality. It is fascinating on the surface, but the deeper lesson is not about movie-style hacking. It is about how ordinary blind spots, unclear access policies, and human behavior create vulnerabilities. Again and again, the issue is not magic. It is systems, habits, assumptions, and culture.   What really lands for me, though, is where we end. Jay makes the case that leadership communication cannot just be top-down. It has to come from the bottom up too. Leaders have to make it safe for people to tell the truth, safe for people to admit mistakes, and safe for people closest to the work to surface the real problems. He talks about being out on the floor, listening to the people with boots on the ground, asking what is getting in their way, and then removing those obstacles so they can do their jobs. That, to me, is real leadership. Not control for its own sake. Not authority for ego's sake. Service. Clarity. Trust. And the humility to build systems that help people do the right thing when things get hard. This is a conversation about cybersecurity and AI on the surface. But underneath, it is a conversation about character, leadership under pressure, how culture is built, and why judgment still matters more than tools. That is why I think this one is worth your time.   Key Takeaways Leadership is not just about setting intentions. It is about creating defaults and guardrails that still hold when people are under pressure. Cybersecurity is not merely a technical issue. It is a business risk issue that includes systems, people, policies, and culture. AI should refine and amplify human judgment, not replace it. Used carelessly, it can scale bad thinking just as fast as good thinking. Leaders can damage their own organizations when they hold on to unnecessary access in the name of control. Ownership does not automatically mean you should have admin rights to everything.   One of the most overlooked risks in organizations is internal movement. People often accumulate access over time and keep permissions they no longer need. The most resilient cultures are the ones where employees feel safe admitting mistakes quickly, so the team can respond and fix the problem. Bottom-up communication matters. Leaders need to hear from the people closest to the work, not just the people highest in the org chart. Small and mid-sized companies cannot afford to treat risk casually. For them, wise risk decisions can become a real competitive differentiator. The future of AI is likely to reward specific, purpose-built use cases and better knowledge-sharing across teams, not just bigger generic tools.     Addressing Relevant Issues This episode touches a nerve that a lot of leaders are feeling right now. We are living in a moment where AI is accelerating decision-making, cybersecurity threats are growing more sophisticated, and many organizations are still operating with outdated assumptions about trust, access, and authority. But beyond the technology, this conversation is really about leadership maturity. We talk about control, ego, communication, organizational culture, and what happens when people are afraid to speak up. We talk about service-minded leadership, the discipline of listening, and the responsibility leaders have to create systems that support good judgment instead of assuming good intentions are enough. That matters right now in business, in culture, and in every organization trying to move fast without breaking trust.       Why This Episode Matters This episode matters to me because Jay and Jeremy are the kind of guys I want more of in the conversation. They are smart, experienced, technically serious, and at the same time deeply grounded. They are not performing expertise. They have earned it. And what I appreciate is that they do not stop at the technical layer. They keep bringing it back to people, culture, responsibility, and leadership. I also think this conversation matters because a lot of leaders are being tempted right now by speed, convenience, and the illusion of control. Jay and Jeremy remind us that tools do not remove the need for judgment. In many ways, they make that need even greater. And if their work resonates with you, I'd encourage you to learn more about what they're building, because they are thinking about some very real problems in a very thoughtful way.   Resources Mentioned Piqued Solutions — https://piqued.solutions/ Jay Korpi on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaykorpi/ Jeremy Dodson on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremydodson332/ Jay and Jeremy's work around access, onboarding, offboarding, and leadership-aligned system defaults — https://provisionr.io/    Connect & Subscribe If this conversation gave you something to think about, subscribe to the show, leave a review, and share this episode with a leader, founder, or team member who cares about building trust, making better decisions, and leading well under pressure.   Next Steps Take a look at Jay and Jeremy's work at Piqued Solutions and Provisionr.io. Connect with them on LinkedIn, and think honestly about this question inside your own organization: where are we relying on good intentions when we should be building better defaults, better communication, and better trust? --------John Bates provides 1:1 Executive Communications Coaching, both in-person and online. He also gets 92+ Net Promoter Scores for his large and small group leadership development trainings at organizations like Johnson & Johnson, NASA, Google, Intuit, Boston Scientific, and many more. Find more at https://executivespeakingsuccess.com.Sign up for his weekly micro-trainings for free at https://johnbates.com/mini-trainings and create a great leadership communications habit that makes you the kind of leader who inspires trust, loyalty, and connection.

Jordan Pollack, biomedical engineer, entrepreneur and CEO of Sub-Q Bionics. Jordan began his career at Boston Scientific, later founded VeinWay in Israel and is now focused on building a new treatment paradigm for lymphoedema in cancer survivors.In this episode, we explore what actually creates momentum in MedTech, from networking with intent to building the resilience needed to survive the founder journey. Jordan shares why conferences alone rarely deliver results, how warm introductions and targeted roadshows outperform generic networking and what he had to unlearn after leaving corporate structure behind to become a startup CEO. He also offers a brutally honest take on entrepreneurship, explaining why the role is not for everyone and why persistence, resilience and equanimity matter more than titles or ambition alone.We also go deep into the story behind Sub-Q Bionics and why Jordan chose to focus on lymphoedema, particularly in women recovering from cancer treatment. He explains the clinical reality of the disease, the lack of meaningful treatment options beyond maintenance, and why reimbursement, not just good technology, is often the deciding factor in whether a device company succeeds. Along the way, he shares sharp insights on women's health being chronically underfunded, the differences between the U.S. and Israeli startup ecosystems, and why mission-led companies are far more likely to stay the course when things get hard.Timestamps[00:00:32] Why Generic Conferences Rarely Create Real MedTech Opportunity[00:02:05] How Networking Shaped Jordan's Move from Boston Scientific to Israel[00:03:29] What Corporate MedTech Taught Him and What He Had to Unlearn[00:05:54] Why Being a Founder Is Not for Everyone[00:08:49] The Origin of Sub-Q Bionics and the Shift Toward True Disease Treatment[00:11:53] What Lymphoedema Actually Is and Why It Is So Devastating[00:14:06] Why Women's Health Remains Underfunded and Where Innovation Is Emerging[00:18:25] Why Reimbursement Matters More Than Technology Alone[00:20:58] U.S. vs Israel: Two Very Different Startup Ecosystems[00:25:10] Balancing Founder Life, Health, Travel and RelationshipsConnect with Jordan - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-pollack-81464827/Learn more about Sub-Q Bionics - ⁠⁠https://subqbionics.com/Get in touch with Karandeep Badwal - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/karandeepbadwal/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Karandeep on YouTube - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@KarandeepBadwal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the Podcast

Today I sit down with Dr. Nicole Butts, best-selling and award-winning author, speaker, and organizational culture strategist and expert, whose new book is SHIFT: A Transformational Journey from Playing Small to Unapologetically Thriving. This conversation is a masterclass in what happens when high-achieving leaders (especially women) finally stop outsourcing their worth to other people's approval—and start leading from alignment. Nicole opens up about something almost every great leader experiences, but few say out loud: that moment right before a big opportunity where the old story shows up—I'm not worthy. I don't belong here. She literally started drafting me an email to back out… and then caught herself in the act. That “shrinkage story” (her words) became the doorway into the deeper work—and the reason she wrote SHIFT. We go into: why powerful women still play small in male-dominated systems (and how it shows up in everyday language), how “worker bee syndrome” keeps people doing everything… except being seen as a leader, and Nicole's core equation for transformation: consciousness + courage = transformation. If you've ever felt like your work should “speak for itself,” this episode will challenge you—in the best way.   What You'll Hear in This Episode   1) The real reason accomplished women still shrink   Nicole breaks it down into three forces: Cultural conditioning: being taught to be “likable,” defer, and not take up space—showing up as hedging language like “I'm not really sure, but…” Structural dynamics: being outnumbered (especially for women of color), which changes how safe it feels to be visible. Internalized stories: “If I just do a really good job and keep my head down, they'll notice.” Nicole is clear: that's not reliably true.   2) “Worker bee syndrome” and the promotion you never get   I share a pattern I see constantly: the whole department rides on someone's back… and then they're shocked when they're passed up. Why? Because leadership isn't only output—leadership is visibility, positioning, and presence. I call it “leadership me time”—stepping back from nonstop doing so people can actually see you leading. Nicole agrees and names it “reactive doing”—being busy, carrying everything, but not intentionally showing up as the leader. And then she drops a line I want you to remember: “By design, the work isn't the leader. You are the leader.”   3) The SHIFT framework: a roadmap out of “playing small”   Nicole shares the backbone of her book as an acronym: S — Set your North Star H — Here I — Illustrate your path forward F — Forge ahead T — Thrive And she didn't just write a roadmap—she made it real. After each step, she includes a section called “Follow My Journey” where she shows how she personally moved through that step.   4) The inner equation for leadership: consciousness + courage   Nicole explains why transformation requires two things: Consciousness (awareness): noticing the old pattern in real time so you can interrupt it. Courage: taking aligned action even with fear present—like deleting the email draft and saying yes to the opportunity instead.   Her distinction is sharp: Awareness sets the course. Courage fuels the journey.   Try This After You Listen (Practical Actions)   Audit your language for “softeners.” If you regularly start with “I'm not sure, but…” practice leading with the point first. Schedule “leadership me time." Block time weekly to think, plan, mentor, and communicate—not just execute—so you're seen leading, not only producing. Name your shrinkage story. When it shows up, don't argue with it—notice it. That awareness creates choice. Choose one aligned action you'll take while still nervous. That's courage—aligned action in the presence of fear.   Resources + Links Dr. Nicole Butts (website + books): NicoleButts.com Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn Book: SHIFT: A Transformational Journey from Playing Small to Unapologetically Thriving   About Dr. Nicole Butts Dr. Nicole Butts is a best-selling and award-winning author, speaker, and organizational culture strategist who helps individuals and institutions unlock transformation.   -----   If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star rating, write a few kind words about the show and our guest, and share it with someone who's ready to stop shrinking and start leading. --------John Bates provides 1:1 Executive Communications Coaching, both in-person and online. He also gets 92+ Net Promoter Scores for his large and small group leadership development trainings at organizations like Johnson & Johnson, NASA, Google, Intuit, Boston Scientific, and many more. Find more at https://executivespeakingsuccess.com.Sign up for his weekly micro-trainings for free at https://johnbates.com/mini-trainings and create a great leadership communications habit that makes you the kind of leader who inspires trust, loyalty, and connection.

In this episode we explore Tai Chi for Parkinson's disease  - how this gentle, low-impact mind–body practice can support people living with the condition. As we know, Parkinson's affects movement, balance, and coordination due to changes in the brain's dopamine system. We will highlight how Tai Chi's slow, controlled motions can help counter these challenges. We spoke with a long time Tai Chi instructor who has modified his instructions to include all people with Parkinson's. He focuses on key benefits backed by research, such as improved balance, reduced risk of falls, better posture, and increased flexibility. He describes how Tai Chi emphasizes weight shifting, body awareness, and deliberate movement—skills that are especially valuable for individuals with Parkinson's. Other benefits may be cognitive and emotional, including reduced stress and improved focus. Overall, Tai Chi is a complementary therapy—not a cure—that can be integrated alongside medical treatment to help manage symptoms and promote overall well-being. Box4Bucks fitness challenge fundraiser. To donate click this link. https://give.michaeljfox.org/box4bucks  Thank you to our sponsor – Boston Scientific, the maker of Vercise Genus, a Deep Brain Stimulation or DBS system. To learn more about the latest treatment options for Parkinson's disease at https://DBSandMe.com/17branches   

A obesidade é uma condição crônica e progressiva que afeta milhões de pessoas pelo Brasil e pelo mundo. Para ajudá-las, é importante entender que o paciente não é culpado pelo ganho de peso. Por isso, o tratamento deve ser contínuo e multidisciplinar, e a gastroplastia endoscópica pode ser uma importante aliada na jornada de cuidado desses pacientes.Neste episódio do DrauzioCast, o dr. Drauzio Varella convida Leonardo Teixeira, médico especialista em endoscopia digestiva e gastroenterologia, com ampla experiência no auxílio ao tratamento da obesidade, para falar mais sobre apoio a pacientes com obesidade e as opções de tratamento. Conteúdo produzido com o apoio da Boston Scientific e seu canal Saber da Saúde.Veja também: Tratar a obesidade na adolescência reduz risco de complicações no futuro

Today I'm joined by Joel Steele, co-founder of Steele Financial Solutions and author of the powerful new book Life Switch. Joel's journey from owning a failed healthy fast food restaurant to building a multi-million-dollar financial firm is inspiring, vulnerable, and packed with leadership gold.   We dive into how devastating failures can unlock hidden potential and why Joel refused to declare bankruptcy, even when he was drowning in nearly $500,000 in debt at just 24 years old. He shares the exact mindset shift that reignited his fire—and the three “P”s that form the backbone of his book: Potential, Passion, and Purpose.   This conversation is for anyone who's ever felt stuck, wondered if they're enough, or questioned whether their dreams are still possible. Joel is proof that when you flip the switch inside, everything outside begins to change.   In this conversation, Joel and I explore: The story behind Thinkers Grill, Joel's awesome, yet failed business, and what it taught him about grit and growth How a single decision helped him wipe out massive debt in under two years The million-dollar mission tied to his book sales, and why he's aching to write a very big check to charity. How to balance success and fulfillment in today's high-pressure world Why helping others is Joel's oxygen, and how you can find your own purpose Whether you're leading a team, building your brand, or climbing back from a setback, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and real leadership. Find Joel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-steele-9685888/   -----   Joel Steele is an entrepreneur, financial expert, and co-founder/owner of a successful financial firm. He has over 22 years of experience helping people build wealth, along with peace of mind. He's passionate about enhancing health and wealth, the business of sports, and building meaningful relationships, starting at home with family. Steele's journey — from massive setbacks to personal reinvention and professional success — fuels his mission to inspire others to win in all aspects of life. He is part of the ownership group of two professional sports teams (NBA G-League and USL Championship League), and has inspired thousands nationwide to achieve personal and professional growth. Joel is a former certified personal trainer and created a small chain of healthy fast-food restaurants in the early 2000s. Find his book Life Switch here: https://bookjoelsteele.com/book/ --------John Bates provides 1:1 Executive Communications Coaching, both in-person and online. He also gets 92+ Net Promoter Scores for his large and small group leadership development trainings at organizations like Johnson & Johnson, NASA, Google, Intuit, Boston Scientific, and many more. Find more at https://executivespeakingsuccess.com.Sign up for his weekly micro-trainings for free at https://johnbates.com/mini-trainings and create a great leadership communications habit that makes you the kind of leader who inspires trust, loyalty, and connection.

Dave Rosa, CEO and President of NeuroOne, medtech entrepreneur, board member and former executive at St. Jude Medical, Boston Scientific and C.R. Bard. With three decades in medical devices and more than $200 million raised, Dave brings a rare mix of operator, inventor and capital markets experience to the future of neurotechnology and pain care.In this episode, we unpack one of the biggest mistakes medtech companies make: building technology without enough real-world user feedback. Dave explains why innovation for the sake of innovation often fails, especially in larger companies, and why the best products are shaped by how physicians and patients actually use them. We also explore NeuroOne's unique approach of combining diagnostics and therapeutics through the same electrode, and why that kind of multifunctional platform thinking can be both clinically powerful and commercially strategic.A major theme in this conversation is regulatory strategy. Dave walks through NeuroOne's deliberate “diagnostic first, therapeutic second” FDA pathway, explaining why starting with an easier regulatory indication can de-risk the technology, shorten timelines and create a stronger platform for later therapeutic claims. We also discuss the value of reusing the same generator across multiple indications, how founders often wait too long to engage with FDA, and why platform leverage matters from both a business and development perspective.We also go deep on chronic pain and lower back pain. Dave shares why today's pain solutions often fall short, how different triggers require different treatment approaches, and where technologies like ablation, stimulation and smarter electrode design could shift outcomes. He also highlights how seemingly small user-experience issues, like frequent recharging, can destroy patient adherence and wipe out billions in company value.Timestamps[00:00:08] Why MedTech Companies Fail When They Ignore Real User Feedback[00:02:04] Innovation vs Iteration: When “New” Adds No Real Value[00:02:22] Combining Diagnostics and Therapeutics With the Same Electrode[00:03:52] Why NeuroOne Chose a Diagnostic-First FDA Strategy[00:05:21] Pain Management Today: Ablation, Stimulation and Complex Back Pain[00:08:21] What Is Fundamentally Broken in Lower Back Pain Solutions[00:09:26] How Small Patient Frictions Can Destroy Adoption and Valuation[00:11:11] The Power of Reusing the Same Generator Across Multiple Indications[00:13:00] The FDA Mistake Many Founders Still Make[00:21:15] Where Neurotechnology and Pain Management Are Heading NextConnect with Dave - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daverosa/Learn more about NeuroOne - ⁠https://nmtc1.com/Get in touch with Karandeep Badwal - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/karandeepbadwal/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Karandeep on YouTube - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@KarandeepBadwal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the Podcast

At the Parkinson's Experience podcast, we love a powerful, uplifting story — and this is one you won't forget. After battling Parkinson's disease for nine years, Hank Bode passed away in January 2025. Throughout that journey, Hank and his son Lincoln closely followed the work of the Michael J. Fox Foundation, inspired by its commitment to directing 100% of donations to Parkinson's research and its relentless pursuit of a cure. To honor his father and raise funds for Parkinson's research, Lincoln decided to do something extraordinary. As a member of Team Fox, he took on the World Marathon Challenge — running 7 half marathons in 7 days across 7 continents. Beginning January 31, 2026 in Antarctica, Lincoln raced through Cape Town, Perth, Dubai, Madrid, Brazil, and finished in Miami on February 6, 2026. For seven days his life was run, eat, fly, sleep then repeat.  He pushed his limits, carried his father's legacy across the globe, and completed the challenge with a story that will inspire anyone facing adversity. You dont want to miss this one. https://give.michaeljfox.org/fundraiser/6877830 https://www.instagram.com/team.fox.777/ Thank you to our sponsor – Boston Scientific, the maker of Vercise Genus, a Deep Brain Stimulation or DBS system. To learn more about the latest treatment options for Parkinson's disease at https://DBSandMe.com/17branches   

What You'll Learn in This Episode Why Freddie hates the word “expert”… and the standard most people are skipping. The “puddles → lakes → oceans” model for positioning yourself so the market can actually place you. Why podcast guesting + LinkedIn is still the highest-leverage authority play for most founders and consultants. Freddie's take on platform ROI: why Meta is “cheap,” why YouTube is powerful but expensive to do well, and what ad pricing signals about authority. Why storytelling is still the #1 leadership tool (and why our brains are built for it). My favorite practical exercise for influence: the “10-one-thousand pause”—and why silence makes people tell you what they weren't going to tell you. A real-world reminder: if you've earned expertise and you're staying quiet, you may be depriving the world of what it needs from you.   Ideas Worth Stealing (and Using This Week) Fix your positioning before you fix your content. Most people try to post more, podcast more, “be everywhere”… while the market still can't answer: what exactly do you do, for whom, and why you? Freddie's puddles→lakes→oceans model is a clean way to build authority without diluting it. If you want authority, use authority platforms. Freddie's argument is simple: for most founders/experts, podcast guesting + LinkedIn is still the highest ROI move because trust is already built into the medium. Silence isn't awkward—silence is leverage. Try the “10-one-thousand” pause in one conversation this week. Don't weaponize it—just watch what happens when you stop filling space. People often reveal what matters most when you let the moment breathe.   Resources Mentioned Freddie Pullen — Recognized: recognized.global The Healthy Entrepreneur Podcast (Freddie's show) Listen on Spotify or Watch on YouTube Connect with Freddie on LinkedIn   -----   Freddie has worked with 200+ founders to build demand, waiting lists, and revenue directly through LinkedIn. Along the way, one thing became impossible to ignore... All buyers do this one thing before they buy: They educate themselves with content. They want to recognize you first. They discover you through a LinkedIn post. Then consume your POV through longer form content. Then decide whether you're the person they trust. That's how modern B2B buying actually works. But this didn't come from theory.   After leaving his role as Head of Product at the world's largest media company serving 500M monthly users and generating $300k per day, Freddie built two 6-figure businesses in 8 months and helped 200+ founders do the same. The results: Multi six-figure profit in 8 months Podcast launched to #1 in 9 countries on day one $100k+ per year generated from the podcast alone Built a $3BN+ network starting with under 10k followers 50+ qualified HOT leads every month, predictably Which is why the goal of content is to be obvious.   Freddie helps clients position themselves as the authority people already trust before they ever speak to them.   Today, AI is accelerating this, but only if it's trained on the right positioning. Freddie and his team use AI to: Encode your POV Multiply what already works Turn LinkedIn posts into sales assets You need a new ocean on LinkedIn - where you're undeniable to your ideal clients. That's why Freddie and his team built a positioning first, AI powered approach to LinkedIn.   https://freddiepullen.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/freddie-pullen/ https://www.instagram.com/freddiepullen --------John Bates provides 1:1 Executive Communications Coaching, both in-person and online. He also gets 92+ Net Promoter Scores for his large and small group leadership development trainings at organizations like Johnson & Johnson, NASA, Google, Intuit, Boston Scientific, and many more. Find more at https://executivespeakingsuccess.com.Sign up for his weekly micro-trainings for free at https://johnbates.com/mini-trainings and create a great leadership communications habit that makes you the kind of leader who inspires trust, loyalty, and connection.

In this episode, Camden and I cover: Starting early: Camden's “self-starter” drive—and the mentors who helped him learn fast (including Kathleen Walsh, President/CEO of the Metro North YMCA). Beyond the Crisis: how watching families in the Boston area wait in long lines for food during COVID sparked an “Uber Eats-style” nonprofit distribution model—and how they partnered with Catholic Charities of Boston. Momentum and credibility: how the charity's visibility led to major exposure and new relationships (including appearances on CBS, Bloomberg, PBS, the Drew Barrymore Show, and even White House conferences). NomadAI: why Camden believes travel is a perfect industry for AI disruption—and how NomadAI aims to build itineraries and handle planning like a “24/7 assistant in your back pocket.” Meridian Capital Partners: a founder-focused “hub” that invests very early stage in college founders—especially people who don't have the usual resume or network. The hard parts: being misunderstood in a high-pressure prep school environment, dealing with racism, isolation, and having to finish part of high school online. The turning point: Universe taking three years to get funded, losing an early investor, and Camden's “dark night of the soul” moment—where he had to stop chasing comparison and decide what he's actually committed to. The mission behind Universe: Camden's focus on helping Gen Z navigate a brutal job/internship market—and building something that serves them in a way he feels LinkedIn doesn't.   A few lines worth remembering Camden on mission: “I'm really committed to making a difference and solving problems and connecting people.” Camden on perseverance: after setbacks and many calls, they found an accredited investor who put six figures in because he saw the MVP—and the dream. Camden to Gen Z builders: if you're in a tough season, keep going—try new things—persevere.   Links / Resources Mentioned NomadAI: NomadAI.io Universe (waitlist): UniverseApp.com   About Camden Francis (from this episode) Camden Francis is a Gen Z founder based in the Boston area. He co-founded: Beyond the Crisis, a COVID-era food distribution charity that moved ~$100,000 in food/resources with partners like Catholic Charities of Boston NomadAI, an AI-assisted travel planning and itinerary platform He's also building Universe, a career/network platform aimed at helping Gen Z navigate internships and jobs.   -----   Camden Francis, a dynamic 21-year-old currently pursuing a degree in Finance and Business Management, seamlessly blends academic prowess with an entrepreneurial spirit. Beyond the confines of his desk, Camden revels in the exhilaration of sports, cherishes quality moments with family and friends, and takes leisurely strolls with his beloved Goldendoodle, Brooks. His summers are often punctuated with escapes to Cape Cod, where he finds solace and inspiration. At the core of Camden's ethos is his commitment to making a positive impact. In 2020, he founded Beyond the Crisis, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the community. Under his leadership, the organization diligently distributes food and resources to housing communities and homeless shelters. Camden's visionary approach extends to the research team at Beyond the Crisis, which collaborates with major organizations to strategically combat food insecurity and enhance nutritional health at a national level. Not content with just one venture, Camden is also the visionary force behind "Univerze," a tech company that has birthed a professional networking mobile application. His multifaceted abilities extend beyond the boardroom; Camden is a captivating public speaker, having appeared on renowned platforms such as the Drew Barrymore Show, CBS, PBS, Bloomberg, and NPR. His insights on entrepreneurship have been shared with a broader audience through various podcasts, while his recently published book further underscores his commitment to knowledge dissemination. Looking ahead, Camden is set to expand his horizons. He envisions penning another influential book, venturing into real estate, and strategically growing his investment portfolio. For interviews or business inquiries, Camden Francis invites you to connect with him at info@camdenfrancis.com. Embrace the opportunity to engage with a young luminary whose charisma, innovation, and commitment to positive change define his journey.   --------John Bates provides 1:1 Executive Communications Coaching, both in-person and online. He also gets 92+ Net Promoter Scores for his large and small group leadership development trainings at organizations like Johnson & Johnson, NASA, Google, Intuit, Boston Scientific, and many more. Find more at https://executivespeakingsuccess.com.Sign up for his weekly micro-trainings for free at https://johnbates.com/mini-trainings and create a great leadership communications habit that makes you the kind of leader who inspires trust, loyalty, and connection.

This is the first episode in a three-part series I'm calling Dr. Ospina Explains. In this series, we'll dive into topics many of you have been asking about recently. One of my favorite Movement Disorder Specialists, Dr. Ospina, has a wonderful way of explaining all things Parkinson's in terms that are easy for the rest of us to understand. I hope you'll tune in to all three parts as they're released — I truly believe you'll learn a lot. We're starting with Botox. Like many people, I used to think Botox had only one purpose — cosmetic. But after speaking with Movement Disorder Specialist Dr. Marie Ospina, I learned that Botox can actually help treat several symptoms that occur in people living with Parkinson's. You'll discover exactly what those symptoms are when you listen to my conversation with Dr. Ospina. I think you may be surprised — and you might even find yourself asking your MDS or neurologist whether Botox could help relieve some of your pain or muscle tightness. Stay tuned! Thank you to our sponsor – Boston Scientific, the maker of Vercise Genus, a Deep Brain Stimulation or DBS system. To learn more about the latest treatment options for Parkinson's disease at https://DBSandMe.com/17branches   

Welcome to the Personal Development Trailblazers Podcast! In today's episode, we're talking about how to reach your full potential and be a healthy, happy human.Dave Sheahan is a High Performance Coach, Entrepreneur, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host and Ironman with  close to three decades of experience helping CEOs, business owners, and driven professionals achieve high performance across life and work.Renowned internationally for his work in productivity, mindset, and lifestyle optimization, Dave specialises in helping individuals master self-management, reclaim control of their schedules, and implement sustainable strategies that fuel long-term success — both professionally and personally.He has coached thousands of clients globally, from busy executives to elite athletes and leadership teams, helping them achieve tangible results in performance, clarity, and well-being. Dave has partnered with leading multinationals such as GE and Boston Scientific as a high performance advisor and has worked closely with national sports teams and top performers to instill the mental and lifestyle frameworks required for consistent excellence.Dave's entrepreneurial journey includes founding and scaling a successful chain of branded fitness centres over a 10-year span. He is a published author and co-author with his books being followed by thousands globally — and he has consistently been at the cutting edge of results-driven coaching strategies.At the heart of Dave's mission is a simple but powerful goal: to educate, motivate and empower individuals to take control of their mind, body, and life — unlocking higher performance, greater fulfillment, and lasting impact in every area.Connect with Dave Here: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davesheahanf4s/Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@homeworkoutsystemFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaveSheahanPage/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davesheahan1978Website: http://www.davesheahanhighperformance.comGrab the freebie here: https://www.skool.com/committed-to-evolving-for-life-7315/about===================================If you enjoyed this episode, remember to hit the like button and subscribe. Then share this episode with your friends.Thanks for watching the Personal Development Trailblazers Podcast. This podcast is part of the Digital Trailblazer family of podcasts. To learn more about Digital Trailblazer and what we do to help entrepreneurs, go to DigitalTrailblazer.com.Are you a coach, consultant, expert, or online course creator? Then we'd love to invite you to our FREE Facebook Group where you can learn the best strategies to land more high-ticket clients and customers. QUICK LINKS: APPLY TO BE FEATURED: https://app.digitaltrailblazer.com/podcast-guest-applicationDIGITAL TRAILBLAZER: https://digitaltrailblazer.com/

Mike Martyn is the founder of SISU Consulting Group, an internationally recognized and award-winning firm dedicated to helping organizations drive superior business results by creating continuous improvement cultures where “improving the work is the work.” Mr. Martyn is the author of Own the Gap and Management for Omotenashi, and editor of the Shingo workshop series books: Cultural Enablers and Build Excellence. Prior to founding SISU, Mr. Martyn worked in private equity, successfully turning around companies in both manufacturing and service industries. A four-time recipient of the Shingo Publication Award, he has personally coached more than 200 organizations in implementing the principles of operational excellence, including Baxter Healthcare, La-Z-Boy, OC Tanner, University of Washington, Aera Energy, Boston Scientific, Christie Clinic, and Abbott. Many of his clients have successfully challenged and received Shingo recognition. Mr. Martyn has been involved with the Shingo Institute since 2001, serving in a variety of roles, most recently as senior curriculum advisor and faculty fellow. He is a lifetime member of the Shingo Academy.Link to claim CME credit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3DXCFW3CME credit is available for up to 3 years after the stated release dateContact CEOD@bmhcc.org if you have any questions about claiming credit.

Join Digital Education Committee Vice-Chair and podcast host Tina Baykaner, MD, MPH, along with this week's guest contributors, Jackson J. Liang, DO and Edward P. Gerstenfeld, MD, MS, FHRS for this week's episode. This study evaluates the relationship between hospital ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation volume and post-procedural complications, examining whether institutional procedural experience influences patient outcomes. The authors analyze complication rates across centers with varying VT ablation volumes to assess potential volume–outcome associations. Findings from this work provide important insights into procedural risk, quality metrics, and the potential impact of case volume on VT ablation safety.    Learning Objectives Describe the relationship between hospital VT ablation procedural volume and post-procedural complication rates. Identify patient, procedural, and institutional factors that may contribute to complications following ventricular tachycardia ablation. Discuss how volume–outcome findings can inform quality improvement initiatives, referral patterns, and procedural planning for VT ablation programs.    Article Authors Agam Bansal, Anirudh Nandan, Jakub Sroubek, Justin Lee, Koji Higuchi, Ayman Hussein, Shady Nakhla, Mina Chung, Niraj Varma, Walid Saliba, Mandeep Bhargava, Tyler Taigen, Mohamed Kanj, Oussama Wazni, and Pasquale Santangeli Podcast Contributors Tina Baykaner, MD, MPH Jackson J. Liang, DO Edward P. Gerstenfeld, MD, MS, FHRS   All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated. Host and Contributor Disclosure(s): T. Baykaner•Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting: Volta Medical, Medtronic, Pacemate, Johnson and Johnson, Abbot Medical, Boston Scientific •Research: NIH   E. Gerstenfeld •Speaking/Teaching/Consulting: Medtronic, Adiago Medical, Biosense Webster, Inc., Abbott, Boston Scientific, Abbott Medical, Varian Medical Systems •Research: Boston Scientific, Abbott Medical •Board Membership: American College of Cardiology Foundation   J. Liang •Speaking/Teaching/Consulting: Biotronik, Abbott, Bionsense Webster, Inc.   Staff Disclosure(s) (note: HRS staff are NOT in control of educational content. Disclosures are provided solely for full transparency to the learner): S. Sailor: No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

Join Digital Education Committee Member and podcast host Jason T. Jacobson, MD, FHRS, along with this week's guest contributors, Gaurav A. Upadhyay, MD, FHRS and Pugazhendhi Vijayaraman, MD, FHRS for this exciting conversation! This Heart Rhythm Journal article explores the electrophysiologic signatures that occur during left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) as lead position changes, with a focus on identifying "uninterrupted transition" patterns in recorded electrograms. The findings help clarify how subtle lead movement within the interventricular septum can alter electrogram morphology and capture behavior, improving clinicians' ability to confirm true conduction system engagement during implantation.  Read the article  Learning Objectives Describe the electrophysiologic basis of lead position–dependent electrogram changes observed during left bundle branch pacing. Differentiate uninterrupted transition electrogram patterns from other pacing capture transitions (e.g., septal capture vs LBB capture).  Apply electrogram transition findings to improve procedural decision-making for confirming optimal lead placement during LBBP implantation. Article AuthorsJiabo Shen, MD, Longfu Jiang, MD, Hao Wu, MD, Lu Zhang, MD, Hengdong Li, MD, Lifang Pan, MD Podcast ContributorsGaurav A. Upadhyay, MD, FHRS Pugazhendhi Vijayaraman, MD, FHRS Jason T. Jacobson, MD, FHRS Host and Contributor Disclosure(s): J. Jacobson Honoraria/Speaking/Teaching/Consulting: Zoll Medical Corporation, Vektor Medical Inc. Stocks, Privately Held: Atlas 5D Research: CardioFocus, Inc. Membership on Advisory Committees: Abbott Medical, Johnson and Johnson G. Upadhyay  Honoraria/Speaking/Teaching/Consulting: Boston Scientific, Abbott, Medtronic, Biontronik, Zoll Medical Corporation P. Vijayaraman   Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting: Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Biotronik, Abbott Medical, Abbott Research: Medtronic Fellowship Support: Medtronic   Staff Disclosure(s) (note: HRS staff are NOT in control of educational content. Disclosures are provided solely for full transparency to the learner): S. Sailor: No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.  

Three Operating Principles from This Conversation 1. White space is now dynamic, not staticWhite space used to be analyzed every 18 months. Today, Ryan is seeing strategy cycles compress to quarterly—or even monthly—reviews. Not because leaders love churn, but because technology and culture are moving too fast for set-and-forget thinking.White space isn't always a massive blue ocean. More often, it's a small, highly specific intersection of your value proposition, your customer's real needs, and what you can actually execute well, right now. 2. AI works best when it supports judgment — not when it replaces itRyan offers one of the clearest, most useful frames I've heard for AI and small business:Don't ask AI for big, sweeping answers.Ask it a series of small questions you can common-sense check, and let those answers ladder up.This takes longer. It requires thinking. And it keeps humans in the loop.That matters because for a small business, one AI mistake isn't annoying; it's expensive. One missed email, one misrouted opportunity, one wrong automation can cost real money.Interestingly, Ryan is also seeing large corporations pull back from “AI everywhere” toward controlled automation and fixed workflows. The lesson? We're not at the point where we can responsibly turn everything over, and pretending we are is risky. 3. Community is now a strategic advantageRyan makes a compelling case that small business owners should be in their local business community at least once every two weeks, not to network performatively, but to gut-check reality, compare notes, and stay human.Some of the most valuable insights right now are coming from people with just a few years of experience, because they're in it, learning fast, and willing to share what's actually working.You never stop learning. And you don't need decades of experience to contribute. You just need a clear point of view and an open mind. The Bigger PictureDespite uncertainty, Ryan is seeing more optimism in business than he has in years. Not blind optimism, earned optimism.As he puts it, we have more control than we realized last year. But control only matters if we use it.This is a conversation about:Staying human in an increasingly automated worldUsing powerful tools wisely instead of stupidlyShowing up—locally, imperfectly, consistently—for the world we want to createWe're the ones we've been waiting for. Connect with Ryan EdwardsCamino Five: camino5.comRyan Edwards on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryanedwardsConnect with John Batesjohnbates.comexecutivespeakingsuccess.comlivelikealeader.show This episode makes no difference without you. If you enjoyed the show, please leave a five-star rating and share it with someone who's navigating leadership, strategy, or AI right now. That's how we learn from — and support — each other on the journey. Thank you! ----- Ryan Edwards is the co-founder of Camino5, a strategy consultancy built on a simple belief: insights create strategy and strategy creates growth.With more than 15 years of experience across digital, brand, and customer experience, Ryan's career began in web design and programming before evolving into creative and CX leadership roles. Over the last decade, his work has focused on understanding how people actually engage with brands across platforms, moments, and decisions, turning that understanding into strategies that move businesses forward.At Camino5, Ryan leads work through Paired Perspective™, the firm's approach to connecting customer behavior across a fragmented landscape. The goal isn't channel optimization in isolation, but strategic clarity that enables speed, alignment, and action.Ryan has partnered with global brands including Disney, P&G, NBCUniversal, Unilever, Chase, Nike, and Kaiser Permanente, as well as high-growth startups and emerging category leaders. His work has supported multiple unicorns, driven category-defining launches, and contributed to research that led to $20M-per-month business turnarounds.Ryan works with companies that believe strategy should create momentum and that growth starts with seeing the customer clearly. --------John Bates provides 1:1 Executive Communications Coaching, both in-person and online. He also gets 92+ Net Promoter Scores for his large and small group leadership development trainings at organizations like Johnson & Johnson, NASA, Google, Intuit, Boston Scientific, and many more. Find more at https://executivespeakingsuccess.com.Sign up for his weekly micro-trainings for free at https://johnbates.com/mini-trainings and create a great leadership communications habit that makes you the kind of leader who inspires trust, loyalty, and connection.

Is your medical sales interview strategy falling flat?In this episode of Medical Sales U, I sit down with Nate Yohe, a Regional Sales Director at Boston Scientific with over 20 years of experience in Interventional Cardiology. Nate pulls back the curtain on what hiring managers are actually looking for when they ask about your 5-year plan and how to demonstrate "grit" without sounding rehearsed.Whether you are a nurse looking to transition into a Clinical Specialist role, an associate rep aiming for a Territory Manager position, or an experienced sales pro considering leadership, this deep dive into the culture of one of healthcare's most innovative companies is a must-watch.What You'll Learn: * The "Intangible" Factor: Why integrity, motor, and grit beat a perfect resume every time. * The 5-Year Plan Trap: How to answer the "Where do you see yourself?" question to show you're a high-performer. * Clinical vs. Associate Roles: Breaking down the career paths for nurses, teachers, and sales reps. * Leadership Habits: Nate's 4:45 AM routine and how he manages a multi-state team of 13. * The Future of Interventional Cardiology: Why innovation in minimally invasive procedures is exploding.Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction: Meet Nate Yohe (Boston Scientific)1:41 – The Structure of a High-Performing Sales Team3:24 – Why Great Leaders Want You to Outgrow Your Role4:36 – Interview Secrets: Testing for Integrity and Grit8:53 – Dealing with Adversity: The STAR Response11:42 – Why "The Feel" of an Interview Matters12:51 – Career Paths: From Nursing and Law to MedTech15:47 – Leadership Habits: Productivity and 4:45 AM Wake-Ups19:45 – Should You Move into Management? The "Why" Test22:52 – Innovation in Interventional Cardiology25:04 – Nate's #1 Advice for Breaking into Medical Sales Resources & Links:Connect with Nate Yohe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-yohe-429b671 READY TO BREAK INTO MEDICAL SALES? We help professionals transition into top-tier medical sales roles: medicalsalesu.com/#MedicalSales #BostonScientific #InterventionalCardiology #SalesInterview #CareerGrowth #MedicalDeviceSales #HiringInsights #SalesLeadership