In this episode, Duane Mancini welcomes Bob Roda, President and CEO of HemoSonics, to discuss the essential components of building a successful and purpose-driven career in the medical device industry. The conversation explores Bob's formative experiences at Johnson & Johnson and Becton Dickson, the critical need for purpose as a guiding principle, and the continuous process of learning and absorbing information. They delve into practical strategies for building brand equity, the intricacies...
Jul 07, 2025•54 min•Season 1Ep. 226
In this episode, Duane Mancini welcomes Brian Morley, CMO of Native Orthopaedics, and returning guest Tino Chow, CEO and Founder at Giant Shoulders, to discuss the critical aspects of building and growing a medtech brand. The conversation explores Brian's journey into Native Orthopaedics, the importance of a clear, operationalized vision for startups, and how to effectively balance creative ideation with execution. They delve into practical strategies for achieving brand alignment, identifying w...
Jun 30, 2025•55 min•Season 1Ep. 225
In this episode, Duane Mancini reconnects with Joseph Mocanu, Managing Partner at Verge HealthTec Fund, for a follow-up to their insightful conversation in episode 103. Joseph shares the significant milestones Verge HealthTec Fund has achieved since their last discussion and offers a glimpse into what we can anticipate in the coming years. The conversation takes a critical look at the venture capital landscape, exploring what needs to change and addressing the often-broken feedback loop between ...
Jun 23, 2025•47 min•Season 1Ep. 224
In this episode, Duane Mancini is joined by Harrison Lands, Director of Translational Sciences at UPMC Enterprises. Harrison brings a unique perspective, shaped by his background as a physician, MBA, consultant, and now investor. We delve into the workings of UPMC Enterprises, exploring their investment thesis – the who, what, how much, when, and how their fund operates. Harrison also sheds light on the powerful advantages of UPMC's payer/provider integrated medical system and its impact on fost...
Jun 16, 2025•30 min•Season 1Ep. 223
In this episode, Duane Mancini sits down with Isaiah Kaiser, Co-Founder and CEO of Auxilium Health, and Elyse Ball, Vice President of Programming at Bounce Innovation Hub. Fresh off Auxilium Health's exciting $1.5M oversubscribed pre-seed round and new office at Cleveland Clinic, Isaiah returns to share their journey since his first appearance in episode 147. Elyse discusses the vital role of Bounce Innovation Hub in supporting startups and how her journalism background aids in her work. Togethe...
Jun 09, 2025•53 min•Season 1Ep. 222
In this episode, Duane Mancini interviews Devon Campbell, Christie Johnson, and Dan Tipaldo to continue the theme from episodes 207, 208, and 209 about how startups can effectively 'do it yourself' when budgets are tight, this episode tackles the next frontier: Artificial Intelligence. We acknowledge that resource-strapped startups need to be resourceful, but how can AI help avoid costly mistakes and actually accelerate progress? Join us as we explore practical ways startups can leverage various...
Jun 02, 2025•59 min•Season 1Ep. 221
In this episode, Duane Mancini interviews Joao Rezende-Neto on his remarkable journey through the global landscape of medicine and innovation. From medical training in Brazil to a trauma fellowship in the US, exposure to Boston's cutting-edge medical advancements, and experiences in Canada, this episode explores the unique insights gained from navigating diverse healthcare systems. Discover how these international experiences spurred the drive to bring innovative solutions across borders, adapti...
May 05, 2025•52 min•Season 1Ep. 220
In this episode, Duane Mancini interviews Kelly Collier at LifeX on the dynamic life science startup ecosystem thriving in Pittsburgh. We explore the unique synergy between major academic institutions like the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, and healthcare giants such as UPMC and Allegheny Health Network. Discover Kelly's entrepreneurial journey and learn how LifeX provides crucial support and programming for emerging life science companies. We also discuss the common pi...
Apr 28, 2025•43 min•Season 1Ep. 219
In this episode, Duane Mancini explores the critical aspects of medtech regulation and product development with Niki Caporali Spaniel and Chad Gibson of CMD Medtech. Niki shares her expertise in post-market clinical follow-up and navigating the complexities of the Medical Device Regulation (MDR). Chad emphasizes the importance of integrating cybersecurity throughout the product lifecycle, rather than treating it as an afterthought. They both discuss the significance of robust design controls, th...
Apr 15, 2025•39 min
In this episode, Duane Mancini delves into the life science ecosystem in Kentucky with Christin Godale, Executive Director at LifeSciKY, and Nicholas Lyktey, Chief of Laboratory Operations at Gravity Diagnostics. Christin discusses the collaborative, bipartisan efforts driving innovation in the Commonwealth, including the launch of strategic initiatives and the benefits available to participating companies. Nicholas shares the remarkable growth story of Gravity Diagnostics, from a startup with 3...
Apr 07, 2025•50 min
In this episode, Matt Sokany joins Duane Mancini at Project Medtech to share his extensive experience in the medtech industry, from his time at Ethicon Endosurgery (Johnson & Johnson) to his impactful journey in the startup world. Matt details his strategic approach to building successful companies, including his remarkable exit with New Wave Surgical, which raised less than $3M and sold for $115M. Matt also discusses his leadership at Standard Bariatrics, emphasizing the importance of setti...
Apr 01, 2025•55 min
In this episode, Tim Grace, Managing Partner at Techstars Columbus, joins Duane Mancini to unpack the dynamic world of startup acceleration and venture funding. Tim shares his journey from a tech background to leading a pivotal Techstars program, and discusses the creation of the LongJump venture fund. We delve into the origins and growth of Techstars Columbus, exploring the successes of its various cohorts and the unique ecosystem it fosters. Tim provides invaluable insights into common startup...
Mar 24, 2025•47 min
In this episode, Antony Watson, COO of Xenocor, joins Duane Mancini to share his journey from Medtronic sales rep to startup founder. Antony discusses his experience in the operating room, observing surgical cases firsthand, and how this unique perspective shaped his leadership approach and ultimately prepared him to launch and lead Xenocor. Discover how valuable lessons learned in the field can translate to success in the startup world. Tune in for insights on transitioning from a corporate env...
Mar 17, 2025•42 min
In this episode, Yaky Yanay, CEO at Pluri, joins Duane Mancini to explore the captivating world of regenerative medicine and the unwavering resilience required to lead in the life sciences. We delve into the profound power of cells and how Yaky's deep scientific understanding fuels Pluri's entrepreneurial success. Yaky shares invaluable insights on work-life integration, the gradual discovery of one's authentic CEO voice, and the undeniable truth that a strong management team is a company's grea...
Mar 10, 2025•37 min
In this episode, Tino Chow, CEO and Founder of Giant Shoulders, joins Duane Mancini for a deep dive into the power of branding in the medtech industry. 1 Tino, a "three-headed monster" with experience in the military, industrial design, and business, shares his expertise on building a brand strategy that empowers "on-brand" decisions, even in the absence of leadership. 2 Discover how to leverage your brand as a tool, navigate the different phases of brand development, and connect with your audie...
Mar 03, 2025•43 min
Jana Montgomery LinkedIn ActiVie LinkedIn Duane Mancini LinkedIn Project Medtech LinkedIn Project Medtech Website Midwest Showcase Registration...
Feb 24, 2025•42 min
In this episode, Susan Xu, Principal at WyDus, joins Duane Mancini to unravel the complexities of reimbursement in the digital health landscape. Susan explains how Medtech startups can navigate the system to get paid for their innovations, covering everything from Health IT and wearables to telehealth and AI. Learn about the crucial role of diagnosis and treatment, key codes like RPM, and the importance of clinical data in securing reimbursement. Tune in for expert insights and ensure your digit...
Feb 17, 2025•39 min
In this episode, Devon Campbell, Founder and Managing Director at Prodct, and Tino Chow, Founder, and CEO at Giant Shoulders, join Duane Mancini to discuss building a strong Medtech brand without big budgets. Learn how to develop a compelling brand strategy, create a professional website on a shoestring budget, design impactful pitch decks, and maximize your brand's reach with limited resources. Tune in for actionable insights and create a powerful brand identity that sets your Medtech startup a...
Feb 10, 2025•54 min
In this episode, Devon Campbell, Founder and Managing Director at Prodct, and Eric O'Dell, Consultant at Project Medtech, join Duane Mancini in a must-listen for bootstrapped Medtech founders! This episode provides a DIY guide to managing your startup's finances without hiring expensive professionals. Learn how to set up bank accounts, choose the right corporate structure, master basic accounting with QuickBooks and spreadsheets, manage your cap table, and navigate taxes. Tune in for actionable ...
Feb 03, 2025•50 min
In this episode, Devon Campbell, Founder and Managing Director at Prodct, and Tom Morgan, Chief Scientific Officer at myBiometry, join Duane Mancini for a practical discussion on optimizing early development for Medtech startups. Devon and Tom highlight the crucial role of organization, process, and software in driving efficiency and success, even before a startup officially launches. They delve into the importance of defining direction, utilizing tools like Lucid, Coggle, Monday, and Notion, an...
Jan 27, 2025•50 min
In this episode, Simon Malpas, CEO of Kitea Health, joins Duane Mancini to share his incredible journey from blood pressure researcher to Medtech CEO. Simon details Kitea Health's innovative brain pressure implant, revealing the challenges and triumphs of navigating clinical trials and the FDA's PMA process as a startup. Hear firsthand accounts of Kitea's dedication – from attending every surgery during their pilot study to building a strong company culture. Simon discusses the critical role of ...
Jan 21, 2025•37 min
In this episode, Kirk Petyo at Talent Factory Recruiting and Duane Mancini discusses his background in recruiting, how startups attract talent, the biggest mistakes companies make in hiring, managing company culture, implementing a successful onboarding process, and so much more. Kirk Petyo LinkedIn Talent Factory Recruiting LinkedIn T alent Factory Website Duane Mancini LinkedIn Project Medtech LinkedIn Project Medtech Website Mid...
Jan 13, 2025•42 min
In this episode, Shalabh Gupta at Unicycive Therapeutics and Duane Mancini discuss going from a practicing physician to a biotech entrepreneur, why he made the switch, lessons learned in his career, how to think about your career long term and not short term, how he took his company public, measuring success, his best advice and so much more. Shalabh Gupta LinkedIn Unicycive Therapeutics LinkedIn Unicycive Therapeutics Website Duane Mancini LinkedIn Project Medtech Link...
Jan 06, 2025•44 min
In this episode, Eric Eskey at Dark Horse Works and Duane Mancini discuss his background as an engineer, understanding what your customer wants, recommended books about innovation, behavioral economics, early adopters vs. laggers, common mistakes, his best advice to entrepreneurs, and so much more. Eric Eskey LinkedIn Dark Horse Works LinkedIn Dark Horse Works Website Duane Mancini LinkedIn Project Medtech LinkedIn Project Medtech Website ...
Dec 16, 2024•47 min
In this episode, Staci Miller at Gen UX Consulting and Duane Mancini discusses her background as a fashion designer, cognitive psychology, how she got into human factors testing, what she learned from her time with Medtronic and Abbott, and so much more. Staci Miller LinkedIn Gen UX Consulting LinkedIn Gen UX Consulting Website Duane Mancini LinkedIn Project Medtech LinkedIn Project Medtech Website Beginski Wegner & CO Rook Qu...
Dec 02, 2024•47 min
In this episode, Emma Scharfenberger Off at CincyTech and Duane Mancini discuss her background as an M&A lawyer, who is CincyTech and what they are focused on, how to leverage your board, decision-making within startup companies, bridge rounds, how to create value and so much more. Emma Scharfenberger Off LinkedIn CincyTech LinkedIn CincyTech Website Duane Mancini LinkedIn Project Medtech LinkedIn Project Medtech Website Beginski...
Nov 25, 2024•47 min
In this episode, Aaron TenHuisen, Jamie Easterling, and Rich Mazzola at Project Medtech and Duane Mancini discuss the growth at Project Medtech, the growth of the commercial consulting group, our expansion into talent and quality support, and so much Duane Mancini LinkedIn Aaron TenHuisen LinkedIn Rich Mazzola LinkedIn Jamie Easterling LinkedIn Project Medtech LinkedIn Project Medtech Website Rook Quality Systems Beginski Wegner &am...
Nov 04, 2024•55 min
In this episode, Rebecca McManus at Amethyst Care and Duane Mancini discusses the technology she is working on out of Trinity College of Dublin, their next 18 months, the innovation scene in Dublin, Ireland, her interest in Northeast Ohio, Adapt Research Center, lessons learned so far, how she overcame the anxiety of how long everything takes in Medtech, and so much more. Rebecca McManus LinkedIn Amethyst Care Start Up Project LinkedIn Amethyst Care Start Up Project Website Duane Mancini ...
Oct 28, 2024•40 min
In this episode, Crystal Weber at Group 31 and Duane Mancini discuss her second career as a marketing expert, how her first career as a nurse prepared her for this role, the importance of tailoring messaging to investors, how to position your product in the healthcare system, and so much more. Crystal Weber LinkedIn Group 31 Communications LinkedIn Group 31 Communications Website Duane Mancini LinkedIn Project Medtech LinkedIn Project Medtech Website Mittal Con...
Oct 21, 2024•41 min
In this episode, Todd Ponsky at Cincinnati Children's and Duane Mancini discuss his background as a pediatric surgeon, his startup company that he launched around education, the changes to the innovation and venture arm of Cincinnati Children's, the importance of having a supportive hospital leadership team for the innovation department, and so much more. Todd Ponsky LinkedIn Cincinnati Children's LinkedIn Cincinnati Children's Website Duane Mancini LinkedIn Project Medtech LinkedIn...
Oct 14, 2024•33 min
