MedTech Mentor

Hosted by Crystal Howell

BusinessInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

May 2026

Language

About the show

Real Conversations. Real Mentors. Real Impact. MedTech Mentor is where medtech professionals come together to share honest stories, practical insights, and powerful lessons for thriving in a fast-changing industry. Hosted by Crystal Howell, each episode uncovers the journeys, challenges, and breakthroughs of inspiring guests, delivering thought-provoking ideas and actionable takeaways you can use right away. Our North Star? Paying it forward. Every guest donates a 1-hour mentoring session to 1 lucky listener who subscribes and shares with #medtechmentorpodcast Ready to grow your career, your network, and your impact? Start listening, start sharing, and join the MedTech Mentor Movement.

Listen to episodes

17 recent

May 11, 202659 min

Permission to Approach AI as Something Deeply Human - with Dr. Tim Rayner

What if AI isn't a tool you use, but a medium you swim in — and what it reflects back is the imprint you leave on the world? This week, Crystal sits down with Dr. Tim Rayner (AI philosopher and founder of Superesque) to unpack cognitive archaeology: Tim's practice for excavating the tacit expertise you've already accumulated and don't know you know. It's the moment Crystal realised she'd been training AI agents the same way she'd onboard a new employee: tell them what the company stands for, walk them through the values, give them golden examples, and tell them what to do when they reach the edge of the instructions. The most quotable, deeply human conversation about AI we've had on the show. "You've given me (and others) permission to approach AI as something deeply human, and not something to be afraid of." Find Tim and Superesque Website / Course: http://superesque.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-rayner-superesque/?skipRedirect=true YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCReT3gYhxukSW2zx3jd6Bxw/videos MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE How Not to Use AI — Abby Wuamusu Custom GPTs (OpenAI) and Projects (Anthropic / Claude) as starting points for purpose-built AI systems Richard Brautigan, All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace MedTech Mentor listeners get SUPERESQUE15 at https://superesque.com/

February 2, 20261 hr 0 min

Becca Meehan - Medtech Women's Coach

In this episode, we sit down with Becca Meehan, a certified coach and advocate for gender equality in the MedTech industry. Becca shares her journey from corporate marketing and sales to founding her coaching practice focused on empowering women in medtech. Together, they explore authentic leadership, self-care, navigating career transitions, and why investing in yourself isn't selfish- it's essential. EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction 03:17 – "Go-Get-Hers" Origin Story 06:38 – The Importance of Sales Experience in Marketing 08:31 – Defining Moments in Leadership 09:55 – Early Career Lessons in Communication and Mindset 15:53 – Building Resilience Through Challenges 18:26 – The Ripple Effect of Caring Leadership 21:21 – Self-Care: The Key to Caring for Others 22:24 – Navigating Redundancy: It's Not Personal 28:39 – Embracing Change: The Path to Coaching 32:45 – The Transition to Coaching: A New Chapter 36:03 – Empowering Women in MedTech 39:55 – Women in MedTech Navigating Noise in the Modern Workplace 41:46 – Past Mentor's Advice: The Importance of Running to the Fire 44:10 – Uncovering Personal Narratives and Mindset - Face vs Fiction 47:58 – The Power of Reflection and Self-Discovery 50:16 – Investing in Personal Growth and Community 53:56 – Morning Rituals and Getting Your Ducks in a Row 55:31 – Mentoring with Care and Presence 59:45 – CTA - Becca's Offer SPECIAL OFFER FOR MEDTECH MENTOR LISTENERS This February, Becca is offering: 30-minute complimentary connect call for all Medtech Mentor listeners 25% off all coaching packages for the month of February '26 CONNECT WITH BECCA Website LinkedIn: Becca Meehan

December 8, 202546 min

Charisse Pulfer - Loan Kit Specialists - Unsung Heroes of MedTech

Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes when a surgical kit arrives in the operating theatre- complete, sterile, and right on time? Meet Charisse Pulfer, our guest mentor for this episode, who’s spent over 18 years ensuring that surgeries go off without a hitch. Charisse is a Loan Kit Coordinator and operations specialist who’s seen it all: high-pressure logistics, last-minute emergencies, and the daily dedication it takes to keep patients safe and surgical teams supported. In this episode, she shares real-world stories, practical insights, and the mindset you need to thrive in one of healthcare’s most critical (and often overlooked) roles. Tune in to discover: 🛡️ How Charisse and her fellow Loan Kit Coordinators protect patient safety and surgical outcomes 🔍 The precision, accountability, and teamwork required to manage hundreds of parts across multiple hospitals ⏱️ Ways LKCs create efficiency and save costs for hospitals and MedTech companies 🤝 How they support surgeons, sales reps, and the entire healthcare team- even under immense time pressure 🚚 What it’s really like to manage logistics under pressure, and the pride that comes from making a difference 🌟 Why it’s time to recognise and celebrate these unsung heroes, and what Charisse wishes more people understood about the role Want to kick off the new year with real MedTech insight? Comment and share this episode with #medtechmentorpodcast for your chance to win a personal mentoring session with Charisse herself. There’s no better way to start the year than learning from someone who’s truly lived this experience. Hit play and get inspired by the unsung heroes of MedTech! Or check it out on MedTech Mentor's YouTube Channel

September 9, 202555 min

Michael Vallely- Open Heart, Open Mind

What happens when you stay open to new people, new ideas, and unexpected doors? For Professor Michael Vallely—Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Clinical Professor, Med-Tech Investor, and Entrepreneur—openness has led to a career that spans continents, innovations, and industries. With more than two decades and thousands of complex cardiac cases in Australia and the U.S., Michael has pioneered “first-in-man” procedures and helped shape the future of heart surgery. He’s held senior roles at The Ohio State University and Mount Sinai Hospitals, is currently Professor at Macquarie University, and practices cardiothoracic surgery in the public and private sector across Sydney. As founder and Chief Medical Officer of Sydney Heart Valve, Michael is leading the development of next-generation transcatheter heart valve technologies—delivering minimally invasive options for patients with structural heart disease. He is also a founding partner and Chair of the Medical Advisory Panel at Cordis Asset Management, a boutique fund manager investing in innovative medical technology companies that are transforming the treatment of chronic disease. In this episode, Michael shares his journey to building a dynamic portfolio career. Together, we explore: How openness to people and opportunities transformed his journey How serendipity and “the company we keep” matter more than any single destination The pivotal moments, mentors, and mindset shifts that shaped his career On resilience: truly knowing your strength comes when tested Mentor advice and book recommendations that shaped his leadership Whether you’re a clinician, innovator, or simply curious about the intersection of medicine, technology, and personal growth, this conversation is for you. After each episode, our Mentors give an additional hour of their time to mentor a listener. We do this because we believe real growth happens through connection, learning, and paying it forward. Share this episode on your socials with #medtechmentorpodcast and tell us what stuck with you—whether it was a story, an idea, a question, or just a moment you enjoyed. You’ll go in the running for an exclusive one-on-one mentoring conversation with Michael Vallely. Don’t miss your chance to connect—subscribe and share today! References & Further Reading: Michael Vallely’s LinkedIn Sydney Heart Valve Cordis Asset Management Principles by Ray Dalio

May 27, 202548 min

Tommy Herschell - To "Find Ya Feet" You Need to Know Your Struggle

In support of May Mental Health Month- Crystal sits down with Tommy Herschell, founder of “Find Ya Feet,” a grassroots movement making waves in mental health and wellbeing across Australia. Tommy shares his deeply personal journey, from his own struggles to becoming a passionate advocate for helping others find their footing in life. Together, Crystal and Tommy explore the power of vulnerability, the importance of honest conversations, and practical ways to support mental health- both in and out of the workplace. Tommy discusses how “Find Ya Feet” empowers young people, professionals, and communities to build resilience, foster connection, and embrace their authentic selves with workshops that make a proper difference. Listeners will come away with actionable insights on: Breaking down barriers to mental health support Creating safe spaces for open dialogue Building daily habits that nurture wellbeing The ripple effect of kindness and community Tommy’s story is a reminder that we all have the strength to “find our feet”- no matter where we start. If you’re interested in bringing Tommy’s message to your organisation, head to Find Ya Feet’s website to learn more about his corporate workshops and programs. We are so grateful to have Tommy on the show for a heartfelt conversation that we hope will leave you inspired to find ya feet and help those around you find theirs. Please, sharing is caring, please like and share this episode across your channels with #findyafeet and #medtechmentor podcast to enter to win the 1-hour mentoring session with Tommy. 🫶🏻

September 9, 202454 min

Omar Khateeb - Mentorship Unfiltered

Tired of the same old approach to mentorship? We ditch the formalities with Omar Khateeb, CEO & Founder of Khateeb & Co, [https://khateebandco.com/] OmniCreator [https://app.omnicreator.club/#create], Creator and Host of The State of MedTech Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/om/podcast/state-of-medtech/id1597688404], and the go-to guru for the latest trends in medtech. A master at leveraging unconventional strategies, Omar reveals the power of social media and finding mentorship everywhere. He's sharing his approach that will help you turn any interaction into a goldmine of insights. Here's what you'll get from this episode: ✨ Straight-talk advice on harnessing the power of informal mentorship ✨ Actionable tips for using social media to grow your MedTech startup's sales pipeline- without ever stepping into a hospital ✨ Omar's unique framework for asking questions that unlock genuine, impactful advice you can use right away As a thank you to our listeners who like & share with #medtechmentorpodcast we've got two amazing giveaways! 🎁 60% discount code for Khateeb & Co's sales course to help you transform your sales game with Omar's strategy 🎁 30 day free trial of OmniCreator, the all-in-one, AI enabled LinkedIn content creation platform Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable insights to take your game to the next level!

June 10, 20241 hr 12 min

Nicky Agahari - Demystifying Entrepreneurial Finance

Ready to launch your medtech venture but feeling lost in the world of finance? This episode of MedTech Mentor is your roadmap to success! Join us as we welcome Nicky Agahari, Founder & CEO of Australis Scientific. Nicky, a seasoned entrepreneur with a global perspective, will break down the complexities of entrepreneurial finance and equip you with the knowledge you need to navigate the fundraising landscape. In this information-packed episode, you'll gain insights on: The Basics of Entrepreneurial Finances and Raising Money The Impact of Economic Downturns: What is Driving Investors Alternative Funding Platforms: Explore innovative ways to secure capital beyond traditional means Investor Preferences Decoded: Learn what investors are looking for and tailor your pitch to stand out The Changing Landscape of Work: See how new work models are shaping fundraising strategies. Nicky's journey is an inspiration in itself. From his time as a combat medic to his leadership role at Australis Scientific, he'll share his experiences and the valuable lessons learned from his mentors. This episode is more than just information; it's an opportunity to: Learn from a successful medtech entrepreneur: Gain firsthand knowledge and actionable strategies. Demystify entrepreneurial finance: Ditch the financial jargon and gain clarity on fundraising. Hear how Nicky overcame obstacles and built a successful medtech company: Let his story be your roadmap to navigating challenges. Don't miss this chance to win a one-hour mentoring session with Nicky himself by sharing this episode with #medtechmentorpodcast

March 4, 202455 min

Patrick Cooper - How Far Can I Take This?

Former trampoline champion Patrick Cooper shares how he flipped into a new passion: healthcare! This episode of the MedTech Mentor Podcast features Patrick's inspiring journey. We explore his incredible career as a six-time international trampoline champion and Australian Team Captain. But a life-changing experience in Africa sparked a new passion for healthcare. Patrick dives into the challenges and rewards of starting from scratch in a new field, leveraging his strengths to make an impact. He also shares the power of mentorship and how a chance encounter led to a pivotal role at Stryker which set the foundation for his career. This episode is packed with takeaways for anyone considering a career change or looking for guidance on developing as a leader. Other topics discussed; new identities and the mindset required to dive into something new refocusing, aligning strengths and experiences to make an impact how a 17 second phone call connected him for an offer at Stryker Gallup Strengths and his top five mentors can come from anywhere- shout out to Mick! second place turned out to be a gift developing as a leader, you’re not a leader if you don’t have followers, nobody does anything alone taking a bad situation and turning it into an opportunity to connect with someone, you never know what you'll learn Favorite quote: “to live is to do, not to have done” This episode is packed with takeaways for anyone considering a career change. Patrick's story reminds us to embrace new opportunities and chase your passions, even if it means diving head first! Associated links: Patrick’s LinkedIn Cooper to Realise Olympic Dream This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

October 16, 202357 min

James Hamet - MedTech Marvel

In this episode, we welcome James Hamet, CEO of Vistim Labs. James is an accomplished Medtech Entrepreneur and Electrical Engineer committed to making a difference by creating neurotechnologies that improve patient lives and wellbeing. Growing up with parents who are both Neurologists, James has a passion for the brain and all things neuroscience. He eventually combined this unique perspective with his education in electrical engineering. From an early age, James demonstrated remarkable ingenuity, creating inventions like mind-controlled wheelchairs—straight out of a Marvel movie! Today, James and his team at Vistim Labs are on a mission to help Dementia Specialists diagnose patients faster by anticipating which diagnostics will identify the right diagnosis (within the first patient visit) with their innovative AI-powered screening diagnostic tool. In this episode, we delve into a range of topics, including: Neurotechnology and Brain Science Enhancing Diagnosis and Reducing Wait Times Vistim Labs' Groundbreaking Brain Scan Technology Innovative Tools and Ventures Agency, Self-Talk, and Perception in Personal Development Attentional Priming and Behavioral Science, Ex-Mantra Community and Outreach, Lit Conversations This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

September 10, 202329 min

Nicholas Trpezanovski - Take the Leap Part II

We're thrilled to present the second part of this episode on the MedTech Mentor Podcast. Welcome back Nicholas Trpezanovski, Founder of NJT MedTech Solutions Nicholas shares the second part of his incredible journey - from the uncertainty of the beginning to thriving business owner. He provides invaluable insights into overcoming the challenges of entrepreneurship, navigating uncertainty, and trusting your instincts. Nicholas reminds us to lean on your trusted advisors – you're never alone on this entrepreneurial path. With a wealth of knowledge from his diverse experiences, Nicholas offers pertinent advice on thepower of saying "no" rather than saying "yes" We are grateful to Nicholas for his time and wisdom, and we can't wait for you to enjoy this insightful conversation! 🚀 Please don’t forget, Nicholas will be generously donating an hour of his time to for a 1:1 mentoring session to one of our listeners who like and share on social media with the #medtechmentorpodcast Don't miss this outstanding opportunity to spend quality time with a leader like Nicholas, it's an opportunity not to be missed! Get ready to gain insights that will have a lasting impact on your journey. Tune in now! 🎧 Links mentioned in this episode: https://njtmedtech.com.au/ This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm