Digital Health Heavyweights
This conversational podcast brings you exclusive interviews with all the Heavyweights in Digital Health. Hosted by Norm Volsky, a top industry headhunter, whose team helped scale companies including Livongo, Hinge Health, Lyra, Virta, Progyny and many more. This series will bring listeners insights into the latest trends, technologies, and strategies driving the digital health revolution.
In each episode, Norm sits down with some of the most influential and innovative leaders in healthcare technology today from legendary founders who have built successful companies, venture capitalists who have led funding rounds, HR/Benefits leaders at forward thinking companies, Consultants and Brokers at the top benefits consulting firms, and other impactful visionaries challenging the status quo in healthcare. Listeners can learn from the industry greats who have created what we now know as health benefits, and who are changing the face of healthcare as we know it.
Whether you're a healthcare professional, a tech enthusiast, a start-up founder, benefits aficionado, jobseeker in Digital Health, or simply curious about the future of healthcare, Digital Health Heavyweights has something for you.
Digital Health Heavyweights
Episode 1 - Tom Cassels, Managing Director at Manatt Health Strategies
Happy New Year and welcome back to the Digital Health Heavyweights Podcast! In the first episode of 2025, our host Norm Volsky interviews Tom Cassels, Managing Director at Manatt Health. Tom shares his journey into healthcare, discussing his experiences in consulting, team building, and the complexities of the US healthcare system. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the system as a whole, the challenges and successes he has faced, and the values he upholds as a board member. Tom also highlights current trends in digital health and shares insights on personal wellness and healthy living.
Takeaways
🩺 Tom's journey into healthcare was influenced by personal experiences with the system.
💼 Building a consulting practice requires hard work and authenticity.
👥 Team building is essential for success in consulting.
🇺🇸 Understanding the US healthcare system is crucial for innovators.
⚠️ Challenges in healthcare can be frustrating but motivate change.
🤝 Humility and candor are key values for board members.
💬 Effective partnerships require trust and open communication.
🚩 Identifying red flags in startups is critical for success.
💪 Resilience and storytelling are core traits for startup founders.
💻 Current trends in digital health focus on AI and chronic disease management.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:20 Motivation to Work in Healthcare
02:55 Early Strategy in Consulting
04:34 Team Building and Authenticity
05:57 Being a Trusted Advisor
07:34 Understanding the US Healthcare System
09:19 Challenges and Successes in Career
11:46 Proud Achievements and Building Relationships
15:04 Values as a Board Member
18:09 Partnership with Companies as a Board Member
20:20 Philosophy on Team Building in Early Stage Companies
22:00 Identifying Red Flags in Digital Health Startups
22:48 Qualifying Leads and Understanding Why You Win or Lose
26:08 The Key Traits of Successful Startup Founders
27:32 Trends in Digital Health: Use Cases, Chronic Disease Management, and Automation
32:02 The Importance of Self-Care and Not Taking Oneself Too Seriously
42:56 Outro
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