Episodes

  • Episode 226 | Bob Roda, President & CEO at HemoSonics | Leveraging Experience & Vulnerability for Medtech Leadership
    Jul 7 2025

    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 of the selling process, and the thinking behind acquisition strategy and innovation, including his commercial due diligence on CareFusion. The episode also introduces the value of context and being humbled, highlighting how vulnerability creates connection and why adapting your communication style like a "chameleon" is crucial for impactful leadership.

    • Bob Roda LinkedIn

    • HemoSonics Website

    • Duane Mancini LinkedIn

    • Project Medtech Website

    • Project Medtech LinkedIn

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    54 mins
  • Episode 225 | Brian Morley, Chief Marketing Officer at Native Orthopaedics & Tino Chow, CEO at Giant Shoulders | Crafting & Aligning Your Medtech Brand for Growth
    Jun 30 2025

    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 when a rebrand is necessary, and leveraging the digital age for reach. The episode also introduces the valuable concept of visionary and integrator roles, highlighting how a strong brand can serve as an integrator to connect a company's vision with its team and partners.

    • Brian Morley LinkedIn

    • Native Orthopaedics Website

    • Tino Chow LinkedIn

    • Giant Shoulders Website

    • Duane Mancini LinkedIn

    • Project Medtech Website

    • Project Medtech LinkedIn

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    55 mins
  • Episode 224 | Joseph Mocanu, Managing Partner at Verge HealthTech Fund | Rethinking Venture Capital & Achieving Global HealthTech Impact
    Jun 23 2025

    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 startups and investors. We delve into the importance of developing technologies with a global impact, the strategic advantages of a global approach to collecting clinical data, and navigating the complexities of various healthcare systems across the world. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of healthtech investment and innovation.

    • Joseph Mocanu
    • Verve HealthTech Fund
    • Duane Mancini LinkedIn
    • Project Medtech Website
    • Project Medtech LinkedIn
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    47 mins
  • Episode 223 | Harrison Lands, Director, Translational Sciences at UPMC Enterprises | Investing in Innovation: Inside UPMC's Payer/Provider Model & Life Science Strategy
    Jun 16 2025
    • 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 fostering innovation. The conversation touches on the vibrant Pittsburgh life science community, Harrison's time at the University of Virginia, and insights from CvilleBioHub. Tune in to understand how a major integrated health system strategically invests and drives translational science forward.
    • Harrison Lands LinkedIn
    • UPMC Enterprises Website
    • Duane Mancini LinkedIn
    • Project Medtech Website
    • Project Medtech LinkedIn
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    30 mins
  • Episode 222 | Isaiah Kaiser, Co-Founder & CEO at Auxilium Health and Elyse Ball, Vice President at Bounce Innovation Hub | Securing $1.5M and Thriving in the Startup Ecosystem
    Jun 9 2025
    • 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. Together, they delve into navigating the regional iCorp program and the JumpStart accelerator, offering invaluable advice for raising capital and maneuvering the startup landscape. Tune in to hear their insights and get a glimpse into Auxilium Health's next major milestones.
    • Isaiah Kaiser LinkedIn
    • Elyse Ball LinkedIn
    • Duane Mancini LinkedIn
    • Auxilium Health Website
    • Bounce Innovation Hub Website
    • Project Medtech Website
    • Project Medtech LinkedIn
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    53 mins
  • Episode 221 | Devon Campbell, Christine Johnson, and Dan Tipaldo with Prodct | The AI Co-Pilot: Boosting Lean Startups
    Jun 2 2025
    • 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 types of AI – often at low or no cost – to improve internal processes, support essential tasks, and ultimately keep moving the needle forward without breaking the bank. Tune in to learn how AI can become a powerful tool in your startup's DIY toolkit.
    • Devon Campbell LinkedIn
    • Christie Johnson LinkedIn
    • Dan Tipaldo LinkedIn
    • Duane Mancini LinkedIn
    • Prodct Website
    • Project Medtech Website
    • Project Medtech LinkedIn
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    59 mins
  • Episode 220 | Joao Rezende-Neto, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer at InventoRR MD | Bridging Worlds of Medicine: Innovation Across Continents
    May 5 2025
    • 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, adapting ideas from Boston for Brazil and vice versa. We delve into the critical considerations of clinically relevant research, fostering effective collaborations between clinicians and business leaders, and the balance of scientific rigor with economic impact. Hear firsthand about the challenges and rewards of being a physician entrepreneur dedicated to advancing healthcare on a global scale. Tune in for a unique perspective on the intersection of global medicine, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit.
    • Joao Rezende-Neto LinkedIn
    • InventoRR Md LinkedIn
    • AbClo Website
    • Duane Mancini LinkedIn
    • Project Medtech LinkedIn
    • Project Medtech Website
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    52 mins
  • Episode 219 | Kelly Collier, Director of Ecosystem Development at LifeX | Steel City Science: Building Pittsburgh's Life Science Ecosystem
    Apr 28 2025
    • 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 pitfalls startups face and the specific advantages Pittsburgh offers to innovators. Tune in to understand the key ingredients fueling Pittsburgh's rise as a life science hub.
    • Kelly Collier LinkedIn
    • LifeX Website
    • Duane Mancini LinkedIn
    • Project Medech Website
    • Project Medtech LinkedIn
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    43 mins