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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