Breaking Barriers with Leslie Trigg: A Journey of Innovation and Impact
Apr 29, 2024
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Leslie Trigg, the CEO of Outset Medical, has a remarkable background that intertwines communication and medical technology. She shares her unconventional journey from a communications major to leading innovations in dialysis care. Leslie discusses the transformative power of storytelling in healthcare and the importance of fostering a culture that nurtures talent. She also highlights the strategic decisions behind navigating a public offering during the pandemic, contrasting leadership styles and their impact on team dynamics.
Leslie Trigg demonstrates that communication skills, especially from non-traditional backgrounds, are crucial for success in medical technology leadership.
The shift toward home dialysis empowers patients by enhancing autonomy and quality of life, reflecting a significant change in healthcare delivery models.
Deep dives
The Importance of Communication Skills in MedTech
Communication skills are vital for success in the medical technology sector, especially for those without a traditional scientific background. Effective communication can attract talent, convey a product's value, and draw in investors. The ability to articulate a company's vision concisely is crucial for establishing credibility and gaining interest from potential stakeholders. Thus, liberal arts majors have significant roles to play in scientific fields, as their communication proficiency can drive innovation and leadership.
A Unique Career Path in Healthcare
Leslie Trigg's career exemplifies an unconventional journey into the healthcare field, rooted in communication rather than a scientific foundation. After studying communication at Northwestern, she initially pursued a career in politics but found her passion in healthcare through a lobbying firm representing medical technology clients. This serendipitous encounter led her to understand critical aspects of healthcare, such as trial processes and FDA regulations. Her path illustrates that diverse experiences can lead to impactful roles in MedTech, emphasizing that varied education backgrounds enrich the industry.
The Shift Towards Home Dialysis
The current trend in healthcare is increasingly leaning toward providing patients with options for home care, particularly in dialysis treatment. Historically, the care delivery model forced patients into clinics, often disrupting their lives and limiting their autonomy. Leslie Trigg advocates for transitioning more patients to home dialysis, highlighting the potential for improved quality of life and patient empowerment. With recent advancements and changes in healthcare regulations, there is optimism that a significant number of patients can receive dialysis at home in the coming years.
The Role of Leadership in Talent Development
Leadership in medical technology not only involves making strategic decisions but also fostering a culture of talent development within the organization. Leslie Trigg emphasizes the need for leaders to recognize and cultivate the strengths of their team members, helping them step outside their comfort zones. By hiring individuals with a deep understanding of leadership development, she aims to create an environment where both company growth and employee potential are realized. A strong focus on nurturing talent is essential for building a sustainable company that contributes positively to the healthcare landscape.
As we explore the story of a leader who combines caring and business smarts to achieve success in the medical technology world, today we are excited to feature, a standout figure in medtech. Since 2014, Leslie Trigg has led Outset Medical as CEO and became Chair in 2022. Her impressive career began at Guidant Corporation and included key roles at several leading companies, placing her at the heart of innovation in healthcare.
Leslie's career highlights include steering Outset Medical through key changes and innovations that have significantly improved patient care. Her early work in communications, rather than following a traditional scientific path, has provided her with a unique approach. Her approach has profoundly influenced both product development and corporate leadership at her company.
Leslie will share how she tackles the challenges of running a major healthtech company, her innovative strategies, and her dedication to enhancing patient care with cutting-edge medical technologies. We will also look at how her leadership is shaping the industry and the future of healthcare.