Brandon Sawalich - CEO of Starkey on The Future of Hearing Tech & AI Innovation
Jan 29, 2025
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Brandon Sawalich, President and CEO of Starkey, is a powerhouse in the hearing aid industry with over 30 years of experience. He shares insights on revolutionizing hearing technology through AI and innovative health features. The conversation touches on the importance of proactive hearing health and preventative measures. Brandon also reflects on the emotional impact of hearing loss and emphasizes the significance of listening in leadership, drawing parallels between personal growth and technological advancement.
Brandon Sawalich emphasizes Starkey's transformation from a hearing aid manufacturer to a technology leader utilizing AI for personalized hearing solutions.
The company's philanthropic culture, inspired by founder Bill Austin, focuses on community service and prioritizes patient well-being over shareholder profits.
Deep dives
Legacy and Industry Evolution
The podcast highlights the inspirational legacy of Starkey's president and CEO, Brandon Soalich, whose family history in the hearing industry dates back to his grandmother's entry into the field in 1959. Brandon emphasizes that Starkey has evolved from merely manufacturing hearing aids to functioning as a technology company that utilizes advanced innovations like AI and deep neural processing. He recounts the stigma once associated with hearing aids, which were seen as solely for the elderly or disabled, and stresses the company's mission to redefine them as tools for empowerment and enhancement. The narrative portrays the transformation of Starkey along with Brandon's personal journey, fostering a deeper understanding of both the technology and the individual needs of customers today.
The Role of AI in Modern Hearing Technology
Brandon discusses Starkey's pioneering journey in AI integration, referencing their advancements since 2017 in delivering personalized hearing solutions. He outlines that their focus shifted from incremental improvements to bold innovations that leverage AI to analyze environmental sounds, ultimately enhancing user experience. The concept of 'friendly AI' is introduced, describing how it functions as a personal assistant rather than a threatening presence, enabling users to hear better and interact more fully with the world around them. These advancements illustrate how Starkey is not just in the business of hearing aids but aims to enhance overall human experience and communication through cutting-edge technology.
Philanthropy and Corporate Values
An essential theme in Brandon's discussion is the philanthropic culture ingrained in Starkey, inspired by founder Bill Austin’s commitment to helping those in need. He shares stories of the company providing hearing aids to individuals affected by disasters, like the recent fires in Los Angeles, showcasing their dedication to giving back to communities. The company operates under a private ownership model, which allows for decisions driven by what is best for patients rather than shareholders. Brandon conveys that Starkey's core values focus on customer well-being and community service, reinforcing the idea that business can be intertwined with social responsibility.
Future Innovations and Leadership Philosophy
As Brandon looks to the future, he expresses excitement about the endless possibilities of combining technology with enhanced user connectivity, with plans to further integrate health-monitoring features within their products. He emphasizes the importance of being a great listener in leadership, advocating for patience and openness to change as key to personal and professional growth. In discussing the path of young entrepreneurs, he advises against chasing titles or immediate success, emphasizing that true value comes from service and continuous improvement. This forward-thinking mindset, rooted in personal purpose and shared experiences, positions both Brandon and Starkey as leaders in redefining the future of hearing technology.
Today on The Casey Adams Show, I sit down with Brandon Sawalich, President and CEO of Starkey, the #1 hearing aid company in the U.S. With over 5,000 employees across 29 countries, Starkey is leading the way in hearing innovation by integrating AI, sensors, and health and wellness technology into their products, transforming hearing aids into high-tech health devices.
Brandon has spent 30 years in the hearing industry, working across multiple areas of the company before becoming CEO in 2020. His forward-thinking leadership and commitment to continuous innovation have helped Starkey maintain its reputation for groundbreaking products and expand its market dominance. Under his leadership, Starkey has set the standard for the best sound quality and advanced technology available.
In this episode, we dive into the business of Starkey through Brandon’s journey—how he helped scale the company, drive strategic direction, and shape the future of hearing technology. We also discuss the importance of hearing health, the role of artificial intelligence in hearing aids, and what’s next for the industry.
Brandon has also served as Chairman of the Board for the Hearing Industries Association, working with government leaders to expand hearing aid accessibility. He is a member of the George W. Bush Presidential Center’s Executive Advisory Council and was named ‘Executive of the Year’ in the 2023 Excellence in Customer Service Awards.
Tune in for an insightful conversation on leadership, innovation, and how technology is shaping the future of hearing health.