MedTech Mentor

Shaun Bagai is the CEO of RenovoRx, the company behind the RenovoCath- an FDA-cleared device that uses Trans Arterial Micro Perfusion (TAMP) to deliver high concentrations of chemotherapy directly to tumors that are poorly connected to the systemic circulation, dramatically reducing side effects and improving survival in locally advanced pancreatic cancer. In this episode, Shaun walks us through how he discovered MedTech almost by accident, why he walked away from medical school after getting in, and the leadership philosophy (built on humility, data, and "beautiful friction") that has sustained him through 11+ years of building one of the most innovative cancer therapy companies in the industry.

Whether you're a founder navigating a long clinical development road, a commercial leader trying to move physician behavior, or someone who just needs a reminder of why they got into this industry- Shaun's final piece of advice will stay with you: "Focus on that one patient you saw an impact on. Because that's the heart of everyone listening to this podcast."

What if AI isn't a tool you use, but a medium you swim in — and what it reflects back is the imprint you leave on the world?

This week, Crystal sits down with Dr. Tim Rayner (AI philosopher and founder of Superesque) to unpack cognitive archaeology: Tim's practice for excavating the tacit expertise you've already accumulated and don't know you know.

It's the moment Crystal realised she'd been training AI agents the same way she'd onboard a new employee: tell them what the company stands for, walk them through the values, give them golden examples, and tell them what to do when they reach the edge of the instructions.

The most quotable, deeply human conversation about AI we've had on the show. "You've given me (and others) permission to approach AI as something deeply human, and not something to be afraid of."

Find Tim and Superesque

Website / Course: http://superesque.com

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

MedTech Mentor listeners get SUPERESQUE15 at https://superesque.com/

In this episode, we sit down with Becca Meehan, a certified coach and advocate for gender equality in the MedTech industry. Becca shares her journey from corporate marketing and sales to founding her coaching practice focused on empowering women in medtech. Together, they explore authentic leadership, self-care, navigating career transitions, and why investing in yourself isn't selfish- it's essential.

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Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes when a surgical kit arrives in the operating theatre- complete, sterile, and right on time? Meet Charisse Pulfer, our guest mentor for this episode, who’s spent over 18 years ensuring that surgeries go off without a hitch.

Charisse is a Loan Kit Coordinator and operations specialist who’s seen it all: high-pressure logistics, last-minute emergencies, and the daily dedication it takes to keep patients safe and surgical teams supported.

In this episode, she shares real-world stories, practical insights, and the mindset you need to thrive in one of healthcare’s most critical (and often overlooked) roles.

Tune in to discover:

🛡️ How Charisse and her fellow Loan Kit Coordinators protect patient safety and surgical outcomes

Want to kick off the new year with real MedTech insight?

Comment and share this episode with #medtechmentorpodcast for your chance to win a personal mentoring session with Charisse herself. There’s no better way to start the year than learning from someone who’s truly lived this experience.

Hit play and get inspired by the unsung heroes of MedTech!

What happens when you stay open to new people, new ideas, and unexpected doors? For Professor Michael Vallely—Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Clinical Professor, Med-Tech Investor, and Entrepreneur—openness has led to a career that spans continents, innovations, and industries.

With more than two decades and thousands of complex cardiac cases in Australia and the U.S., Michael has pioneered “first-in-man” procedures and helped shape the future of heart surgery. He’s held senior roles at The Ohio State University and Mount Sinai Hospitals, is currently Professor at Macquarie University, and practices cardiothoracic surgery in the public and private sector across Sydney.

As founder and Chief Medical Officer of Sydney Heart Valve, Michael is leading the development of next-generation transcatheter heart valve technologies—delivering minimally invasive options for patients with structural heart disease.

In this episode, Michael shares his journey to building a dynamic portfolio career. Together, we explore:

How openness to people and opportunities transformed his journey

Whether you’re a clinician, innovator, or simply curious about the intersection of medicine, technology, and personal growth, this conversation is for you.

After each episode, our Mentors give an additional hour of their time to mentor a listener. We do this because we believe real growth happens through connection, learning, and paying it forward.

Share this episode on your socials with #medtechmentorpodcast and tell us what stuck with you—whether it was a story, an idea, a question, or just a moment you enjoyed. You’ll go in the running for an exclusive one-on-one mentoring conversation with Michael Vallely. Don’t miss your chance to connect—subscribe and share today!

References & Further Reading:

In support of May Mental Health Month- Crystal sits down with Tommy Herschell, founder of “Find Ya Feet,” a grassroots movement making waves in mental health and wellbeing across Australia.

Tommy shares his deeply personal journey, from his own struggles to becoming a passionate advocate for helping others find their footing in life.

Together, Crystal and Tommy explore the power of vulnerability, the importance of honest conversations, and practical ways to support mental health- both in and out of the workplace.

Tommy discusses how “Find Ya Feet” empowers young people, professionals, and communities to build resilience, foster connection, and embrace their authentic selves with workshops that make a proper difference.

Listeners will come away with actionable insights on:

Tommy’s story is a reminder that we all have the strength to “find our feet”- no matter where we start. If you’re interested in bringing Tommy’s message to your organisation, head to Find Ya Feet’s website to learn more about his corporate workshops and programs.

We are so grateful to have Tommy on the show for a heartfelt conversation that we hope will leave you inspired to find ya feet and help those around you find theirs.

Please, sharing is caring, please like and share this episode across your channels with #findyafeet and #medtechmentor podcast to enter to win the 1-hour mentoring session with Tommy. 🫶🏻

Tired of the same old approach to mentorship? We ditch the formalities with Omar Khateeb, CEO & Founder of Khateeb & Co, [https://khateebandco.com/] OmniCreator [https://app.omnicreator.club/#create], Creator and Host of The State of MedTech Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/om/podcast/state-of-medtech/id1597688404], and the go-to guru for the latest trends in medtech.

A master at leveraging unconventional strategies, Omar reveals the power of social media and finding mentorship everywhere. He's sharing his approach that will help you turn any interaction into a goldmine of insights.

Here's what you'll get from this episode:

✨ Straight-talk advice on harnessing the power of informal mentorship

✨ Actionable tips for using social media to grow your MedTech startup's sales pipeline- without ever stepping into a hospital

✨ Omar's unique framework for asking questions that unlock genuine, impactful advice you can use right away

As a thank you to our listeners who like & share with #medtechmentorpodcast we've got two amazing giveaways!

🎁 60% discount code for Khateeb & Co's sales course to help you transform your sales game with Omar's strategy

🎁 30 day free trial of OmniCreator, the all-in-one, AI enabled LinkedIn content creation platform

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable insights to take your game to the next level!

Ready to launch your medtech venture but feeling lost in the world of finance? This episode of MedTech Mentor is your roadmap to success! Join us as we welcome Nicky Agahari, Founder & CEO of Australis Scientific. Nicky, a seasoned entrepreneur with a global perspective, will break down the complexities of entrepreneurial finance and equip you with the knowledge you need to navigate the fundraising landscape.

In this information-packed episode, you'll gain insights on:

This episode is more than just information; it's an opportunity to:

Don't miss this chance to win a one-hour mentoring session with Nicky himself by sharing this episode with #medtechmentorpodcast

Former trampoline champion Patrick Cooper shares how he flipped into a new passion: healthcare! This episode of the MedTech Mentor Podcast features Patrick's inspiring journey. We explore his incredible career as a six-time international trampoline champion and Australian Team Captain. But a life-changing experience in Africa sparked a new passion for healthcare.

Patrick dives into the challenges and rewards of starting from scratch in a new field, leveraging his strengths to make an impact. He also shares the power of mentorship and how a chance encounter led to a pivotal role at Stryker which set the foundation for his career.

This episode is packed with takeaways for anyone considering a career change or looking for guidance on developing as a leader. Other topics discussed;

This episode is packed with takeaways for anyone considering a career change. Patrick's story reminds us to embrace new opportunities and chase your passions, even if it means diving head first!

Associated links:

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

In this episode, we welcome James Hamet, CEO of Vistim Labs.

James is an accomplished Medtech Entrepreneur and Electrical Engineer committed to making a difference by creating neurotechnologies that improve patient lives and wellbeing.

Growing up with parents who are both Neurologists, James has a passion for the brain and all things neuroscience. He eventually combined this unique perspective with his education in electrical engineering. From an early age, James demonstrated remarkable ingenuity, creating inventions like mind-controlled wheelchairs—straight out of a Marvel movie!

Today, James and his team at Vistim Labs are on a mission to help Dementia Specialists diagnose patients faster by anticipating which diagnostics will identify the right diagnosis (within the first patient visit) with their innovative AI-powered screening diagnostic tool.

In this episode, we delve into a range of topics, including:

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm