In this episode, Merom Klein—business psychologist, innovation leadership expert, and co-founder of Courage Growth Partners—joins Duane Mancini to unpack why courage is a decisive differentiator for medtech innovators trying to earn funding, win pilot customers, and drive adoption of a new standard of care. Merom shares how his entrepreneurial family background, early work in organizational psychology, and experience building startups shaped his focus on making courage contagious. The conversation reframes fear as inevitable—and even necessary—and explores how leaders can “flip the switch” in high-stakes moments to avoid risk-averse traps, respond productively when partners or teams fall short, and turn criticism into forward motion. They dive into resilience, the value of pressure as a privilege, and why your #1 job in tough rooms is changing the energy and aligning people to shared purpose.

• Merom Klein LinkedIn

• Courage Growth Partners Website

• “Courage to Champion” Book

• Duane Mancini LinkedIn

• Project Medtech Website

• Project Medtech LinkedIn

Thank you to our sponsors: Ward Law and JumpStart Inc.

In this episode, Duane Mancini sits down with Sarah to unpack her path from healthcare operator to investor and what founders should know when raising capital today. Sarah shares how her experience as the 10th employee at a digital health startup shaped her empathy for founders and the practical lens she brings to diligence, from ICP and pricing to building durable foundations early. The conversation pulls back the curtain on venture mechanics—how syndication and relationships really work, why fundraising is difficult when LPs demand DPI, and how fund structure, lifecycle, and co-investments can shape outcomes for startups. Sarah also explains Angelini Ventures’ global strategy and thesis-driven focus in areas like cardiology and neurology, and why “exitability” requires forward-looking insight into strategic buyers, technology shifts, and long-term fit.

• Sarah Fox LinkedIn

• Angelini Ventures Website

• Duane Mancini LinkedIn

• Project Medtech Website

• Project Medtech LinkedIn

Thank you to our sponsors: Ward Law and JumpStart Inc.

Join us for a special 250th episode of The Project Medtech Podcast as host Duane Mancini and Director of Marketing and Engagement, Lindsey Dinneen, flip the script. Duane shares the journey from the podcast's inception during the height of COVID-19 to becoming a consulting, networking, and education resource for medtech startups. They delve into the core philosophy of creating value, the realities of team-building, and the exhilarating moments of client success. This episode is a candid reflection on the impact of the Project Medtech mission, the importance of a value-driven approach, and exciting future prospects.

• Lindsey Dinneen LinkedIn

• Duane Mancini LinkedIn

• Project Medtech Website

• Project Medtech LinkedIn

Thank you to our sponsors: Ward Law and JumpStart Inc.

In this episode, Duane Mancini sits down with Louise Yochee Klein to explore the fundamentals of fostering courage and innovation in the MedTech industry. Louise shares her journey from Canada to Philly, co-founding Courage Growth Partners, and emphasizes the importance of understanding and overcoming fear in business. The conversation highlights the critical need for aligning team objectives, adhering to detailed plans, and maintaining positive energy for personal and business success.

• Louise Yochee Klein LinkedIn

• Courage Growth Partners Website

• “Courage to Champion” Book

• Duane Mancini LinkedIn

• Project Medtech Website

• Project Medtech LinkedIn

Thank you to our sponsors: Ward Law and JumpStart Inc.

In this episode, Duane Mancini welcomes Aileen Helsel, Director of Innovation at Carilion Clinic, to discuss the exciting advancements in healthcare innovation in Roanoke, Virginia. Aileen shares her journey from academia to technology transfer and ultimately to her current role, emphasizing the transition from research to real-world application. They explore Carilion Clinic's unique position serving a diverse population, including rural communities, and how this drives impactful healthcare solutions.

• Aileen Helsel LinkedIn

• Carilion Clinic Innovation

• Duane Mancini LinkedIn

• Project Medtech Website

• Project Medtech LinkedIn

Thank you to our sponsors: Ward Law and JumpStart Inc.

In this episode, Duane Mancini sits down with Stan Glezer, Managing Director at Outcome Capital, to dive deep into the roles of strategic advisory and investment banking in driving innovation within the life sciences sector. Stan elaborates on his multifaceted career, from his beginnings as a physician to leading roles in biopharma and MedTech companies. He discusses the importance of aligning a company's value proposition with market dynamics, the art and science behind M&A deals, and why realistic, transparent goals can unlock transactional success.

• Stan Glezer LinkedIn

• Outcome Capital Website

• Duane Mancini LinkedIn

• Project Medtech Website

• Project Medtech LinkedIn

Thank you to our sponsors: Ward Law and JumpStart Inc.

In this episode, Duane Mancini sits down with Katie Brinkman to discuss the nuances of biocompatibility, the critical role of biological evaluation plans, and the evolving regulatory landscape, including the importance of risk assessment. Katie also shares her experience with biocompatibility evaluation during significant regulatory changes such as EU MDR remediation and the 10993 standard updates.

• Katie Brinkman LinkedIn

• Hohenstein Website

• Hohenstein Group LinkedIn

• Duane Mancini LinkedIn

• Project Medtech Website

• Project Medtech LinkedIn

Thank you to our sponsors: Ward Law and JumpStart Inc.

In this episode, Duane Mancini speaks with Matt Wunzin, a biomedical engineer from Ohio with nearly 20 years of experience in the medtech industry. Matt shares his career journey from earning his degree at the University of Akron to working at various medical device companies, both large and small, and also discusses his transition to consulting with his firm, Five Design and Development. He shares the importance of quality management and documentation in the medtech field, and highlights the opportunities available in Ohio's medtech ecosystem.

• Matt Wunzin LinkedIn

• Five Design & Development Website

• Duane Mancini LinkedIn

• Project Medtech Website

• Project Medtech LinkedIn

Duane Mancini chats with Michael Challenor to discuss his entrepreneurial journey in the medtech industry, starting from his early passion for invention through his pivotal experiences in the Stanford Biodesign program in Perth, to co-founding Vital Trace. He highlights his current venture, Innovate Medtech, which supports medtech startups with grants, fundraising, and product development. Michael shares valuable insights into the Australian medtech ecosystem, the significance of team and culture, and offers crucial advice for aspiring medtech entrepreneurs.

• Michael Challenor LinkedIn

• Innovate Medtech

• AusMedtech 2026

• Duane Mancini LinkedIn

• Project Medtech Website

• Project Medtech LinkedIn

Duane Mancini interviews Spencer Jones, a registered nurse turned medtech entrepreneur. Spencer recounts his journey from bedside nursing to founding two medtech companies, sharing valuable advice on navigating the often complex medtech landscape, including the critical role of thorough customer discovery and strategic vendor relationships in mitigating commercial risks. He also introduces XO MedTech, a training and community platform for medtech innovators, and MedTech Vendors, an AI-driven platform designed to connect medtech teams with ideal service providers.

• Spencer Jones LinkedIn

• XO Medtech

• Medtech Vendors

• Duane Mancini LinkedIn

• Project Medtech Website

• Project Medtech LinkedIn