The Business Warrior Within: Breaking into Medical Device Sales

Episode Summary:
So, you want to break into medical device sales? In this episode of The Business Warrior Within, host Andy Olen shares expert insights on how to start a career in medical technology sales, build connections, and stand out in a highly competitive industry. Medical device sales come with a unique challenge—you’ll never use the products you sell. Instead, you must become an expert in persuading highly trained physicians to trust your technology. Andy discusses how to overcome this experience gap, navigate the hiring process, and position yourself for success.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

🔹 The Unique Challenge of Medical Device Sales

Unlike other industries, medical device reps don’t use their own products—so they must build credibility and trust in other ways.

Sales success comes from leveraging product knowledge, clinical studies, business acumen, and strong relationships with physicians.

🔹 Andy's Journey in Medical Device Sales

Nearly 20 years of experience at top healthcare companies like Abbott, Roper Technologies, and Siemens.

Transitioned from corporate healthcare to running his own sales training and leadership business, still working with major industry players.

🔹 How to Break into the Medical Device Industry
1️⃣ Find Your Passion Within Healthcare

Explore different specialties: cardiology, orthopedics, oncology, lab diagnostics, neurovascular, etc.

Research companies in your chosen field (e.g., Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Johnson & Johnson, Stryker).

2️⃣ Identify the Right Companies

Large companies provide structured training and career paths.

Startups offer faster growth but require more self-sufficiency.

Consider medical product distributors like Medline, Cardinal Health, or McKesson as entry points.

3️⃣ Network with Industry Professionals

Use LinkedIn to find regional sales managers and reps in your area.

Reach out for informational interviews—ask for advice, not a job.

Learn from their career paths and let them guide you to opportunities.

🔹 The Mindset for Success in Medical Sales

Be strategic in selecting a company that aligns with your career goals.

Understand the industry's demands—hard work, resilience, and constant learning.

Focus on communication, connection, and cooperation to earn the trust of medical professionals.

Final Thoughts:
Landing a medical sales role requires preparation, persistence, and networking. Follow Andy’s three-step framework to get started, and stay tuned for future episodes on excelling once you break into the industry.

📩 Connect with Andy Olen:

Website: andyolen.com

LinkedIn: Andy Olen on LinkedIn

Book: The Trilogy of Yes – Master the skills of connection, communication, and cooperation in sales

🔊 Subscribe & Share: If you found this episode helpful, share it with someone looking to enter the healthcare sales world!

🎙️ The Business Warrior Within – Good Selling. Good Leading. Good Living.

Published on: March 3, 2025

Duration: 22 minutes Video

Overview:

In this video review, Andy Olen explores three key secrets to successful negotiation, emphasizing the importance of preparation, understanding motivations, and striving for mutually beneficial outcomes. Andy shares negotiation best practices, including:

Key Points Reviewed

Additional Insights:

Conclusion:

Andy's approach to negotiation combines practical strategies with ethical considerations, aiming for outcomes where all parties feel victorious, fostering repeat business and referrals.

His personal anecdotes and substantial career achievements add depth and relatability to the advice shared.

📌 Video reacted to: 3 Negotiation Secrets To Always Get What You Want

📌 Get access to Andy's Tools and Insights: AndyOlen.com

Joanna Ebbers Shares How To Thrive In The Aesthetic Industry

Executive Summary: In this dynamic episode, Andy Olen welcomes Joanna Ebbers, an accomplished sales and training leader in the aesthetics industry. Joanna shares her journey from pharmaceutical sales to becoming a top executive in the rapidly growing aesthetics field, with leadership roles at companies like HydraFacial, SkinCeuticals, and SkinMedica. Throughout the episode, Joanna provides valuable insights into sales leadership, customer education, and the booming business of aesthetic treatments. She emphasizes the importance of passion, hustle, and continuous learning in sales and leadership. Joanna also offers advice for those looking to break into the aesthetics industry while reflecting on her Wisconsin roots and experiences in Southern California.

Main Topics Discussed:

Connect with Joanna:

Tune in for insights into the aesthetics industry, sales leadership, and Joanna’s tips for building successful businesses and empowering estheticians!

Joe McClung: How to Get Hired in Healthcare - Grit & Growth Mindset On the List

Executive Summary: In this compelling episode of The Business Warrior Within, host Andy Olen welcomes Joe McClung, the President of Floodgate Medical, a leader in talent services for the medical device industry. Joe shares his journey from medical device sales and leadership to talent management, highlighting his experience in the field and insights into building successful teams and careers in medical devices. Joe emphasizes the importance of good listening, grit, intellectual curiosity, and a growth mindset—both for sales professionals and the companies seeking them. This episode provides practical advice for breaking into the medical device industry, advancing to leadership roles, and navigating the hiring process with a talent-focused perspective. 

Main Topics Discussed:

Connect with Joe McClung and Floodgate Medical:

Tune in for inspiring insights from Joe McClung on talent recruiting, career growth, and making an impact in the med device industry!

The Business Warrior Within: A Leadership Story: Sensient CEO Paul Manning

Summary:
In this engaging episode of The Business Warrior Within podcast, host Andy Olen welcomes Paul Manning, the CEO of Sensient Technologies. Paul shares his remarkable career journey, from his time at Stanford University and the Kellogg School of Management to his roles in the U.S. Navy and corporate world. He discusses his leadership experiences at Sensient, where he has driven the company to become a global leader in specialty ingredients. The episode also delves into Paul's personal reflections, professional philosophies, and insights on leadership, culture, and business growth.

Topics Discussed:

Leadership and Culture:

- Importance of defining and maintaining a strong company culture.
- Sensient's four cultural pillars are integrity, Professionalism, Safety, and Customer Focus.
- The impact of culture on business integration and acquisitions.

Military Experience:
- Leadership lessons from the Navy.
- Early responsibilities and the value of making mistakes.

Business Strategy and Operations:
- Sensient's approach to acquisitions and integration.
- Emphasis on finding a way to say "yes" to customers.
- Simplifying communication for effective leadership.

Personal Insights:
- Balancing professional and personal life.
- Maintaining a weekly cadence of one-on-one meetings with direct reports is important.
- Strategies for recharging and staying motivated.

Future of Sensient Technologies:
- Optimistic outlook on sustainable and profitable growth.
- Long-term strategic goals and the importance of consistency.

Advice for Aspiring Leaders:
- Taking advantage of opportunities and being willing to tackle challenging tasks.
- Importance of flexibility and readiness to seize career windows.

Tune in to hear Paul's inspiring journey and gain valuable insights into leadership, culture, and business strategy from a seasoned executive.

In this engaging episode of The Business Warrior Within, we welcome Tim Riesterer, the Chief Strategy Officer at Corporate Visions, for a free-ranging chat about sales and marketing strategies that drive growth and transform customer conversations.

Tim shares insights on the power of storytelling in sales, addressing status quo bias and the importance of personalized value conversations.

Tune into this episode to learn how to turn up and deploy Gobs of Contrast to overcome the customer’s status quo.

Hot Topics Discussed on This Episode

Importance of Salesperson's Role

Human vs AI in Sales

Company & Customer Storytelling

Status Quo Bias in Sales

Gobs of Contrast

Challenging the Status Quo

Leveraging Status Quo as the Incumbent

When to Visit Wisconsin

Tim's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-riesterer/
Tim's Books on Amazon.com: LINK HERE

Influencing, presenting, and leading require moving energy around the room and steering the business agenda forward. 

In this episode of The Business Warrior Within, join us as we delve into the fascinating world of HR with Michael Walters, a distinguished HR executive and Chief Human Resources Officer for Samsung Semiconductor.

Michael shares insights into his journey, from his impactful roles in big tech, healthcare, and entertainment industries to his decade-long dedication as a global keynote speaker and management instructor.

Highlights include his thoughts on overcoming imposter syndrome, effective public speaking techniques, and the nuances of HR leadership in a multicultural environment. 

The Show Flows Through Engaging Topics

LinkIn with Michael Here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwalters62

Subscribe to Andy's Monday Mojo Skills Newsletter and Overcome the Expectation to Skills Gap: https://www.andyolen.com/subscribe-to-newsletter

In this episode of the Business Warrior Within podcast, host Andy Olen engages in a captivating conversation with Chris Landon, CEO of Natus Neuro, a leader in healthcare innovation.

Chris shares his journey from consulting to leading significant businesses in the medical technology industry, emphasizing the profound sense of purpose in contributing to patient care.

Chris Landon's personal stories, which vividly illustrate the impact of medical technology on individuals' lives, serve as powerful reminders of the importance of patient-centricity in the healthcare business.

The discussion not only delves into leadership, mentorship, and navigating the challenges and opportunities in the healthcare industry but also provides valuable insights into AI's role in advancing healthcare.

Chris and Andy also explore effective communication and the necessity of adaptability and learning in professional development.

The episode reflects the intersection of business acumen and compassionate healthcare, offering valuable insights into successful leadership and innovation.

Enjoy Chris Landon's healthcare leadership story.

In this episode of the Business Warrior Within podcast, host Andy Olen welcomes Kendall Ryerson, Carestream's Vice President of Sales for North America.

With an illustrious career spanning 23 years across pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device markets, Ryerson's expertise in sales strategy shines through.

Kendall shares insights into Carestream's journey from its Kodak origins, emphasizing its innovative digital x-ray and imaging products while maintaining a robust film business. Ryerson discusses the importance of customer-centricity in navigating the evolving landscape of medical device sales, highlighting the value of relationships and differentiation in an era of AI advancements.

Through her experiences in federal contracting and corporate accounts, she underscores the significance of patience, reliability, and accountability in building successful sales teams. As she delves into career management advice, Ryerson emphasizes the importance of finding joy in one's work, leveraging mentorship and networking, and embracing flexibility in career aspirations.

She stresses the need for hard skills, such as time management and financial acumen, and soft skills, including communication and innovation, to drive success in sales leadership roles. Ryerson's wisdom offers a comprehensive guide for aspiring sales professionals navigating the complex terrain of the healthcare industry.

Learn More About Carestream: https://www.carestream.com/en/us/

Connect with Kendall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendall-ryerson-15682433/

(A) Learn more about Kendall Ryerson's insights on navigating federal contracts and corporate accounts.

(B) Discover how CareStream Health stays ahead of the curve in medical sales through innovation and customer-centric strategies.

(C) Explore the importance of balancing joy and productivity in a career.

D) Kendall's comments on financial acumen for evaluating deals, from sales reps to executives. It ensures solid business justifications and helps one understand margins, ongoing revenue, and long-term commitments.

E) How sales strategies have evolved from physician-driven preferences to corporate-based and now towards contract-based models, especially with the consolidation of health systems and the emergence of IDNs.

F) Despite challenges in the healthcare landscape, including hospital closures and financial restructuring, there is optimism for stabilization and eventual growth, particularly with a focus on preventative care and patient capture rates.

G) Sales professionals must control controllables, prioritize health and well-being, and find fulfillment in their careers by appreciating sales roles' autonomy, variety, and impact.

H) Prioritizing personal time and setting boundaries is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, ensuring that individuals can give their best to work and personal commitments.

Strategy Sprints and Service with Simon Severino

Introduction:
In this episode of The Business Warrior Within, host Andy Olen welcomes Simon Severino, the mastermind behind the Strategy Sprints phenomenon. Simon is not just your average CEO; he's the architect of a method that has empowered numerous businesses to skyrocket their revenue in 90 days.

Key Highlights:

Turbocharged Strategies: Simon's Strategy Sprints method has propelled countless businesses to achieve remarkable revenue growth quickly. His focus on actionable strategies and lightning-fast execution sets him apart as a powerhouse entrepreneur.

Family Life: Despite his professional accomplishments, Simon's mastery extends beyond the boardroom. He shares insights into his juggling act of managing a successful career while being a devoted father to three kids, often resorting to clever tactics to encourage outdoor activities.

Endurance Mindset: Simon's passion for endurance events like triathlons mirrors his approach to business. He discusses how running became his entry point to a disciplined lifestyle and the parallels between endurance training and entrepreneurial success.

Building Recurring Revenues: Simon emphasizes transforming one-off deals into recurring revenues and passive income streams for sustainable business growth. Businesses can navigate market challenges more effectively by leveraging membership communities and stacking revenue streams.

The Strategy Sprints Method: Inspired by agile principles, Simon's coaching method provides real-time feedback and actionable insights to entrepreneurs, helping them significantly improve win rates, sales frequency, and pricing power within a 90-day sprint.

The Power of Serving: Simon underscores the significance of clarity in identifying one's mission to serve. He emphasizes the key to enduring success is staying committed to service, whether in personal relationships or professional endeavors.

Conclusion:
Simon Severino's blend of entrepreneurial acumen, endurance mindset, and commitment to service offers valuable lessons for businesses seeking sustainable growth in today's dynamic landscape.

Connect with Simon:

Connect with Andy:

Additional Notes: