The Med-Tech Talent Lab

In this episode of The Med-Tech Talent Lab, host Mitch Robbins sits down with Alina Lisanke, Director of Talent Acquisition at Lexington Medical, for an honest conversation about leadership, career transitions, and navigating a challenging hiring market.Alina shares her journey from agency recruiting to leading talent acquisition functions in MedTech, along with the pivotal moments that shaped her career. Most notably, she opens up about her time in transition during a difficult market when senior TA roles were limited, competition was intense, and finding the right next step required patience, resilience, and intention.Rather than rushing into the wrong role, Alina talks about taking contract and individual contributor work to stay sharp, leaning on community for support, and using the time to reassess what kind of role and environment truly fit her strengths. That clarity ultimately led her to Lexington Medical, where she is now building and scaling the TA function during a period of growth.The conversation also explores:The shift of talent acquisition from order-taking to strategic partnershipWhat changes when recruiters move into people leadership rolesHow to balance trust, delegation, and accountability as a TA leaderWhere AI adds real value in hiring, and where human judgment still matters mostWhy strong systems and process create freedom, not frictionThis episode is especially relevant for talent acquisition leaders who are navigating career uncertainty, considering a transition, or feeling stuck in today’s market. Alina’s story is a reminder that career detours are not setbacks, but filters that can lead to the right opportunity.

In this episode of The Med-Tech Talent Lab, host Mitch Robbins sits down with Jahnavi Lokre, Chief Operating Officer at Diality, a Series B medical device company focused on transforming kidney care.Jahnavi shares her 25+ year journey from growing up in India in a science-driven household to building a career across software engineering, regulated industries, and executive leadership in MedTech. With experience spanning transportation systems, contract manufacturing, and product ownership at both large organizations and startups, she offers a rare, cross-industry perspective on what it truly takes to build and scale high-performing teams.Listeners will gain practical insight into:How transferable skills from highly regulated industries can unlock MedTech leadership opportunitiesWhy stepping up before you feel “ready” is often the catalyst for executive growthThe mindset shifts required to move from engineering into senior leadershipHiring lessons learned the hard way, including when to act quickly on a mis-hireHow strong leaders balance trust, accountability, and executionWhy bold thinking, persistence, and values-driven leadership matter in fast-moving startupsJahnavi also discusses Diality’s mission to improve outcomes and reduce costs in dialysis care, the realities of innovating in an under-evolved market, and what excites her most about the future of kidney disease treatment.This episode is packed with candid leadership lessons, career-defining insights, and actionable advice for engineers, operators, and aspiring executives looking to grow their impact in MedTech and beyond.

In this episode, Mitch sits down with Travis Christman, a respected operations, regulatory, and quality leader in the orthopedic manufacturing world. Travis has spent his career across Zimmer, Medartis, Nextremity, and now Priority Medical, an end-to-end engineering services organization operating from the orthopedic capital of the world — Warsaw, Indiana.Travis shares details on a major industry event launching December 18th: The “Made Here” Manufacturing Showcase — a first-of-its-kind, hands-on demonstration of the full orthopedic supply chain ecosystem that exists in northern Indiana.You'll hear:Why Warsaw remains the global epicenter of orthopedic innovationWhat OEMs don’t see — but need to know — about today’s supply chain pressuresHow contract manufacturers can accelerate lead times, nearshoring, and production readinessWhere the biggest growth trends are emerging (AI, robotics, navigation, additive, pre-op planning, and more)How Priority Medical is serving as a connector across surgeons, OEMs, contract manufacturers, and local talentThis is a must-listen if you’re involved in: orthopedic product development, contract manufacturing, supply chain, engineering services, regulatory/quality, or OEM commercialization planning.Guest Bio — Who is Travis Christman?Operations & Quality Leader at Priority MedicalFormer leader at Zimmer, Medartis, and Nextremity SolutionsU.S. Army National Guard Captain (10+ years of service)Board member at KEDCO (Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation)Deep expertise in engineering services, supply chain partnerships, regulatory/quality systems, and commercialization for orthopedic productsWhat We CoverThe vision behind the Made Here Manufacturing ShowcaseWhy OEMs are struggling with today’s longer lead timesHow Warsaw’s supply chain ecosystem drives speed, cost, and qualityNearshoring trends and why U.S. manufacturing is surgingThe rise of robotics, navigation, pre-op planning, and AI in orthopedicsWhat contract manufacturers must do to stay competitiveThe new economy emerging around CDMOs and orthopedic innovation hubsHow Priority Medical is helping OEMs innovate faster and more efficiently

In this episode of The Med-Tech Talent Lab, host Mitch Robbins sits down with Jim Belmonte, Senior Talent Acquisition Manager at Cirtec Medical, who brings more than 25 years of experience in recruiting and TA leadership. Jim shares his journey from agency recruiter to leading internal talent acquisition teams at organizations like Cardiovascular Systems (later acquired by Abbott) and now in the fast-paced world of contract manufacturing.Together, Mitch and Jim explore:✅ How chance encounters and curiosity can launch lifelong careers in recruiting ✅ The evolution of talent acquisition from faxed resumes to AI-driven tools—and why the fundamentals haven’t changed ✅ The impact (and pitfalls) of candidates relying too heavily on AI for resumes, cover letters, and even interviews ✅ Why authentic human connection and probing conversations still set great recruiters apart ✅ The importance of intake meetings, setting expectations with hiring managers, and creating safe space for recruiters to push back ✅ What junior recruiters should develop if they aspire to lead TA teams ✅ How talent acquisition shapes company culture more than most realizeJim also gives an inside look at why he’s energized by the contract manufacturing space and the exciting opportunities at Cirtec Medical, where innovation and growth are constant.Whether you’re a recruiter, TA leader, hiring manager, or candidate navigating today’s job market, this conversation offers sharp insights into the realities, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of talent acquisition.Jim Belmonte on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimbelmonte/Cirtec Medical on the web: https://www.cirtecmed.com/

In this episode of The Med-Tech Talent Lab, I sat down with Caleb Polley, founder & CEO of Cubby Beds, to talk about how he's bringing empathy and engineering together to create safer, smarter sleep solutions for kids with special needs.We covered:The personal journey that sparked the Cubby Beds missionHow to build products that truly serve underrepresented populationsBalancing speed, scale, and regulatory rigor as a MedTech startupWhat it means to lead with empathy and how it shapes hiring and cultureKey lessons for any founder building mission-first, market-ready solutionsIf you're a founder, product leader, or operator in MedTech (or beyond) looking for perspective on how to build with both precision and purpose Caleb delivers the blueprint.Caleb Polley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calebpolley/Cubby Beds on the web: https://cubbybeds.com/

In this episode we sit down with Adam Foresman, co-founder and CEO of Ryden.ai, a groundbreaking startup that’s redefining how MedTech companies approach compliance.After nearly two decades in quality and regulatory leadership—including roles at Dentsply, Midmark, and Vidya Health—Adam saw firsthand how overwhelming it had become to stay audit-ready across constantly shifting global regulations. So he built the tool he wished he had.Ryden.ai leverages AI to continuously scan a company’s QMS, identify compliance gaps, and recommend updates based on global regulatory standards (FDA, ISO, EUMDR, Health Canada, and more). And it doesn’t stop there—it’s expanding to assess records, not just procedures, ensuring companies can demonstrate execution, not just intention.In this conversation, Adam shares:Why AI won’t replace quality pros—but will make their jobs a lot easierThe biggest concerns companies have about using AI in GxP environments (and how Ryden addresses them)What the FDA’s own shift to AI tools means for regulatory strategyHow both startups and enterprise MedTech teams are using Ryden to stay aheadA real-world win preparing a company for Health Canada with zero major findingsWhether you're a startup with limited resources or an enterprise with global sites to manage, Adam makes a compelling case: AI won’t take your job—but it might save your sanity.Adam Foresman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamforesman/Ryden.ai on the web: ryden.ai

In this episode of The Med-Tech Talent Lab, we sit down with Eric Steuben, Senior Vice President of Operations at Calyxo, a fast-growing company disrupting the treatment of kidney stones with its proprietary C-VAC system.Eric brings over 30 years of experience in MedTech, having held leadership roles at Varian, Align Technology, Procept BioRobotics, and more. He shares his journey from early career rotations in engineering to scaling operations from 13 employees to over 1,500 across five countries.Together, Mitch and Eric dive into:How a strong foundation in people and culture shaped Eric’s leadership approachThe leap from individual contributor to first-time manager—and how to get it rightLessons from scaling Align Technology during its hypergrowth phaseWhy he believes no one should stay in a role longer than 3–4 yearsHow to hire for where you’re going, not just what you need todayThe critical role of mentorship and choosing the right people to followWhat makes Calyxo’s stone removal technology a potential game-changer in urologyWhether you're building a team, scaling a startup, or aiming for executive leadership, Eric’s wisdom and experience offer valuable insights for professionals across the MedTech ecosystem.Eric Steuben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esteuben/Calyxo on the web: calyxoinc.com

In this episode, we sit down with Gary Thomas, Senior Vice President of Manufacturing and Product Development at Onkos Surgical, a company delivering breakthrough innovations for musculoskeletal oncology. With over 30 years of experience in MedTech—much of it in the ortho-spine space—Gary shares his remarkable leadership journey, beginning in aerospace and culminating in the fight against cancer-related infections.We cover:How discipline, fitness, and early morning rituals drive high performanceHis transition from aerospace into MedTech—and why he still recruits from that worldLessons from launching high-stakes products under pressureThe moment his career accelerated and the mindset that got him thereThe key differences between directors and VPs—and why some don’t make the leapHow he evaluates leadership potential in technical professionalsWhy culture isn’t just a buzzword—and how high-performing teams self-correctWhat makes Onkos Surgical’s NanoSap™ technology a game-changer for infection preventionGary’s practical insights on leadership, talent development, and execution make this a can’t-miss episode for anyone aspiring to lead at the highest levels in MedTech.Gary on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-thomas-00a8a533/Onkos Surgical on the web: https://onkossurgical.com/

In this episode, host Mitch Robbins welcomes Terry Van Epps, Global Head of Talent Acquisition at Sirtex Medical, a commercial-stage medtech company focused on minimally invasive cancer therapies. With over 20 years of experience leading talent acquisition efforts at global organizations—including Xerox, Bausch & Lomb, Panasonic, and growth-stage biotech firms—Terry brings a grounded, systems-minded approach to transforming hiring functions from the inside out.Terry shares how he approached his first months at Sirtex, where he discovered $1.3M in unchecked agency spend despite having an internal TA team—and what he did next to fix it.They also unpack:How Terry rebuilt credibility with hiring managers who had gone rogueHis clear criteria for choosing (and keeping) agency partnersHow Sirtex slashed agency fees by 90% in 2 years without slowing down hiringWhy the best TA leaders still “work the desk”—and what that teachesA grounded take on AI in recruiting—what’s hype, what’s helpfulPlus, his take on the one thing too many teams still overlook: tune in to find out!.Whether you lead a TA function or support one, this episode is packed with takeaways on how to be a better partner, a smarter operator, and a more trusted hiring voice.

In this episode of The MedTech Talent Lab, Mitch Robbins sits down with Elena Mack, Chief Quality Officer at Sanisure, to discuss her career journey and insights into the world of quality and regulatory leadership in the medical device industry. With over 25 years of experience, Elena has held key executive roles at companies like Olympus, BD, and Teva Pharmaceuticals. Now, as part of Sanisher, she is leading the charge to build and maintain a world-class quality program for the bioprocessing and biomanufacturing sectors.Elena shares her early career experiences, including her shift from medical technology to microbiology and how she got started at Wyeth in a regulatory compliance role. She reflects on pivotal moments in her career, including taking on a leadership role as a director at ACUPAC and the invaluable lessons she learned about leadership, delegation, and the importance of empowering her team.Throughout the conversation, Elena also delves into the challenges of being a quality executive, emphasizing the responsibility of ensuring that quality is a shared value across all levels of an organization. She highlights the critical importance of having a robust quality system and talks about the ongoing efforts at Sanisher to move from ISO 9001 to ISO 13485, aiming to meet the highest standards of quality required by their customers.With her unique perspective on quality as a critical but often underappreciated function in the industry, Elena offers valuable insights into the role of quality professionals and how they can drive real impact within their organizations.Key Takeaways:The importance of leadership by example and empowering teams.The challenges and rewards of stepping into executive roles and delegating responsibilities.The need for robust quality systems in bioprocessing and biomanufacturing, especially in meeting regulatory standards.Elena’s personal connection to quality through her experiences with her son’s health challenges.Links:Elena on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-mack-bb57855/Sanisure Website www.sanisure.com

In this episode of The Med-Tech Talent Lab podcast, host Mitch Robbins interviews Mary McNamara-Cullinane, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at ClearPoint Neuro, about her 25+ year journey in the medical device regulatory space.Key Highlights:Mary shares her background as the youngest of eight children and how her early work ethic shaped her career pathLearn how Mary transitioned from research to regulatory affairs through roles at Brigham and Women's, CRBARD, and a 17-year consulting careerDiscover what makes an outstanding regulatory professional in today's environmentUnderstand the challenges regulatory executives face when balancing company goals with regulatory requirementsPractical Takeaways:Why proactive research and understanding the "why" behind regulations separates exceptional regulatory professionalsThe importance of managing leadership expectations around FDA timelinesWhy submitting complete FDA submissions is more efficient than rushing deficient onesThoughts on remote work effectiveness in regulatory rolesMary also discusses ClearPoint Neuro's exciting work with gene therapy companies and their recent partnership with PTC Therapeutics to address rare diseases in children.Whether you're a regulatory professional looking to advance your career or an executive trying to better understand the regulatory landscape, this conversation offers valuable insights from a seasoned industry leader.Mary McNamara-Cullinane on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marymcnamaracullinane/ClearPoint Neuro on the web:https://www.clearpointneuro.com/

In this episode of The MedTech Talent Lab, host Mitch Robbins sits down with Carolyn Twomey, Global VP of Medical Affairs and Research at Iramax Corporation. Carolyn’s career path is nothing short of remarkable—from starting as an OR nurse and cardiac cath lab director to leading global clinical services and now shaping medical affairs strategy in the medical device industry.She shares her personal and professional transformation, including:How an early passion for music unexpectedly led her to nursing.The pivotal career shifts that took her from clinical practice to corporate leadership.The emotional impact of battling cancer while simultaneously losing her sister to the disease—and how it shaped her leadership and perspective.The critical role medical affairs plays in bridging science, clinical practice, and commercial success in MedTech.Lessons on resilience, adaptability, and building a meaningful career in the industry.Why You Should Listen:🎧 Gain insights into career growth strategies in MedTech and medical affairs.🎧 Learn how to leverage clinical experience for leadership roles in the industry.🎧 Hear an inspiring story of overcoming adversity and thriving in healthcare leadership.🎧 Understand the evolving role of medical affairs in innovation and patient impact.Don't miss this engaging and deeply personal conversation with a leader who’s making a difference in MedTech!

In this episode, host Mitch Robbins interviews Mickey Brown, Vice President of Access and Reimbursement at Cerapedics, discussing his 30+ year career journey and insights on healthcare market access.Key Highlights:Mickey shares his transition from 15 years on the payer side (Blue Cross, United Healthcare) to manufacturer roles at Medtronic, Cochlear, and now CerapedicsLearn how stepping outside his comfort zone at critical moments propelled his career forwardDiscover the biggest challenges facing market access professionals in 2025Understand common reimbursement strategy mistakes companies make and how to avoid themPractical Takeaways:Why waiting too long to develop reimbursement strategy hurts product launchesThe key differences between director and VP-level thinkingWhat makes an outstanding market access professionalHow to effectively engage with increasingly inaccessible payersWhether you're in medical device sales, reimbursement, or aspiring to leadership roles in healthcare, this conversation offers valuable insights from both sides of the healthcare ecosystem.

In this episode of The Med-Tech Talent Lab, host Mitch Robbins sits down with Erica Logan, Director of Talent Acquisition at Sequel Med Tech, to discuss the biggest hiring pitfalls companies face—and how to fix them.With nearly two decades in staffing and corporate recruiting, Erica has seen it all. From hiring at fast-scaling startups to navigating high-volume recruitment in MedTech, she shares hard-hitting insights on what separates a great hiring process from a broken one.In this episode, we cover:✔️ The most common hiring mistakes companies make (and why they keep happening)✔️ How bad candidate experiences damage employer branding & long-term success✔️ Why hiring managers need coaching—and how TA leaders should step up✔️ The truth about AI in hiring and how it’s actually being used behind the scenesWhether you’re in talent acquisition, HR, or leading a team, this conversation is packed with actionable takeaways that will help you attract, hire, and retain top talent in today’s market.🎧 Tune in now to level up your hiring strategy!#Hiring #TalentAcquisition #Recruitment #MedTech #Leadership