Physician and aging researcher Dr. Michael Fossel — Stanford MD/PhD, decades studying cellular aging and telomeres, author of Reversal: Science, Medicine, and a Future Beyond Aging — joins Steph Pliha on Leadr. Podcast to answer one of medicine's biggest questions: why we age and if we can reset it.

This isn't just science. We get into why aging is a failure of maintenance (not just entropy), why age is the #1 risk factor for Alzheimer's, where cell aging fits between upstream risks and downstream biomarkers, and why his lab first reversed aging in human cells in 1998. Plus: what actually protects brain health — nutrition, inflammation, insulin resistance, sleep, exercise — vs what is hype, and what his team at Telocyte is building now to make treatment accessible.

You'll learn:

• Why aging isn't "wear and tear" — and what actually drives it

• The cellular link between aging and Alzheimer's

• What you can do today for brain health (that your grandma already told you)

• When human trials to reverse aging could happen — and what "cure" really means

• Consciousness, compassion, and his year babysitting Koko the gorilla at Stanford

Guest: Dr. Michael Fossel - Book: Reversal | Telocyte: telocyte.com

Host: Steph Pliha, Founder & CEO of Tribe Consulting — Make Your Brand a Verb™ — stephpliha.com | tribeconsulting.co

Find Dr. Michael Fossel:

Book — Reversal: Science, Medicine, and a Future Beyond Aging: www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKNGSL2X

Telocyte: www.telocyte.com

Find Steph & Leadr. Podcast:

Tribe Consulting: https://www.tribeconsulting.co/

Steph Pliha: https://stephpliha.com/

Leadr. Podcast: https://stephpliha.com/leadr-podcast

Instagram: @stephpliha | LinkedIn:/in/stephpliha

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jAV23FTZxRQ

With more than three decades of experience in longevity medicine, Dr. Grinberg explains why living longer isn't simply about adding years to life, it's about improving healthspan, resilience, and performance through a personalized approach rooted in science.

Together, they explore the rapidly evolving world of peptides, GLP-1 therapies, mitochondrial health, fasting, biohacking, genetics, and precision medicine while discussing both the opportunities and limitations of today's longevity movement. Dr. Grinberg also shares why sound judgment, careful experimentation, and understanding your own biology are more important than chasing the latest health trend.

The conversation covers practical strategies for building a stronger foundation for long-term health, the role of inflammation and lifestyle, emerging regenerative therapies, and how artificial intelligence could soon transform personalized medicine.

Whether you're curious about extending your healthspan, interested in biohacking, or simply looking to better understand the science behind healthy aging, this episode offers an evidence-informed perspective on one of medicine's most exciting frontiers.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more conversations exploring leadership, health, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, longevity, and the future of human performance.

Featured Links

Infinity Epigenetics: https://infinityepigenetics.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow Leadr. Podcast and leave a rating and review. It helps more people discover conversations that challenge conventional thinking and inspire growth.

Tribe Consulting Agency: https://www.tribeconsulting.co/

Steph Pliha: https://stephpliha.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tribebrand/

Leadr. Podcast Website: https://www.stephpliha.com/leadr-podcast
AIR Protocol (Age in Reverse): https://airlongevity-ldl9uibg.manus.space/

CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL:

📱Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephpliha/

📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephpliha/

DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE TO LEADR. PODCAST

BUSINESS INQUIRIES:

hello@tribeagency.org

FTC Disclosure: Some links shared may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

© 2026 Tribe Consulting Agency, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

With a background in computer science and engineering and experience working closely with Fortune 50 companies on their enterprise AI journeys, Elvin offers a firsthand look at how businesses are actually using AI beyond the hype. From AI-powered coding and text generation to autonomous agents capable of taking action, this conversation explores where enterprise AI is today and where it's heading next.

Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, employee, student, or simply trying to understand where AI is taking the world, this episode offers a fascinating look at what may be coming next and why learning to adapt may be one of the most important skills of the future.

Find Elvin Aghammadzada: Elvin Aghammadzada | LinkedIn 

Key Topics Covered

• ◼ The rapid evolution of AI and its impact on the future workforce
  ◼ AI agents and the rise of the agentic workforce
  ◼ Moving from AI-generated content to AI taking real-world action
  ◼ The AI productivity paradox: doing 10x more but feeling less productive
  ◼ Outcome-based agents, autonomous workflows, and "guardian" agents
  ◼ How Fortune 50 enterprises are applying AI today
  ◼ AI coding, data analysis, and the future of knowledge work
  ◼ AI adoption, enterprise data, security, guardrails, and change management
  ◼ Will AI replace jobs? The future of careers and the workforce
  ◼ The potential for AI to create a shorter workweek and reshape how we live and work
  

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more conversations exploring leadership, business, health, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, longevity, and the future of human performance.

FIND US:

Tribe Consulting Agency: Tribe Consulting Agency 

Steph Pliha: Home 

Leadr. Podcast: Leadr. Podcast | MedTech & Leadership Insights 

CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL:

📱 Instagram:

@stephpliha - Instagram 

📱 LinkedIn:

Tribe Consulting Agency: Tribe Consulting Agency 

Steph Pliha: Steph Pliha | LinkedIn 

DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE TO LEADR. PODCAST

ABOUT ME:

I'm Steph Pliha, Founder and CEO of Tribe Consulting Agency with over 20 years of leadership experience. After building multiple seven-figure businesses, I now help entrepreneurs transform their brands from nouns into verbs. My Make Your Brand a Verb™ Framework has helped businesses create stronger positioning, clearer messaging, and lasting market impact.

BUSINESS INQUIRIES:

hello@tribeagency.org

FTC Disclosure: Some links shared may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

© 2026 Tribe Consulting Agency, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 

We dive into why servant leadership builds stronger organizations, how to invest in people without losing accountability, and why genuine care inspires peak team performance. This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership is about stewardship, humility, and helping others reach their full potential.

About Our Guest: Amanda Chambers is the Founder of IOL Global, a consulting firm dedicated to building healthy organizational cultures through servant leadership and instructional design. She also hosts the Lead with Legacy podcast, exploring faith, leadership, and lasting impact.

🔗 Featured Links

• IOL Global: https://iolglobal.com/

  Lead with Legacy Podcast: IOL Global - YouTube 

  Amanda Chambers LinkedIn: Amanda C. Chambers | LinkedIn 

  The God Frequency Waitlist: 🙏 Join the Waitlist

📌 Key Topics Covered

• What servant leadership really looks like in practice
• Why leadership is about stewardship, not power
• Building organizations that genuinely care about people
• Faith as the foundation for leadership and entrepreneurship
• Learning to trust God's direction in business
• Investing in employees while holding them accountable
• Creating cultures where people thrive
• Purpose-driven leadership versus performance-driven leadership
• Navigating grief, calling, and entrepreneurship
• Why the best leaders develop people, not just businesses
  

If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more conversations on leadership, entrepreneurship, AI, faith, longevity, and building businesses that create lasting impact.

🌐 Links & Resources

• Tribe Consulting Agency: https://www.tribeconsulting.co/
• Steph Pliha: https://stephpliha.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tribebrand/
• Leadr. Podcast Website: https://www.stephpliha.com/leadr-podcast
• YouTube: MedTech Consulting That Builds Market Leaders
  
• God Frequency Book (waitlist): https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/thegodfrequency
  

Connect With Us On Social:

• 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephpliha/

Business Inquiries: hello@tribeagency.org

© 2026 Tribe Consulting Agency, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

What You'll Discover:

➡ Career Shift: Kendy’s transition from educator to medical sales networking leader.

➡ Networking Mastery: The impact of The Lobby in building strong community connections among medical sales professionals.

➡ Platform Impact: The Lobby's mission to empower over 100,000 professionals with robust networking and mentorship.

➡ Navigating Career Challenges: Strategies and insights for navigating the competitive medical sales job market.

➡ Finding Fulfillment: How embracing your IKIGAI leads to personal and professional fulfillment.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the medical sales field or aspiring to enter it, packed with actionable advice and insights on networking, leadership, and career development.

Connect and Engage with the Medical Sales Industry:

➡ Follow Steph Pliha on LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephpliha/]

➡ Connect with Kendy Elmore on LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendy-elmore/]

➡ Visit The Lobby Network: [https://www.thelobbynetwork.com/]

➡ Learn more at Tribe Agency: [https://tribeagency.org/]

➡ Join our 30 Day Entrepreneur Course with 50% off (Code Founded50): [https://30dayentrepreneur.tribeagency.org/]

➡ Get on the Brand and Marketing Masterclass Waitlist: [https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/brandmasterclass]

➡ Explore Medical Sales 101: [https://medicalsales101.com/]

➡ Follow Tribe on The Lobby: [https://community.thelobbynetwork.com/topics/36410/feed]

➡ Subscribe for more episodes on Leadr. Podcast: [https://tribeagency.org/leadr-podcast]

YouTube link:Building the Ultimate Medical Sales Network: Kendy Elmore's Journey to Founding The Lobby

Like, Share, and Subscribe! 👍🏻

Your engagement enables us to continue producing impactful content that helps you grow professionally. Share this episode with colleagues who are keen on enhancing their career in medical sales!

We also explore topics such as operating within your "Zone of Genius" versus your "Zone of Excellence," and how identifying this distinction can dramatically shift your career trajectory and fulfillment. Leah discusses her pivotal journey to becoming the CEO of DataBiologics and her ambitious vision to revolutionize how patient outcomes are marketed and utilized by providing crucial data in an accessible manner to the cash pay and regenerative medicine communities.

For those interested in the intersection of innovation, leadership, and female empowerment in the MedTech space, this episode is a treasure trove of insights. Leah also offers invaluable advice for corporate employees and budding entrepreneurs contemplating the leap into starting their ventures, encouraging listeners to "go for it" with confidence.

Discover more about Leah Braddell's groundbreaking work by connecting with her on LinkedIn and visiting DataBiologics.

Don't forget to connect with our host, Steph Pliha, on LinkedIn for more insights into leadership and innovation in the tech industry. For more engaging discussions like this, visit Tribe Agency or explore our newly launched Podcast page at https://tribeagency.org/leadr-podcast.

Join us as we reflect on our learnings from over a decade of experience at Intuitive, sharing key takeaways that have shaped our approach to leadership and innovation. Episode 6 of Leadr. the podcast is not just a conversation; it's a stepping stone for anyone in the corporate world looking to make a meaningful impact through entrepreneurship. Tune in and let Leah Braddell inspire you to take your big leap towards leadership and innovation.

If you are interested in taking the "Big Leap", check out the 30-Day to Entrepreneur course offered by Leadr. Host, Steph Pliha, where she walks you through her 4-week step-by-step Founders playbook to becoming an Entrepreneur. USE CODE: Founded50 to get 50% off this course.

He explains why patient outcomes—not volume or reputation—should drive referrals, and how data transparency can change healthcare incentives. A grounded conversation for medtech executives rethinking the future of value-based surgery.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 – From Surgeon to Medtech Founder: The Informed Story

03:15 – Robotic Surgery Innovation and Early Adoption at UAB

04:10 – Leadership and Ironman Lessons in Surgical Discipline

08:37 – From Rural Roots to Data-Driven Healthcare

10:20 – Mentorship, Family, and Sustainable Surgical Careers

13:07 – Founding Informed Surgical with Intuitive’s Sal Brogna

17:00 – How Data and AI Are Redefining Surgical Quality

21:17 – Inside ProCendi.com: Building Patient Access Through Data

27:22 – The Informed Algorithm: Risk Adjustment and Surgical Outcomes

46:17 – Innovation Ethics: What Keeps a Surgeon-Founder Up at Night

Connect with Dr. John Porterfield and Informed Surgical:

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-porterfield/

Website: https://informedsurgical.com/

Alternatively, website for finding quality surgeons in your area: https://procendi.com/

🎁 FREE RESOURCES TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS:

✨Brand Brief Template: https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/brandbrief

✨Entrepreneur Checklist: https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/30daye-checklist

✨Automated Marketing: https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/automatedmarketing

✨15 Strategic Investor Slides: https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/getfunded

🚀 LAUNCH AND BRAND YOUR BUSINESS WITH ME!

30 Day Entrepreneur Course: https://30dayentrepreneur.tribeagency.org/

Brand Masterclass: https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/brandmasterclass

🎙️ SUBSCRIBE TO LEADR. PODCAST:

Latest interviews with innovators and industry leaders: 

https://tribeagency.org/leadr-podcast

CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL:

📱Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/tribeagency1

📱Twitter/X: https://x.com/TribeAgency1

📱LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/tribebrand/

📱YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@makeyourbrandaverb

ABOUT ME:

I'm Steph Pliha, Founder & Principal of Tribe Agency with 20+ years in leadership. After building multiple 7-figure businesses, I now help entrepreneurs transform their brands from nouns to verbs. My Make your Brand a Verb™ Framework has helped countless businesses dominate their markets through strategic positioning and marketing that delivers real results.

BUSINESS INQUIRIES:

hello@tribeagency.org

#MakeYourBrandAVerb #BrandStrategy #StartupMarketing #SmallBusinessBranding #MedtechMarketing #BusinessTips #LeadrPodcast

FTC Disclosure: Some links shared are affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission from purchases made at no additional cost to you.

© 2025 Tribe Agency. All Rights Reserved.

Episode Highlights:

⚫️ Unexpected Paths: Explore Spencer’s journey from concept to realization in the MedTech space.Emotional Intelligence: Discover why soft skills can be your greatest asset in tech leadership.

⚫️ XOMedTech Introduction: Get an inside look at how Spencer’s platform is revolutionizing support for innovators.

⚫️ Power of AI: Learn how artificial intelligence is transforming productivity and patient care.

⚫️ Market Insights: Understand the significance of market research and customer discovery.

⚫️ Networking and Mentorship: Uncover the roles these play in navigating the complexities of MedTech entrepreneurship.

Connect with Us:

🔗 Watch Full Episodes on Apple Podcasts and YouTube - [tribeagency.org/leadr-podcast]

🔗 Steph Pliha on LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephpliha/]

🔗 Spencer Jones on LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-jones-5a008672/]

🔗 Explore XO MedTech: [https://xomedtech.com/]

🔗 XO MedTech LinkedIn Page: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/92946603/admin/dashboard/]

🎓 Free MedTech Development Roadmap Tool: [https://reports.medtechvendors.com/]

🎓 Join the Waitlist for Make Your Brand a Verb - Brand and Marketing Masterclass: [https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/brandmasterclass]

👉🏻 Contact Tribe Agency for collaboration or services: [https://tribeagency.org/contact] 👉🏻 Don’t Miss Out: Subscribe to our channel for more insights into entrepreneurship and innovation in the MedTech industry. Share this episode with anyone stepping into the MedTech arena or looking to enhance their startup strategy.

Our third episode is hosted by Stephanie Pliha, Founder of Tribe Agency with our Guest Speaker: Stacey Porter, Chief People Officer at Outset Medical discusses Culture, High-Performance Teams, & the Ethos of Hard Work

On today's episode, we discuss:

• Developing a Culture of High Performance
• Organizational Psychology
• The #1 thing a CEO or Leader can do to Build a Culture of Trust
• Evolution of Leadership Principles and Culture Post-Pandemic
• The Importance of having a clearly defined Mission and Vision for your company and so much more...

To learn more about our Guest Speaker today, Stacey Porter, and her incredible experience as a Chief People Officer at Outset Medical and her background in Organizational Psychology, visit her LinkedIn.

Stacey Porter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/slaporter/

Outset Medical: https://www.outsetmedical.com/

Subscribe to Leadr Podcast today and join me, Stephanie Pliha, on this incredible journey. As we unlock the secrets of success, learn from industry leaders and gurus, and revolutionize MedTech.

Since we are just getting this podcast off the ground, please forward this podcast to your BIZ bestie, co-worker, leader, or favorite surgeon. We would love to build our podcast community with you.

Thanks for tuning in!

This Podcast was brought to you by Tribe Agency. If you want more brand ideas and leadership tips and tricks delivered straight to your inbox, join our email community newsletter today and get ready to be inspired! Or get in touch with us at https://tribeagency.org/links.

Looking for some extra cash? Then join one of the best affiliate marketing programs in the industry. Click here to join our referral program and get your unique referral code. Send us a referral through your unique code and earn $500 per referral that signs with Tribe. Another bonus, your referral also gets $500 off their first purchase with Tribe Agency, so it's a WIN-WIN.

That's a wrap for our third episode, special thanks to my incredibly talented and compassionate guest today, Stacey Porter. We are excited for our next episode and guest speaker on Leadr Podcast. Prepare to be blown away! Can't wait to share him with you all!

Till next time...

Visit our website at www.tribeagency.org. If you would like to be a guest speaker on an upcoming episode of Leadr Podcast, shoot us an email at hello@tribeagency.org.

---Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh...

An engineer turned investor turned CEO, Mohamed shares lessons from Samsung, venture capital, and now medtech, where he’s leading a team building implantable sensors that track heart pressure in real time.

For medtech leaders, this episode reveals what it takes to build culture, foster partnerships, and stay mission-driven while navigating complexity.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 – Introduction: Tackling Heart Failure with Remote Monitoring

02:10 – Engineering Roots to Medtech Innovation

05:40 – From Venture Investor to Medtech CEO

08:00 – Understanding Heart Failure and Remote Patient Care

10:50 – Inside Precision Cardiovascular’s Implantable Sensor

13:30 – Redesigning Remote Monitoring for Patient Adoption

16:20 – Lessons from Cardiac Pioneer Sir Magdi Yacoub

18:50 – Using Activity Data to Improve Heart Failure Insights

21:00 – Why Partnerships Drive Medtech Success

23:20 – Building Company Culture in Healthtech Startups

26:20 – Leading Distributed Teams in Global Medtech

32:00 – Mentorship, Energy, and Leadership in Innovation

33:40 – The Book That Built Grit and Resilience

34:20 – Humor and Perspective in Startup Leadership

37:50 – Closing Reflections on Purpose and Progress

Get in touch with Guest Speaker:

Website: https://www.precision-cv.com/

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohamedaboualam/

Take our Free 2 Min Survey: https://precision-cardiovascular.webflow.io/

🎁 FREE RESOURCES TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS:

✨Brand Brief Template: https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/brandbrief

✨Entrepreneur Checklist:https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/30daye-checklist

✨Automated Marketing:https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/automatedmarketing

✨15 Strategic Investor Slides: https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/getfunded

🚀 LAUNCH AND BRAND YOUR BUSINESS WITH ME!

30 Day Entrepreneur Course: 

https://30dayentrepreneur.tribeagency.org/

Brand Masterclass: https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/brandmasterclass

🎙️ SUBSCRIBE TO LEADR. PODCAST:

Latest interviews with innovators and industry leaders: 

https://tribeagency.org/leadr-podcast

CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL:

📱Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/tribeagency1/

📱Twitter/X: http://x.com/TribeAgency1

📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephpliha/

📱YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@makeyourbrandaverb

ABOUT ME:

I'm Steph Pliha, Founder & Principal of Tribe Agency with 20+ years in leadership. After building multiple 7-figure businesses, I now help entrepreneurs transform their brands from nouns to verbs. My Make your Brand a Verb™ Framework has helped countless businesses dominate their markets through strategic positioning and marketing that delivers real results.

📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephpliha/

BUSINESS INQUIRIES:

hello@tribeagency.org

#MakeYourBrandAVerb #BrandStrategy #StartupMarketing #SmallBusinessBranding #MedtechMarketing #BusinessTips #LeadrPodcast #Medtech #Startups

FTC Disclosure: Some links shared are affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission from purchases made at no additional cost to you.

© 2025 Tribe Agency. All Rights Reserved.

In this episode of Leadr. Podcast, Steph Pliha sits down with bestselling author and emotional intelligence pioneer Dr. Travis Bradberry to explore how mastering emotional triggers, self-awareness, and relationship management transforms leadership at every level.

Dr. Bradberry shares powerful insights from his new book The New Emotional Intelligence and practical strategies to strengthen your EQ skills.

📚 Pre-Order The New Emotional Intelligence: https://amzn.to/3GFrJUS

🎯 Takeaways:

• How to strengthen emotional intelligence in everyday life

• Why EQ is the difference-maker for leadership success

• New updates from The New Emotional Intelligence

• Tips for recognizing and managing emotional triggers

  
  

  Ways to Connect:

  💡 Connect with Stephanie Pliha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniepliha

  💡 Connect with Dr. Travis Bradberry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travisbradberry/
  

  
  

  🔔 Subscribe for more leadership insights: https://tribeagency.org/leadr-podcast

  
  

  🔔 Join the waitlist for Make Your Brand a Verb Masterclass: https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/brandmasterclass

We dive into the philosophical and technical frontier of AI development, from mechanistic interpretability to subjective experience, and the growing responsibility of building systems that may no longer be “just tools.” Cameron shares his perspective on why the question of AI consciousness is not science fiction, but an increasingly urgent scientific and societal problem. 

At the centre of this conversation is Cameron’s independent documentary “Am I”, created with Milo Reed, which explores whether artificial systems could possess inner experience. The film was self-funded and released freely to encourage public dialogue around AI consciousness, ethics, and uncertainty. 

We also explore Cameron’s work at Reciprocal Research, a nonprofit AI research lab focused on understanding internal model states, and reducing uncertainty around whether we are building systems capable of subjective experience. 

This episode challenges assumptions about intelligence, responsibility, and what it means to create systems that may one day resemble minds. 

Cameron Berg is an AI researcher and founder of Reciprocal Research, a nonprofit lab focused on mechanistic interpretability, computational neuroscience, and understanding whether advanced AI systems could possess subjective experience. 

He is also the creator of the independent documentary “Am I”, which explores the possibility of AI consciousness and the philosophical uncertainty surrounding machine intelligence. 

Featured Projects & Links 

Am I? Documentary Website: https://am-i.org/ 

Am I? Documentary on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KbTvUOx2A6c?si=FWtRFRNtZLwx2Pfn 

Cameron’s Company (Reciprocal Research): https://reciprocalresearch.org/ 

Cameron’s Substack: https://camberg.substack.com/?r=22avpm&utm_campaign=subscribe-page-share-screen&utm_medium=web 

Key Topics Covered 

◼ What consciousness actually means (Thomas Nagel’s definition and beyond) 

◼ Whether AI systems could develop subjective experience 

◼ The uncertainty problem in modern AI development 

◼ Why mechanistic interpretability matters 

◼ The “Am I” documentary and public AI discourse 

◼ The responsibility of building systems that may resemble “new minds” 

◼ AI alignment, safety, and internal model transparency 

◼ Why AI development cannot be left solely to major institutions 

◼ Societal readiness for rapid technological acceleration 

◼ The parenting analogy for AI systems 

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more conversations at the intersection of AI, philosophy, leadership, and the future of intelligence. 

LINKS:

Tribe Consulting Agency: https://www.tribeconsulting.co/

Steph Pliha: https://stephpliha.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tribebrand/

Leadr. Podcast Website: https://www.stephpliha.com/leadr-podcast

YouTube: We Might Already Have Created Conscious AI. Here's Why Nobody's Prepared.

CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL:

📱Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephpliha/

📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephpliha/

DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE TO LEADR. PODCAST 

ABOUT ME:

I'm Steph Pliha, Founder and CEO, Tribe Consulting Agency with 20+ years in leadership. After building multiple 7-figure businesses, I now help entrepreneurs transform their brands from nouns to verbs. My Make your Brand a Verb™ Framework has helped countless businesses dominate their markets through strategic positioning and marketing that delivers real results.

BUSINESS INQUIRIES:

hello@tribeagency.org

FTC Disclosure: Some links shared are affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission from purchases made at no additional cost to you.

© 2026 Tribe Consulting Agency, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Our second episode is hosted by Stephanie Pliha, Founder + Principal Partner of Tribe Agency with our Guest Speaker: Rhonda Rhyne, CEO of Prevencio.

On today's episode, we discuss:

• Prevencio's game-changing innovation for heart health, is their AI-powered HART blood tests for predicting & preventing cardiovascular disease events.
• We learn that 80% of all cardiovascular disease events are preventable and how through one simple blood test, you can change the course of your life.
• We gain valuable insights into a CEO's perspective on how to build a powerful team and scale your brand on a startup budget.
• "A Full Circle Moment", when the student reveals the lessons learned from her teacher and the impact it has had on her life.
• Hiring Tough and Managing Easy
• Servant Leadership Principles
• and many more Leadership Nuggets along the way that you won't want to miss!

If you would like to watch the video podcast version of this episode, head to the link here for Tribe Agency's YouTube Channel.

To learn more about our Guest Speaker, Rhonda Rhyne, and her incredible biotech company Prevencio, visit their website: www.prevenciomed.com or follow them on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube or Instagram.

Subscribe to Leadr Podcast today and join me, Stephanie Pliha, on this incredible journey. As we unlock the secrets of success, learn from industry leaders and gurus, and revolutionize MedTech. Since we are just getting this podcast off the ground, please forward this podcast to your BIZ bestie, co-worker, leader, or favorite surgeon. We would love to build our podcast community with you. Thanks for tuning in!

This Podcast was brought to you by Tribe Agency. If you want more brand ideas and leadership tips and tricks delivered straight to your inbox, join our email community newsletter today and get ready to be inspired! Or get in touch with us at https://tribeagency.org/contact.

Looking for some extra cash? Then join one of the best affiliate marketing programs in the industry. Click here to join and get your unique referral code. Send us a referral through your unique code and earn $500 per referral that signs with Tribe. Another bonus, your referral also gets $500 off their first purchase with Tribe Agency, so it's a WIN-WIN.

That's a wrap for our second episode, special thanks to my guest today, Rhonda Rhyne and Prevencio. We are excited for our next episode and our second guest speaker on Leadr Podcast. She is truly one of a kind, and her leadership and passion for everything she does is contagious. Can't wait to share her with you all! Till next time...

---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/stephanie-pliha/message

Drawing from his time at Stryker and Intuitive Surgical, Hasan reveals how OR Genie uses speech and vision AI to transform how nurses capture intraoperative data. 

For medtech professionals, this episode is a masterclass in bringing meaningful automation into one of the most complex environments in healthcare.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 – Intro: Meet Hasan Ertas, CEO of Exin Health AI

03:45 – From Stryker to Intuitive: Lessons in engineering and leadership

09:20 – The power of attitude over resume

13:10 – Culture and decision-making at Intuitive Surgical

18:50 – The inefficiencies hiding inside the OR

22:30 – The origin of OR Genie and how it works

27:10 – Speech and vision AI in surgical documentation

33:45 – How OR Genie prevents errors and expired implants

39:00 – Integration with EMRs and ASC strategy

44:20 – The future of AI in healthcare and responsible innovation

52:00 – Mentors, books, and leadership principles that shaped Hasan

57:40 – Closing reflections on curiosity and lifelong learning

Get in touch with our Guest Speaker:

Hasan Ertas:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/hasan-ertas-226430/

Exin Health AI: https://exinhealth.ai/

🎁 FREE RESOURCES TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS:

• ✨Brand Brief Template: https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/brandbrief
• ✨Entrepreneur Checklist:https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/30daye-checklist
• ✨Automated Marketing:https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/automatedmarketing
• ✨15 Strategic Investor Slides: https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/getfunded

🚀 LAUNCH AND BRAND YOUR BUSINESS WITH ME!

30 Day Entrepreneur Course: https://30dayentrepreneur.tribeagency.org/

Brand Masterclass: https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/brandmasterclass

🎙️ SUBSCRIBE TO LEADR. PODCAST:

Latest interviews with innovators and industry leaders: 

https://tribeagency.org/leadr-podcast

CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL:

📱Instagram:   / tribeagency1  

📱Twitter/X: https://x.com/TribeAgency1

📱LinkedIn:   / tribebrand  

📱TikTok:   / tribeagency  

ABOUT ME:

I'm Steph Pliha, Founder & Principal of Tribe Agency with 20+ years in leadership. After building multiple 7-figure businesses, I now help entrepreneurs transform their brands from nouns to verbs. My Make your Brand a Verb™ Framework has helped countless businesses dominate their markets through strategic positioning and marketing that delivers real results.

BUSINESS INQUIRIES:

hello@tribeagency.org

tribeagency.org

#MakeYourBrandAVerb #BrandStrategy #StartupMarketing #SmallBusinessBranding #MedtechMarketing #BusinessTips #LeadrPodcast

FTC Disclosure: Some links shared are affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission from purchases made at no additional cost to you.

© 2025 Tribe Agency. All Rights Reserved.

In This Episode:

• We unpack the role of automations in reducing manual workload and boosting efficiency.
• Discover how to automate routine tasks to free up time for more strategic activities.
• Learn about integrating advanced automation tools into your business to enhance decision-making and customer engagement.
• Insights on leveraging automations for better resource management and operational workflows.
• 
  

Automation Tools We Discuss:

• Make.com for connecting apps and automating workflows.
• Dripify for streamlined lead generation.
• Buffer to manage social media posts.
• ManyChat for automating customer communication.
• Designrr for creating eBooks and lead magnets from content.
• AdCreative.ai to generate high-converting ad creatives.
• Zeely.app for building marketing campaigns.
• Apollo.io for enhancing sales engagement.
• Lovable for CRM and marketing automation.
• 
  

Explore More and Connect:

• Watch the full interview on YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/@tribeagency_makeyourbrandaverb/podcasts]
• Listen on Apple Podcasts: [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leadr-a-tribe-agency-podcast/id1689158389]
• Connect with Steph Pliha on LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephpliha/]
• Visit XO MedTech: [https://xomedtech.com/]
• Follow XO MedTech on LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/92946603/admin/dashboard/]
• Join the Make Your Brand a Verb Masterclass Waitlist: [https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/brandmasterclass]
• Contact Tribe Agency: [https://tribeagency.org/contact]
• Subscribe for more insights: [https://tribeagency.org/leadr-podcast]

📲 Share this episode with fellow entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts who are keen to leverage automation for scaling their ventures. Stay tuned for more powerful insights!

For medtech founders and investors, his perspective on leadership, fundraising challenges, and building resilient executive teams offers practical lessons. He also explains why he launched MSK Innovations as a platform for CEOs to pitch and connect with world-class investors.

00:00 – Introduction

01:23 – Breaking into orthopedics with Zimmer

02:25 – Building with Stryker and rapid growth

04:00 – Transition to entrepreneurship and search

05:30 – Why contingency recruiting fails

08:00 – Moving into retained search and C-suite roles

13:25 – Launching new ventures and MSK Innovations

16:00 – Building a pitch platform for medtech CEOs

20:30 – Acquiring Orthopedics This Week

24:00 – Reinventing a media platform for MSK innovators

28:30 – The founder’s challenge: technical vs. commercial leadership

33:30 – Traits that define successful medtech CEOs

40:00 – Capital raising, board dynamics, and runway risks

48:00 – Closing reflections

Guest Speaker(s):

Website: https://www.orthospinesearch.com/

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ddeangelis/

🎁 FREE RESOURCES TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS:

✨Brand Brief Template: https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/brandbrief

✨Entrepreneur Checklist:https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/30daye-checklist

✨AutomatedMarketing:https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/automatedmarketing

✨15 Strategic Investor Slides: https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/getfunded

🚀 LAUNCH AND BRAND YOUR BUSINESS WITH ME!

30 Day Entrepreneur Course: 

https://30dayentrepreneur.tribeagency.org/

Brand Masterclass: https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/brandmasterclass

🎙️ SUBSCRIBE TO LEADR. PODCAST:

Latest interviews with innovators and industry leaders: 

https://tribeagency.org/leadr-podcast

CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL:

📱Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/tribeagency1/

📱Twitter/X: http://x.com/TribeAgency1

📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephpliha/

📱YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@makeyourbrandaverb

ABOUT ME:

I'm Steph Pliha, Founder & Principal of Tribe Agency with 20+ years in leadership. After building multiple 7-figure businesses, I now help entrepreneurs transform their brands from nouns to verbs. My Make your Brand a Verb™ Framework has helped countless businesses dominate their markets through strategic positioning and marketing that delivers real results.

📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephpliha/

BUSINESS INQUIRIES:

hello@tribeagency.org

#MakeYourBrandAVerb #BrandStrategy #StartupMarketing #SmallBusinessBranding #MedtechMarketing #BusinessTips #LeadrPodcast #Medtech #Startups

FTC Disclosure: Some links shared are affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission from purchases made at no additional cost to you.

© 2025 Tribe Agency. All Rights Reserved.

Learn More about Guest Speaker - Adam Clark and IMRA Surgical:website: imrasurgical.comlinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-clark-3312714

🎁 FREE RESOURCES TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS:

✨Brand Brief Template: https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/brandbrief

✨Entrepreneur Checklist:https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/30daye-checklist

✨Automated Marketing:https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/automatedmarketing

✨15 Strategic Investor Slides: https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/getfunded

🚀 LAUNCH AND BRAND YOUR BUSINESS WITH ME!

30 Day Entrepreneur Course: 

https://30dayentrepreneur.tribeagency.org/

Brand Masterclass: https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/brandmasterclass

🎙️ SUBSCRIBE TO LEADR. PODCAST:

Latest interviews with innovators and industry leaders: 

https://tribeagency.org/leadr-podcast

CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL:

📱Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/tribeagency1/

📱Twitter/X: http://x.com/TribeAgency1

📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephpliha/

📱YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@makeyourbrandaverb

ABOUT ME:

I'm Steph Pliha, Founder & Principal of Tribe Agency with 20+ years in leadership. After building multiple 7-figure businesses, I now help entrepreneurs transform their brands from nouns to verbs. My Make your Brand a Verb™ Framework has helped countless businesses dominate their markets through strategic positioning and marketing that delivers real results.📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephpliha/

BUSINESS INQUIRIES:

hello@tribeagency.org

#MakeYourBrandAVerb #BrandStrategy #StartupMarketing #SmallBusiness #Branding #MedtechMarketing #BusinessTips #LeadrPodcast #Medtech #Startups

Discover how his experiences revealed the inefficiencies of the traditional medical system, inspiring him to create a revolutionary model that leverages private aviation to deliver top-tier surgical care to underserved patients nationwide.

This episode offers a deep dive into innovative solutions for modern healthcare economics and the evolving doctor-patient relationship.Chapters:00:00 - Introduction to Episode 28 with Dr. Ronen Elefant00:44 - Connecting through LinkedIn02:48 - Dr. Elefant's background04:31 - Moving from Biomedical Engineering to Trauma Surgery05:32 - Pursuing a passion for aviation while in medical school07:10 - Frontline experiences09:05 - The birth of ACES11:21 - The erosion of the doctor-patient relationship14:15 - The ACES model18:13 - Hospital vs. ASC20:25 - Scaling the vision24:35 - Virtual practice27:22 - Licensing hurdles31:12 - Culture of excellence34:42 - The patient-hero38:13 - Subjective value41:12 - Speed RoundConnect with Dr. Ronen ElefantLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronenelefant/Website: ⁠https://www.tribeconsulting.coDON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE TO LEADR. PODCASTIf you want to be a guest on Leadr. Podcast, get in touch:

https://stephpliha.com/leadr-podcastCONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL:📱Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephpliha/📱LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tribebrandABOUT ME:I'm Steph Pliha, Founder & Principal of Tribe Agency with 25+ years in leadership. After building multiple 7-figure businesses, I now help entrepreneurs transform their brands from nouns to verbs. My Make your Brand a Verb™ Framework has helped countless businesses dominate their markets through strategic positioning and marketing that delivers real results.BUSINESS INQUIRIES:hello@tribeagency.org

tribeconsulting.co#MakeYourBrandAVerb #BrandStrategy #StartupMarketing #SmallBusinessBranding #MedtechMarketing #BusinessTips #LeadrPodcastFTC Disclosure: Some links shared are affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission from purchases made at no additional cost to you.© 2026 Tribe Consulting Agency. All Rights Reserved.

Learn strategies for startups in economic downturns, leadership traits, overcoming team dysfunctions, and much more.

We unpack topics like:

• 🚨 5 Dysfunctions of Team
• 🚨 Death of Meritocracy in Corporate Culture and the Impact
• 🚨 Keys to breaking into MedTech Industry
• 🚨 How to Follow Your Dreams of Becoming a CEO or Entrepreneur and a 30-Day Entrepreneur Course that will get you there!

Connect with Tribe Agency, Stephanie Pliha, and Drue DeAngelis on LinkedIn.

Plus, don't miss our exclusive 30-day entrepreneur course—your roadmap to entrepreneurial success! 🔗 Join the waitlist for founding students [https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/30dayboss]

#MedTech #Entrepreneurship #LeadershipTips #Podcast" #meddevice #meritocracy

Check out:

🌐 Connect with Tribe Agency: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/tribebrand]

🌐 Connect with Stephanie Pliha: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephpliha/]

🌐 Connect with Drue DeAngelis: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ddeangelis/] - leave a comment if you want a free copy of Drue's E-book on breaking into the MedTech or DM me on LinkedIn.

🔐 Unlock Your Entrepreneurial Journey - "My Top 5 Secrets To Becoming an Entrepreneur —Revealed!": [https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/30dayboss]

🎙Watch the full YouTube episode: https://youtu.be/0QA-s6fIsbA

Visit: www.tribeagency.org to learn more about Tribe Agency

Join us as we chat with Dominique Gross, CEO of a fast-growing medtech startup, Hart, as she sets the record straight on EHRs and the impact Hart's software is having in the healthcare industry. Watch how she's navigating her journey to CEO and disrupting the world of electronic healthcare records (EHR).

In this episode, we cover:

🎯 Their journey from colleagues to CEO innovators

🎯 Tackling health IT interoperability with Hart's pioneering solutions

🎯 The transformative impact of automating healthcare data

🎯 Strategies for effective market research and brand identity when building a startup

🎯 The art of assembling a top-tier leadership team

🎯 Mastering your 'Zone of Genius' for peak performance

🎯 The life-changing power of morning and evening routines in a startup world

🎯 Harnessing mentorship and strategic execution for leadership success

Get ready for a CEO conversation that bridges strategy with real-world execution. Join Stephanie and Dominique as they unfold the blueprint for thriving at the helm of game-changing ventures.

🔗 Connect with the visionary minds behind this episode:

Stephanie Pliha on LinkedIn & Tribe Agency

Dominique Gross on LinkedIn & Hart

Don't miss out on the wisdom-packed episodes of Leadr. Podcast. Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and IHeartRadio for your weekly dose of leadership insights and medtech innovation.

#leadershippodcast #medtech #entrepreneurship Tech #CEOJourney #StartupSuccess #MedTechInnovation #leadrpodcast #hart #EHR

In This Episode:

♦️Leadership Evolution: Tim’s journey from Intuitive Surgical leadership to his influential role at Spencer Stuart.

♦️Emotional Intelligence: How emotional intelligence underpins successful team dynamics and leadership.

♦️Executive Strategies: Insights into Spencer Stuart’s unique executive search approach and the pivotal role of board dynamics in corporate governance.

♦️Remote Leadership: Tactics for maintaining strong team culture and building relationships in a remote work environment.

Key Insights:

• The necessity of empowering teams and fostering a positive culture for peak performance.
• Importance of understanding and implementing emotional intelligence in leadership roles.
• Strategic executive assessments and their impact on shaping effective leaders.
• The challenges and opportunities of leading in a post-pandemic, remote-first world.

Don’t Miss Our Upcoming Events:

Sign Up for the Brand and Marketing Masterclass Waitlist: Don't miss out on transforming your brand into a market leader.

Join the waitlist today!

🔗 https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/brandmasterclass

Connect with Us:

🔗 Watch on YouTube and Apple Podcast: tribeagency.org/leadr-podcast

🔗 Reach out to Tim Matthews on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-matthews/

🔗 Explore more about Spencer Stuart: https://www.spencerstuart.com/

🔗 Discover more episodes at Leadr. Podcast: https://tribeagency.org/leadr-podcast

🔗 For collaborations or inquiries: https://tribeagency.org/contact

In This Episode:

• Discover the role of LinkedIn in professional networking and opportunities.

• Explore the burgeoning field of robotics in MedTech, focusing on challenges and breakthroughs.

• Follow Steve Bell's journey from corporate giant to startup success story, including his impactful tenure at CMR Surgical.

• Unpack the efficiency and economic impact of MedTech robots, exemplified by the da Vinci robot's success in high-volume settings.

• Delve into the essentials of market research, strategic planning, and the need for mentorship in navigating the startup landscape.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction and the Power of LinkedIn
• Robotics' Rise and 'Gold Rush' in MedTech
• Steve Bell's Leadership Path
• CMR Surgical and Soft Tissue Robotics
• Startup Life Balance and Funding Insights
• Mentorship, Mission, and Simplifying Complexity

Takeaways:

• The nuanced cost-benefit analysis of adopting MedTech robots like Versius and da Vinci.

• Strategies for maintaining work-life harmony in demanding startup environments.

• The critical role of robust mission statements and visions in steering startup ventures toward success.

• The art of simplifying complex concepts is a key skill for any entrepreneur.

• Steve also shares invaluable insights from his mother's mentorship and 'The Hobbit as an essential read for business lessons on adventure and perseverance.

Connect with Us:

Stephanie Pliha on LinkedIn, Founder of Tribe Agency and host of Leadr. Podcast

Steve Bell's insights and journey to How to Start Up in Medtech [howtostartupinmedtech.com]

Don't miss out on this episode full of invaluable insights for anyone interested in the intersection of healthcare, technology, and leadership. Subscribe to Leadr. Podcast for more episodes that inspire and inform on YouTube and visit the Leadr. Podcast page. Your journey to impactful leadership and innovation starts here.

🚫🍸 It’s Dry January—but let’s be honest, your business could still use a drink... of AI & Automations. Welcome to AA for Business: AI & Automations, where we help you detox from manual work and automate your way to success in 2025.

In this episode, Spencer Jones and Steph Pliha dive into how AI and automation are transforming fundraising, financial analysis, business operations, and lead generation. They also break down why paid AI tools are worth it, how to craft better AI prompts, and what happens when you treat AI like an employee rather than just another tool.

Oh, and let’s not forget… micropreneurship is on the rise, and AI is your best business partner.

✅ Fundraising, financial analysis, and lead gen? AI’s got your back.
✅ Paid AI tools = better results, fewer headaches.
✅ Mundane tasks? Automate them and reclaim your time.
✅ Marketing still matters—even when AI is doing the heavy lifting.
✅ Ask AI better questions to get better answers.
✅ Micropreneurship is easier than ever—AI can help you scale solo.
✅ Early adoption = unfair advantage. Get in now.

🎧 Listen or Watch Now:
🔗 Leadr. Podcast Website: [https://tribeagency.org/leadr-podcast]

🚀 Want AI-Powered Marketing & Automation?
💡 Work with Tribe Agency → [tribeagency.org/contact]

🌟 Tune in Next Week: Episode 16 - Part 2!

We’ll take it up a notch and explore next-level AI trends & automation hacks for scaling businesses.

🔥 Key Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

👉 AI Tools to Supercharge Your Business:
▫ ChatGPT (Pro Version) - [https://chatgpt.com/]
▫ Claude AI - [https://claude.ai/new]
▫ Lovable AI or Web/Landing Page - [https://lovable.dev/#via=ffc119]
▫ Jasper AI for Copywriting - [https://www.jasper.ai/]
▫ Grammarly AI for Editing & Proofreading - [https://www.grammarly.com/]

👉 Automation & Lead Generation Tools:
▫ Make.com for Workflow Automation - [https://www.make.com/en/register?pc=tribe]
▫ Dripify for AI-Powered Lead Generation - [https://dripify.io/#a_aid=tribeagency]
▫ Apollo.io - [https://apollo.partnerlinks.io/24pucy6pqel7]

▫ Flodesk for email nurture sequences - [https://flodesk.com/c/8M70PX]

▫ SMS Automation through ManyChat - [https://manychat.partnerlinks.io/vtqvbjnms27g]

👉 Other Must-Try AI Editing Tools:
▫ MidJourney AI for Design & Branding - [https://www.midjourney.com/]
▫ Descript for AI-Powered Podcast Editing - [https://get.descript.com/ug9497394gey]
▫ Opus Clips for Video Content Creation - [https://www.opus.pro/?via=tribe]

Courses:

30 Day Entrepreneur - register today

Want Entrepreneur Wisdom, download our checklist for free.

In Episode 20 of the Leadr. Podcast, Dr. Shirin Towfigh—leading hernia surgeon and medical-device innovator—shares her journey from the OR to the boardroom.

You’ll learn how gender-based mesh designs are improving outcomes, why “if you don’t have revenue, it’s a hobby,” and the strategic marketing steps needed to commercialize a device.

Whether you’re a surgeon eyeing entrepreneurship or a MedTech marketer, this episode delivers actionable insights on:

• Clinical evidence & patient-first mesh design

• Surgeon-engineer collaboration

• Patent strategy & medical-device commercialization

• Building revenue-driven practices

  
  

Timestamps / Chapters:
00:00 Intro & Guest Bio
02:59 The Business of Medicine
05:51 Journey in Surgery & Innovation
09:06 Surgeon–Engineer Collaboration
11:59 Gender-Based Mesh Designs
14:58 Commercialization & Marketing
17:49 Future of Hernia Mesh Products
21:02 Navigating the MedTech Industry
24:01 Final Thoughts & Advice
30:58 Understanding Mesh in Surgery
36:04 Evolution of Hernia Repair
39:01 Future of Hernia Surgery
47:17 Mentorship & Leadership Insights

Connect & Learn More:
– Stephanie Pliha (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniepliha
– Dr. Shirin Towfigh (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirintowfigh
– Full podcast page & show archive: https://tribeagency.org/leadr-podcast
– Work with us: https://tribeagency.org/contact

Keywords of episode: Dr. Shirin Towfigh, hernia treatment, hernia mesh, medical device innovation, surgeon entrepreneur, commercialization, marketing strategies, clinical evidence, patient care, mentorship, leadership

May 2, 2025 at 9 AM PT

Our first episode is hosted by Stephanie Pliha, Founder + Principal Partner of Tribe Agency and Hailie Scott, Business Development for Tribe Agency.

We discuss:

• Our guest lineup is remarkable, featuring trailblazers, disruptors, and innovators shaping the future of medtech. From bestselling authors to successful business owners, our guests will inspire, educate, and challenge your perspectives.
• We'll dive into challenges, explore the latest technologies, and discuss brand strategies that drive successful medtech companies.
• Together, we'll uncover the science behind self-made success in medtech. Stay ahead of the curve as we discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities in this dynamic field.

This podcast is for driven professionals making a difference in the medtech industry. Whether you're a medtech professional seeking leadership inspiration or a CEO of a medtech startup hungry for knowledge, Leadr Podcast is your trusted companion on the road to success.

Subscribe to Leadr Podcast today and join me, Stephanie Pliha, on this incredible journey. As we unlock the secrets of success, learn from industry leaders and gurus, and revolutionize medtech.

Also, since we are just getting this podcast off the ground, please forward this podcast to your BIZ bestie, co-worker, leader or favorite robotic surgeon. We would love to build our podcast community with you.

If you want more brand ideas and leadership tips and tricks delivered straight to your inbox, join our email community newsletter today and get ready to be inspired!

Looking for some extra cash? Then join one of the best affiliate marketing programs in the industry. Click here to join and get your unique referral code. Send us a referral through your code and earn $500 per referral that signs with Tribe. Another bonus, your referral gets $500 off their first purchase with Tribe Agency, so its a WIN-WIN.

That's a wrap for our first episode. We are excited for our next episode and first guest speaker on Leadr Podcast. She is a remarkable human and one of the best medtech leaders I have ever known, so prepare to be inspired. Till next time...

In this episode, host Steph Pliha sits down with Rajat Paharia—ex-Google Exec and now founder of Ask Steve, a no-BS AI tool built for real productivity. No fluff, just a smarter way to automate tasks, write better, and scale your business without extra effort.

• How AI can instantly improve your workflow
• What Google gets right—and wrong—about AI
• The biggest AI adoption mistakes startups make
• Why branding is the #1 thing AI companies get wrong
• How to use AI without security risks or clunky add-ons

🔥 50% OFF Ask Steve—Get the AI Tool That Works 🔥

Use code TRIBE50 for an exclusive 50% discount and take control of your productivity today.

🔗 Get it here: ⁠https://www.asksteve.to⁠

What You’ll Learn: About Rajat Paharia:

Rajat Paharia is a product leader with over 20 years of experience in AI, product development, and technology innovation. He is the Founder and Head Intern at Ask Steve, a Chrome extension that brings AI directly into your browser.

Previously, Rajat was a Director of Product Management at Google, where he worked on Google Maps, augmented reality, HR technology, and Nest smart home devices. Before that, he founded Bunchball, a venture-backed SaaS startup, and led design, engineering, and business units at the renowned IDEO.

AI Tools recommended by Rajat:

💡 Run AI Models on Your Own Machine:

• ⁠LM Studio⁠
• ⁠Jan⁠
• ⁠GPT4All⁠

⚡ Next-Gen AI Tools ("Bigger Lego Bricks")

• ⁠Bolt.new⁠
• ⁠V0⁠
• ⁠Lovable⁠

🎥 Watch on YouTube → [https://www.youtube.com/@tribeagency_makeyourbrandaverb]📌 More episodes & free resources → ⁠tribeagency.org/leadr-podcast⁠

💬 AI is evolving fast—what’s your biggest challenge? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and Rajat might answer in a future episode.

📢 Subscribe & Turn On Notifications for unfiltered insights on AI, startups, and brand strategy.

Watch, Listen & Subscribe

Connect With Us

🔹 Tribe Agency → ⁠Website⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠

🔹 Ask Steve → ⁠Website⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠

🚀 This episode is packed with real, no-fluff insights. Don’t miss it!

In this episode, we explore clinical trial design, proof points that matter, and strategies for building trust with radiologists. Investors will find a grounded view of milestones worth tracking, while operators and clinicians will gain insight into practical adoption paths.

00:00 – Intro: why this conversation

00:03 – Meet Dr. Tara & Dr. Peymon Ghazi (MALCOVA)

00:08 – The dense-breast screening gap

08:28 – Patient experience and comfort in imaging

10:20 – Risks of status quo screening

10:36 – Clinical workflow and radiology integration

18:03 – Guidelines and real-world context

21:09 – AI triage and decision support

28:25 – Entering the clinical phase: proof points

37:53 – Future of breast-imaging innovation

Guest Speaker(s):

Website: ⁠https://malcova.com/⁠

LinkedIN: ⁠

https://www.linkedin.com/in/taraghazi/⁠

https://www.linkedin.com/in/peymon-ghazi/

🎁 FREE RESOURCES TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS:

✨Brand Brief Template:⁠ ⁠⁠https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/brandbrief⁠

✨Entrepreneur Checklist:⁠https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/30daye-checklist ⁠

✨AutomatedMarketing:⁠https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/automatedmarketing ⁠

✨15 Strategic Investor Slides:⁠ ⁠⁠https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/getfunded ⁠

🚀 LAUNCH AND BRAND YOUR BUSINESS WITH ME!

30 Day Entrepreneur Course:⁠ ⁠

⁠https://30dayentrepreneur.tribeagency.org/ ⁠

Brand Masterclass:⁠ ⁠⁠https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/brandmasterclass ⁠

🎙️ SUBSCRIBE TO LEADR. PODCAST:

Latest interviews with innovators and industry leaders: 

⁠https://tribeagency.org/leadr-podcast ⁠

CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL:

📱Instagram:⁠  ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/tribeagency1/ ⁠

📱Twitter/X:⁠ ⁠⁠http://x.com/TribeAgency1 ⁠

📱LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephpliha/⁠

📱YouTube:⁠https://www.youtube.com/@makeyourbrandaverb ⁠

ABOUT ME:

I'm Steph Pliha, Founder & Principal of Tribe Agency with 20+ years in leadership. After building multiple 7-figure businesses, I now help entrepreneurs transform their brands from nouns to verbs. My Make your Brand a Verb™ Framework has helped countless businesses dominate their markets through strategic positioning and marketing that delivers real results.

📱LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephpliha/ ⁠

BUSINESS INQUIRIES:

hello@tribeagency.org

⁠#MakeYourBrandAVerb⁠⁠ #BrandStrategy⁠⁠ #StartupMarketing⁠⁠ #SmallBusinessBranding⁠⁠ #MedtechMarketing⁠⁠ #BusinessTips⁠⁠ #LeadrPodcast⁠ #Medtech #Startups

FTC Disclosure: Some links shared are affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission from purchases made at no additional cost to you.

© 2025 Tribe Agency. All Rights Reserved.

Am I? AI Consciousness documentary, now on YouTube - stay tuned for future guest episode with Cameron Berg. Watch his documentary: https://youtu.be/KbTvUOx2A6c?si=dnBKQtGSnbvhpdKlCONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL:📱Instagram:   / stephpliha  📱LinkedIn:   / tribebrand  ABOUT ME:I'm Steph Pliha, Founder & Principal of Tribe Agency with 20+ years in leadership. After building multiple 7-figure businesses, I now help entrepreneurs transform their brands from nouns to verbs. My Make your Brand a Verb™ Framework has helped countless businesses dominate their markets through strategic positioning and marketing that delivers real results.BUSINESS INQUIRIES:hello@tribeagency.orgFTC Disclosure: Some links shared are affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission from purchases made at no additional cost to you.© 2026 Tribe Agency. All Rights Reserved.

In this engaging conversation, Wesley opens up about his start in medical device innovation, his move from cardiac to neurovascular technology, and the founding story of Vonova.

Learn about the challenges and successes of navigating the startup world, the importance of persistence, and the power of building a strong team and brand.

This episode is packed with insights on leadership, innovation, and the future of MedTech, making it a must-listen for entrepreneurs, medtech enthusiasts, and anyone passionate about healthcare advancements.

Timestamps:

• 00:01: Opening Remarks
• 00:26: Introduction to Wesley Jones
• 01:47: Wesley's Background and Journey
• 05:14: Transition from Manufacturing to R&D
• 09:03: Meeting Co-Founder Jose Morales and the Birth of Vonova
• 12:15: The Mission and Vision of Vonova
• 17:00: Challenges in Neurological Device Innovation
• 21:29: Future Applications of Vonova's Technology
• 28:50: Emerging Trends in Medtech
• 32:26: Lessons Learned and Best Practices for Startups
• 38:17: Mentor Shoutout, Book Recommendations, and Superpowers
• 42:39: Wesley’s First Job and Closing Thoughts

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

For more episodes, visit Leadr. Podcast.

They discuss their history working together at Intuitive and Whitney's journey from corporate to entrepreneurship. Whitney shares her passion for helping people reach their untapped potential and achieve their goals. She also talks about her proprietary framework, the Excellence Equation, which guides individuals in setting and achieving big goals.

They also touch on the importance of mindset and overcoming self-doubt. The conversation concludes with a discussion on silent dreams and the importance of pursuing them.

In this conversation, Steph Pliha and Whitney Faires discuss the importance of mentors and advocates in personal and professional growth. They emphasize the need for passion, confidence, and a supportive network to pursue one's dreams.

They also highlight the distinction between mentoring and advocacy, and the value of having both in your life. Additionally, they discuss the challenges and rewards of transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship, including the need for clear branding, technological proficiency, and the ability to delegate. The conversation concludes with insights on the power of trust, the importance of investing in personal development, and the impact of supportive mentors.

Key Takeaways

• Untapped potential is present in everyone, and executive coaching can help individuals unlock it.
• Mindset plays a crucial role in achieving success, and developing a positive and productive mindset is essential.
• Silent dreams are aspirations that people often keep to themselves, but they should be pursued and given the opportunity to flourish.
• Following your dreams may require taking risks and stepping out of your comfort zone, but the rewards can be worth it.
• Having a clear vision, setting big goals, and developing a strategic plan are key components of achieving success. Passion and confidence are essential for pursuing your dreams and overcoming the fear of failure.
• Having mentors and advocates who believe in you and provide guidance and support is crucial for personal and professional growth.
• Transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship requires clear branding, technological proficiency, and the ability to delegate.
• Investing in personal development and building trust are key factors for success in any endeavor.

Resources:

• 30 Day Entrepreneur Free Checklist
• 30 Day Entrepreneur Course

Use Code: FOUNDED50 for 50% off course

• Subscribe for a free discovery call with Whitney
• Download Whitney's High Performers Playbook

Get in Touch:

Whitney Faires: whitneyfaires.com

Steph Pliha: tribeagency.org

Leadr. Podcast: tribeagency.org/leadr-podcast

Follow us on LinkedIn

Like, subscribe and follow for more episodes just like this...

In this episode, we deep dive into the topics of "Nurturing your Nature" and explore topics like brainspotting, human design, and emotional intelligence. Discover how to enhance your mental well-being and unlock your brain's potential. Tune in for valuable tips and strategies to improve your cognitive health and overall quality of life.

Don't miss out on this enlightening discussion that could transform the way you think about brain health.

What We Cover:

• Alexis's Personal Drive: Hear how Alexis turned her struggles with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) into Nura, a company dedicated to holistic healing.
• Science Meets Mindset: Discover how Alexis uses her biomedical engineering smarts to blend scientific rigor with the healing powers of mindset.
• Kickstarting a Business: Get insights on pushing past perfectionism, the power of knowing your human design, and why these are crucial for anyone starting out.
• Health Deep Dive: We talk about the links between brain health, nutrition, and managing inflammation, and how changing habits can tackle addiction and trauma.
• Branding and Strategy: Learn why thorough market research and clear messaging are must-haves for your branding and market strategies.
• The Power of Mentorship: Alexis shares how mentors have shaped her journey and her superpower in seeing the best in others.

This episode is packed with valuable lessons on turning personal challenges into professional opportunities and how small changes can lead to major health and business wins.

Tune In Now: Catch all these insights by listening to our discussion on the Leadr. Podcast. Connect with me and Alexis on LinkedIn to continue the conversation and get more updates.

To learn more about Nura, visit: www.nuravitality.com

To learn more about Tribe Agency, visit: www.tribeagency.org

Make sure to subscribe to Leadr. Podcast for more stories that inspire, inform, and empower you to lead and innovate. See you there!

Get ProLon 5-Day Fast Today! Use this code for 10% off your first order: TRIBEHEALTH10 or Use Link: https://prolonfast.com/products/gofas...

For more information on L-Nutra, visit ⁠https://prolonlife.com/⁠
Thanks for listening!

For video episodes of Leadr. Podcast, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/2JMdWCBp_Dk?si=oWaxnOc1QQlXtc_i If you like what you heard today, don't forget to follow and add Leadr. Podcast to your favorite playlists.

Join Tribe Agency's High-Ticket Affiliate Program today! Click link to join and spread the word: https://tribeagency.myflodesk.com/b867d253-5c86-4175-ba88-0ac0ba95f978 To be a future guest on Leadr. Podcast - apply here at hello@tribeagency.org or visit our website at https://tribeagency.org/contact

In this episode, Steph Pliha interviews Chris Wood, the CEO of Reveal DX, a company focused on early intervention for lung nodules. They discuss the origins of Reveal DX and its goal of catching lung cancer as early as possible. Chris explains how their technology, based on AI and machine learning, can triage and identify high-risk nodules, helping radiologists make informed decisions. They also touch on the challenges of the medical imaging AI industry and the importance of improving patient care and reducing unnecessary procedures. In this conversation, Chris, the CEO of a medical imaging AI company, discusses the future of AI in radiology and the next big thing in the industry. He also shares advice for CEOs and founders of med tech startups and emphasizes the importance of understanding the customer's customer. Chris recommends several books on leadership and business, including 'Nudge' and 'Thinking Fast and Slow'. He also highlights the importance of fostering a culture of innovation and reinvention.

Keywords

medtech, innovation, lung cancer, early intervention, AI, machine learning, radiology, patient care, AI in radiology, medical imaging, lung cancer, med tech startups, leadership, business books, culture of innovation

Key Takeaways

Reveal DX is focused on early intervention for lung nodules to catch lung cancer as early as possible.

Their technology uses AI and machine learning to triage and identify high-risk nodules, helping radiologists make informed decisions.

The goal is to improve patient care by reducing unnecessary procedures and complications.

The medical imaging AI industry has faced challenges, but Reveal DX aims to provide a unique and valuable solution. The next big thing in medical imaging AI is the development of real useful applications that add value and improve patient outcomes.

Understanding the customer's customer is crucial for success in the med tech industry.

Leadership requires empathy, curiosity, and the ability to put oneself in the shoes of others.

Recommended books for business and leadership include 'Nudge', 'Thinking Fast and Slow', 'Startup Boards', 'The Hard Thing About Hard Things', and 'No Rules Rules'.

Fostering a culture of innovation and reinvention is essential to stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.

Sound Bites

"We can take nodules that have single-digit percentage, likelihood of malignancy, and bring it to double-digit, maybe 20% likelihood."

"Our product belongs in the hands of the radiologist initially when they find the nodule."

"In these screening cohorts, we can identify 40% of the malignant nodules without an interval scan."

"If you watch Netflix, right? You know, when you finish one episode, it starts the next one."

"We're now sort of in this trough of disillusionment phase of the Gardner hype cycle."

"AI will become more and more a part of radiology, but it's certainly not going to replace radiologists anytime soon."

Connect and Engage:

Stay connected with Chris Wood and Steph Pliha to keep abreast of the latest in medical technology and leadership insights. Follow their journey and engage with them to deepen your understanding of the impact of AI in healthcare.

• 🔗 Follow Chris Wood on LinkedIn

• 🔗 Visit their website, www.reveal-dx.com

• 🔗 Connect with Steph Pliha on LinkedIn

• 🔗 Explore more episodes at Leadr. Podcast

If you found value in this discussion, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment on this episode. Share it with peers who are passionate about healthcare innovation, and join us again on Leadr. Podcast for more insightful conversations that inspire and inform.

This podcast is brought to you by Tribe Agency, your go-to-experts in all things branding, marketing, and consulting for MedTech startups. For more information, visit www.tribeagency.org.