In this compelling podcast interview, Michael P. Phalen, the retired President of MedSurg at Boston Scientific Corporation (BSC), provides an in-depth look into the company's unique culture, innovative spirit, and core values that drove its success in the early days—taking it from a small private medical-device start-up to the public medical-device giant it is today.

This conversation was recorded May 22, 2024, 32 years after going public, May 19, 1992. It is a “must listen” for anyone interested in the inner workings of one of the medical device industry's leading companies.

• Phalen discusses Boston Scientific's culture which is firmly rooted in a "patients first" philosophy—every decision within the company, from product development to marketing strategies, is made with the patient’s well-being as the foremost priority.

• Mike believes the PEOPLE made the difference. Sales representatives at Boston Scientific are leaders, have a seat at the table, and are trusted advisors to healthcare providers.

• The commitment to innovation is a core element in the BSC culture, starting with founders John Abele and Peter Nicholas. Phalen discusses how the company collaborates closely with inventors and physicians to identify unmet medical needs and develop solutions that enhance patient care.

• Beyond its external focus, Boston Scientific is equally committed to creating an inclusive and supportive work environment. They are committed to attracting and retaining top talent, fostering a diverse and innovative workforce.

• Listen to the Full Interview: Michael P. Phalen’s insights offer a rare glimpse into the values and practices that make Boston Scientific a standout in the medical device industry, and the reason former employees have celebrated three reunions!

Michale Phalen BIO:

Michael Phalen is the Board Chairman of RQR Advisors, an early-stage life science advisory firm.

Michael Phalen retired from Boston Scientific as Executive Vice President and President, Medical Surgery (MedSurg) for Boston Scientific and was a member of its Executive Committee. He planned and executed Boston Scientific’s growth strategies for the Company’s Endoscopy, Urology/Pelvic Health and Neuromodulation businesses. Phalen also oversaw Boston Scientific operations in Canada and Latin America. He was also responsible for Boston Scientific’s Government Affairs.

Prior to assuming his last position in January 2012, Mike was President of Boston Scientific International. He was responsible for planning and executing Boston Scientific’s international growth strategy.

Mike is the past Chairman of the Massachusetts Medical Device Industry Council (MassMEDIC) and serves on the Board of Directors for Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed).

Mike joined Boston Scientific in 1988 and held various management positions of increasing responsibilities including Territory Manager, Product Manager, Regional Sales Manager, Group Product Manager, Director of Marketing, Vice President of Global Marketing and Senior Vice President and President of the company’s Endoscopy division.

Before joining Boston Scientific, he held management positions with MD Technology, Kendall Healthcare and Pennwalt Pharmaceuticals. He earned a B.S. in General Science from Villanova University and an M.B.A. from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

--Decoding Glyphosate, GMO's, and the Impact on Metabolic Health

Dr. Stephanie Seneff speaks out! She is (as always) authentically herself--passionate and compassionate--discussing the harmful effects of toxic chemicals. As a leader in her field (M.I.T. grad), she is doing her part to make this world (and the people on it!) a safer, healthier place.

She shares her incredible mind and perspective regarding the harmful effects of glyphosate and GMO's, impacting metabolic, autoimmune, neuro, and mental health.

Dr. Seneff is a wealth of knowledge as she discusses the many diseases impacted by these "safe" chemicals, and what to do about it.

In this episode:

🌱 The effects of glyphosate (the active ingredient in Roundup) on human health and the environment. 🌾 The relationship between GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) and metabolic disorders.

🚸 Hopeful changes impacting school children 🔬 Cutting-edge research 💡 Actionable tips for promoting wellness and reducing exposure to harmful chemicals.

Don't miss this enlightening conversation with Dr. Stephanie Seneff!

Stephanie Seneff BIO:

Dr. Stephanie Seneff is a Senior Research Scientist at MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. She has a BS degree from MIT in biology and MS, EE and PhD degrees from MIT in electrical engineering and computer science. Her recent interests have focused on the role of toxic chemicals and micronutrient deficiencies in health and disease, with a special emphasis on the pervasive herbicide, glyphosate, and the mineral, sulfur. Since 2008, she has authored over 40 peer-reviewed journal papers on these topics. She is the author of a book on glyphosate, titled "Toxic Legacy: How the Weedkiller Glyphosate Is Destroying Our Health and the Environment," which was released by Chelsea Green publishers on July 1, 2021. This book was selected by Kirkus Reviews as one of the best non-fiction books of 2021.

A.I.101: Intro to Artificial Intelligence

Join in on this enlightening conversation about the world of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) with distinguished guests Julie Parks, Dean & Executive Director Workforce Training & Tassell M-Tec, GRCC, and Kristi Haik, Ph.D., Dean of S.T.E.M. at GRCC. In this insightful conversation, these two accomplished leaders share their expertise and perspectives on the transformative impact of A.I. on education, business, and beyond.

Key Highlights:

·       Navigating the A.I. Landscape: Julie Parks and Kristi Haik bring their extensive experience to the table as they discuss the current state of A.I. and its implications.

·       Educational Frontiers: Gain valuable insights into how A.I. is reshaping the landscape of education. Learn about what educational institutions must consider as they harness the power of A.I. for the benefit of students.

·       Challenges and Opportunities: The conversation delves into the challenges posed by A.I. and the opportunities it presents for growth and advancement. Discover how these leaders navigate the delicate balance between embracing innovation and addressing ethical considerations.

·       Future Prospects: As A.I. continues to evolve, find out what the future holds for education, technology, and society at large. Julie Parks and Kristi Haik share their thoughts on the exciting possibilities that lie ahead, as well as a cautionary tale.

NOTE: 80% of this intro was written by A.I. ;)

BIO: About Julie Parks & Kristi Haik, PhD

·       Julie Parks: Julie Parks is GRCC’s Executive Director of Workforce Training, and the GRCC Leslie E. Tassell M-TEC overseeing multiple programs that last year touched the lives of more than 20,000 people.  She is intensely focused on helping people gain in-demand skills for rewarding careers.

Parks is an advocate for the underserved and under skilled and has been instrumental in bringing over $50 million in grants to the Tassell M-TEC since 2010, offsetting training costs to students who may not otherwise be able to attend training. 

She is recognized as a leader nationally. Recent honors include the 2019 Bellwether Award Finalist for Public Works Academy, the 2019 Innovation of the Year from the League of Innovation, the 2018 and 2019 Impact Award Recipient from West Michigan Works!, the 2018 Community Partner of the Year from Connect Explore Achieve with Career Readiness, and the 2017 Special Project Award from the Michigan Association of Continuing Education & Training. She also received the GRCC Employee Excellence Award in 2010.

Parks has a bachelor’s degree in economics and history from Michigan State University, and a master’s degree from CMU in Education.

Full bio at www.HeidiFrye.com/podcast/ai-julie-parks-kristi-haik

·       Kristi Haik, Ph.D., Dean at GRCC: Kristi Haik holds a Ph.D. in Applied Experimental Psychology with a Neuroscience Concentration from Central Michigan University. She has also served as Professor and Department Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences at Northern Kentucky University (NKU), Director of the Center for Integrative Natural Science & Mathematics (CINSAM), NKU’s STEM Center, and the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at Ferris State University. In addition she has served as the Sr. Director of Fund Development at the Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore.

Dr. Haik has presented at over 100 different occasions, nationally and internationally. She also co-created Project SOAR (Scholarships Opportunities Achievement & Results) to recruit, retain, educate, and graduate first- generation, low-income, and underrepresented students in STEM. The outcomes of SOAR and SOAR-Three have benefited thousands of students. 

Dr. Haik strives to provide access and opportunity for those in college or our community who do not have it.

Full bio at www.HeidiFrye.com/podcast/ai-julie-parks-kristi-haik 

Lisa Nichols is a business coach for women entrepreneurs, helping them go from feeling stuck and frustrated to crushing it. Using a mix of coaching and EFT tapping, she helps them break up with procrastination, perfectionism, and playing small, giving them the key to turning their businesses into delightful success stories. (Check out other ⁠resources⁠!)

In this episode with Lisa Nichols:

• Introduction of Energy Psychology & Thought Field Therapy
• Definition of E.F.T.
• Explanation of how clients get stuck
• Using E.F.T. to unhook the connection to past events/ a.k.a. “emptying your backpack”!
• Physiology: “the Amygdala is not discerning”
• MATRIX Re-imprinting (!)
• A LIVE E.F.T. Demonstration!!!

• Additional resources available in the podcast episode library: www.HeidiFrye.com/podcast/lisa-nichols-unlocking-potential

  Tapping instruction handout & Tapping worksheet (compliments of LIsa Nichols), YouTube video link, additional tapping instruction notes and Lisa's special offer!

Ep.16: Join in for a rich and powerful discussion with Dr. Carlos Manzano, PhD., Deputy Executive Director of Communications & Public Engagement for the NYC Commission on Gender Equity—that moves Heidi to tears at one point—on a number of important topics including:

*CORRECTION: Heidi cited an incorrect statistic, stating "New York City has a population of 20 million". New York City metro region (a tri-state area), and the State of New York are both in the 20+ million range, but NYC proper is actually 8 million.

• The incongruency of leadership and inherent bias
• Communal and agentic tendencies
• The Glass Ceiling
• Carlos' "magic wand" policy change
• Body language, specific word choices, and more communication tips
• Presentation technique helpful hints
• Communicating for understanding vs. ego
• Striving for equity...even when it comes to air conditioning
• #1 Advice: Be Authentic

BIO - Carlos Manzano, PhD

DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

Carlos Manzano is a strategic communicator with experience in the public sector, academia, and consulting. His career began in the private sector at Bear Stearns & Co. and later at Commerzbank on Wall Street. He veered his career toward New York City (NYC) local government where he worked at various agencies, including the Office of the Mayor. He held positions as Director of Partnerships at the NYC Department of Information Technology, Executive Director of Mayor Bloomberg’s Latin Media and Entertainment Commission (LMEC) at the Office of the Mayor, and Assistant Commissioner at the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development. He also worked at the NYC Board of Elections and the NYC Department of Education. He has taught graduate courses at Columbia University in the M.S. in Enterprise Risk Management program and at New York University in the M.S. in Public Relations and Corporate Communication program. Manzano holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Public Administration from Florida Atlantic University, an M.P.A. in Public Administration, and an M.S. in Public Relations and Corporate Communication, both from New York University. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Queens College, CUNY.

Everyone wants to be happy at work, and in this episode, sociologist, Dr. Tracy Brower shares her research, stories, experience, and advice on how to make that happen!

Join in for this deep and meaningful conversation with Tracy:

• What is sociology?
• Work-life Balance
• The research on the power of purpose
• Bottom-line impact of "happiness at work"
• How managers impact employee attitude, happiness, productivity
• Easy leadership wins
• Empathy
• Major contributors to "happiness at work"
• Striving for "eustress"!
• Perspective, reframing, and much much more!

Tracy Brower, PhD. authored articles mentioned in the podcast:

--Managers Have Major Impact on Mental Health: How to Lead for Wellbeing, Forbes

--Empathy is the Most Important Leadership Skill According to Research, Forbes

--The Power of Purpose and Why It Matters Now, Forbes

--Purpose May Be the Key to Happiness: 3 Reasons Why, Forbes

BIO:

Dr. Tracy Brower is a PhD sociologist studying work-life fulfillment and happiness. She is the author of The Secrets to Happiness at Work and Bring Work to Life, as well as a senior contributor to Forbes and Fast Company. In addition, she is the vice president of workplace insights for Steelcase. Tracy is an award-winning speaker and has over 25 years of experience working with global clients to achieve business results. She is a board member with the United Way as well as a coach and advisor for the Center for Leadership at Hope College and the Michigan State University Master Industrial Mathematics Program. In addition, she is a member of the faculty for CoreNet Global and an executive council member with Design Museum Everywhere. Tracy’s work has been translated into 19 languages and she has been featured in TEDx, The Wall Street Journal, Work-Life Balance in the 21st Century (book), Globe and Mail (Canada), InsideHR (Australia), HR Director (UK), T3N (Germany), Real Estate Review Journal, Fortune.com, Inc. Magazine, HBR (France) and more. Tracy holds a PhD in Sociology, a Master of Management in Organizational Culture, and a Master of Corporate Real Estate with a workplace specialization. You can find her on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, Unsplash or at tracybrower.com.