In the debut episode of Past the Pitch, I had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Hagen Wenzek, a leader in innovative healthcare solutions and a veteran in navigating complex markets. Hagen’s journey, from pioneering video capsule endoscopy at GI Digital and Corporate Health International to consulting across industries, offered valuable insights on driving growth in unpredictable times.
The theme of our conversation—how to thrive amid volatility—resonated deeply. Market fluctuations, economic shifts, and global uncertainty are challenges we all face. But as Hagen shared, success often comes down to staying focused, resilient, and adaptable.
Cutting Through the Noise
When asked about his perspective on growth during volatile times, Hagen emphasized one critical skill: the ability to ignore distractions. He pointed out that while volatility can bring opportunities, it also creates an overwhelming array of noise. Leaders must focus on what they can control and resist the urge to react to every external change.
“Volatility means all kinds of things happen around you, most of which you can’t influence,” he explained. “You want to understand it and have a strategy, but it’s even more important to kick out the distractions.”
This insight reminded me of the challenges sales teams face daily. It is easy to get caught up in the latest trends or market shifts, steering away from core strategies. Yet, as Hagen noted, consistent execution is far more impactful than chasing the next shiny object. Staying the course, even as the market shifts, allows teams to build momentum and deliver results.
Balancing Exploration with Focus
One of the analogies Hagen used to describe strategic focus stuck with me. He likened organizations to aircraft carriers, large ships that stay on a steady course while smaller boats explore new opportunities. These exploratory missions are essential for gathering information and testing innovative ideas, but they must always return to the larger strategy.
“Test the market,” Hagen said, “but always return to the plan. It is the same discipline, whether in calm waters or a storm.”
This balance—between focus and experimentation—is especially crucial in industries like healthcare, where Hagen has spent much of his career. His work with video capsule endoscopy, an alternative to traditional colonoscopies, is a testament to this approach. Over eight years, he stayed committed to a vision of making technology accessible to more patients worldwide. Despite regulatory challenges and market resistance, his team refined their approach, adjusted to different healthcare systems, and brought a disruptive innovation to the market.
Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Hagen’s journey was not without obstacles. From navigating healthcare regulations across countries to building adoption for an unknown technology, the road to success was long and demanding. But what stood out was his resilience and unwavering commitment to the mission.
“It takes time to bring all the pieces together,” he said. “You’re not the driver of adoption; you have to make others want to use your solution.”
This mindset is a powerful reminder for anyone striving to innovate or sell a transformative product. Success does not come from pushing your agenda but from creating value that resonates with stakeholders. In Hagen’s case, the focus was on demonstrating how his technology could solve systemic problems like long waiting lists and limited access to diagnostics.
The Role of Culture in Strategy
As our conversation shifted, we explored the impact of culture on business strategies. As someone with a multicultural background and experience working across diverse teams, Hagen highlighted how understanding different perspectives can enhance decision-making.
“Diverse teams help you address customer concerns better,” he said. “Especially when you’re dealing with multiple stakeholders, understanding varied viewpoints is critical.”
This resonated with me as a first-generation American. I have seen firsthand how cultural differences can spark creativity and innovation. Hagen’s point about empathy—putting yourself in the customer’s shoes—reinforced the importance of approaching challenges with an open mind. At the same time, he acknowledged that empathy needs to be balanced with assertiveness to ensure progress.
Structuring for Success
Beyond strategy and culture, Hagen shared practical advice on personal productivity. His approach to framing his day—balancing mental and physical activity—was particularly insightful. He emphasized the importance of maintaining routines that support long-term performance, even when traveling or dealing with unpredictable schedules.
“I structure my day to stay sharp,” Hagen said. “If I don’t exercise or get enough sleep, I can’t function well—not just the next day, but over the long term.”
His concept of “exercise snacking”—taking small, consistent breaks for physical activity throughout the day—was a simple yet powerful idea. As someone who also blocks time for exercise and reflection, I appreciated the emphasis on building habits that sustain energy and focus.
Finding Complementary Strengths
One of the most thought-provoking parts of our conversation was Hagen’s perspective on team dynamics. He described how bringing diverse personalities to the table—people with complementary strengths—can elevate a team’s performance. For example, while Hagen’s empathetic approach fosters trust, he acknowledged the value of having team members who take a more direct, assertive stance when needed.
“You need a mix of approaches,” he said. “If you only have people like you, you will limit your perspective. But if you bring in complementary strengths, you will achieve balance and better results.”
This insight speaks to the importance of intentional team building. Success is not about creating a team of clones; it is about finding people who challenge your perspective and push the group toward shared goals.
Final Thoughts: Resilience, Focus, and Balance
As I reflected on my conversation with Hagen, three themes stood out: resilience, focus, and balance. In volatile times, these qualities become even more essential. Whether you are navigating market shifts, leading a team, or driving innovation, the ability to stay the course while remaining adaptable is key.
Hagen’s journey, from pioneering disruptive healthcare solutions to fostering diverse team cultures, serves as a powerful example. His advice to leaders is clear: eliminate distractions, stay true to your strategy, and build teams that complement your vision.
So, as you think about your own growth strategy, ask yourself: Are you staying focused? Are you building the right team? And most importantly, are you ready to weather the storm? Let us continue the conversation—share your thoughts in the comments below.
