Odgers Berndtson’s Chris Hamilton and Mike Drew, provide a guide to finding and keeping top health tech leaders
The health tech sector is at the forefront of transforming healthcare through technology, requiring leaders that combine expertise in advanced fields like AI, data analytics, and healthcare systems.
For companies operating in this dynamic space, identifying, attracting, and retaining top innovators is critical to staying competitive.
However, competition for talented leaders is fierce, and requires a strategic approach to ensure companies appoint the best.
Below, is a comprehensive guide to excelling in talent management within health tech.
Strategies for sourcing top talent:
- Leverage adjacent industries: Target professionals from AI, biotech, and data science sectors who bring fresh perspectives and transferable skills.
- Emphasise strategic leadership roles: Highlight opportunities for candidates to lead projects that drive innovation and industry transformation.
- Engage through purpose: Health tech’s mission-driven nature is a compelling draw for professionals seeking meaningful work.
Companies can also build partnerships with academic institutions, industry associations, and incubators to tap into emerging talent pools.
Creating a culture of innovation to retain top performers
Attracting top leadership talent is only half the battle; retaining them requires an environment that fosters creativity and innovation. Leaders should focus on:
- Encouraging experimentation: Provide the freedom to test new ideas and learn from failures.
- Promoting continuous learning: Offer training programmes, workshops, and access to cutting-edge research.
- Supporting professional growth: Create opportunities for team members to work on impactful projects and develop their expertise.
An innovative culture thrives on collaboration. Leaders should encourage cross-functional teams, where diverse expertise converges to solve complex problems.
Professional development and leadership pathways in health tech
Clear career progression and leadership development are key to keeping top talent engaged. Health tech companies should:
- Invest in upskilling: Provide resources for employees to learn emerging technologies such as blockchain, wearable tech, and telehealth platforms.
- Establish mentorship programmes: Pair experienced leaders with rising stars to foster knowledge sharing and professional growth.
- Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration: Break down silos to facilitate teamwork across technical, medical, and operational domains.
Leadership pathways should be transparent, with a focus on equipping emerging leaders to take on strategic roles. This ensures a steady pipeline of future-ready leaders who are equipped to drive innovation.
Leadership assessments to enhance hiring and development
Leadership assessments are an increasingly valuable tool for health tech companies.
These assessments go beyond technical skills to evaluate critical behavioural traits and capabilities, such as empathy, resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure – qualities essential for success in the healthcare technology environment.
The benefits of leadership assessments include:
- More informed hiring decisions: Identify leadership candidates whose behavioural profiles align with organisational values and the demands of specific roles.
- Tailored development plans: Pinpoint individual development opportunities, enabling personalised growth strategies that keep emerging leaders engaged.
- Reduced turnover: Match leaders with roles that suit their strengths and values, fostering long-term satisfaction and commitment.
By integrating assessments into their hiring and talent development strategies, health tech companies can build a more resilient and adaptable workforce.
Additional considerations for health tech talent management
- Diversity and inclusion: Diverse teams are more innovative and better equipped to address varied healthcare challenges. Companies should actively work to attract talent from underrepresented groups and create inclusive workplace policies.
- Flexible work environments: Remote and hybrid work options are increasingly important for retaining tech talent, offering flexibility while maintaining productivity.
- Employee well-being: Given the high-pressure nature of health tech, providing mental health support and fostering work-life balance is crucial for sustained engagement.
Why high-performing leadership talent is critical in health tech
Health tech companies operate at the intersection of technology and healthcare, demanding a unique blend of skills and a culture that nurtures innovation.
By strategically identifying leadership talent, fostering an innovative workplace, and investing in professional development, health tech companies can attract and retain top innovators.
Leaders who prioritise these strategies not only build strong teams but also advance the transformative potential of health technology, improving healthcare outcomes worldwide.
Find out more about Odgers Berndtson at odgersberndtson.com
