S1:E48 | From Radiation Therapy to Running a Global Health Tech Startup | Matt Vigar, AyniHealth

Most healthcare professionals assume the skills they built in clinical practice are only useful in clinical practice. Matt Vigar spent 18 years at Elekta, went from therapy radiographer to Vice President, and is now building his own health tech startup from Seoul. His story is proof that what you learn at the bedside, in the planning room, and on the treatment machine travels a very long way.Matt Vigar is a radiation therapist turned global business leader. He started his career in Sydney, came to the UK on what was supposed to be a two-year working holiday, and never went back. He worked his way through applications training, sales, business development and senior leadership across the UK, Australia, Hong Kong and South Korea, before being made redundant during an Elekta global restructure. He's now co-founder of AyniHealth, a health tech platform focused on clinical education, credentialing and community of practice.This conversation is honest about what it actually feels like to reach the role you set out to get and realise it isn't what you expected. Matt talks about redundancy, rebuilding, and why having a purpose before the call comes makes all the difference. For any healthcare professional wondering whether their skills travel, this is worth your time.Topics covered:How a chance conversation in a hospital corridor led to an entirely different careerThe clinical skills Matt took directly into his first applications role at Elekta18 years across the UK, Australia, Hong Kong and South Korea — and what each move taught himGetting promoted to VP and feeling flat when he got thereWhy setting systems rather than goals changes how you workHow a mentorship programme helped him find his purpose before redundancy landedThe financial reality of going from VP salary to startup founderHow AyniHealth was built around the same problem Matt watched healthcare teams struggle with for two decadesWhy healthcare professionals make unusually good business foundersWhat to do when redundancy hits and the "why me" feeling takes overThe value of finding stillness — and why Matt meditates for 30 minutes before he touches his phoneListen to the full episode now.Follow Matt Vigar:Website: https://www.ayni.health/enLinkedIn: Follow David / Via Nova here:⁠⁠David's LinkedIn⁠⁠If you’re done pretending you’re fine… start here.Your Final Shift is a straight-talking exit guide for healthcare professionals who can’t do another 20 years of this. Get your copy hereAre you ready to leave healthcare? Still in a role you've mentally already left?Answer 15 questions and find out exactly where you stand, and what to do firstTake the free 2 min quiz here Chapters00:00 - Introducing Matt Vigar and his journey from radiation therapy to healthcare leadership02:05 - Early career in Sydney and decision to explore global opportunities04:34 - Moving into industry at Elekta and international travel experiences08:00 - Lessons from working abroad in Europe and Russia12:15 - Applying clinical skills to industry roles and teaching experiences15:43 - Notable cultural moments and social traditions in healthcare settings21:04 - Experiences in Asia: South Korea, Hong Kong, and the region's healthcare landscape27:35 - Transitioning from regional management to founding AyniHealth32:00 - Building a healthcare community platform and solving education challenges36:50 - Navigating corporate restructuring and making career shifts42:56 - The significance of community, support, and mental well-being during change48:46 - The role of teamwork and collaboration in healthcare and startups55:35 - Prioritizing purpose, reflection, and mental clarity during career decisions60:10 - Practical tips for embracing change and pursuing passions64:18 - Personal achievements and re-evaluating success beyond titles65:00 - Final thoughts and future plans for AyniHealth and community impact