The Long Game: Building Companies, Teams, and Trust That Last | Duane Mancini

What separates founders who build successful companies from those who build organizations that truly last? In this episode of the Notable Men Podcast, host Laura Ezzell sits down with entrepreneur, MedTech strategist, investor, and Project MedTech founder Duane Mancini to discuss why trust, humility, and long-term thinking are the real foundations of sustainable leadership. With more than 15 years of experience helping medical technology startups navigate product development, regulatory strategy, clinical trials, commercialization, and fundraising, Duane has advised countless founders through the complex journey of bringing life-changing innovations to market. As Founder and CEO of Project MedTech and Managing Partner at PM Ventures, he helps entrepreneurs think beyond today's decisions to build companies positioned for long-term success. In this conversation, Duane shares: ▪ Why trust is every leader's greatest asset ▪ How humility strengthens leadership and company culture ▪ Why transparency builds stronger investor relationships ▪ The biggest mistakes MedTech founders make early ▪ Why building the right team matters more than having the best idea ▪ How culture is built—and how quickly it can be lost ▪ What endurance sports taught Duane about entrepreneurship ▪ Why there are no shortcuts to meaningful success ▪ How AI is improving healthcare while preserving the need for human judgment ▪ Why innovation in healthcare requires patience ▪ The importance of admitting when you're wrong ▪ How empathy helps leaders build organizations people want to be part of CONNECT WITH DUANE MANCINI LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/duanemancini/