What It Takes to Start—and Leave—a Successful MedTech Company

🎙️ Welcome to Healthy Happy Wise Wealthy (HHWW)! In this episode, host Mary Meyer sits down with Dr. Smriti Agrawal, Ph.D., a trailblazing biotech entrepreneur and advisor, whose innovative work transforms both surgery and entrepreneurship. Dr. Agrawal shares her remarkable journey from genetics grad student to founder of Lazarus 3D, a company revolutionizing surgical training with patient-specific 3D models. She opens up about the challenges and lessons learned from scaling a medtech company, taking a well-earned break, and launching a new venture to guide early-stage founders. If you’re an entrepreneur in the making or curious about cutting-edge healthcare, this episode is packed with insights, uplifting advice, and actionable strategies to help you thrive.🌟 Topics Covered: -Dr. Agrawal’s path from researcher to entrepreneur -The origin and mission of Lazarus 3D -How realistic organ replicas can transform surgical care and training -Building a startup: customer-first product development -Growing a medtech business and FDA clearance -Exiting a company & the emotional journey of stepping back-Atlas 360: supporting startups with fractional executive leadership -Go-to-market strategies for founders -Optimizing workflows with AI productivity tools -How to use AI (Gamma, ChatGPT) for marketing, decks, and business tasks -Advice on networking, asking for help, and startup communitiesKey takeaways: -Focus on Solving Real Problems: Successful startups begin with a deep understanding of their customers’ needs and build alongside the end user, not just for them. -Iterate with Customers: Collaborating directly with surgeons shaped Lazarus 3D’s breakthrough product, proving that feedback-driven design is powerful. -Taking a Break Is Essential (and Hard): Stepping away can be an identity crisis, but it’s vital for personal growth, resilience, and clarity before your next big leap. -The Power of Fractional Leadership: Early-stage companies can access seasoned executive expertise without full-time commitment, reducing risk and accelerating growth. -Leverage AI for Efficiency: Modern tools like Gamma and custom ChatGPTs can dramatically streamline operations, marketing, and content creation for solopreneurs. -Community Matters: Don’t go it alone—ask for help, network, and learn from those who’ve already navigated the journey.Learn more about our guest: -LinkedIn: Smriti Agrawal, Ph.D. Connect at LinkedIn-Atlas 360 (new venture): Not yet launched—contact via LinkedIn -Lazarus 3D: https://www.lazarus3d.com/ -No website or public email for Atlas 360 mentioned at this timeResources list: -Lazarus 3D: https://www.lazarus3d.com/ -Gamma AI (Pitch Deck Tool): https://gamma.app/ -ChatGPT (Custom GPTs): https://chat.openai.com/ -Gemini (Google Slides AI): https://gemini.google.com/ -Beautiful AI: https://www.beautiful.ai/ -Canva AI: https://www.canva.com/ai/ -Reno Startup Week: https://www.renostartupweek.com/-Small Business Development Center (SBDC): https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/small-business-development-centers-sbdc -Atlas 360: Not yet available online, watch LinkedIn for launchReady to launch your next venture or improve your workflow with smarter tech? This episode is your roadmap!Subscribe for new episodes every Thursday—don’t miss more inspiring conversations with impactful guests.We are excited to have IT company https://www.mindiii.com as a podcast sponsor. Founded in 2015, MINDIII is a Product Development and Data + AI Company that builds scalable digital products and intelligent data platforms. They help businesses design, engineer, and launch high-impact web and mobile applications, powered by modern data engineering, analytics, and AI solutions.Specialities:Product Strategy & Full-Stack DevelopmentAI-Powered Web & Mobile Apps Data Engineering & AnalyticsAI & ML SolutionsCloud & DevOps SolutionsIT Consulting & Dedicated TeamsUI/UX & Workflow AutomationSoftware Testing, Maintenance & SupportEmail - [email protected] or [email protected] to request a quote for software services listed above.Connect with Healthy Happy Wise Wealthy Podcast:🌟 Connect on @Instagram, @Facebook, @TikTok and @LInkedIn @HealthyHappyWiseWealthyhttps://www.youtube.com/@HealthyHappyWiseWealthyNetworkListen on @Spotify, @Audible, @Applepodcasts, @iHeartRadio, @Pandora and moreKnow someone who should be a guest? Email [email protected] Meyer is a podcast host, actor, sales professional, mother and entrepreneur helping people and organizations share meaningful conversations that support health, wisdom, clarity, and growth.Produced by the All-Talented Erika Christie Support our work by donating through Venmo: https://www.venmo.com/u/HealthyHappyWiseWealthy. Donations are not tax deductible. #Entrepreneurship #MedTech #StartupLife #Leadership #AItools #HealthyHappyWiseWealthy #WomenInSTEM #RenoStartupWeek #HHWWTribe #TheGoodPodCommunity