In this podcast episode, John E. Abele, co-founder of Boston Scientific Corporation shares his vision and journey for transforming surgical procedures, and his philosophy on innovation, collaboration, leadership, and business.
Takeaways from the insightful conversation:
Vision for Less Invasive Surgery - Abele's mission was about reducing Time, Cost, and Trauma for patients and the healthcare system by innovating products for less-invasive medicine.
Culture of Creativity: Encouraging a culture that questions the status quo to continually improve.
Collaboration: Bringing together engineers, doctors, and business experts to solve complex problems.
“Gracious Professionalism” & “Co-opetition”: Emphasizing professional courtesy and cooperative competition to drive progress, innovation, and invention.
Always stay curious!
A few Leadership Thoughts: Leaders vs. Psuedo-leaders
Leaders invest in what they believe—Pseudo leaders focus on image not substance
Leaders want to create something of value—psuedo leaders want to be rich
Leaders don’t follow a formula—they question assumptions and themselves, provoke and challenge, test and question
Leaders focus on structure that serves customers and clients— Pseudo leaders focus on power and wealth.
Dr. Charles T. Dotter (1964 LIFE Magazine): Pioneer in the field of interventional radiology.
Barry Katzen, MD: Renowned interventional radiologist.
Barry J. Marshall, Nobel Laureate: His work in physiology and medicine inspired medical innovation.
Andreas Grüntzig, MD: Developed balloon angioplasty, influencing less invasive surgical techniques.
Shockwave Medical: Advancing intravascular lithotripsy to treat calcified cardiovascular disease.
Argosy Foundation: Non-profit family foundation
FIRST Robotics: Promoting science and technology education among youth while teaching leadership.
The Spray: the sailboat used during the first solo circumnavigation of the Earth
The Ship in the Balloon: Book about Boston Scientific Corporation
Peter M. “Pete” Nicholas: Co-founder of Boston Scientific Corporation and John Abele’s business partner
Michael “Mike” Mahoney: Chairman & CEO of Boston Scientific Corporation
John E. Abele’s journey offers a blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders. Stay tuned for more enlightening conversations on our podcast, where we bring you stories and insights from the world’s most influential thought leaders.
John Abele BIO:
John Abele is a pioneer and leader in the field of less-invasive medicine. For more than four decades, John has devoted himself to innovation in health care, business and solving social problems.
He is the retired Founding Chairman of Boston Scientific Corporation. John holds numerous patents and has published and lectured extensively on the technology of various medical devices and on the technical, social, economic, and political trends and issues affecting healthcare.
His major interests are science literacy for children, education, and the process by which new technology is invented, developed, and introduced to society.
One of John’s passions is his work with FIRST Robotics, an international program which works with high school kids to make being science-literate cool and fun. Additionally, the development of The Kingbridge Conference Centre and Institute, a conferencing institution whose mission is to research, develop, and teach improved methods for interactive conferencing, problem solving, conflict resolution, strategic planning, new methods for learning and generally help groups to become “collectively intelligent,” is an important part of his work.
He lives with his wife and dog in Shelburne, Vermont.
