Ep. 62: Mike Kijewski's Journey from High School Physics Teacher to Medcrypt CEO
In this episode, Darren Reinke speaks with Mike Kijewski, the founder and CEO of MedCrypt. Mike discusses his journey from teaching high school physics to pioneering cybersecurity solutions for medical devices. He shares insights into his career transitions, the challenges of starting a tech company, and the impact of cybersecurity on medical technology.
Medcrypt is a team of medical device experts who are laser-focused on supporting MDMs and bringing cybersecurity to the next generation of healthcare technology. Medcrypt helps healthcare technology companies ensure medical devices are secure by design. They provide cybersecurity products and strategic consulting to expedite the go-to-market process of medical device manufacturers' new life-saving connected technologies.
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SHOW NOTES
Mike's background as a high school physics teacher and his transition to the business world [00:47]
The decision to leave teaching for better financial prospects and the jump to healthcare technology [02:36]
Early career steps in medical device field and entrepreneurship insights [03:00]
From teaching to founding a tech company: The value of communication skills acquired as an educator [05:29]
Discussing the practical applications of physics and education's impact on Mike’s career [05:53]
Reflections on business risks and transitions into the entrepreneurial space [07:00]
The genesis of MedCrypt and the critical importance of cybersecurity in medical devices [08:58]
Challenges and pivotal moments in establishing MedCrypt [17:20]
Developing leadership and managerial skills in a technical environment [20:03]
The role of soft skills in technical fields and the journey of continuous learning [22:36]
The importance of human connection in business and personal anecdotes from Mike’s life [26:41]
Future directions for MedCrypt in the evolving landscape of medical device security [30:43]
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For additional leadership tips, be sure to check out Darren's book - The Savage Leader: 13 Principles to Become a Better Leader from the Inside Out.