Julien is the CEO / Founder of Galen Growth, the global leader in Digital Health private market data, intelligence and insights to industry, investors and innovators. With over 30 years of experience in healthcare with leading brands including Lilly, Boston Scientific, Baxter, GSK, Merck & Co, Julien has a deep understanding of organic and inorganic growth in healthcare in both developed and emerging markets. He has gained extensive international business experience across Europe, Middle East and Asia.
Julien is a change catalyst and evangelist who challenges the status quo in healthcare with a deep understanding of the world in which healthcare systems and other key stakeholders’ function, driven by his passion and knowledge around deep-tech innovation in transforming healthcare.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with Digital First Magazine, Julien shared his career trajectory, the inspiration behind establishing Galen Growth, personal role model and favorite quote, key qualities required to be a successful healthtech leader and a change agent, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Julien, can you tell us a bit about your backstory and what brought you to this specific career path?
I have over 30 years of experience in healthcare working with leading brands including Lilly, Boston Scientific, Baxter, GSK, Merck & Co.
I have a deep understanding of organic and inorganic growth in healthcare in both developed and emerging markets. I gained extensive international business experience across Europe, Middle East and Asia.
What was the inspiration behind establishing Galen Growth? Tell us about its mission and vision.
I founded Galen Growth in a quest to solve a pain point which is that there was no reliable and accurate source of data for Digital Health to enable industry and investors to engage, navigate and make informed decisions about Digital Health innovation.
We launched HealthTech Alpha in 2018 and, five years later, it is now the global leading Digital Health data, intel and insights platform.
You strongly believe that medicine and healthcare are being transformed, driven by Deep Tech, representing an unprecedented opportunity for better patient outcomes. Can you please shed light on some of these opportunities for better patient outcomes?
I strongly believe that medicine and healthcare are on the cusp of a transformative era driven by Deep Tech, offering unprecedented opportunities for improved patient outcomes. Digital health is poised to play a pivotal role in democratizing healthcare delivery by enhancing awareness, increasing access, and improving affordability for patients, thus ensuring more inclusive care. Moreover, in the realm of biopharma research and development, Digital Health is set to boost productivity, yielding more cost-effective solutions to combat various diseases. It holds the potential to revolutionize our ailing healthcare systems by streamlining processes, reducing inefficiencies, and ultimately fixing what’s broken in the healthcare landscape. This technological revolution promises a brighter future for healthcare, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.
Would you share a role model or quote you find inspiring? What about this person or quote inspires you?
Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple and one of the most influential figures in the tech industry, is well-known for his innovative thinking and relentless pursuit of excellence. I particularly like one of his better-known quotes which is “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.”
How do you stay up to date with the latest healthtech trends and innovations?
To stay up to date with the latest Digital Health trends and innovations, I rely on the expertise of my Galen growth team, who are recognized as some of the best experts in Digital Health. In addition, I regularly leverage HealthTech Alpha, the global leading digital health data, intel, and insights platform, to industry, investors and innovators. This combination allows me to access cutting-edge information and insights, ensuring that I remain informed about the latest developments in the rapidly evolving Digital Health industry.
In your opinion, what does it take to be a successful healthtech leader and a change agent?
In my opinion, to be a successful Digital Health leader and a change agent, it takes a combination of qualities. Firstly, patience is crucial, as the healthcare industry is highly regulated and slow to adopt new technologies. It’s essential to persevere and navigate the complexities with patience. Additionally, one should focus on proof points rather than falling for clickbait trends. Success in Digital Health requires a rigorous commitment to evidence-based outcomes and real, tangible improvements in healthcare delivery. By staying patient and grounded in solid proof points, a leader can drive meaningful and lasting change in this dynamic field.
What are some of your passions outside of work? What do you like to do in your time off?
Outside of work, I’m truly passionate about spending quality time with my family and friends, cherishing those connections and creating lasting memories. My dog, Isa, a beautiful black Labrador, is a bundle of joy, and I enjoy taking her for long walks and exploring the outdoors together. Photography has been a hobby I’ve embraced for a while, capturing the beauty of life’s moments and scenery through my lens. Recently, I’ve also found great enjoyment in riding my new mountain bike, combining exercise and adventure as I explore scenic trails.
What is one piece of advice that you can share with aspiring healthtech professionals?
The one piece of advice I can share with aspiring Digital Health professionals is this: Building the best product doesn’t guarantee success in the industry. While innovation is vital, it’s equally important to focus on concrete proof points, not just compelling stories. In healthcare technology, success is determined by real-world impact, scalability, and a deep understanding of the complex healthcare ecosystem. So, remember to combine innovation with a data-driven approach, ensuring that your solutions make a tangible difference and meet the evolving needs of the healthcare sector.