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Tech Turnarounds and Unveiling Health Tech's Potential: Insights from Fractional C-Suite Executive Denise Smith

Published Aug 16, 2023

Updated Aug 16, 2023

2 min read

Tracy Lee sits down with Denise Smith, an accomplished fractional C-suite executive specializing in technology turnarounds, mergers, and acquisitions. In this conversation, they explore the world of health tech, and discuss the critical role engineering leaders play in understanding and navigating the financial aspects of their businesses.

Denise’s journey into the tech world began with a degree in chemistry from Spelman College. She found her niche in technology by coding SQL databases and working on Y2K projects. This pivot marked her entry into technology consulting and set the stage for her career in the industry. Her current role involves being a fractional C-suite executive, such as a CTO, CEO, or COO, for companies in need of turnaround expertise or support during mergers and acquisitions.

The Exciting Landscape of Health Tech:

Denise's specialization in health tech offers her unique insights into the convergence of technology and healthcare. She highlights the opportunities to leverage technology to help people thrive in the digital age, focusing on digital equity and how solutions can empower populations to access vital information quickly. In the context of health tech, technology can play a crucial role in aiding first responders during emergencies and improving overall response times.

Pivoting and Adaptation in the Face of Challenges:

The interview explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tech companies, particularly those focusing on COVID-related solutions. Denise acknowledges that many companies faced challenges when the immediate need for their products diminished as the pandemic situation improved. She emphasizes the importance of pivoting business strategies to discover new opportunities and income streams. Denise's role often involves analyzing customer segments and generating product roadmaps to drive revenue growth.

Guiding Principles for Successful Leadership:

Denise's expertise extends beyond technology to financial literacy and leadership strategy. She emphasizes the significance of engineering leaders understanding their company's financials, such as customer acquisition costs and customer long-term value. This knowledge empowers leaders to make informed decisions and contribute to the overall growth and success of the business. Additionally, she stresses the importance of empathetic leadership and fostering a positive company culture during times of change and adaptation.

Unexpected Paths to Leadership Success:

One of the standout aspects of the interview is Denise's recommendation to explore unconventional routes for leadership development. She shares her experience with the BLCK VC program (Black Venture Capital), which exposed her to venture funding and financial insights that significantly impacted her leadership journey. Denise's story underscores the value of embracing unique learning opportunities that broaden leadership skillsets.

Denise Smith's insightful interview provides valuable takeaways for engineering leaders seeking to navigate business challenges and drive growth. From understanding financial metrics to fostering empathy and embracing non-traditional learning experiences, her journey and expertise offer a refreshing perspective on the intersection of technology, leadership, and business success.

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We love helping teams with projects that have missed their deadlines or helping keep your strategic digital initiatives on course. Check out our case studies and our clients that trust us with their engineering.

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Tech Turnarounds and Unveiling Health Tech's Potential: Insights from Fractional C-Suite Executive Denise Smith

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