In today’s employment landscape, innovation alone isn’t enough to win the race for top talent. The most capable executives and emerging leaders aren’t just looking for another job — they’re searching for a mission worth committing to. They want to see substance behind the strategy, leadership behind the logo, and a purpose that feels real.
Competing on More Than Innovation
Startups in my niche of MedTech and Lifesciences, often pride themselves on being first-to-market or developing cutting-edge solutions. But when it comes to hiring, they’re not only competing on innovation — they’re competing on trust.
Top candidates in this industry are seasoned, skeptical, and selective. They’ve seen promising technologies fail due to poor leadership or unclear strategy. So, when you’re trying to attract them, remember: they’re not just evaluating your product. They’re evaluating you.
Ask yourself — what does your leadership communicate to the market? Does your story signal clarity, confidence, and credibility? The best candidates follow strong leaders who make complex things simple, who articulate why their innovation matters, and who can translate that into a tangible impact on patient lives.
If you want to attract exceptional people, you have to show them not just what you’re building, but what you believe — and how your vision solves real-world health challenges. Clarity breeds confidence, and confidence attracts talent.
Your Mission Is Your Magnet
Too many companies treat their mission statement as a branding exercise — a few polished sentences buried on the website. But in truth, your mission is your most powerful recruiting asset.
Purpose-driven candidates want to know how their work will make a difference. They’re drawn to organizations that connect the dots between science, technology, and humanity. To them, joining an innovative company isn’t just about career advancement; it’s about contributing to something larger than themselves.
The companies that win the war for talent know how to make their mission felt. They share patient stories, celebrate milestones that matter, and communicate outcomes in human terms, not just technical specs. They use authentic storytelling to bridge the gap between what they do and why it matters.
When candidates can see — and feel — the connection between your purpose and their own values, attraction becomes real. They don’t just see a job; they see a cause.
Authenticity Is the Ultimate Differentiator
The final piece of talent magnetism is authenticity. Candidates can spot spin from a mile away. What they crave is honesty — about your challenges, your growth stage, and your ambitions. Transparency builds trust faster than perfection ever could.
So, show up as you are. Share your wins and your lessons learned. Let your leaders be visible, your culture be known, and your mission be lived daily. When you do, you’ll notice something powerful: the right people start finding you.
Attracting great talent isn’t about louder recruiting; it’s about clearer storytelling. Lead with purpose, communicate with authenticity, and embody the trust you want others to place in you. That’s true talent magnetism.
Ken Dropiewski
Partner
dropiewski@mbexec.com
303.810.7897
Ken Dropiewski is a Partner with McDermott + Bull and a highly respected and seasoned expert in the MedTech industry with nearly 30 years of experience. Ken is driven by a mission to advance the industry by connecting visionary leaders and investors with opportunities that create meaningful impact and improve lives worldwide. He is the host of Investor Insights, profiling top investors in MedTech, and the founder of the news-sharing platform, CardiacVascularNews. Before his career in search, Ken spent time at Johnson &Johnson and Boston Scientific.