Episode #123. Beyond the Buzzwords: What Really Drives Healthcare Innovation, with Will Conaway, Vice President of Consulting and Provider Leader at NTT Data

The cybersecurity landscape is constantly shifting and requires continuous education.
In this episode, Will Conaway shares invaluable lessons learned from a career that has spanned executive roles at major healthcare systems to leadership positions in the technology sector. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and solving client pain points, predicting industry trends, and crafting implementable strategies. He also highlights the significance of cybersecurity as an indicator of organizational maturity and offers advice to aspiring IT professionals, urging them to embrace continuous learning and personal reinvention.
Tune in to gain insights into navigating the complexities of healthcare IT and learn how to drive meaningful change while staying true to a greater purpose!
For more information and ways to increase risk awareness and safety, visit us at www.censinet.com.
About Will Conaway:
Will Conaway is an award-winning healthcare and technology executive whose visionary leadership has consistently driven transformative change across large healthcare systems and global organizations. With extensive experience in roles such as Chief Information Officer, Chief Growth Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Vice President of Consulting, he has successfully led strategic planning, innovation, and growth initiatives. Recognized as a trusted subject matter expert, Will has earned accolades like the BT150 Award and Oncon Icon Award for his dedication and impact. Concurrently, he inspires future leaders as an educator at Cornell University, where he teaches at the ILR School and the Sloan School of Human Ecology, facilitating courses emphasizing strategic thinking and practical excellence. Will is also Vice President of Consulting and Provider Leader at NTT Data. His contributions extend to various high-level advisory boards and industry councils, affirming his influence in shaping the future of healthcare technology. Through his work, Will exemplifies the pursuit of excellence and enduring impact on the industry.
Things You’ll Learn:
- Don't just sell technology for technology's sake. To be a successful technology consultant in the healthcare industry, you must deeply understand what problems your clients are facing and propose innovative insights that can be realistically implemented.
- A strong cyber program isn't just about security; it's a sign of a mature and well-managed organization. The level of investment and sophistication in cybersecurity often correlates with an organization's overall operational effectiveness and risk appetite.
- AI can level the playing field by augmenting the capabilities of both physicians and patients. Patients will continue to drive the implementation and adaptation of technology into healthcare from the outside in rather than provider-out.
- No matter how good you are in your field, there will always be a time of replacement, and the business/technology landscape will constantly be evolving. You must be ready to reinvent yourself every few years to remain relevant and in demand.
- The cybersecurity landscape is constantly shifting and requires continuous education. New graduates should "learn how to learn" to stay on the leading edge of technology and implementation.