In a lively and insightful Swaay.Health “Coffee Chat Roundtable,” Colin Hung and I were joined by healthcare marketing experts Burt Rosen and Julie Wolk.  During our conversation, we shared unfiltered realities of our career journeys, challenges we’ve faced in the industry, and valuable advice for those seeking jobs or looking to make an impact. The discussion sheds light on the evolving landscape of healthcare marketing and the skills necessary to thrive.

Catch the entire discussion for more insights and in-depth perspectives on navigating a career in healthcare marketing:

We began the conversation by discussing how we entered the field, with most of us taking unexpected paths. Julie humorously likened her entry to a “Jack Sparrow drunken trip.” This serendipitous journey allowed her to develop a unique approach to healthcare marketing, one that emphasizes creativity as a powerful differentiator in a traditionally conservative industry. “I like to joke that everybody works in healthcare, just some people get paid for it,” Burt remarked, highlighting healthcare’s universal impact and the unique role marketers play in shaping its narrative.

Here are some key takeaways from the panel’s engaging and insightful discussion:

Creativity emerged as a vital skill for healthcare marketers, offering a unique opportunity to disrupt the status quo in an industry that often defaults to conservative approaches. Burt emphasized that “the bar is kind of low,” making it easier for bold, innovative ideas to stand out and resonate with audiences. Colin echoed this sentiment, describing creativity as a chance to “push the envelope” and redefine how healthcare brands connect with consumers. By embracing out-of-the-box thinking, marketers can move beyond product-centric messaging to deliver impactful, benefit-driven campaigns that truly engage their audience.

One of the key takeaways from the discussion was the importance of incorporating ideas from outside the healthcare industry to invigorate marketing strategies. Burt emphasized the need to hire professionals with non-healthcare backgrounds to challenge traditional thinking and foster innovation. “If I was to improve healthcare marketing one way, I’d hire more non-healthcare marketing people,” Burt explained. “I don’t want people who immediately say, ‘I can’t do that because it’s against this regulation.’ I want people who say, ‘Hey, I want to go do this,’ and then we figure out a way to make it work.” This approach, he suggested, can help disrupt conservative mindsets and inspire fresh, impactful ideas.

Necessary Skills for Healthcare Marketers:

Beyond creativity, the discussion highlighted several critical skills for success in healthcare marketing, including patience, flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to simplify complex information. Colin underscored the importance of patience, saying, “The one skill that I think to be a successful healthcare marketer you need is patience… and tolerance.” Julie added, “I would also include flexibility… you need to be able to adapt to so many different types of audiences.” Together, these qualities help marketers navigate the unique challenges of the industry while effectively reaching diverse stakeholders.

The panel shared valuable advice for those seeking careers in healthcare marketing:

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• Create Creative Resumes: A marketing resume should be a showcase of your skills, effectively demonstrating your ability to market yourself. Julie emphasized this point, stating, “If you’re in marketing and you’re going after a marketing role, your resume is your piece—that’s your proof, saying, ‘Am I a good marketer or not?’”
  
• Keep Networking: Networking is a critical role in healthcare marketing and career success. Julie shared her experience, stating, “I’ve never landed a role without having a connection or being networked into it.”
  
• Build a Personal Board of Directors: Establishing a personal board of directors can provide invaluable guidance and fresh perspectives for navigating your career. Julie shared, “Think about setting up a personal board of directors, people who can challenge your thinking, hold you accountable, and inspire you. Half of them could be imaginary—leaders or innovators you admire from afar—because their values and approach can still influence how you grow and make decisions.”
  
• Self-Reflection, Gratitude and Inspiration: Recharging, finding inspiration, and practicing self-care are essential not only for evaluating your career path but also for daily resets. Our panelists highlighted practices such as grounding (walking barefoot outside), gratitude journaling, meditation, and goal-setting as top priorities for maintaining balance and focus.