When it comes to connecting people, ideas, and innovation in healthcare marketing, few do it with as much intention as Adam Otey, VP of Growth at Huge Inc. As a longtime member of the Swaay.Health community and the 2023 Swaay.Health Community Member of the Year, Adam has built his career around the belief that relationships, not transactions, are what drive real growth.

In a recent conversation, Adam joined me to talk about his journey, what’s driving transformation at Huge, and why cultivating connection is more critical than ever in healthcare marketing.

• ???? Connection Over Transaction: Adam champions the idea of building genuine relationships, focusing on “relational intelligence” (RQ) as the foundation for lasting success in healthcare marketing.

• ???? Be a Sponge, Not a Spectator: Whether mentoring students at NYU or engaging at industry events, Adam believes the most impactful professionals are those who listen, learn, and give back to the community.

• ???? Community as a Catalyst: Adam sees industry gatherings like HCIC and Swaay.Health as more than conferences, they’re spaces to recharge, share ideas, and build partnerships that move healthcare marketing forward.

When asked what drives him to keep giving back to the Swaay.Health community, Adam’s answer was simple: relationships.

“I always talk about having a high RQ—relational quotient—versus just a high IQ or EQ,” he explained. “It’s about connecting more than networking. We want to foster long-term relationships and professional growth without making it transactional.”

That mindset has been a constant in Adam’s career. The Swaay.Health community, he says, has provided a “home base” for learning, mentorship, and inspiration, a place where collaboration fuels growth.

Winning the Swaay.Health Community Member Award two years ago became a moment of reflection for him. “It gave me an opportunity to sit back and be recognized by my peers—people I’ve looked up to and who’ve mentored me. It meant a lot.”

One of Adam’s recent milestones came from an unexpected place: a layover at LaGuardia Airport. While waiting for a flight, a chance conversation with a professor from NYU’s School of Business led to an invitation to speak to graduate students studying integrated marketing.

The talk he gave, “Hacking the Corporate Algorithm,” centered on the value of relational intelligence. “Your degree might get your foot in the door,” he told students, “but your ability to connect with others is what will drive your career and create lasting impact.”

The experience was transformational, he said, both humbling and energizing. “It was great to see students follow up afterward, asking for advice or help improving their LinkedIn profiles. It reminded me how much small connections can lead to big opportunities.”

As someone who thrives on connection, it’s no surprise that Adam is a regular at industry conferences, especially the Healthcare Interactive Conference (HCIC).

“I’ve lost count of how many HCICs I’ve attended,” he laughed. “It’s always informative, educational, and full of great people. You come back with a full tank of new ideas and fresh inspiration.”

He credits events like HCIC and the Swaay.Health Annual Conference for fostering the kind of meaningful relationships that lead to real innovation. “These conferences are where long-term partnerships begin,” he said. “They’re where our industry grows.”

And, as Adam shared, this year’s conference will feature one more can’t-miss opportunity for connection. Swaay.Health and Huge Inc. are partnering up for a Happy Hour during HCIC on Monday November 10th at 7:30pm at Caesars Palace Montecristo Cigar Bar Courtyard.  Come connect, create, and get inspired by other healthcare marketers. RSVP here to save your spot.

From mentoring the next generation to helping healthcare brands navigate the AI-driven future, Adam embodies what makes the Swaay.Health community so special, leaders who connect, uplift, and drive change through purpose and partnership.

Learn more about the Swaay.Health Awards and how to nomination for yourself, a colleague, or a friend who deserves the spotlight here.