What does it really take to build a successful, full-service agency in the increasingly complex world of healthcare marketing?
In this episode of Managing Marketing, Stewart Gandolf, CEO of Healthcare Success, joins host Darren Woolley to reflect on his 20+ years in the industry, including what worked, what didn’t, and why deep expertise matters more than ever.
From navigating generational shifts and AI disruption to earning the trust of skeptical healthcare audiences, Stewart shares what it takes not only to survive but to lead in a crowded agency landscape.
Why This Conversation Matters
Healthcare marketing is more nuanced than ever, requiring a deep understanding of how people think, how healthcare providers operate, and how trust is built.
With changing patient expectations, the rise of wellness culture, AI disruption, and growing public skepticism, Stewart makes the case for true specialization and explains why it has become a must-have for modern healthcare brands.
This episode offers a front-row seat to how Healthcare Success built long-term success by focusing on specialization, client trust, and, above all, credibility.
Strategic Takeaways
- Specialization isn’t limiting, it’s your moat.
A defensible niche offers staying power and a clear differentiator in a noisy market. - Generational shifts are changing expectations.
Baby Boomers and GenXers are driving demand and redefining how care is marketed. - AI is accelerating change.
From strategy to execution, agencies must evolve faster than ever or risk falling behind.
- Procurement-led RFPs are a double-edged sword.
They can alienate the best-fit agencies when they lack transparency, context, or clear goals. - Fluency in healthcare matters.
Real results require more than surface-level marketing. Clients want partners who speak their language and understand the stakes.
“Specialization may seem limiting, but if you pick the right niche, it becomes a competitive advantage that’s hard to replicate.”
Stewart Gandolf
CEO of Healthcare Success
