The Voice Behind The Podcast

Written for McKesson Medical-Surgical

I recently had the privilege of talking with Tom VerDouw, Home Medical Equipment (HME) Area Sales Manager. While his day job is leading the Midwest region for the HME team, he is also the creator and host of an original podcast series where he interviews a broad group of guests to discuss topics ranging from the Healthcare industry to Med-Surg teams.

We discussed how the podcast started and the lessons he's learned along the way. I know I left our conversation feeling inspired and motivated, and I hope you feel the same.

We'd also like to extend our congratulations to the VerDouws who are expecting another "little lady" in July.

When did this podcast start? What was the inspiration for it?

Being in sales, I have to travel a lot for my job. On the road I enjoy listening to lots of podcasts and one of the ones I listen to pretty regularly is by Gary Vaynerchuk. In one of his podcasts I heard him say something to the effect of, "If you are a sales manager and you are not doing a sales podcast, you are missing out." That really got me thinking and I told my wife, "I gotta do this." and that was really my "holy sh*t moment."

After that I bought a microphone, built a business plan and presented it to Jeff Bowman. Jeff said, "Let me listen to it first" and then encouraged me to go forward. This was about a year and a half ago.

“I really love doing unique projects - they motivate me.”

What's your favorite part of conducting these podcasts?

I like everything about it. After the initial interview to building the show around the interview, making a clear message in each episode and adding music. I like interviewing executives because we mostly see them in their business roles, but on the podcast we see them as individuals outside of work, their interests and it personalizes their brand.

How often do you record episodes?

When I first started I recorded every two weeks, but that's gotten more difficult with my work schedule. So far I've done 19 episodes and am on the verge of launching the 20th.

What channels do you use to promote them to your audience?

Right now I have two ways. I send them out to an email list with every HME inside sales, field sales and corporate sales reps, as well as other individuals I've added like anyone I've interviewed and their assistants. If anyone wants to be included just drop me a line and I'll put you on the distribution list. I also post them on Chatter on Salesforce.com (SFDC).

Someday I'd like to see an Internal Podcast Network with all the sales channels and maybe even one for the total corporate audience. But, that's a future dream.

Who is your primary audience?

HME sales is the primary audience but I'm always interested in broadening that scope and am open for suggestions. I'd like to eventually grow the podcast outside of just the HME and sales audience and make it even more impactful throughout the company.

Who has been your favorite interview so far?

Jeff Baird, he's the chairman of the Health Care Group; Brown & Fortunado Law Firm. I did a two-part series with him where he talked about agendas on the hill in Washington and how he lobbies for the good of HME. It was interesting to get his perspective as someone from outside of McKesson. He is a well-known lawyer in the healthcare industry.

Who would you like to interview at McKesson but haven’t had the opportunity to yet?

Definitely Brian Tyler, President & CEO of McKesson, and Emilie Ray, President, Transformation Initiatives.

Dream interview outside of McKesson?

Lebron James for sure, I'm a big basketball fan and played while I was in college, and Gary Vaynerchuk.

Do you take requests from employees for people to interview?

Yeah I encourage any recommendations people have for the podcast.

“I build this podcast for people to learn and continue to be engaged. It's really theirs.”

What are your key takeaways from doing the podcast?

If you have an idea, you should act upon it. Have the courage to stick your neck out and try it. I’m living proof. What’s the worst that could happen? It might not work out but it’s an important part of learning and growth. Step outside your comfort zone and act upon that idea.

It's been an awesome challenge to get through learning how to interview and record people for the podcast and the quality has improved over time as I've become more comfortable as host. It's definitely a cool growth opportunity for sure.