In today's fast-paced world, the intersection of healthcare and marketing creates opportunities for powerful narratives that inspire. Through storytelling and experiences, the Incredible Machines podcast show highlights individuals who uniquely impact the world. In this episode, Sean Tickner’s journey through prosthetics and orthotics showcases the power of adaptability, community, and leadership in a way that applies to healthcare and marketing.
Sean Tickner’s story began in Durban, South Africa, where he grew up with a strong sense of community and purpose. Fast forward to 20 years into his career as a clinician in orthotics and prosthetics, and Sean finds himself in New Zealand, bringing his expertise to a new healthcare system. Just before the global pandemic, his move taught him crucial lessons about adaptability and service in a time of global uncertainty.
Sean’s career in prosthetics and orthotics showcases the incredible parallels between healthcare and marketing: both require problem-solving, deep empathy, and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups of people. In the same way, a healthcare professional must tailor solutions to a patient’s unique needs, marketers must craft campaigns that resonate with their audience's pain points and desires.
One of the most compelling aspects of Sean’s work in New Zealand is his dedication to building trust with his patients. As he mentions, treating every patient as an individual is crucial, creating a safe space where they feel heard, especially in an overwhelmed healthcare system. This mindset resonates in marketing as well: the brands that listen to their consumers and engage authentically are the ones that foster long-term loyalty and trust.
Sean’s philosophy in healthcare—ensuring that the best possible outcome is achieved for every patient—can be mirrored in the customer-centric approach many businesses strive for today. In marketing, it’s not just about the most expensive or flashy product; it’s about the one that serves the customer’s specific needs and adds value to their lives.
In healthcare and marketing, technology has become an incredible machine, pushed boundaries and allowing for personalized, data-driven approaches. Sean’s journey into custom prosthetics is a perfect analogy for how marketers today use AI and machine learning to create hyper-personalized campaigns. As he explained, orthotics isn’t just about providing a standard brace—it’s about tailoring the solution to each patient’s unique circumstances, much like how AI-driven marketing campaigns are designed for individual consumers based on their behaviors and preferences.
Outside of his professional work, Sean is deeply involved in volunteerism, serving as a firefighter in both South Africa and New Zealand. His dedication to serving the community speaks to the value of authentic engagement—a critical lesson for marketers. Whether through brand activism or corporate social responsibility initiatives, businesses today are learning that consumers appreciate brands that give back and stand for something greater.
This lesson in leadership through service is something both healthcare professionals and marketers can learn from engaging authentically with your community builds credibility, trust, and long-term success. As Sean emphasizes, being present and involved in the community is a powerful way to create meaningful connections, whether that community is a town or a consumer base.
One particularly interesting marketing parallel from Sean’s experience was his participation in a global whiskey campaign with Bushmills. The campaign centered on user-generated content and authentic storytelling.
The "Make it to Bushmills" campaign succeeded because it connected with people on a personal level, asking participants to share their authentic stories.
Sean Tickner’s journey, as explored in the Incredible Machines podcast episode, is a powerful reminder that the best outcomes—whether in healthcare or marketing—are achieved through empathy, authenticity, and a deep commitment to service. His ability to adapt, lead, and build trust offers valuable lessons for businesses aiming to create impactful campaigns and forge lasting relationships with their audiences.
If you’re ready to discover the incredible machine within your business, contact TIM Africa today. Let’s create marketing strategies that connect deeply with your audience and drive real-world results.
Empathy in Healthcare and Marketing: Whether you’re a healthcare provider or a marketer, listening to your audience’s needs is the key to building trust.