Marcus Stow is an experienced nursing officer, clinical leader, and innovation adviser, who joined the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme as a mentor in 2019.
Name: Marcus Stow, OBE, MStJ, RN
Occupation: Nurse, clinical leader and innovation adviser.
With 20 years’ experience within the Royal Air Force, Marcus has delivered 29 new and unique products into Military service and has received an OBE for his efforts.
With a broad portfolio in MedTech and after leaving the RAF in 2022, he became an advisor to a number of healthcare start-ups and works with NGOs to support international aid and recovery. In addition, Marcus is the non-executive director on the Royal College of Surgeons innovation hub.
Marcus is particularly interested in novel/ disruptive solutions with a broad utility that directly improve patient care and survivability.
Why did you choose to become a mentor on the NHS CEP, are you enjoying the experience and how have you supported your mentee/s so far?
“I’ve been a Mentor on the programme for the last 3 years as I want to help entrepreneurs succeed in their endeavours and thus propel Healthcare forward.
I love learning about new technologies and new approaches to existing problems and I want to be able to impart the lessons I have learnt. This is so that others don’t have to make the mistakes that I (or others) have before.
I really enjoy engaging with interesting and dynamic Innovators who want to make a difference. It is invigorating and refreshing in an age of turmoil within healthcare.
I have supported mentees with VP, USP refinement and connection within appropriate networks. I can also act as a Super User, strategic advisor, and/or leadership mentor – whatever is required for each Mentee.”
What do you think makes a good mentor and can you see the impact that mentoring is having on your mentee?
“A good mentor provides adaptability to the problem, the solution and the mentee themselves – this is so important. Measured honesty is key, but you must provide support, optimism and help work through difficulties.
I like to think I have increased the confidence of my mentees and allowed them access to the broader Innovation community.
Ensure you choose the correct mentee, don’t be scared to turn some down, you need to be able to provide expert support as well as ‘like’ both them and the idea – otherwise it’s a waste of time.”
What is the best piece of advice you have been given in your professional career?
“Be yourself, relax into it, do not try to be someone else or what people tell you to be.”
Marcus Stow is one of over 300 professionals that volunteer there support to the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme and support our next generation of innovators. If you are interested in supporting the programme visit our mentor pages
TRANSFORMING HEALTHCARE THROUGH INNOVATION
