Podcast Summary: Mick Unplugged

Episode: Breaking Stigmas with Brandon Sawalich
Host: Mick Hunt
Guest: Brandon Sawalich, CEO of Starkey
Date: October 13, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode features an inspiring conversation between host Mick Hunt and Brandon Sawalich, CEO of Starkey, the globally leading wearable hearing technology company. The dialogue dives deep into Brandon’s journey from intern to CEO, the power of a deep-rooted “Because” purpose, modern leadership principles, breaking social stigmas around hearing loss, and Starkey’s pioneering work in health-tech, AI, and customer-centric product design. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, Brandon and Mick challenge listeners to reimagine hearing health, lead with care, and harness innovation for impactful change.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Power of “Because” and Breaking Stigmas

[02:28]

• Host’s Query: Mick asks Brandon to share his “Because”—the deeper motivation that drives him beyond the typical ‘why’.
• Brandon’s Response:

  “My ‘Because’ is I’m always challenging the status quo because I’ve been told I can’t do something or it won’t work. So I like to try it.” (D, 03:44)

• Brandon shares a formative Disneyland memory from his childhood that encapsulates his relentless drive to look “up and out,” resist confinement, and always seek what could be.

2. Breaking the Stigma of Hearing Loss

[04:05 – 07:20]

• Host’s Framing: Hearing loss carries outdated stereotypes—bulky, whistling devices; social discomfort; avoidance until it’s “too late.”
• Brandon’s Mission: Modern hearing tech is “cool,” invisible, multifaceted, and empowering, with features supporting daily connectivity, entertainment, language translation, and personal health.

  “Today’s technology is cool... We have to make complex simple to help people with their everyday life. We change people’s lives.” (D, 04:25)

3. Caring Culture and Leadership Journey

[07:31 – 12:17]

• Culture at Starkey:

  “You have a caring attitude or you don’t. It gives me satisfaction to help somebody out, to see that smile...my mindset even today is just helping.” (D, 08:05)

• Brandon attributes Starkey’s success to a culture built on caring, dedication, teamwork, and inverted leadership—a pyramid where the CEO serves the team.

  “I invert the pyramid. I’m not at the top. I’m here to help everybody be successful and understand the work they do matters.” (D, 11:27)

• The founder’s story (starting in a basement in 1967) and unwavering values deeply shaped Brandon’s leadership philosophy.

4. Innovation, AI, and the Future of Hearing Tech

[14:46 – 19:36]

• Innovation in Action:
  • Starkey redefined hearing aids as wearable multipurpose devices: “The ear is the new wrist.”
  • Products now integrate superior sound quality, health/wellness tracking (e.g., steps, fall detection, heart rate), and a personal assistant akin to “Jarvis for your ear.”

  “Our products analyze the sound where they’re coming from, but also know what type of hearing loss and how it’s personally programmed...It’s a superpower.” (D, 18:22) “Think of Iron Man and Jarvis...it’s going to be your personal assistant in your ear.” (D, 17:38)

5. The Human Impact: Focus, Clarity, and Brain Health

[19:36 – 21:21]

• Advancements don’t just serve those with severe loss; even mild impairment can erode focus, increase fatigue, and cause social withdrawal.
• Connectedness is vital for cognitive function, emotional health, and staving off loneliness, depression, and dementia.

  “People with hearing loss start to draw inward...loneliness can be the onset of depression. So how can we bring solutions to keep the brain and person as active as possible?” (D, 20:03)

6. Signs, Solutions, and Having the Conversation

[21:21 – 24:44]

• Recognizing Hearing Loss:
  • Signs often arise from others: turning the TV too loud, missing conversations, or being told you’re not listening.
  • Brandon encourages open dialogue, sensitivity, and early evaluation (available at starkey.com).
• Hearing loss occurs younger than ever—especially with “Generation Z and Gen X” due to lifestyle and noise exposure.

  “You don’t know it unless someone else points it out... you’re just reconnected... our products can outperform even the normal performance of hearing.” (D, 21:47)

7. The Next Frontier for Hearing Health

[24:44 – 29:06]

• Starkey remains committed to being the innovation leader and is now on its “eighth generation of AI.”
• Future features: Advanced connectivity, emotional health monitoring, enhanced personal assistant functions, and biometric sensors.
• Accessible, wearable health tech will become an everyday tool—delivering value for both those with and without hearing loss.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Leadership and Culture:

  “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” (D, 32:56)

• On Innovation’s Potential:

  “It’s not just a product that’s amplifying sound. It’s a mini computer that’s thinking and helping you.” (D, 17:38)

• On Self-perception and Confidence:

  “He wanted to have a certain confidence, a certain swagger in public that he felt he couldn’t have if he wore [a bulky hearing aid].” (C, 06:01)

Rapid Fire: Getting to Know Brandon Sawalich

[31:04 – 33:00]

• Who picks up the dinner check (Brandon, Zach Rosenfeld, Daymond John)?

  “Oh, I am.” (D, 31:15)

• Favorite sound in the world?

  “A baseball game at Wrigley Field.” (D, 31:29)

• Best place for inspiration?

  “Back home, my hometown...sometimes you gotta get grounded.” (D, 31:58)

• Tech gadget used daily (not Starkey)?

  “My electric toothbrush...but of course, an iPhone. Who doesn’t love that?” (D, 32:24)

• Most cherished lesson:

  “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” (D, 32:56)

Where to Learn More

• Starkey: starkey.com
• Follow Brandon Sawalich:
  • Instagram, Facebook, and his website: brandonsawalich.com (@brandonsawalich on social platforms)

Closing Thought

[34:10]

• Mick’s signature encouragement:

  “Remember your ‘because’ is your superpower. Go unleash it.”

This episode is a powerful listen for leaders, innovators, and anyone seeking to break stigmas and pursue impact with heart and purpose.