How do you transition from commodities trading to leading strategy at a global mental health company?

Mark Muston, Head of Business Operations & Strategy at Modern Health, shares how he made the leap, why hiring for potential matters more than a perfect resume, and how to pitch leadership like a startup founder. If you’re in strategy, operations, or just trying to build a team that actually gets things done—this episode is for you. In this conversation, Mark breaks down what it takes to build cross-functional initiatives, advocate for your team in a cost-center role, and make strategic decisions that drive real impact. Plus, he shares valuable lessons on navigating career transitions and knowing when (and how) to push for change.

🎧 Why you’ll want to listen:

• The #1 hiring mistake leaders make—and how to find the best talent beyond the resume.
• Why your resume should tell a data-driven story (and how to craft one that stands out).
• The “VC mindset” for getting leadership buy-in and securing resources for strategic initiatives.
• How to balance small quick wins with big ROI projects in strategy and operations.

Key Timestamps:

00:00 Transitioning from Trading to Business Development
03:46 Journey to Modern Health Leadership
07:04 Aligning Career with Purpose
10:52 Reevaluating Hiring Standards in Healthcare
14:57 Assessing Ambition Through Resume Signals
18:02 Lessons Learned: Trading to Tech Transition
20:32 Prioritizing Business Problem Solving
25:56 Navigating Startup Challenges and Flexibility
26:49 Aligning Projects with Business Priorities
31:29 Manual MVP Testing and Scaling
34:03 Prioritizing Impact Over Busywork


Listen now to The Strategy Gap!