# S1E16 The Joys of Solving Really Hard Problems | Robert Whirley

- Show: [Being an Engineer](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer)
- Published: 2020-06-26
- Length: 51m
- Episode: 16
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2020-06-26-s1e16-the-joys-of-solving-really-hard-problems-robert-whirley

## Summary

Robert Whirley, CEO of OurTarika, discusses his career in medical device engineering, highlighting his transition from aerospace to medtech and the importance of solving hard problems. He details the founding of Troy Vascular, explaining how bringing nonlinear finite element simulation from aerospace helped validate designs and secure venture capital by providing confidence beyond just prototypes. Whirley emphasizes focusing on fundamental physics (like using gaskets for sealing) rather than copying existing stent graft solutions, and shares advice on building high-performing teams and communicating effectively with leaders.

## Chapters

- [0:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2020-06-26-s1e16-the-joys-of-solving-really-hard-problems-robert-whirley#t=13) Introduction: Robert Whirley and OurTarika
- [2:17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2020-06-26-s1e16-the-joys-of-solving-really-hard-problems-robert-whirley#t=137) Early Engineering Interests and Disassembling a Lawnmower
- [5:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2020-06-26-s1e16-the-joys-of-solving-really-hard-problems-robert-whirley#t=339) The Value of a PhD and Learning How to Learn
- [11:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2020-06-26-s1e16-the-joys-of-solving-really-hard-problems-robert-whirley#t=690) Bringing Aerospace Simulation to Medical Devices at Troy Vascular
- [16:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2020-06-26-s1e16-the-joys-of-solving-really-hard-problems-robert-whirley#t=996) Early EV Startup and Market Risks
- [20:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2020-06-26-s1e16-the-joys-of-solving-really-hard-problems-robert-whirley#t=1225) Raising VC Funding with Prototypes and Advisors
- [24:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2020-06-26-s1e16-the-joys-of-solving-really-hard-problems-robert-whirley#t=1451) Focusing on Problem Physics: Gaskets vs. Stents
- [28:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2020-06-26-s1e16-the-joys-of-solving-really-hard-problems-robert-whirley#t=1721) Validating Simulations and Tissue Interaction
- [34:35](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2020-06-26-s1e16-the-joys-of-solving-really-hard-problems-robert-whirley#t=2075) Building High-Performance Teams and Hiring A-Players
- [40:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2020-06-26-s1e16-the-joys-of-solving-really-hard-problems-robert-whirley#t=2430) Communication Skills and Avoiding Surprises

## Topics

- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)
- [Fundraising & investors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/fundraising)
- [Analog & power electronics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/analog-and-power-electronics)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies, companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- OurTarika (company)
- Troy Vascular (company)
- US Electric Car (company)
- Cal Tech (company)
- Boeing (company)
- FDA (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [005 - “Compassionate Product Development” with Cameron Jones](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lets-combinate/2021-11-03-005-compassionate-product-development-with-cameron-jones) (Let's Combinate)
- [#381: MedTech Advice from an Accidental Entrepreneur](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/global-medical-device-podcast/2024-09-05-381-medtech-advice-from-an-accidental-entrepreneur) (Global Medical Device Podcast)
- [#455: MedTech Founder 101: Shifting from Corporate to Startup with John Schindler](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/global-medical-device-podcast/2026-04-13-455-medtech-founder-101-shifting-from-corporate-to-startup-with-john-schindler) (Global Medical Device Podcast)
- [009 - “Cutting Through the Noise” with Charles Ventura](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lets-combinate/2021-12-01-009-cutting-through-the-noise-with-charles-ventura) (Let's Combinate)
- [#473: The MedTech Odyssey: Bridging Academic Science to Series A Success](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/global-medical-device-podcast/2026-09-21-473-the-medtech-odyssey-bridging-academic-science-to-series-a-success) (Global Medical Device Podcast)

## Citing this page

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