Product management lessons from Amazon’s $4 billion acquisition of One Medical



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TLDR



Dr. Joseph Michelli—speaker, consultant, and bestselling author—joins me to explore how product innovation and exceptional customer experiences can transform industries, with a deep dive into One Medical, the patient-centered healthcare startup recently acquired by Amazon for $4 billion. The conversation sheds light on designing human-centric experiences, the strategic use of technology and AI, and the importance of empowering both employees and customers in service delivery. Practical takeaways for product managers include blending automation with empathy, continuous improvement through design thinking, and fostering workplace environments where innovation thrives.



Introduction



If you’ve ever struggled with whether to automate a customer touchpoint or keep it human, if you’ve wondered how to measure the “personal” side of your product experience, or if your team debates where AI helps versus where it hurts customer relationships—this discussion is for you. We’ll examine how companies dominate their markets through product innovation and customer experience that creates loyal fans, with a focus on One Medical, a start-up that Amazon acquired for $4 billion. 



Our guest is Dr. Joseph Michelli, an internationally sought-after speaker and organizational consultant. He is a New York Times #1 bestselling author who has spent his career inside the world’s most customer-obsessed companies—from Starbucks and Ritz-Carlton to Mercedes-Benz and Zappos. His latest book, All Business Is Personal, examines the human-centered approach that made One Medical stand out in healthcare.  



Summary of Concepts Discussed for Product Managers



The One Medical Story:Founded by innovator Tom Lee, One Medical reimagined primary healthcare by leveraging technology for convenience, accessibility, and eliminating pain points (like waiting in both the waiting room and exam room). Their membership model allows customers to view providers’ schedules directly and schedule appointments online. Ninety-seven percent of their patients wait for less than three minutes to be seen by their provider. One Medical’s model integrates with existing health insurance, while streamlining scheduling, communication, and clinical experiences.



Designing for People:One Medical designs not only for customers but also for employees. Especially in healthcare, where burn-out and lack of talent are serious challenges, a humane experience for employees is essential. One Medical leverages user experience (UX) research, streamlines workflows, and uses AI to handle administrative burdens and enhance face-to-face interactions.



Practical Innovation:With influences from design thinking and Lean methodologies, One Medical empowers all team members as “spotters and solvers.” Practices like job rounding, customer walks, huddle boards, and cross-functional problem-solving are part of their DNA.



Amazon’s Influence:Joseph discusses Amazon’s acquisition, culture clashes (and blends), and the unique challenge of integrating a highly human service business into Amazon’s tech-forward ecosystem.



Healthcare of the Future:The integrated experience—app-based triage, same-day appointments, telehealth, and even Amazon Pharmacy delivery—showcases the potential of digital-centric, consumer-driven healthcare.



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