Meet the Expert: Matthew Nelson

What is the best part of your job? What do you find fascinating about it?

 
The most rewarding part of my job is knowing that the work we do directly impacts patients’ lives, helping them access therapy faster, navigate complex journeys more easily, and feel better supported along the way. Equally fascinating (and energizing) are the people. I get to work with incredibly smart teams at Innomar and globally across Cencora, as well as thoughtful, innovative leaders at our client organizations. I’m constantly learning from my team, from our partners, and from the evolving healthcare landscape, which keeps the work fresh and challenging in the best possible way.

What is your superpower? What is your expertise in the pharmaceutical field?

 
My superpower is balancing innovation with pragmatism. I love pushing boundaries and exploring what’s possible, but I’m equally focused on what’s practical, scalable, and valuable in the real world. The goal isn’t innovation for innovation’s sake, it’s delivering solutions that improve patient outcomes and create tangible value for our clients.

My expertise comes from nearly 20 years in digital health, focused on improving patient outcomes, modernizing business operations, and unlocking new insights through digital platforms and data. I’ve spent my career helping organizations move from “what’s possible” to “what’s scalable”, especially in highly regulated, real‑world healthcare environments.

How do you foster a positive work environment within your team?

 
I believe great work happens when people feel trusted, inspired, and genuinely enjoy what they’re building together. I try to lead with energy and transparency, encourage diverse perspectives, and create space where teams feel comfortable challenging ideas, including mine.

A little charisma and humour go a long way too. Healthcare is serious work, but that doesn’t mean work has to feel heavy all the time. When people are engaged, supported, and having fun, better ideas follow.

How do you stay ahead of industry trends and collaborate with external partners?

 
I’m a big believer in active learning. Staying curious, asking questions, and using the tools around us to keep up with rapid change. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by experts at Cencora who are constantly sharing insights, and I learn just as much from my colleagues as I do from industry content.

Externally, close collaboration is key. I work closely with clients to understand their evolving needs and challenges, and with technology vendors to bring best‑in‑class innovations into our ecosystem. The most effective digital solutions emerge when clients, operators, and partners are aligned around a real problem worth solving.

What is the biggest problem you’re tackling in digital innovation?

 
With the pace of innovation in technology, specialty medicines, and healthcare business models, the biggest challenge isn’t a lack of ideas, it’s prioritization. The real work is ensuring we focus our time and resources on initiatives that deliver the greatest impact and return on investment for Innomar and our clients.

What do you do when you are not working?

 
Outside of work, I’m best described as a full‑time rideshare driver for youth sports. Between hockey, gymnastics, and other activities, I’m usually in the car shuttling one of my three kids to or from practice. It’s busy, occasionally chaotic, and a great reminder of the importance of patience, flexibility, and good playlists.

Matt Nelson leads Digital Innovation and Product Strategy at Innomar Strategies, working at the intersection of technology, partnerships, and Innomar’s integrated services including patient support, pharmacy, distribution, and nursing and clinic networks. With nearly 20 years of experience in digital health, he focuses on identifying where digital and data can meaningfully improve patient outcomes, enhance operational efficiency, and create measurable value for clients. Known for balancing innovation with pragmatism, Matt helps teams move from “what’s possible” to “what’s scalable” by shaping digital strategy, scaling products and platforms, and partnering closely with cross-functional teams, clients, and technology partners to deliver solutions that work in real-world, highly regulated healthcare environments.