Episode 40: Karl Ulfers, Co-Founder & CEO of DUOS

Dec 2, 2025

Karl Ulfers, Co-founder and CEO of DUOS, discusses his journey in healthcare technology and the mission behind DUOS, which aims to create a seamless aging experience for older adults. He shares insights on building partnerships with health plans to ensure access to care and addressing daily needs like food and safety. Karl also emphasizes the importance of work-life balance, revealing his stress management routines, family cooking rituals, and personal motivations drawn from his grandparents' struggles. His passion for innovation and impact shines throughout the conversation.

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ANECDOTE

Scaling Lessons From Optum

Karl recounts joining Optum in 2007 and learning how to build businesses at scale through organic build and acquisitions.
He emphasizes learning the intersection of market and technology during that chapter.

INSIGHT

Analytics Become Action

Turning analytics into actionable communications for providers and members drove measurable preventive care improvements.
Prioritizing outreach based on gaps-in-care analytics produced revenue and better outcomes.

ADVICE

Practical Path To Promotion

Do your job and consistently deliver before asking for promotion.
Take calculated risks, learn the market, build teams, and network to expand your opportunities.

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In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, host Norm Volsky interviews Karl Ulfers, Co-Founder and CEO of DUOS. They discuss Karl’s career journey from consulting to healthcare technology, his experiences at Optum and Rally Health, and the founding vision of DUOS, which aims to create a seamless system of aging for older adults. Karl shares insights on partnerships with health plans, the importance of addressing day-to-day needs for older adults, and the recent growth and investment in DUOS. He also emphasizes the significance of maintaining a work-life balance and shares personal anecdotes about healthy cooking and family life.

Takeaways

💼 Karl Ulfers emphasizes the importance of doing your job well as the foundation for career progression.
🎯 Taking risks in your career can lead to significant opportunities and growth.
🌐 Understanding market dynamics is crucial for success in healthcare innovation.
🤝 Building a strong, cross-functional team is essential for product development.
👵➡️👴 DUOS aims to create a seamless system of aging for older adults.
🍽️🛡️ The company focuses on addressing day-to-day needs of older adults, such as food and safety.
🏥🤝 DUOS partners with health plans to improve access to care for members.
📈💸 The recent investment in DUOS will support its growth and expansion efforts.
🧘‍♂️ Maintaining a routine is vital for managing stress as a CEO.
👨‍🍳❤️ Healthy cooking and family engagement are important aspects of Karl's life.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Karl Ulfers and DUOS

01:33 Early Career and Consulting Insights

04:38 Journey at Optum and Innovations in Healthcare

11:04 Transition to Rally Health and Leadership Growth

14:41 Career Progression and Promotion Strategies

20:23 Building Teams and Company Culture

25:43 Evolution of Products at Rally Health

28:23 Founding DUOS and Personal Inspiration

28:28 The Journey Begins: A Decade of Insight

31:14 Vision for Aging: Building a System of Care

34:11 Partnerships with Health Plans: Enhancing Member Care

37:06 Securing Growth: Navigating Investment in a Tough Market

42:37 Member Experience: Simplifying Access to Care

50:50 Practicing What You Preach: Balancing Work and Life

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