Digital Health Heavyweights

In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, host Norm Volsky interviews Sherry Rais, co-founder and CEO of Enthea, a company focused on innovative mental health solutions through psychedelic therapy. Sherry shares her background working with the UN and World Bank, her insights into the global mental health crisis, and the inspiration behind founding Enthea. The conversation delves into the benefits of ketamine therapy, the challenges of stigma surrounding mental health and psychedelics, and the transformative outcomes seen in patients. “We’ve seen an 86% reduction in PTSD.” Sherry emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health disparities and the potential of psychedelic therapies to provide hope and healing. “Psychedelics are non-addictive, like whatsoever.” In this conversation, Norm and Sherry Rais explore the profound impact of music, social anxiety, and the healing potential of psychedelics. They discuss how psychedelics can help individuals confront and rewire traumatic memories, leading to significant breakthroughs in mental health treatment. The conversation also highlights the importance of employer support for mental health initiatives and the role of psychedelics in addiction recovery. Sherry shares insights on the neuroscience behind these therapies and emphasizes the need for holistic approaches to mental wellness. Learn about how Enthea is lifting the veil on Psychedelics and revolutionizing the mental health space! Takeaways:🌍 The global mental health crisis affects millions, with many lacking access to treatment. ⚠️ Traditional mental health treatments often fail to address root causes. 🍄 Psychedelic therapies show promise in treating mental health conditions. 💡 Enthea aims to make innovative mental health treatments accessible and affordable. 💉 Ketamine therapy has shown significant reductions in PTSD, depression, and anxiety. 🔑 Integration therapy is crucial for maximizing the benefits of ketamine treatment. 💊 SSRIs often come with severe side effects and are not effective for many. 🔬 Psychedelics are being researched for their therapeutic potential in mental health. 🚫 The stigma surrounding psychedelics can hinder their acceptance as legitimate treatments. Music is a personal decision and connects us all. 😰 Social anxiety can lead to negative feedback loops. 🛠️ Psychedelics can help rewire traumatic memories. 🏥 Therapeutic settings provide safety for healing. 🌈 Psychedelics can lift the veil of perception. ☯️ Ego dissolution can lead to a sense of unity. 🏢 Employers have a responsibility to support mental health. 📊 Utilization of mental health benefits is crucial. 🌱 Addressing root causes can improve productivity. 🚬 Psychedelics can aid in addiction recovery.   Chapters00:00 Introduction to Sherry Rais and Enthea04:39 Inspiration Behind Founding Enthea09:43 Benefits of Enthea's Services for Employees13:03 Transformative Outcomes of Ketamine Therapy20:54 Comparing SSRIs and Psychedelic Therapies28:48 The Therapeutic Benefits of Altered States30:00 Understanding Social Anxiety and Its Impact31:00 Neuroscience of Memory and Healing32:26 Revisiting Traumatic Memories for Healing33:25 The Clarity of Psychedelics in Therapy34:55 Lifting the Veil: Psychedelics and Self-Discovery37:33 The Role of Ego in Psychedelic Experiences39:22 Confronting Internal Struggles41:34 The Importance of Employer Support for Mental Health43:26 Utilization ofFollow, connect and subscribe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcastYoutube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, Norm Volsky interviews Kimball Thomas, CEO and founder of Walrus, a company dedicated to improving medication adherence and reducing pharmacy costs for employers. Kimball shares his personal journey into healthcare, inspired by his own experiences with asthma and the complexities of the healthcare system. He discusses how Walrus leverages data insights to provide personalized medication management, emphasizing the importance of user engagement and the unique value proposition of their services. The conversation also covers the impact of Walrus on employee health, cost savings for employers, and the innovative Walrus RX Rewards program that incentivizes healthy behaviors. Kimball highlights the role of technology in enhancing the patient experience and the ongoing need for pharmacists to provide personalized care in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape. Takeaways🔹 Kimball Thomas is the CEO and founder of Walrus, a company focused on improving medication adherence and reducing pharmacy costs for employers. 🌬️ Kimball's personal experiences with asthma and the healthcare system inspired him to enter the healthcare space. 📊 Walrus leverages data insights to address pharmacy spend and improve health outcomes for employees. 📱 The company focuses on user engagement, achieving higher engagement rates than most digital health companies. 💊 Walrus operates as a precision pharmacy, providing personalized medication management and support. 🎁 The Walrus RX Rewards program incentivizes employees to engage with their health and medication management. 💰 Walrus has demonstrated significant cost savings for employers through improved medication adherence and reduced hospitalizations. 🤝 The company collaborates with existing pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to enhance the user experience without displacing them. 🧠 Kimball emphasizes the importance of understanding the consumer experience in healthcare. 📞 Walrus's approach includes ongoing support and communication with patients to ensure they receive the best care possible. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Walrus and Kimball Thomas02:34 Kimball's Journey into Healthcare09:47 The Unique Approach of Walrus Health18:17 Precision Pharmacy: A New Paradigm22:02 Case Study: Success with Pitney Bowes27:48 Walrus Technology Evolution34:28 Personalized Patient Engagement39:40 The Role of Pharmacists in Modern Healthcare45:20 Walrus RX Rewards Program47:16 Personal Health Practices and Team Culture53:10 Outro Follow, connect and subscribe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcastYoutube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

Join us for another great episode on the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, today our host Norm Volsky interviews Zak Holdsworth, co-founder and CEO of Hint Health. Learn all about how Hint Health is transforming the DPC model! Tune in to discuss Zak's journey from engineering to healthcare, the challenges of startup investment, and the importance of perseverance in founders. Zak shares insights from his experience at WellnessFX, emphasizing the need for customer retention and understanding the healthcare system's fundamental issues. He explains the vision behind Hint Health, focusing on transforming primary care through the direct primary care movement and the importance of building trust with clients. “Building a deep trust.”  In this conversation, Zak Holdsworth discusses the unique challenges and solutions in the Direct Primary Care (DPC) model, emphasizing the importance of automation in billing and member management. He shares insights on team building, company culture, and the significance of transparency in fostering trust within the community. “Culture is built through action!”  Zak also highlights Hint's milestones, its differentiation in the DPC market, and the future vision for integrating care. The discussion concludes with personal reflections on maintaining a healthy lifestyle amidst the demands of running a company.takeaways💪 Zak Holdsworth emphasizes the importance of perseverance in founders. 💡 A unique insight or passion can set a founder apart. 🔁 Customer retention is crucial for business success. 🏥 Understanding the healthcare system's flaws is essential for innovation. 🔄 Transformative change in healthcare requires a new approach. ❤️‍🩹 Direct primary care can lead to better health outcomes. 🧠 Team building should prioritize shared purpose and capability. 🤚 Culture is shaped by actions and transparency. ⏳ Trust within the community is built over time. 🛠️ Hint differentiates itself by focusing solely on DPC. 💻 Investing in technology and community support is crucial. 🔗 The future involves integrating downstream care effectively. 🏃 Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a personal challenge. 🍨 Creating low sugar ice cream requires careful balance.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Hint Health and Zach Holdsworth03:10 Zak's Journey into Healthcare and Technology06:02 Investing in Startups: What to Look For in Founders09:05 Lessons from WellnessFX: Customer Retention and Growth11:59 Understanding the Healthcare System's Fundamental Issues15:01 Founding Hint Health: Vision and Mission18:03 Transforming Primary Care: The Direct Primary Care Movement20:59 Early Days of Hint: Challenges and First Clients23:47 Building Trust and Relationships with Clients29:40 Building Custom Solutions for DPC Models31:23 Philosophy of Team Building and Culture38:13 Automating Member Enrollment and Billing Solutions44:56 Major Milestones and Community Trust47:07 Differentiating Hint in the DPC Market49:17 Future Vision for Hint and DPC Movement53:37 Maintaining Balance and Healthy Living Follow, connect and subscribe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcastYoutube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

Welcome back to another great episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast! This week our host Norm Volsky interviews Nick Reber, founder and CEO of Garner Health. They discuss Nick's personal journey into healthcare, his experiences at Oscar Health, and the innovative approaches Garner Health is taking to transform the healthcare system. The conversation delves into the challenges of healthcare spending, the importance of quality over cost, and the insights gained from analyzing the largest claims database in the US. Nick emphasizes the need for better incentives in healthcare and the role of data in improving patient outcomes. In this conversation, Nick Reber discusses the complexities of healthcare provider compensation, the innovative reimbursement model of Garner Health, and the importance of data solutions in navigating healthcare fragmentation. Stressing that in the current broken healthcare system "there's zero correlation between cost and quality". He emphasizes the need for high-performance teams, dispels common misconceptions about healthcare options, and shares insights on maintaining personal health as a CEO. The discussion also covers predictions for the future of digital health and the traits necessary for successful founders in this space. Learn about Garner's goal to transform the healthcare economy! "It's all about results." Tune in to find out more! Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more amazing Digital Health content, just like this!  Takeaways 💡 Nick's personal experience as a patient inspired his journey into healthcare. ⚙️ The healthcare system is plagued by inefficiencies and misaligned incentives. 📉 Oscar Health's early challenges included high medical loss ratios. 🔍 Transforming healthcare requires understanding the root causes of problems. 🏥 Quality of care is often unrelated to the prestige of providers. 📊 Garner Health aims to provide better data on provider performance. 🎯 The importance of aligning patient incentives with healthcare outcomes. 💸 Healthcare spending is often disconnected from actual quality of care. 🤝 Building a large claims database requires strategic partnerships and timing. 📐 Innovative metrics are needed to evaluate healthcare providers effectively. 🩺 Hospitals have varying degrees of control over their salaried doctors. 📈 There is a growing demand for data-driven insights in healthcare. 💰 Garner Health's reimbursement model incentivizes employees to choose recommended doctors. 🔗 The DataPro solution helps providers understand patient referrals better. 🚀 Future innovations at Garner will focus on improving data and user experience. 🧩 Healthcare fragmentation complicates employee benefits management. 🧠 Successful healthcare teams require deep operational understanding. ❌ Common misconceptions include the belief that price equals quality. ✅ Creating seamless healthcare experiences is essential for patient satisfaction. 💼 Garner has achieved significant cost savings for employers.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nick Reber and Garner Health 04:12 Experiences at Oscar Health 07:23 Key Learnings from Oscar Health 10:25 Innovative Approaches to Healthcare Spending 15:16 Quality vs. Cost in Healthcare 18:55 Founding Garner Health 23:25 Challenges in Building Garner Health 24:54 Building the Doctor Recommendation System 29:02 Navigating Provider Compensation and Hospital Control 31:56 Understanding Garner Health's Reimbursement Follow, connect and subscribe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcastYoutube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

Welcome back to another great episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast! This week our host Norm Volsky interviews Bismarck Lepe, CEO and founder of Misalud Health. Interested in Healthcare access and trust? Then you’re in for a great episode. We cover a lot of ground, from Bismarck's journey from the tech industry to healthcare, the challenges and successes he faced while building his companies, and the unique approach Misalud takes to address healthcare disparities, particularly for the Hispanic community. “ I believe capitalism can do a lot of good.” Bismarck emphasizes the importance of trust in virtual healthcare and shares insights on how Misalud is leveraging technology to improve access and outcomes for patients. Explaining how he believes we can bridge a lot of gaps in care with technology. In this conversation, Bismarck Lepe discusses the transformative potential of virtual dentistry and telemedicine, emphasizing that a significant portion of dental consultations can be conducted online. He shares inspiring clinical outcomes from his company, Misalud, highlighting success stories of patients who have improved their health through their services. The importance of analytics in healthcare is also addressed, as well as the value of employer partnerships in enhancing employee health. Bismarck reflects on the competitive landscape of healthcare, his principles for hiring and building a strong team, and the leadership traits necessary for growth-stage companies. He also shares personal health strategies and insights into the future of healthcare, including trends towards preventative care and healthy living. “Healthy mind, healthy body.” We couldn’t agree more! Tune in for another great episode!  Takeaways🌟 Bismarck Lepe founded Misalud Health to improve healthcare access.🗣️ Misalud offers bilingual telemedicine consultations.🤝 Building trust is crucial in virtual healthcare.⚠️ The Hispanic community faces significant healthcare disparities.🌎 Misalud model leverages talent from Mexico for cost-effective care.📈 Enrollment rates for Misalud are significantly higher than industry averages.🩺 The company focuses on preventative care and wellness programs.🧠 Mental health services are growing in demand within the Hispanic community.💡 Bismarck believes in the power of capitalism to drive social good.🏥 Misalud aims to create a parallel healthcare system for underserved populations. 80-85% of dental consults can be virtual.🦷 Telemedicine can reduce stigma around dental visits.✅ Clinical outcomes show significant health improvements.📊 Analytics are crucial for tracking healthcare outcomes.🤝 Employer partnerships can enhance employee health.💸 Healthcare costs can be significantly lower in Mexico.🎯 Hiring for potential is key to building a great team.🛠️ Leadership requires a focus on operational processes.🧘 Personal health practices are essential for leaders.🥗 Healthy eating habits contribute to overall well-being. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Bismarck Lepe and Misalud Health02:12 Bismarck's Journey: From Tech to Healthcare09:07 Transitioning from Product Delivery to Digital Health15:10 Addressing Healthcare Disparities for Hispanics19:06 Building Trust in Virtual Healthcare22:48  Exploring Misalud's Services and Patient Experience24:11 Virtual Dentistry: The Future of Care25:17 Transformative Clinical Outcomes: Real-Life Success Stories27:29 The Importance of Analytics in HeaFollow, connect and subscribe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcastYoutube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, Norm Volsky interviews Patrick Nelli, CEO and founder of Aligned Marketplace. They discuss Patrick's journey from healthcare finance to founding a mission-driven company focused on improving health outcomes through advanced primary care. Patrick shares insights on leadership, career growth, and the importance of personal health practices. The conversation also covers the challenges faced during COVID-19 and the growth of Aligned Marketplace, emphasizing the significance of member choice and engagement in healthcare.Aligned Marketplace is a national, value-based care marketplace of advanced primary care providers. Through a single, easy to administer contract, self-insured employers have access to a network of over 3,000 advanced primary care clinics across all 50 states, including virtual-first options, offering holistic, patient-centered care that improves member outcomes and experiences while reducing healthcare costs. Takeaways🔍 Patrick Nelli emphasizes the importance of finding a career at the intersection of personal passion, skills, and societal needs. 💼 Transitioning from finance to healthcare can provide valuable insights into complex payment flows and business models. 🌱 Building a mission-driven culture is crucial for long-term success in any organization. 🦠 The COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges for healthcare companies, requiring adaptability and focus on employee well-being. 🏥 Founding Aligned Marketplace was driven by a desire to improve health outcomes and provide better access to primary care. 👥 Member choice and engagement are key factors in the success of healthcare solutions. 💪 Personal health practices, including exercise and nutrition, are essential for maintaining productivity and reducing stress. 🧱 Hard work and reliability are foundational to building a strong reputation in any career. 🌍 Understanding the unique needs of diverse populations is critical for effective healthcare delivery. 📚 Continuous learning and adaptation are necessary for entrepreneurs in the healthcare space. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Patrick Nelli and Aligned Marketplace03:06 Patrick's Journey into Healthcare Finance06:14 Transitioning from Finance to Health Catalyst09:10 Building a Career at Health Catalyst12:03 Personal Directives and Work Ethic15:01 Cultural Principles and Trust in Leadership18:10 Challenges Faced During COVID-1921:07 Leaving Health Catalyst to Start Aligned Marketplace28:13 The Importance of a Meaningful Mission29:55 Challenges in Advanced Primary Care32:56 Founding On: A New Approach to Healthcare34:10 Growth and Success of On35:44 Advice for Founders in Tough Markets39:11 Supporting Diverse Workforces42:04 Measuring Impact: Access vs. Cost45:23 Member Experience in Advanced Primary Care48:55 Evolving Value Propositions52:11 Practicing What You Preach55:39 OutroFollow, connect and subscribe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcastYoutube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

Welcome back to Season 2 of The Digital Health Heavyweights Podcast for our 14th episode. Today, Norm Volsky interviews Jonathon Feit, CEO and co-founder of Beyond Lucid Technologies. They discussed Jonathon's journey into healthcare, the importance of data interoperability in emergency medical services, and how Beyond Lucid is innovating patient care. Jonathon shares insights on addressing substance abuse through data, the development of the company’s patented HALCYON Post-Crash Intelligence application, and the impact of regulatory frameworks on EMS. The conversation also touches on mental health and wellness in high-stress jobs, as well as personal wellness practices.Takeaways🧠 Jonathon Feit has a personal connection to healthcare due to Tourette Syndrome as well as his family members’ complex health needs; a personal tragedy that drives him and his business partner; and the loss of close colleagues because of chronic care health issues that tie back (at least in part) to line-of-duty stresses. These are the sorts of motivations that push you to persevere on the hardest days.📊 Beyond Lucid Technologies focuses on data transparency to improve patient care.📱 The Mobile Medical ecosystem is complex and requires innovative solutions.💉 Substance abuse is a significant issue that can be addressed through data sharing.🚑 HALCYON Post-Crash Intelligence aims to provide critical patient information to Responders even before they arrive at the scene of a crash.📜 Regulatory frameworks impact the effectiveness of Emergency Medical Services.🧘 Mental health and wellness are crucial in high-stress healthcare jobs. 🔍 The importance of knowing patient needs before arriving on the scene.⚖️ Innovations in technology must be balanced with practical applications in healthcare.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Jonathon Feit and Beyond Lucid Technologies06:12 The Impact of 9/11 on Jonathon's Career Path12:16 Products and Services Offered by Beyond Lucid18:14 The Role of Beyond Lucid in Drug Addiction and Substance Abuse28:35 Understanding Addiction and Pain Management34:47 The Limits of Technology in Healthcare45:16 Personal Wellness and Mental Health in High-Stress Jobs54:59 OutroFollow, connect and subscribe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcastYoutube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, Norm Volsky interviews Bill Snyder, founder and CEO of Cylinder Health. They discuss Bill's extensive background in healthcare, his journey from Humana to leading sales at Virta, and ultimately founding Cylinder Health to address chronic digestive conditions. Bill shares insights on the importance of personalized care, the scale of digestive health issues in the U.S., and how Cylinder is making a significant impact on patient outcomes and employer health plans. The conversation also touches on leadership, career growth, and the integration of AI in healthcare. Takeaways🧫 Cylinder supports those suffering from the full spectrum of GI issues. 🏥 Bill Snyder has a strong background in healthcare leadership. 📈 Transforming Humana's Illinois market was a significant achievement. 🚀 Career growth often involves taking risks and seeking new opportunities. 💪 Health and fitness are crucial for mental well-being. 📊 Understanding the scale of digestive health issues is essential. 🩺 Cylinder improves patient outcomes through personalized care. 💼 Employer experiences with Cylinder highlight its effectiveness. 📣 Engagement rates in health solutions can be significantly high. 🤖 AI is becoming increasingly important in healthcare delivery. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Cylinder Health and Bill Snyder03:13 Bill's Journey into Healthcare06:17 Transforming Humana's Illinois Market09:09 Leadership Lessons from Humana12:12 Taking Risks for Career Growth15:09 The Impact of Virta Health18:13 Sales Leadership Insights21:12 Building a Sales Organization24:01 Evaluating Sales Talent28:40 The Importance of Data-Driven Leadership30:52 Founding Cylinder: Mission and Inspiration33:40 Understanding the Scale of Gut Health Issues37:33 Cylinder's Impact on Healthcare Costs41:47 Patient Experiences and the Importance of Support46:33 Future Innovations and AI in Healthcare49:41 Personal Health Practices and Their Impact57:40 Outro Follow, connect and subscribe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcastYoutube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

Welcome back to another phenomenal episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast. This week our host Norm Volsky interviews Torben Nielsen, CEO and co-founder of Uptiv Health. Torben shares his journey from working with major brands like Lego and Xerox to making a significant impact in the healthcare industry. He discusses the founding of HealthSpark, its rapid growth, and the importance of transparency in healthcare. The conversation also delves into hiring philosophies, product evolution, challenges in the healthcare landscape, and the merger of HealthSparq with Kairos. Torben reflects on his transition to corporate venture capital and his experience leading ZoomCare through a pivotal shift to virtual care during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this conversation, Torben discusses the evolution of healthcare delivery through the lens of Uptiv Health, emphasizing the importance of virtual care, human-centered design, and the integration of technology in improving patient experiences and outcomes. He highlights the need for a hybrid model of care that combines in-person and virtual services, the significance of cost savings through direct contracting, and the potential of AI in transforming infusion therapy. The discussion also touches on the personal health practices that keep him grounded as a healthcare entrepreneur. Be sure to like and subscribe to our channel! Takeaways🌱 Healthcare found me, it was a natural transition. 🔍 The focus on transparency in healthcare is crucial. 🧠 Hiring for humility, hunger, and intelligence is key. 💻 Building a flexible tech stack is essential for growth. 🤝 The merger of HealthSparq and Kairos was strategic and beneficial. 💡 Investing in startups requires empathy and understanding. 📱 Telehealth was a necessary pivot before COVID-19. 🌍 Understanding different perspectives in healthcare is vital. 🤖 Utilizing technology can differentiate service offerings. 💪 Navigating the challenges of startup life requires resilience. 👩‍💻 The transition to virtual care was facilitated by a strong development team. 🏥 Human-centered design is crucial in creating patient-friendly clinics. 💉 Infusion therapy is expanding beyond traditional settings to include more chronic conditions. ⚖️ A hybrid model of care is essential for meeting diverse patient needs. 💰 Cost savings in healthcare can be achieved through direct contracting and reduced overhead. 📲 Technology adoption among patients is high, enhancing communication and care management. ❤️ Improving patient experience leads to better clinical outcomes and adherence to treatment plans. 🤖 AI has the potential to streamline processes in infusion care. 🌟 Uptiv Health aims to humanize healthcare through innovative service delivery. 🏃‍♀️🍎 Personal health practices, such as exercise and healthy eating, are vital for healthcare professionals.  Chapters00:00 Introduction to Torben Nielsen and Uptiv Health06:46 The Growth of HealthSpark: Achieving Rapid Success14:14 Evolving Products: Adapting to Market Needs20:07 The Merger of HealthSpark and Kairos26:28 Understanding the Healthcare System: A Holistic View33:25 Founding Uptive Health38:32 Geographic Expansion and Patient Demographics46:02 Patient-Centric Innovations52:24 Cost Savings through Direct Contracting  Follow, connect and subscribe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcastYoutube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

Welcome back to another fantastic episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, Norm Volsky interviews Shawn Ellis, managing partner at Distributed Ventures. Shawn shares his journey into healthcare and venture capital, discussing his experiences at Sevenwire Ventures and Zest Health. He emphasizes the importance of empathy, time management, and understanding founder dynamics in the venture capital space. Shawn also provides insights into evaluating founders, the role of board members, and the significance of leveraging networks for startup success. In this conversation, Shawn Ellis discusses the intricacies of early-stage investing, particularly in healthcare startups. He emphasizes the importance of understanding market dynamics, the role of expertise in founders, and the strategic approach to board composition. Shawn shares insights on navigating fundraising in challenging environments and highlights success stories from Distributed Ventures. He also touches on maintaining a work-life balance amidst the demands of venture capital. If you are interested in how Healthcare and Venture collide, tune in for this insightful episode! Be sure to subscribe!! Takeaways🌟 Shawn's journey into healthcare was influenced by personal experiences and family background.📈 The importance of revenue momentum in early-stage company building.🎯 Founders should focus on what matters most in the early innings of their business.💡 Empathy is crucial for venture capitalists to support founders effectively.⏳ Time is the most valuable asset for founders, more than money.🔍 Understanding board dynamics is essential for providing value to companies.🤝 Board members should check their egos and focus on helping the founder.🗣️ A frank conversation about expectations is vital for board members.🔄 Founders need to be adaptable and willing to pivot in their strategies.🌐 Building a strong network is essential for board members to add value. Maximizing impact requires a clear understanding of market dynamics.🏥 Expertise in founders is crucial for success in healthcare startups.🧩 Strategic board composition can significantly influence a startup's trajectory.🚧 Healthcare startups face unique challenges, including long sales cycles and market resistance.📊 Building a strong go-to-market strategy is essential for early-stage companies.📚 Success stories often stem from a deep understanding of the industry and its stakeholders.💰 Raising funds in a tough market requires preparation and a clear vision.⚖️ Maintaining a work-life balance is vital for long-term success and well-being.🔑 Investors should focus on the fundamentals to drive better outcomes.🥗 Healthy eating and lifestyle choices contribute to overall performance and happiness. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Shawn Ellis and Distributed Ventures06:42 Lessons from SevenWire Ventures13:40 Evaluating Founders: Key Traits for Success20:52 Board Dynamics and Providing Value29:33 The Role of Network in Board Contributions34:52 The Importance of Expertise in Founders40:01 Strategic Board Composition for Startups46:25 Unique Challenges in Healthcare Startups53:36 Navigating Fundraising in a Tough MarketFollow, connect and subscribe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcastYoutube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweightsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast