Digital Health Heavyweights

🙋‍♂️ Welcome back to our channel and thank you to our subscribers!! We are thrilled to bring you Episode 34 of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast! Today, Norm sits down with Dr. Maroof Ahmed, COO and co-founder of Pelago (formerly known as Quit Genius), to discuss the company's recent Series C funding round and its mission to transform substance use support. Maroof shares his personal motivation for starting the company, which was inspired by the loss of his uncle to addiction. He also highlights the challenges and successes of the early years, including the rebranding from Quit Genius to Pelago. The conversation explores the shift in mindset around substance use management and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Maroof discusses the company's expansion into the B2B market and the onboarding process for large employee populations. Maroof discusses the importance of hiring strong talent and maintaining a high talent density as a company scales. He emphasizes the need for passion and commitment when starting a business, as success takes time and perseverance. Maroof also highlights the member experience at Pelago, which focuses on judgment-free, stigma-free messaging and tailored support for substance use management. He shares the company's impressive clinical outcomes, including a 62% reduction in alcohol use and a 67% success rate in helping members become opioid-free. Maroof discusses the importance of building a strong company culture and staying ahead of the competition in the digital health space. He also predicts that there will be increased scrutiny on the ROI claimed by digital health vendors and a shift away from the per employee per month model. Finally, Maroof shares some healthy recipes, including chicken and mushroom risotto and chicken Caesar salad.Takeaways💰 Pelago(formerly Quit Genius) recently raised $58 million in a Series C funding round.🎯 The company's mission is to transform substance use support from prevention to treatment.🍷💊 The rebranding from Quit Genius to Pelago was driven by the expansion into alcohol and opioid addiction treatment.🦠🍺💊 The COVID-19 pandemic increased the need for substance use management solutions as people turned to alcohol and drugs during isolation.🚀💼 Pelago has successfully onboarded large employee populations, including Fortune 50 companies, with seamless implementation processes. Hiring strong talent and maintaining a high talent density is crucial for scaling a company.💪 Passion and commitment are essential when starting a business, as success takes time and perseverance.🤝 The member experience at Pelago focuses on judgment-free, stigma-free messaging and tailored support for substance use management.📊✔️ Pelago has achieved impressive clinical outcomes, including a 62% reduction in alcohol use and a 67% success rate in helping members become opioid-free.🏥🔝 Building a strong company culture and staying ahead of the competition are key in the digital health space.🔍💼🔄 There will be increased scrutiny on the ROI claimed by digital health vendors and a shift away from the per employee per month model.  Chapters00:00 Introduction and Series C Funding08:57 Y Combinator and Guiding Principles15:41 Expansion into the B2B Market31:25 Impressive Clinical Outcomes49:18 The Future of ROI in Digital Health51:06 Outro.mp4Follow, 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 the Digital Health Heavyweights Podcast hosted by Norm Volsky, in this episode we sit down with Sapna Swaroop, Chief Solutions Officer at Homeward, shares her journey in the digital health industry and her passion for health equity. She discusses her experience at Blue Cross of Minnesota and the importance of understanding the delivery system to impact health equity. Sapna also talks about her time at Livongo and Teladoc, where she focused on value-based care and medical economics. She explains the mission and impact of Homeward in addressing health disparities in rural communities. Sapna shares her insights on the future of value-based care, healthcare technology, and maintaining well-being in a stressful job. She even recommends a healthy recipe for Baba Ghanoush. 🥼📊🏥Takeaways🔹 Passion for health equity and reducing health disparities is a driving force in the digital health industry.🔹 Understanding the delivery system is crucial to making an impact on health equity.🔹 Value-based care is an effective model for addressing health disparities in rural communities.🔹 Advanced analytics and technology have the potential to personalize and improve healthcare. 💻📈Sound BitesChapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:50 Passion for Health Equity06:01 Experience at Blue Cross of Minnesota08:59 Joining Livongo and Teladoc12:00 Value-Based Care and Medical Economics15:08 Joining Homeward and Impact in Rural Communities19:35 Convergence in Value-Based Care20:23 Predictions for Healthcare Technology21:28 Maintaining Well-being in a Stressful Job23:27 Healthy Recipe Recommendations23:55 ConclusionFollow, 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 our channel and thank you for 200 subscribers!! We are thrilled to bring you episode 32 of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast! Today Norm sits down with Andrew Parker, CEO and founder of Papa, who shares his journey in healthcare and the founding of Papa. He discusses the early success and challenges faced at MDLive, as well as the lessons learned during that time. Andrew dives into the early years of Papa, the importance of building what customers want, and the company's focus on transparency. Finally, he explains how Papa pivoted during the pandemic and the impact it had on the company's growth and ability to help older adults. Andrew also shares his insights on what he thinks makes a founder successful. He emphasizes the importance of grounded optimism, grit, breaking through walls, and rallying the troops. Andrew also highlights the value of being a therapist or philosopher and knowing one's weaknesses. He advises new founders to practice the lean startup methodology and to test and iterate. Additionally, he discusses the significance of maintaining mental health and fitness, including running and weightlifting. Finally, Andrew shares a healthy recipe for turkey meatballs and sweet potatoes! Yum. Takeaways:🏗 Building what customers want is more important than building what you want.🤝Hiring people from diverse backgrounds can bring valuable perspectives to a company.🔦Transparency and honesty are crucial in building trust with customers and partners.😷The pandemic presented challenges but also opportunities for Papa to provide virtual and in-person assistance to older adults.📈Successful founders possess grounded optimism, grit, and the ability to break through walls.🧠Maintaining mental health and fitness is important for success.🥗Healthy eating can be achieved through simple recipes and a focus on fresh ingredients.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background01:14 Inspiration to Enter Healthcare07:56 Lessons Learned at MDLive10:41 Starting Papa in 201715:06 Early Customers and Successes30:40 Papa's Response to the PandemicBe sure to subscribe to our channel and stay tuned for the best Digital Health and employee benefits content on the internet!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 the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, today we are joined by Craig Wortmann, CEO of Sales Engine and founder of the Kellogg Sales Institute at Northwestern University for episode 31! Craig and our host Norm Volsky jump into the world of sales! He discusses the importance of sales education and the challenges faced by universities in recognizing sales as a discipline. He emphasizes the role of persuasion and influence in business leadership and highlights the significance of sales skills in the healthcare industry. Craig shares his own journey in sales and recommends three sales books for continuous learning. He also discusses the characteristics of a successful sales team and the importance of discipline in sales. Finally, he provides insights into the programs offered by the Kellogg Sales Institute. In this conversation, Craig Wortmann discusses the core skills and mindset needed for success in sales. He emphasizes the importance of telling the right story at the right time, handling tough conversations, and embracing healthy conflict. Craig also addresses the social acceptability of negotiating with salespeople and the need for sales professionals to create a positive reputation. He highlights the value of building a personal brand and simplifying complex value propositions. Additionally, Craig shares insights on taking sales teams from good to great and provides information on the programs offered by the Kellogg Sales Institute. Key Takeaways:💼 Sales education is often overlooked in universities, but it is a crucial discipline for business success.💡 Sales skills are essential for business leaders to influence and persuade others.🏥 Sales plays a significant role in the healthcare industry, where entrepreneurs need to sell their ideas and solutions to health systems.📚 Continuous learning is vital in sales, and there are several recommended books to enhance sales skills and knowledge.🌟 Successful sales teams require individuals with discipline, curiosity, and a focus on problem-solving. Telling the right story at the right time and handling tough conversations are core skills for success in sales.🤝 Embracing healthy conflict and negotiating effectively are essential in sales.🏆 Creating a positive reputation and building a personal brand are important for sales professionals.🔑 Simplifying complex value propositions and understanding the buyer's perspective are key to successful selling.💡 Knowledge, skill, and discipline are crucial for sales success.🎓 The Kellogg Sales Institute offers various programs for individuals interested in improving their sales skills.  Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background01:25 The Lack of Sales Education in Universities04:24 The Importance of Sales Skills05:52 The Role of Sales in Business Leadership06:49 The Ability to Persuade and Influence08:18 Sales in the Healthcare Industry10:02 Craig Wortmann's Sales Career12:26 Recommended Sales Books14:16 The Importance of Continuous Learning in Sales18:25 Characteristics of a Successful Sales Team19:22 The Importance of Discipline in Sales21:23 The Three Pillars of Sales: Knowledge, Skill, and Discipline22:22 The Kellogg Sales Institute and its Programs23:51 Core Skills for Success24:21 The Importance of Handling Heat25:24 Negotiating in Sales26:56 Creating a Positive Reputation28:11 Building a Personal Brand29:49 Gaining Respect in Sales31:13 The ImportanceFollow, 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 the Digital Health Heavyweights hosted by Norm Volsky!In Episode 30, we are joined by Matt Herman, a seasoned executive in healthcare investing, who shares his insights and experiences. He discusses his inspiration for entering healthcare with a finance background and his role at Ascension Ventures. Matt highlights the success of the model and the factors that contribute to achieving outsized financial returns. He also talks about the impact of COVID-19 on the healthcare sector and how his team navigated the challenges during that time. Matt shares his advice for founders raising funds and discusses the future of venture firms in the healthcare space. He also shares his personal strategies for managing stress and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.Takeaways:💰 Combining a love for mission and business can be achieved through healthcare venture investing.🤝Building a community and fostering relationships with health systems can provide strategic value beyond capital investment.⤴ Early success is critical in building credibility and attracting investors.💫Differentiated models and shared services can set venture firms apart and provide additional value to portfolio companies.🏋️‍♂️Investing in founders with grit, resilience, and an openness to new ideas is key to success.Chapters:00:00Introduction and Background01:27Inspiration to Enter Healthcare05:04Success of the Model07:15Navigating the Diverse Landscape of Startups08:38Achieving Outsized Financial Returns09:50Impact of COVID-19 on Healthcare Sector11:26Onboarding LPs14:32Delivering Strategic Value to Health Systems15:59Notable Investments and Success Stories19:08Identifying Red Flags in Founders23:05Bullish on Emerging Trends and Technologies25:26Differentiating Venture Firms in the Healthcare Space28:38Adding Value Post-Investment32:17Advice for Founders Raising Funds35:30Venture Firms of the Future40:30Managing Stress and De-Stressing41:52Healthy Recipes and Eating HabitsFollow, 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

On Episode 29 of the Digital Health Heavyweights Podcast, Norm interviews Joe Murad, CEO of Vida Health. Joe discusses his journey in digital health, focusing on business flexibility and lessons from health benefits ventures. He emphasizes Vida's impact in virtual cardio metabolic care, detailing the integrated care model, personalized coaching, and data-driven clinical outcomes. Joe shares insights on leadership, GLP-1 drugs, Vida's integration with PBMs, and keys to commercial success in healthcare. Predictions for the future include increased transparency, value-based care, and integrated service delivery. Joe also shares personal wellness practices and a preview of his upcoming GLP-1 drugs panel discussion.Our Takeaways from this episode 👇🏼💡 Focus and flexibility are important in business, allowing for adaptation and seizing opportunities.💡 Building a sustainable business with differentiated capabilities is key to success in the healthcare industry.💡 Precision pharmacy and following recommended clinical pathways can greatly improve health outcomes.💡 When fundraising, it is important to have a solid plan and demonstrate how the capital will lead to cashflow break even. 💡 Integrated care delivery models that combine personalized coaching and data are crucial for achieving clinical outcomes.💡 Companies in the healthcare space should prioritize team building and foster a culture of excellence.💡 A balanced approach that combines behavioral change and medication is necessary for effective obesity management.💡 Integration with PBMs can streamline the prior authorization process and improve the member experience.💡 The future of healthcare will involve increased transparency, value-based care models, and integrated service delivery.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Background01:28 Transition into Healthcare04:43 Balancing Focus and Flexibility in Business07:36 Transitioning to a Larger Entity08:07 Impact of Extend Health on Health Benefits09:15 Improving the Quality of Life for Retirees10:08 Joining PocketDoc as President and CEO11:01 PocketDoc's Approach and Value in the Market12:07 Focusing on Pragmatic Components of Service Delivery14:03 Lessons Learned from Acquisitions15:31 Disrupting the Pharmacy Benefit Management Space18:04 WithMe's Approach and Impact in the Market19:44 The Importance of Precision Pharmacy21:24 Fundraising Tips for Founders22:47 Joining Vida as CEO23:39 Vida's Mission and Impact24:03 Integrated Care Delivery Model25:08 Opportunity and Momentum at Vida27:05 Leadership Philosophy28:25 Fostering a Culture of Excellence29:39 GLP-1 Drugs and Obesity Management31:19 Unintended Consequences of Overprescribing GLP-1 Drugs32:14 Integration with PBMs for Prior Authorization33:15 Member Experience at VIDA34:14 Sales and Leading a Company35:22 Commercial Success in the Healthcare Space36:21 Predictions for the Future of Healthcare41:24 Personal Wellness and Stress Management43:31 Healthy Recipes and Balanced Eating45:01 Panel Discussion on GLP-1 DrugsFollow, 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 to this insightful episode featuring Cheryl Cheng, founder and CEO of Vive Collective, as she joins Norm Volsky to delve into the dynamic world of venture capital. With a background steeped in finance and venture capital, Cheryl shares her invaluable experiences from her time at Blue Run Ventures, shedding light on the intricacies of the industry. Throughout the conversation, Cheryl underscores the importance of grasping the business side of venture capital and navigating the unique challenges within healthcare. She offers her perspective on investment strategies, emphasizing transparency and collaboration as essential components of the process. Cheryl explores the qualities she seeks in founders, stressing the significance of integrity, maturity, and practicality, particularly in the healthcare sector. Furthermore, she provides invaluable advice for entrepreneurs navigating fundraising in a competitive market, while also addressing the vital aspects of maintaining wellness amidst the demands of the job. As the discussion unfolds, Cheryl shares her takeaways and insights, touching upon crucial elements such as market timing, leadership, and the significance of emotional intelligence in the VC landscape. Additionally, she outlines her areas of interest for investments, including pharma tech, back-office, and oncology spaces. Join us for a deep dive into the world of venture capital, where Cheryl Cheng's wealth of knowledge offers invaluable guidance for both investors and entrepreneurs alike. Don't miss out on this enriching conversation! Chapters:Cheryl's Background and Venture Experience03:18Lessons from Blue Run Ventures05:34Lessons from Successful Investments08:35Lessons from Investments that Didn't Go Well11:02Starting Veev Collective26:45Building Veev Collective33:44Investments at Veev Collective44:36Transparency and Collaboration in Investing45:05Characteristics of Founders46:31Importance of Analysis, Decision-Making, and Strong Operators47:29The Need for Strong Operators in a Sluggish Market48:25Maturity and Stepping Aside for Strong Leadership49:34Integrity and Understanding the Business in Founders50:01Avoiding Scaling Too Quickly and Understanding Healthcare51:28Defining a Great Operator52:29Building a High-Performing Team and Cross-Functional Cooperation53:54Hiring, Firing, and Leveling Up the Team55:03The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in VC56:08Organizational Issues in Tech Companies57:12Advice for Founders Raising Money in a Difficult Market58:40Fundraising Process and Managing Existing Board and Investors01:01:30Areas of Interest for Investments01:05:07Balancing a Stressful Job with Wellness01:09:55Healthy Recipes and CommunityFollow, 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 Digital Health Heavyweights, we have the honor of speaking with Snezana Mahon, Pharm.D., the dynamic COO of Transcarent and a trailblazer in innovative healthcare solutions. With a rich background at Express Scripts and Evernorth, Snezana brings a wealth of experience and clinical expertise to the forefront of digital health.Join us as we delve into Snezana's inspiring journey, exploring her motivation to join the healthcare industry, rise through the ranks at Express Scripts, and eventually take on the role of COO at Transcarent. We unravel industry insights and gain valuable tips for professionals aspiring to succeed in the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare.Throughout the conversation, Snezana shares how her PharmD has shaped her digital health career, emphasizing the importance of clinical perspectives in a field often criticized for a lack of clinicians. Discover the transformative mission of Transcarent and how it aims to reshape the healthcare experience, offering insights into predictive data utilization, PBM solutions, and strategic partnerships.As we navigate through Snezana's experiences and challenges at Transcarent, we also explore the exciting Transcarent Weight Health Solution and her bold predictions for 2024 in the digital health industry.Tune in for an engaging discussion that not only unpacks the complexities of the healthcare sector but also provides a glimpse into the future of digital health. Don't miss out on the insider perspectives and thoughtful reflections of one of healthcare's leading executives.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

Norm sits down with Stephen Sokoler, CEO of Journey, who shares his journey from founding Altrum Honors to starting Journey, a mental health solution. He discusses the unique approach of Journey in proactively engaging employees and meeting them where they are. Stephen emphasizes the importance of reducing stigma around mental health and training managers to support their teams. He also highlights the impact of live group therapy and peer support in addressing mental health challenges. Stephen shares customer success stories and case studies, as well as his learnings in building Journey. He provides advice for founders in the digital health space and discusses the role of AI in mental health. Stephen concludes by sharing his personal wellness practices.What makes Journey Special?-Journey takes a proactive approach to mental health, engaging employees through daily emails, calendar integrations, and other tools to keep mental health top of mind.-Live group therapy and peer support play a crucial role in addressing mental health challenges, providing employees with a supportive community and opportunities for growth.-Journey has achieved significant success with Fortune 500 companies and universities, driving high engagement rates and clinical improvements.-Reducing stigma and creating a culture that supports mental health are essential for the success of mental health programs in organizations.Stephen Sokoler emphasizes the importance of sleep, exercise, nutrition, and meditation in maintaining overall wellness. Great episode if you're interested in how different Mental Health solutions differentiate, and how Journey is making a huge impact!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

In the most recent episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights Podcast, hosted by Norm Volsky, listeners are treated to a captivating conversation with Kelly McDevitt, President of Integrated Benefits Institute (IBI). With a rich background in managing Fortune 100 accounts within the healthcare industry, McDevitt shares her insightful journey and expertise. The dialogue spans the transformative landscape of digital health, exploring McDevitt's experiences at Aetna and UnitedHealthcare, while also clarifying the nuanced differences between UnitedHealthcare (UHC) and UnitedHealth Group (UHG). She sheds light on the impactful work of IBI, providing essential data and research to empower employers in making informed decisions about healthcare.The episode offers practical advice for companies contemplating self-insurance, touching on key considerations and highlighting notable vendors like Magellan and Terra Mind. McDevitt's discussion emphasizes essential takeaways, stressing the significance of impressive clinical data, personal stories, and audience-centric solutions for founders and vendors in the dynamic healthcare industry. Furthermore, the conversation delves into wellness and self-care practices, with McDevitt advocating for meditation, exercise, and maintaining a nutritious diet through meal prepping. The retirement perspective shared is framed as an opportunity for personal growth while staying connected to the industry through consulting and volunteer work. 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