Digital Health Heavyweights Podcast

We are super fired up for Episode 59! Today, Norman Volsky🎙️ Volsky interviews Laurel Pickering, CEO of the St. Louis Area Business Health Coalition. Laurel shares her journey from a background in anthropology to becoming a leader in healthcare transformation. She discusses the evolution of healthcare benefits, the challenges and successes of building coalitions, and the importance of employer leverage in influencing the healthcare system. Laurel also highlights the need for integration of digital health solutions and the role of policy advocacy in improving healthcare access and quality. She concludes with personal insights on wellness and healthy living. Takeaways 🪶 Laurel Pickering transitioned from archaeology to healthcare through medical anthropology. 🏢 Employers have significant leverage to influence healthcare systems. 💰 The healthcare benefits landscape has shifted back towards first-dollar coverage. 🤝 Coalitions can drive change by getting health plans to collaborate. 😓 Point solution fatigue is a growing concern among employers. 💼 Employers are increasingly focused on the employee experience in healthcare. 🏥 Direct contracting between employers and health systems is on the rise. ❓ The ROI claims made by vendors are often met with skepticism by employers. 💪 Wellness strategies, including exercise, are crucial for managing stress. 🍣 Simple, healthy recipes like air-fried salmon can promote better eating habits https://lnkd.in/dBXiu53e

"You have to completely understand your target audience and what MAKES THEM BUY." 💳 Episode 59 of Digital Health Heavyweights Podcast is LIVE 🎥 Sit down with Laurel Pickering, CEO of the St. Louis Area Business Health Coalition. She has such a unique perspective on Digital Health, this episode is a real treat! Learn about Laurel’s journey from anthropology to leading healthcare transformation! 🔮We chat all about what is NEXT for Digital Health? 🔮 Laurel shares her thoughts, how she believes the point solutions will be integrated into medical care. She wants to see more direct contracting & wants to see more employers directly contracting with health systems. I completely agree (directly or through vendors-) there needs to be companies that find areas that health plans are not providing employer clients great value, and so they pull that out. An employer can tell their health plan, you can get 60% of our business, but not this 40% since you are not getting us great pricing. Agree? Disagree? Comment below! In this episode we go through: 🪶 Laurel’s unique path from archaeology- yes archaeology- to healthcare through medical anthropology. 🏢 The power employers have in reshaping healthcare systems. 💰 The evolution of healthcare benefits, shifting back to first-dollar coverage. 🤝 How coalitions foster collaboration and drive change. 😓 Why “point solution fatigue” is a real challenge for employers. 💼 The growing emphasis on enhancing the employee healthcare experience. 🏥 The rise of direct contracting between employers and health systems. ❓ Vendor ROI claims: navigating employer skepticism. 💪 The importance of wellness strategies for managing stress and staying healthy. 🍣 Pro tip: Try Laurel’s air-fried salmon recipe for a simple, nutritious meal! Check it all out on this week's episode of DHHP! https://lnkd.in/dE_MzFmq

This week on Digital Health Heavyweights Podcast with Madhavi Vemireddy, MD the incredible CEO of Cleo Are you a part of the sandwich generation? Caring for young children, and aging parents? 🧒👶➕🧓👴 This episode is FOR YOU. 🚨23% of US adults are in this category, 🚨54% of folks in their 40s are in this category. & With our aging demographic these numbers are Only ↗ Increasing. 📈 Learn about how Cleo has built an End - to- End Caregiving platform. Madhavi walks me through the enrollment process and how a member gets tailored help to their situation. Pregnancy? Children? Caregiving for a sibling, elderly parent etc? Then Cleo builds a support plan for each family member in your family, and you each get matched to a guide that has expertise in your situation. Experts like, Midwives, dulas, parent coaches, neuro-divergent experts, dementia experts. You name it. You can join group sessions, or one-on-one. Which allows a member to not only get guidance from experts, but also get comfort from community by meeting with others going through the same things as you. Madhavi shares her journey from traditional medicine to digital health. With over 24 years of experience, Madhavi discusses her roles in various health organizations, the founding of Care Tribe, and the importance of supporting caregivers. She emphasizes the need for integrated health solutions for families, and how Cleo is at the forefront of that innovation. The conversation also touches on the importance of clinician involvement in tech, hiring philosophies in growth-stage companies, and personal wellness practices. Learn about our hidden epidemic, and how Cleo is helping us move forward! This was a fascinating conversation. So much to learn, and in such a critical space! ⬇ Checkout our favorite moments ⬇ 🩺 Madhavi's journey into medicine was influenced by family expectations. 🔄 Transitioning from hospital care to digital health was a pivotal career move. 📊 Building advanced analytics in healthcare can improve patient outcomes. 🤝 Caregiving support is often overlooked in traditional healthcare models. 🌟 Cleo aims to empower caregivers through technology and human expertise. 👪 The sandwich generation faces unique challenges that require comprehensive support. 💬 Member experiences at Cleo highlight the importance of personalized care. 📖 Real stories from members illustrate the impact of caregiving support. 👩⚕️ Clinicians in tech can bridge gaps in healthcare delivery. 🚀 Hiring for growth-stage companies requires flexibility and a collaborative mindset. ▶https://lnkd.in/dQZxWjPh 👂https://lnkd.in/dQNhjA-x

"Don't bow out, use every opportunity to learn." Listen to Matthew Sydney founder and CEO of Beanstalk Benefits tell me about the future of Digital Health!! How should point solutions balance improving the product, and sell sell sell sell? Well, listen in to find out. Our favorite takeaways from the episode 👇 📲 The benefits landscape is evolving with technology and personalization. 🌱 Beanstalk Benefits aims to simplify access to diverse employee services. 💰 Funding in 2023 was challenging but necessary for growth. 🙌 Employee-driven solutions are key to successful benefits programs. 🗣️ The importance of listening to user feedback in product development. 🔗 Consolidation in digital health is a growing trend. 👉 Watch the episode here https://lnkd.in/d9u_m9zF 👂 Listen to the episode here https://lnkd.in/dc4r3zNR

We are super excited for episode 56!! We cover all things BENEFITS. In this episode , Norman Volsky🎙️ interviews Matthew Sydney, founder and CEO of Beanstalk Benefits. They discuss Matt's extensive background in healthcare technology, his transition to CEO roles, and the founding of Beanstalk Benefits. The conversation explores the challenges and innovations in the benefits space, the importance of technology in personalizing employee experiences, and the vision for the future of digital health. Matt shares insights on leadership, funding in a challenging market, and his personal wellness practices, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to employee benefits. Takeaways 🏥 Matt Sydney has over 25 years of experience in health technology. 🤝 Leadership requires surrounding yourself with a strong team. 📲 The benefits landscape is evolving with technology and personalization. 🌱 Beanstalk Benefits aims to simplify access to diverse employee services. 💰 Funding in 2023 was challenging but necessary for growth. 🙌 Employee-driven solutions are key to successful benefits programs. 🗣️ The importance of listening to user feedback in product development. 🔗 Consolidation in digital health is a growing trend. 🧘 Personal wellness practices are essential for leaders in healthcare. 🚀 The future of benefits will focus on personalization and accessibility. Check it out, be sure to subscribe, like, comment, and all those fun things so we can continue bringing the best content in Digital Health!!! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Matt Sidney and Beanstalk Benefits 01:52 Matt's Journey in Healthcare and Leadership 05:20 Transitioning to CEO Roles and Lessons Learned 11:09 The Vision Behind Beanstalk Benefits 18:02 Building Beanstalk: Challenges and Successes 21:56 Funding and Market Conditions in 2023 31:05 Future Trends and Predictions in Benefits Space 41:03 Outro

Every employee should have access to world class employee benefits, whether they work for a 50 life group, or 50,000 life group. ✨ 🚀 Navigating the Future of Digital Health and Benefits 🚀☝ In the latest episode of Digital Health Heavyweights Podcast I sit down with Matthew Sydney, Founder & CEO of Beanstalk Benefits, to discuss the exciting intersection of healthcare technology and employee benefits. 🎧 With over 25 years of experience, Matt takes us through his journey in healthcare innovation, the challenges of leading a tech-driven company, and the evolving role of digital solutions in modern benefits programs. Key takeaways from the conversation: 💡 The Role of Technology: How digital health tools are revolutionizing employee benefits and delivering personalized, impactful experiences. 🤝 Leadership & Team Building: Why surrounding yourself with the right team is essential for success in a competitive market. 💰 Funding in 2023: The challenges of raising capital in a tough funding environment and why it’s crucial for growth. 🌱 Holistic Approach to Wellness: Why leaders in healthcare must prioritize their personal wellness for long-term success. 🔗 "The future of benefits is about making them more personalized, more accessible, and more relevant to the individual." — Matt Sydney Catch the full episode and hear how Beanstalk Benefits is shaping the future of digital health and employee wellness. 📲👂 👉 Watch the episode here https://lnkd.in/d9u_m9zF 👂 Listen to the episode here https://lnkd.in/dc4r3zNR

Welcome back to the Digital Health Heavyweights Podcast for Episode 55! In today’s sit down , host Norman Volsky🎙️ Volsky interviews Nikhil Marathe, a senior principal at Juxtapose. Nikhil shares his unique journey into healthcare, contrasting it with the typical paths of many in the industry. He discusses his experiences at TA Associates and SilverSmith Capital Partners, highlighting the challenges and successes he faced in private equity. Nikhil emphasizes the importance of understanding the strengths and weaknesses of founders when investing and shares insights on strategic discussions within boardrooms. He also explains Juxtapose's innovative approach to sourcing deals and building companies, particularly in the healthcare sector. The conversation concludes with Nikhil's personal wellness strategies and healthy cooking tips for families.  Takeaways  🌟 Nikhil's path to healthcare is unique, coming from a tech background.  ⏳ Healthcare is lagging behind other industries by about 10 years.  💡 The juxtaposition of innovation in tech and stagnation in healthcare piqued Nikhil's interest.  🤝 Building relationships with entrepreneurs is crucial in private equity.  📈 Success in private equity requires understanding market dynamics and valuations.  🔍 Nikhil emphasizes the importance of domain expertise in founders.  ⚙️ Strategic M&A discussions are vital for growth in healthcare companies.  🛠️ Juxtapose focuses on creative buy-and-build strategies in healthcare.  🧠 Nikhil values openness and a learning mindset in founders.  🥗 Wellness and healthy eating are important aspects of Nikhil's life.  ▶https://lnkd.in/dJAKygs7 👂https://lnkd.in/dW8fuXti

"What does a private equity partner do all day? Once they write the check, like what do they do?" Are you interested in healthcare investing, and learning about the value that Private equity brings to their portfolio? Then this episode today is FOR YOU. Nikhil Marathe, Senior Principal at Juxtapose, shares his exciting journey into healthcare investing! "How to build a repeatable process to do that at scale." We cover a lot of ground. He emphasizes the importance of domain expertise and the ability to identify pain points in the industry. Nikhil discusses the value that private equity partners bring to their investments, including go-to-market strategies, M&A, and professional sophistication. Since Nikhil sits on the boards of a lot of really cool companies I asked him to share strategic discussions that shape healthcare organizations. Learn about the process of sourcing deals, and the importance of finding the right CEOs for portfolio companies! He also shares insights into the areas Juxtapose focuses on, such as healthcare IT, outpatient provider businesses, value-based care, payers, employers, and life sciences. Nikhil emphasizes the importance of exercise and getting outside to reduce stress and maintain physical health. He also shares his approach to cooking healthy meals for his family, focusing on stews and dishes that combine protein, vegetables, and healthy carbs. What qualities does Juxtapose look for in a founder? 1. Founders that came from industry: So they have the experience to evaluate the pain points, and use their domain experience to build the lack they saw in it. ✅ 2. Growth mindset: someone who doesn't ❌ have the fixed "This is how it is done" mindset. 🎞 Big Moments 📽 📍Domain expertise and firsthand experience of pain points in the industry are valuable qualities in healthcare investors. 💰Private equity partners add value through go-to-market strategies, M&A, and professional sophistication. 🏥Successful founders have industry experience but also possess an openness and a learner's mindset. Strategic discussions, such as M&A and business model shifts, play a crucial role in shaping healthcare organizations in their early years. 🗺The process of sourcing deals involves extensive research, targeted outreach, and engaging with industry executives and stakeholders. Juxtapose focuses on various areas in healthcare, including healthcare IT, outpatient provider businesses, value-based care, payers, employers, and life sciences. Check out the entire episode here and be sure to SUBSCRIBE to us on youtube so we can keep bringing you the best content in Digital Health Digital Health Heavyweights Podcast 👇👇👇👇👇👇 https://lnkd.in/dgXbzf5Y 👂https://lnkd.in/dkvz9v6w

"No matter what your PBM is, we have a way to help." Learn about how CEO Chris Crawford is revolutionizing the employer sponsored prescription benefit world with RxSaveCard! Seeing that there was a need for innovative solutions that can help the 95% of employers who are not ready or willing to leave traditional PBMs. Hear Chris tell you about how it all works!! I have a family member that has literally DRIVEN across the border to get drugs cheaper, so this is super exciting to learn about the cutting edge of Pharmacy savings and what that looks like in practice! Listen in to the Digital Health Heavyweights Podcast and tune in to the future of Digital health! Full Episode: 👂https://lnkd.in/dEkMdFpp ▶https://lnkd.in/deNSPZNT

Curious on how you can get rid of waste in PBM spend? Enter Chris Crawford the founder and CEO of RxSaveCard. "You don't buy EVERYTHING in your life in one place. You shop around. We want to apply that same sort of flexibility for employers." Boom. We cover everything from Chris's journey into healthcare, his experiences at Health Strategy, and the complexities of the pharmacy benefits management (PBM) landscape. Which we all know are exhaustingly complex. Hear Chris break it down! Chris shares insights on the importance of having experts in the field, the role of consultants, and the impact of recent lawsuits on PBM practices. Are you interested in learning on how employers can save on prescription costs, what the member experience looks like, and the future of the PBM market? Than this episode is FOR YOU. "Truly everybody wins." 🔑Key Moments you can't miss 🔑 🩺 Chris Crawford transitioned from accounting to healthcare to help people. 📊 Health Strategy provided Chris with a deep understanding of pharmacy benefits. ⚖️ Employers need to be cautious about their relationships with PBMs. 💊💰 RX Save Card aims to help employers save on prescription costs. 🔍⚖️ The pharmacy benefits landscape is under scrutiny due to recent lawsuits. 🧑🏫 Consultants play a crucial role in navigating PBM relationships. 💡 Innovative solutions are needed to address high prescription costs. 🌐✨ The member experience with RX Save Card is designed to be seamless. 🤝📈 Fundraising for RX Save Card was relationship-driven and focused on product development. 🔮🛒 The future of the PBM market will involve more transparency and choice. 👂https://lnkd.in/dEkMdFpp ▶https://lnkd.in/deNSPZNT