Episode 5: Jacob Peters, Founder of Superpower & Prabhat Dhar, EVP of Enterprise at Superpower

In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, host Norm Volsky speaks with Jacob Peters, founder of Superpower, and Prabhat Dhar, Executive Vice President of Enterprise at Superpower. They discuss their personal journeys into healthcare, the founding of Superpower, and the challenges and opportunities in the preventative health space. The conversation covers the importance of proactive healthcare, the need for actionable health data, and the role of technology in transforming the healthcare experience. They also touch on the challenges of scaling a health tech company, measuring success, and the importance of personal health intelligence. Takeaways🧠 Jacob Peters’ personal health journey was the catalyst behind founding Superpower.❤️ Prabhat Dhar emphasizes the humanity that must remain central to healthcare.🚀 Superpower is reimagining preventative health through a technology-enabled approach.🧪 The platform turns biomarker testing into clear, actionable insights.👥 Consumer education and awareness are critical drivers of enterprise health adoption.💪 Superpower’s model empowers individuals to take ownership of their health.📊 Digital health often prioritizes engagement metrics over true outcomes.🧩 Employers face point-solution fatigue across today’s healthcare ecosystem.📈 Preventative health ROI can be demonstrated through early risk identification.🧘 Stress management is essential for executives in high-pressure environment Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Superpower and Founders' Backgrounds02:08 Jacob Peters' Journey into Healthcare04:17 Prabhat Dhar's Perspective on Healthcare and Technology08:54 The Early Days of Superpower and Founding Vision12:44 Prabhat's Personal Experience and Motivation16:47 Investor Interest and the Future of Preventative Health19:25 Challenges in Preventative Healthcare21:28 The Need for Proactive Health Models24:13 Defining Success in Preventative Health26:22 Making Biomarker Data Actionable26:58 Transforming Healthcare with AI and Intelligence29:46 Navigating the Point Solution Landscape33:56 ROI in Preventative Healthcare Solutions37:53 Scaling Superpower: Challenges and Successes40:42 Measuring Impact: Success Stories from Superpower43:21 The Digital Health Ecosystem: What’s Missing?45:46 Managing Stress in a High-Stakes Environment48:26 Healthy Eating: Recipes for Optimal Health49:56 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 Kris Davis, the Chief Operating Officer at OneImaging. Kris shares his journey from Google to the startup world, discussing his experiences at Virta and Sword Health, and the lessons learned from each role. He emphasizes the importance of customer success, leadership styles, and the need for a strong product focus in the digital health space. Kris also highlights the unique value proposition of OneImaging, which aims to cut imaging costs significantly while improving patient care. The conversation touches on maintaining balance in high-stress environments and the importance of healthy living performance.  Takeaways 🚀 Kris transitioned from Google to startups for the thrill of building something valuable. 📈 At Virta, Kris focused on customer success and implementation, scaling the company significantly. 🧠 Leadership styles can greatly impact team motivation and performance. 🎯 A strong product focus and customer experience are crucial for success in digital health. 🩺 Kris learned the importance of clinical integrity from Sami at Virta. 🛠️ Building a customer success function from scratch requires a solid blueprint. 💸 One Imaging's value proposition is centered around significant cost savings in imaging. ⚖️ Maintaining balance in a high-stress startup environment is essential for long-term success. 🥗 Healthy living and nutrition play a key role in performance and stress management. 🤝 Collaboration and team dynamics are vital for startup success.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kris Davis and OneImaging 02:07 Transition from Google to Startups 03:51 Joining Virta and Its Mission 06:16 Building Customer Success at Virta 09:51 Lessons Learned from Sami at Virta 13:27 Leadership Styles and Team Dynamics 17:12 The Importance of Product and Customer Experience 18:57 Scaling Customer Success at Sword 22:55 The Journey from Zero to One at Sword 26:36 Joining One Imaging and Future Aspirations 28:25 Choosing One Imaging: A Strategic Decision 32:51 Elan: A Visionary Leader in Radiology 38:53 Pivotal Year for One Imaging: Growth and Challenges 44:23 Innovative Technology: Beyond Radiology 51:34 Maintaining Balance in a High-Stress EnvironmentFollow, 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 Nandan Rao, CEO of Starlight, a virtual proactive care clinic. Nandan shares his background, including his experience founding Virtual Lab and his transition from international public health to digital health. He discusses the importance of culturally sensitive coaching, the mission of Starlight to improve patient adherence, and the successes the company has achieved in partnership with major health systems. Following the model of CMS ACCESS, Starlight coordinates closely with provider groups for referrals and co-management The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, the importance of technology in enhancing patient care, and the personal experiences that shape Nandan's leadership style.Check out their website here: https://hellostarlight.com/Takeaways🧠 Nandan Rao has a diverse background in public health and technology. 🌟 Starlight focuses on improving patient adherence through health coaching.🤝 Culturally sensitive coaching is crucial for patient engagement.💻 The integration of technology with healthcare can enhance patient outcomes.📉 Value-based care is essential for improving healthcare efficiency.🩺 Patient relationships with coaches drive better health outcomes.🏥 Starlight has successfully partnered with major health systems.🧩 Understanding patient behavior is key to increasing program participation.💰 The healthcare system often prioritizes profit over patient care.🧘‍♂️ Nandan emphasizes the importance of self-care and stress management for leaders. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Nandan Rao and Starlight01:27 Founding Virtual Lab and Its Impact04:41 Comparing International Public Health and Digital Health07:13 The Value of an Eclectic Career in Leadership12:17 The Inspiration Behind Starlight23:48 Starlight's Mission and Approach24:58 Success Stories and Outcomes from Starlight29:15 Enhancing Patient Engagement through Referrals32:15 The Balance of Technology and Human Touch in Healthcare36:06 Leveraging Technology for Better Patient Outcomes39:28 Creating Meaningful Patient Experiences40:23 Scaling Healthcare Solutions Across Diverse Populations44:14 Navigating the Financial Landscape of Healthcare55:30 Personal Well-being in a High-Stress EnvironmentFollow, 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 Dr. Kumar Dharmarajan, co-founder and chief medical officer of World Class Health. They discuss Dr. Dharmarajan's journey in healthcare, the challenges of patient experience, and the importance of technology in improving healthcare delivery. The conversation delves into the economics of employer-sponsored healthcare, the mission behind founding World Class Health, and the potential of direct contracting and global healthcare solutions. Dr. Dharmarajan shares insights on engagement strategies, innovations, shaping the future of healthcare, and his personal health practices. Takeaways 💡 Clinical inspiration matters in healthcare operations ⚙️ Building technology for doctors requires understanding their workflow 🧑‍⚕️ Patient experience is often poor and needs improvement 🏢 Employer-sponsored healthcare is the largest payer in the U.S. 💰 Direct contracting can lead to significant cost savings 🌎 Global healthcare can offer high-quality care at lower prices 📈 Engagement strategies must be tailored to the audience 🔍 Data transparency is crucial for innovation and accountability 📊 Incentives should align between providers, employers, and patients 🧘‍♂️ Wellness and personal health practices are vital for healthcare leaders Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Kumar Dharmarajan and World Class Health 02:40 Lessons from Clover Health: Clinical Inspiration and Successes 05:17 Building Tech for Doctors and Patients: Key Principles 07:27 The Importance of Reducing Friction in Healthcare 09:55 Transitioning to Global Care Delivery: Motivations and Market Opportunities 12:28 Understanding Cost Disparities in Healthcare 14:25 Challenges in the Healthcare System: Misalignments and Transparency 17:38 Founding World Class Health: Personal Stories and Market Gaps 29:06 Global Centers of Excellence: Engagement and Cost Reduction 31:37 The Role of Nurses in Patient Care 34:23 Cost Savings in Healthcare 36:36 Demand for Specific Healthcare Services 38:32 Misconceptions About International Healthcare 41:39 Innovations in Global Healthcare 44:58 Engagement Strategies in Healthcare 51:59 Personal Wellness PracticesFollow, 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, host Norm Volsky interviews Noah Kotlove, Founder and CEO of Berry Street, a virtual nutrition therapy platform connecting patients with dietitians for one-on-one personalized nutrition care across more than 25 conditions, and  leveraging AI to empower providers and patients . Noah shares his patient-first journey how working with a dietitian helped him lose weight and why nutrition counseling remains one of the most underutilized benefits in U.S. healthcare despite broad commercial coverage that is often $0 out of pocket. The conversation explores Berry Street’s rapid growth since January 2023, its $50M raise in 2025, the difference between dietitians vs. “nutritionists,” and how Berry Street supports patients navigating the GLP-1 era with sustainable nutrition and behavior change. Takeaways 🥗 Nutrition therapy is widely covered by commercial insurance, yet remains deeply underutilized. 🧠 Dietitians support behavior change beyond “eat this / don’t eat that,” including relationship-with-food work. ⚖️ “Food freedom” helps patients avoid guilt spirals and build sustainable habits. 🍿 Small guardrails (like portioning snacks into a bowl) can compound into major outcomes over time. 🏢 Large enterprises often struggle with zero-to-one innovation—startups thrive because they’re built for it. 🚀 Berry Street scaled rapidly after launching in January 2023, reaching tens of millions in annualized revenue (as shared on-air). 💰 Berry Street raised $50M in 2025, driven by growth, a massive market tailwind, and strong provider/patient experience. 🩺 Dietitians are credentialed clinicians who can bill insurance; “nutritionist” is not a standardized credential term. 💉 GLP-1s are a powerful tool, but dietitian support helps protect nutrient intake, adherence, and long-term sustainability. 🍌 A simple daily habit: pairing fruit (banana) with protein/fats (peanut butter) can improve satiety and energy stability. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Noah Kotlove and Berry Street 01:35 Noah’s Path into Healthcare: A Patient-First Story 04:10 How Dietitian Care Drives Sustainable Behavior Change 07:24 Principles Behind Noah’s 60–65 lb Weight-Loss Journey 11:41 Founding Sobriety Soft: Early Entrepreneurship in Health Tech 15:25 Lessons Learned Building a Product for a Sensitive Community 18:25 Accenture to Startup CEO: Lessons from Enterprise Innovation 21:11 The Origin and Meaning Behind the Name “Berry Street” 23:19 Why Nutrition Therapy Is Massively Underutilized 24:34 Fundraising Advice: Authenticity in a Tough Capital Market 26:20 What Drove Berry Street’s $50M Raise and Growth Strategy 28:35 Dietitian vs. Nutritionist: Credentials, Training, and Trust 31:00 Inside the Berry Street Patient Experience 33:26 Insurance Coverage Explained: Preventive vs. Medical Nutrition Care 35:11 Go-to-Market Strategy: From DTC Growth to Health Plans 35:58 Becoming In-Network: Scaling Provider Contracts Nationally 37:20 Clinical Outcomes and the GLP-1 Nutrition Pathway 39:13 The Role of Nutrition in a GLP-1-Driven Future 48:45 Managing Stress and Staying Centered as a Founder 50:12 Healthy Habits and Simple Nutrition Wins 53:01 Closing Thoughts and Final ReflectionsFollow, 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, 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. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Karl Ulfers and DUOS01:33 Early Career and Consulting Insights04:38 Journey at Optum and Innovations in Healthcare11:04 Transition to Rally Health and Leadership Growth14:41 Career Progression and Promotion Strategies20:23 Building Teams and Company Culture25:43 Evolution of Products at Rally Health28:23 Founding DUOS and Personal Inspiration28:28 The Journey Begins: A Decade of Insight31:14 Vision for Aging: Building a System of Care34:11 Partnerships with Health Plans: Enhancing Member Care37:06 Securing Growth: Navigating Investment in a Tough Market42:37 Member Experience: Simplifying Access to Care50:50 Practicing What You Preach: Balancing Work and LifeFollow, 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 latest episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, host Norm Volsky and guest Elan Adler, CEO and founder of OneImaging, dive into a dynamic discussion about their respective ventures. Elan shares insights on OneImaging's recent $31 million Series A funding round led by VY Capital, highlighting strategic growth plans and industry challenges. Meanwhile, Norm discusses the founding and mission of MVP Growth Partners, emphasizing the importance of investing in companies that deliver real value. Together, they explore the broader implications for the digital health industry, the role of behavior change, and the potential for significant market impact.Takeaways💰 Elan Adler discusses the successful $31 million Series A funding round for OneImaging and its strategic implications. 🤝 VY Capital's involvement is seen as a strategic advantage for OneImaging's growth. 🚀 Norm Volsky shares the vision behind MVP Growth Partners and its focus on value-driven investments. 🎯 The conversation highlights the importance of aligning with investors who share a company's vision. 🏥 Norm and Elan explore challenges in the healthcare industry, including cost and access. 🔄 The role of behavior change in improving health outcomes is emphasized. 🌐 Elan shares insights on the potential for digital health companies to achieve significant impact. 📈 Norm discusses the importance of investing in companies that drive real value for customers. 🔮 The episode explores the dynamics of the digital health ecosystem and its future potential. 🛤️ Elan and Norm reflect on their respective journeys and the impact of their companies on the industry.  Chapters00:00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:05:00 One Imaging's Series A Funding Success00:15:00 Strategic Partnership with VY Capital00:25:00 MVP Growth Partners: Vision and Strategy00:35:00 Healthcare Industry Challenges00:45:00 Behavior Change and Health Outcomes00:55:00 Future of Digital HealthFollow, 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 John Quinn, founder and CEO of Wellnecity. They discuss John's journey from financial services to healthcare, the evolution of Wellnecity data-driven benefits management platform, and the importance of data in transforming healthcare. John shares insights from his consulting experience, the mission of Wellnecity, and the company's approach to hiring and building a strong culture. They also explore client success stories, the significance of fiduciary duty, and the future trends in healthcare, emphasizing the need for convenience and better patient experiences. Takeaways💼 John Quinn transitioned from financial services to healthcare due to the inefficiencies he observed in the industry. 🧠 Wellnecity’s Smart Hub platform integrates data to simplify health plan management. 🔗 The healthcare system is complex, with many data silos and a lack of interconnectivity. 📊 John emphasizes the importance of actionable data over traditional reporting methods. 🎯 Wellnecity’s mission is to help employers deliver affordable health benefits. ⚙️ The company focuses on connecting point solutions to enhance health plan performance. 🤝 Hiring for curiosity and collaboration is crucial for building a strong company culture. 💪 John advocates for higher quality healthcare to reduce costs. 💻 The future of healthcare lies in virtual solutions and convenience for patients. 💡 Wellnecity aims to provide a better patient experience through data-driven insights. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Wellnessity and John Quinn01:55 John's Journey into Healthcare03:56 Insights from Consulting Experience06:54 Building Wellnessity: The Origin Story09:54 Evolution of Wellnessity's Product13:58 Mission and Vision of Wellnessity14:55 Company Building and Hiring Practices17:55 Successes and Lessons Learned19:54 Client Success Story and Impact21:20 The Dynamics of Competition in Healthcare23:05 Fiduciary Duties and Data Utilization24:37 Ensuring Data Accuracy and Integration26:40 Proactive Benefits Management for Cost Savings28:29 Performance Improvement Strategies30:23 Surprising Insights from Client Engagement32:46 Building a Mission-Driven Company35:40 Future Trends in Healthcare39:26 Enhancing Patient Experience in Healthcare44:38 Personal Health Practices and Lifestyle Choices 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 this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, Norm Volsky interviews Brad Kreick, CEO of Access Hope, discussing his journey in healthcare, the evolution of cancer care, and the innovative solutions AccessHope provides to bridge the gap between cutting-edge oncology and local treatment. Brad shares insights from his extensive experience in healthcare management, consulting, and investment, highlighting the importance of collaboration between treating oncologists and specialized cancer experts. The conversation also touches on the future of digital health, the impact of AI, and the personal stories that drive the mission of AccessHope.Takeaways💡 Brad Kreick's journey into healthcare stemmed from a desire to be a doctor.🏥 Healthcare is a dynamic industry, constantly evolving yet facing persistent challenges.🎯 AccessHope aims to bridge the knowledge gap in cancer care between local oncologists and specialized experts.🤝 Collaboration between treating oncologists and AccessHope's specialists leads to improved patient outcomes.📈 The company is on track to achieve profitability while continuing to grow and expand its services.👥 Brad emphasizes the importance of building a strong team to drive the mission of AccessHope.🧬 The cancer care landscape is rapidly changing, with advancements in precision oncology and genetic testing.💼 AccessHope's model integrates into employer benefit plans, enhancing patient access to specialized care.🤖 The future of digital health will see consolidation and the impact of AI on operational efficiency.🌿 Personal well-being and healthy living are crucial for leaders in high-stress environments.Chapters00:00 Introduction to AccessHope and Brad Kreick01:33 Brad's Journey into Healthcare04:11 Experience at Apria and Perspective on Healthcare06:39 Consulting Career at BRK Ventures08:01 Notable Client Experiences and Lessons Learned12:01 Insights on Private Equity Deals13:51 Transition to Access Hope16:53 Achievements at Access Hope20:14 Understanding Access Hope's Mission24:52 Collaboration with Employers and Health Plans26:18 Collaboration in Oncology Care28:23 Clinical Outcomes and Effectiveness31:52 Future Directions for Access Hope34:43 Product Development and Customer Engagement36:59 Market Trends and the Role of AI40:34 Innovation and Evolution in Digital Health42:47 Patient Stories and Impact46:32 Cost Management in Cancer Care49:08 Personal Well-being and Healthy LivingFollow, 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, host Norm Volsky is joined by Kili Preitauer, CEO of Override Health, and Dr. Christina Le-Short, VP of Clinical Delivery. They discuss the innovative approaches of Override Health in managing chronic pain through a virtual, patient-centered model that emphasizes non-opioid solutions. The conversation explores the misconceptions surrounding healthcare providers and payers, the importance of whole person care, and the integration of AI in healthcare. Both guests share their personal journeys in healthcare, the challenges they face, and the successes they've achieved in improving patient outcomes. The episode concludes with insights on the future of healthcare and the importance of personal health practices for leaders in the industry. Takeaways💻 Override Health focuses on virtual chronic pain management. 🧩 Kili’s journey into healthcare began with problem-solving. 🤝 Christina Le-Short emphasizes the need for collaborative care. 💡 Misconceptions about payers include the belief that they don't care about patients. 🩺 Doctors often don't have all the answers for complex conditions. 👥 Building strong teams is crucial for success in healthcare. 🌿 Patients need whole-person care for effective pain management. 📈 Override Health has seen significant patient satisfaction and outcomes. 🤖 AI can enhance efficiency in healthcare without replacing human interaction. 🧘 Personal health practices are essential for leaders in healthcare. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Override Health and Its Mission01:43 Personal Journeys into Healthcare04:11 Misconceptions in Healthcare: Payers and Providers06:40 Building Teams and Leadership in Healthcare08:45 Accomplishments in Pain Management09:49 The Importance of Whole Person Care10:34 Startup Experiences and Lessons Learned11:56 Inspiration Behind Joining Override Health15:14 Hiring for Success: Key Traits16:59 Identifying Better Approaches to Chronic Pain22:46 Patient Experience and Success Stories26:47 Non-Opioid Approaches to Pain Management28:20 Partnerships with Payers for Cost Reduction29:38 Transforming Pain Management: A New Approach30:19 Understanding Opioid Side Effects33:34 The Role of AI in Healthcare39:08 Future of AI in Pain Management44:10 Major Accomplishments at Override45:20 Predictions for Digital Health49:06 Practicing What You Preach: Healthy Habits55:53 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