HIT Like a Girl Pod: Empowering Women in Health IT

Like a Girl Media
  • 4.9 (39)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Weekly

HIT Like a Girl Pod is back—with Joy Rios, Grace Vinton, and Rebecca Love. Three women. Three lenses. One big conversation about the future of healthcare, technology, and leadership. Policy & tech. Patient. Nursing. Each mini-series begins with all three of us around the mic, framing the big question. Then each of us hosts an episode through our own lens—bringing you voices you haven't heard, perspectives you haven't considered, and healthcare conversations that actually matter. We don't have all the answers. We just know these conversations are worth having. This podcast is built on joy, fueled by love, and led with grace. Bigger vision. Deeper impact. Stronger together. Join the community. Subscribe now.

  1. Sep 8

    Changing Who Writes the Checks: Naseem Sayani on Women Investors, Social Capital, and Building the Women’s Health Pipeline

    In this episode, host Grace Vinton welcomes Naseem Sayani, founder and CEO of GCWC and Director of WHAM’s Innovators Circle. They dive deep into a critical question: why does it matter who allocates capital, not just who raises it? Naseem shares her journey from incubators to founding her own fund, revealing the collaborative and abundance-driven style that sets women investors apart. She debunks persistent myths—like the idea that women-led funds are "sweet" or that women are bad with money—and offers invaluable advice for founders: lead with the market opportunity, not just the pain point. The conversation explores the need to bridge the social capital gap, the coordinated approach behind WHAM's Innovators Circle, and her vision for redesigning venture capital from the ground up. Tune in to hear how Naseem is building a new kind of pipeline and learn how you can be part of the change. What You'll Learn: Why having more women as decision-makers changes what gets funded and the behaviors that technology creates. The collaborative, "abundance" style of investing that is reshaping GP-founder relationships. The truth behind the top myths about women investors (spoiler: we're great with money). Why building social capital across the gender divide is crucial for getting startups through Series A and B rounds. How WHAM's Innovators Circle is coordinating capital to prevent losing critical innovations in women's health. Practical advice for founders: lead your pitch with the money and the market, not just the problem. Naseem’s thoughts on the future of health tech, biotech, and why a more integrated approach to "the health of women" is needed. Resources & Links: Naseem’s Substack: gcwccapital.substack.com Naseem’s Podcast: The Capital Flex  Connect on LinkedIn: Naseem Sayani Chapters: 00:00 | Welcome and Intro 00:20 | The Case for Women Allocating Capital 01:52 | A Collaborative Investing Style 03:03 | Debunking Myths About Women-Led Funds 05:15 | Early Investing Lessons & Diligence 07:09 | Is Venture Capital's "Game" Changing? 08:54 | WHIM's Innovators Circle: A Pipeline Engine 11:13 | GCWC's Media Platform & New Fund 13:24 | The Stigma & Semantics of Women's Health 15:33 | Pitching "The Health of Women" 17:12 | Opportunities & Structural Shifts for Investors 19:43 | Advice to Younger Self & Where to Find Naseem

    Changing Who Writes the Checks: Naseem Sayani on Women Investors, Social Capital, and Building the Women’s Health Pipeline

  2. Sep 1

    Prescribing Wealth: A Doctor's Prescription for Financial Freedom

    Is your money working for you, or are you just working for your money? Dr. Nkem Ezeamama, CEO of Pheenyx Capital Investment, is an ER physician who discovered that the business of medicine was changing faster than the practice of it. When a private equity firm took over her hospital and began slashing physician hours, she realized relying solely on her clinical income was a risk she couldn't afford. In this episode of HIT Like a Girl pod, Nkem shares her journey with host Joy Rios from treating patients to building Pheenyx Capital, a firm that helps healthcare professionals break free from the "golden handcuffs" of their salaries. Tune in to hear: The Trigger: How the shift to "corporate medicine" forced Dr. Ezeamama to pivot from burnout to building wealth. The Results: How she and 150 investors (90% in healthcare!) have acquired over $153 million in assets. The "Scarcity" Trap: Why so many high-earning professionals suffer from imposter syndrome and how she helps them shift to an abundance mindset. The Mission: Why she is focused on pulling up other women in a historically male-dominated industry and what it takes to get started. If you are a busy professional looking to diversify your income and build a legacy, this is the roadmap you’ve been waiting for. Key Points with Timestamps 01:00 | From Burnout to Building Wealth: Dr. Nkem Ezeamama, an ER physician, was forced to rethink her career when a private equity firm took over her hospital, cut physician hours, and shifted focus to the "business of medicine" over patient care. This led her to seek alternative income sources. 02:10 | The Genesis of Phoenix Capital: Recognizing that few healthcare professionals and women were investing in real estate, Dr. Ezeamama built a company to help others build passive income and grow wealth outside their daily practice. 03:45 | The Biggest Win: A Mindset Shift: The most significant impact she's made is helping healthcare professionals overcome the limiting belief that they can only do medicine, shifting their mindset from being a "worker" to becoming an "owner" of income-producing assets. 04:45 | The Reality Check on the Housing Market: While the market is daunting, she emphasizes that the first step is education, and the second is partnering with the right operator who understands market analysis, population growth, and landlord-friendly terms. 06:10 | The Numbers So Far: In just 3.5 years, Pheenyx Capital has grown to 150 investors (90% healthcare professionals), acquired $153 million in assets across the Southeast, and provided housing for nearly 800 families. 07:45 | Women as Investors: In a historically male-dominated field, Dr. Ezeamama is proud that she has a higher percentage of women investors than men. Her goal is to create more seats at the table for women and pull others up as she grows. 09:30 | The Abundance vs. Scarcity Mindset: She openly discusses overcoming imposter syndrome and emphasizes that there is "plenty for all of us." She encourages women to link arms and go far together, rather than competing from a place of scarcity. 12:15 | Small Steps Lead to Financial Freedom: She stresses that financial freedom is not achieved overnight but through consistency and taking tiny steps every day. She lives by the motto, "Tiny drops fill an ocean." 13:00 | Leading with Gratitude: Dr. Ezeamama credits gratitude for helping her appreciate how far she has come, which is essential for maintaining the mindset to continue moving forward. 14:45 | The Magic Number to Start Investing: To invest in Pheenyx Capital's deals, SEC rules require a $200,000 annual income (or $300,000 with a spouse) or a $1 million net worth (excluding primary residence). However, she notes that other real estate avenues (like duplexes or single-family homes) require much less capital to start. 17:45 | The Goal: 10,000 Healthcare Professionals: Her big-picture mission for Pheenyx Capital is to help 10,000 healthcare professionals start building wealth and understanding that financial freedom is possible. 19:00 | Group Investing: You Don't Have to Do It Alone: She emphasizes that investors don't need to manage properties themselves—they can pool capital while she and her team handle the day-to-day operations, allowing them to continue doing what they love.

  3. Aug 25

    From Patient to Pioneer: Mariya Filipova on Investing, Convergent Care, and the Oral-Systemic Health Revolution

    When a routine physical uncovered a giant kidney tumor, Mariya Filipova’s life and career trajectory were irrevocably changed. Faced with the daunting "standard" medical path of a nephrectomy, she chose to take a weekend to think differently. That single decision sparked an 18-month journey as her own healthcare quarterback, coordinating care across oncology, nephrology, genetics, and computational science—and ultimately preserving both her kidneys and her quality of life. Today, as the founding partner of Marram Ventures and CEO of Proclaim Health, Mariya is on a mission to fix the systemic fragmentation she experienced firsthand. Her powerful investment thesis—"Convergent Care"—seeks to break down the professional and financial silos that have separated oral health from overall health for nearly 100 years. In this compelling episode, she discusses the startling lack of women in venture capital decision-making roles, the connection between gum disease and chronic conditions like diabetes and preterm labor, and why the solution lies in understanding healthcare's complex incentive structures. Join host Rebecca Love for a conversation that exposes the absurdity of a fractured system and offers a clear, actionable blueprint for how patients, employers, and investors can drive the change toward a truly integrated healthcare future. Why Women Investors Matter: The absence of women in venture capital decision-making roles isn't just a diversity issue—it's a market failure. By investing in what matters to the 51% of the population that makes the majority of healthcare decisions, we can build a smarter, more effective system. The Power of a Frustrated Patient: Mariya’s personal health scare taught her that a successful outcome isn't just surviving surgery; it's returning to a full, vibrant life. This patient-centered definition of success is the north star for her investment and leadership philosophy. The Healthcare "Black Box": As an executive at a major health plan, Mariya discovered the system's shocking inability to aggregate simple data, like total employer spending across medical, dental, and vision benefits. The same silos that frustrate patients are embedded in the business of healthcare. A 100-Year Divide: The separation of medicine and dentistry is a historical accident, not a biological reality. The scientific consensus is clear: inflammation in the mouth directly impacts the heart, brain, and pregnancy outcomes, yet the system refuses to connect the dots. Speaking the Language of Incentives: True change won’t come from disruption alone. It requires speaking the language of employers, health plans, and benefit administrators—showing how convergent care can reduce costs and improve quality by lowering high-cost claims (like NICU stays) through better oral health. Key TakeawaysKey Points with Timestamps 00:00 | Welcome & Guest Intro Host Rebecca Love introduces Mariya Filipova, a woman she describes as one of the most incredible people in her decade-long career. 01:30 | The Thesis & The Disconnect Mariya defines "Convergent Care" and explains the investment thesis behind Marram Ventures. She discusses the shocking statistic that only 10-17% of VC decision-making roles are held by women. 05:47 | A Life-Changing Diagnosis Mariya shares the pivotal story of her "accidental find" of a giant kidney tumor, revealing how a routine physical turned her from a jet-setting executive into a scared patient in 72 hours. 08:19 | The 18-Month Journey She details her decision to reject a "convenient" nephrectomy and coordinate her own care. This section reveals her inspiring fight to preserve her kidney and her life, and how she defines success as "full recovery." 15:39 | Fragmentation from the Inside Mariya exposes the "shocking" reality of the business side of healthcare. A simple request to an employer's total spend across medical and dental took a six-week project to complete. 18:09 | The Oral-Systemic Link Mariya connects the dots between gum disease and chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and preterm labor, calling out the scientific absurdity of treating the mouth as separate from the body. 21:20 | The Role of Incentives Mariya explains how to drive change by speaking the language of benefit managers. She details how a single preterm labor claim can cost up to $1 million, and how preventative dental care can prevent it. 24:00 | The Power of the Employer She makes the case for why self-insured employers are the key to unlocking convergence, acting as the "buyer" who has the power to demand integrated dashboards and better benefits. 27:09 | Actionable Steps & The Call to Invest Mariya provides a powerful, three-part call to action for patients, employers, and women. She encourages female executives to start seeing themselves as investors, building wealth while supporting mission-aligned companies. 33:35 | Closing & Thanks Rebecca and Mariya wrap up with final thoughts on the future of healthcare and the power of women in investment.

  4. Aug 18

    Investing in Women's Health Isn't a "Nice-to-Have"—It's Infrastructure. Here's Why.

    What if we told you that investing in women's health isn't just the right thing to do—it's the smart thing to do? Marissa Fayer has spent 22 years turning that argument into action. She's the CEO and founder of the global nonprofit HerHealthEQ (deploying women's health equipment across 12 countries, serving 150,000 women) and the for-profit DeepLook Medical (imaging software that sees inside dense tissue). And now, she's the author of the new book Undervalued to Unavoidable:  Women's Health as Infrastructure. In this episode of HIT Like a Girl podcast, Marissa joins Joy Rios to make the case that women's health isn't a niche issue—it's the foundation of a functioning society. Tune in to hear: 🔥 The Economic Argument: Why framing equity as an economic imperative moves money faster than moral arguments ever will. 💰 Move Money, Move the Needle: How consumers, investors, and philanthropists can redirect capital toward women-led companies and solutions. 📊 The Stats That Shocked a Banker: Why a top executive told Marissa, "I literally cannot unhear this." 🧠 From Data to Action: We have the data. Now what? Marissa breaks down small, actionable steps anyone can take—whether you're in a boardroom, at a clinic, or at your kitchen table. ⚠️ The 35-Minute Gap: Why it takes 35 minutes longer to diagnose a woman having a heart attack than a man—and what that means for women's health outcomes. If you've ever wondered why we keep studying the problem without fixing it, this episode is your wake-up call. Key Points with Timestamps [02:45] The Multipreneur Mission: Marissa Fayer, CEO of HerHealthEQ (nonprofit) and DeepLook Medical (for-profit), and author of Undervalued to Unavoidable, explains that her daily drive comes from impacting women's health globally through better screening, technology, and access. [05:30] The Numbers Don't Lie: We have the data on the massive disparities in women's health, but talking about the problem isn't enough. It’s time to move from conversation to action. [06:50] The New Economic Argument: To get traction, frame women's health as an economic issue, not just an equity one. Companies with women in leadership and on boards are better investments and more effective with capital, making it a smarter business decision. [09:20] How to "Move Money": Action includes moving capital toward women-owned brands, asking financial advisors to invest in women-led funds, and supporting healthcare companies that prioritize women. [13:00] What Anyone Can Do Today: You don't have to be a CEO to make a difference. Small steps include asking why there are no women in a meeting, advocating for menopause and elder care policies in the workplace, or sending a form letter to a congressperson. [15:00] The "I Can't Unhear It" Moment: A top bank executive told Marissa he couldn't stop thinking about how women are systematically left out of infrastructure decisions, which was the catalyst for changing his perspective. [16:20] The 35-Minute Gap: It takes 35 minutes longer to diagnose a woman having a heart attack than a man, leading to irreparable harm. This is because symptoms in women (like back pain and stomach issues) are often dismissed or mistaken for other conditions. [18:30] The High Cost of Exclusion: Women were excluded from clinical trials until 1993, and enrollment is still only at 40%. Marissa argues that it is far more costly to retrofit products than to design them with women in mind from the start. [22:00] Women's Health is Infrastructure: Just as we invest in repairing roads and bridges, we must invest in the health of women—because they are the foundation of a functioning society. [24:00] Beyond Conversation: While we still need to share the facts, the priority is action. This means voting with your money, time, and resources to support women's health and leadership.

  5. Aug 13

    The $70 Billion Blind Spot: Why Women’s Health is Underfunded and How We Fix It

    Less than 1% of healthcare venture capital goes to women's health. This isn't just a funding gap—it's a health crisis that affects 51% of the population. In this powerful kickoff to the "Invest Like a Girl" series, hosts Rebecca Love, Joy Rios, and Grace Vinton pull back the curtain on a system where men (who make up 85% of VC general partners) are making the vast majority of decisions about which health solutions get funded and brought to market. The hosts dive deep into the startling statistics: women make 80% of healthcare decisions, yet conditions like menopause, endometriosis (which takes seven years to diagnose), and cardiovascular disease—the number one killer of women—remain chronically underfunded. They unpack the systemic biases, from male-based symptom models that delay cardiac care for women by an average of 35 minutes, to the social dynamics of "golf course" deal-making that exclude women investors. But this episode isn't just about the problem. It's a rallying cry for action. With the largest wealth transfer in history moving to women over the next decade, the hosts explore how women can harness their financial power to reshape the future of healthcare, build generational wealth, and finally demand the innovations they deserve. Key Takeaways The Funding Gap is a Health Gap: Less than 1% of healthcare VC goes to women's health. This directly correlates with delayed diagnoses, inferior treatments, and poorer health outcomes for women across the board. The 80% Rule: Women make 80% of healthcare decisions for their families but are almost entirely absent from the rooms where health solutions are funded. This disconnect is a massive market failure. The "35-Minute" Disparity: Because cardiac symptoms are modeled on male patients, women experiencing heart attacks face an average 35-minute delay in diagnosis—a delay that can mean the difference between life and death. The Trust and Bias Problem: Women investors face unique hurdles, from being told to "pitch like a man" to being excluded from informal networking and "male bonding" that often seals deals. This is compounded by a trust gap where founders and colleagues often default to male counterparts. The Wealth Transfer is a Tipping Point: The largest intergenerational transfer of wealth in history is heading to women. How women choose to invest—and whether they prioritize mission-aligned, women's health solutions—will reshape the economy and healthcare for generations. Convergent Care is Key: The hosts highlight the need for a "convergence" approach, breaking down historical silos (like the 100-year separation of dentistry and medicine) to treat the whole person. Chapters & Key Moments 00:00 | Series Kickoff The hosts introduce a multi-part series on investing, fundraising, and the women's health funding gap, explaining why this conversation is critical right now. 00:30 | Why Investing Now Rebecca sets the stage by highlighting the shocking statistic that women represent only 10-17% of the investor market. 00:43 | Women Missing in VC The hosts expand on the lack of women in General Partner roles (less than 15%), pointing out that the same people are making decisions about products for a population they don't fully understand. 01:46 | Health Funding Gap Grace reveals that less than 1% of healthcare VC goes to women's health. This section breaks down the "90% problem"—where the tiny women's health pie is itself dominated by reproductive health, fertility, and women's cancers, leaving everything else behind. 04:15 | Underfunded Conditions The conversation turns to the "least attention" areas: menopause, endometriosis (and its seven-year diagnosis delay), PCOS, and cardiovascular disease—the number one killer of women that remains vastly underfunded. 05:37 | Data to Action Joy recounts a powerful conversation with investor Marissa Fayer, who highlights the "35-minute delay" in diagnosing women's cardiac events and issues a call to action: "We don't need to talk about the statistics anymore. It's time to take some action." 07:56 | Diversity in Dealflow & Bias in Fundraising The hosts discuss how the lack of diversity leads to blind spots. Rebecca shares a personal story of being told to "pitch like a man," illustrating the double-bind women founders face. 10:38 | The "Golf Course" Problem The conversation explores how informal male networking spaces can exclude women investors, forcing them to work twice as hard to build trust and perform due diligence, often lengthening the investment timeline. 12:04 | Women as Investors Joy shares her awakening about the existence of women's health-focused funds and real estate investing for passive income. She challenges the narrative that investing is "complicated" and only for men. 13:58 | Wealth Transfer Moment Rebecca highlights the JPMorgan study on the largest transfer of wealth in history moving to women. She poses the critical question: "What will women do when they control the assets of that large amount of dollars?" 14:53  | Financial Independence Joy shares her personal pride in being the first woman in her family to buy a house on her own, illustrating the liberating power of financial independence and the need to empower other women to do the same. 18:20 | Convergence Health Lens The hosts connect the conversation back to themes of "convergent care" showing how breaking down health silos is a critical part of solving the women's health funding puzzle. 20:46 | Impact Beyond Returns & Allies Wrap Up The hosts close by emphasizing that investment returns are important, but so are health outcomes and community impact. They end with a shout-out to male allies who are pulling women up through the ranks.

    The $70 Billion Blind Spot: Why Women’s Health is Underfunded and How We Fix It

  6. Jul 21

    Value-Based Care Unwoven: The Math, The Mission & The Sisterhood

    Healthcare is complicated. But the math behind value-based care? It doesn't have to be. In this episode, Joy Rios sits down with Rachael Jones, CEO of the Sintax division of Lightbeam Health Solutions, for a conversation that weaves together data, dollars, and the deeply human side of healthcare transformation. Rachael pulls back the curtain on what population health actually means and why the "perfect triangle" of clinical, operational, and financial insights is the key to making value-based care work for everyone. They tackle the tough questions: How do providers and payers actually speak the same language? What happens when funding disappears and rural hospitals close? Why is the "webbing effect"—the intersection of government, commercial, community, and individual responsibility—the only path forward? They also address the elephant in the room: trust. From shifting policies and DEI backlash to the challenges of accessing complex programs like Rural Health Transformation funding, they get real about what it takes to sustain the gains we've made. And yes, they go there. Breaking taboos around menopause. The power of sisterhood as "built-in besties." Why self-advocacy (and maybe a little magnesium oil spray) can change everything. Rachael shares why she remains hopeful because providers in community health centers are still showing up every day. Because data can surface the right interventions at the right time. Because when women speak up, the world listens. If you've ever wondered how value-based care actually works, or why it sometimes feels like it doesn't, this episode is your guide. Listen. Then ask: Who's in your web?

  7. Jul 14

    No Aggregation Without Representation: Patients, AI, and the Fight for Data Rights

    What happens when patients become the product—and no one asked for consent? In this episode of HIT Like a Girl Pod, Grace Vinton sits down with Andrea Downing, a security researcher and co-founder of The Light Collective. Andrea's journey into patient advocacy began in 2005, when she tested positive for the BRCA1/2 gene mutation at age 30. That moment transformed her from a tech professional into what she calls an "accidental hacker"—someone who started asking hard questions about who owns patient data, who profits from it, and who gets left behind. Andrea and her team at The Light Collective are advancing a simple but radical idea: "No aggregation without representation." It means patients deserve a seat at the table—not just as research subjects, but as decision-makers in how their data is used, shared, and protected. Together, Grace and Andrea explore: How Anthropic's Claude Mythos and Project Glasswing are exposing vulnerabilities in healthcare systems Why hospitals are facing ransomware shutdowns—and what that means for patients The rise of "vibe coding" and what happens when patients build their own tools without privacy guardrails The hidden dangers of ad tracking (Meta Pixel) inside patient communities How misinformation and privacy gaps are putting patients at risk This is a conversation about power, data, and who gets to shape the future of healthcare technology. If you are a patient, a caregiver, or anyone who believes patients should have a voice in how their data is used—this one is for you. Listen. Then ask: Who speaks for you?

  8. Jul 7

    This Is a Code Red: How a Quiet OMB Rule Could Gut NIH and Community Funding

    This episode is a call to action—and we have until July 13th. Rebecca Love sits down with Elizabeth Ginexi, PhD—a former NIH scientific program official of 22 years who took early retirement after DOGE restructured the agency. She is now speaking out about a proposed OMB rule that she believes threatens the future of federal funding across every community in America. The rule rewrites the Uniform Guidance (2 C.F.R. 200), quietly shifting it from "guidance" to "regulation." Elizabeth argues this is designed to bypass Congress's power of the purse—giving political appointees unilateral authority to block, steer, or cancel grants at will. That means $48 billion in NIH funding. Plus Head Start. Plus Title I schools. Plus Meals on Wheels. Plus infrastructure projects. Plus every discretionary grant program that communities rely on. This is not just about science. This is about every community in America. *But there is a 45-day window to oppose it—and it closes July 13th.* Elizabeth walks us through the mechanics of the rule, what is at stake, and—most importantly—exactly what we can do to fight back. She has written easy-to-follow guides and will provide links to submit a comment to the Federal Register and contact your elected officials. We have until July 13th. Your voice matters. Listen. Then act. 00:00 The Stakes: Why This Matters Right Now 04:04 What OMB Does and Why It Matters 06:43 From "Guidance" to "Regulation": The Shift Nobody Is Talking About 07:51 Congress vs. OMB: A Power Grab 11:10 How NIH Funding Works—and How This Rule Could Break It 13:00 Political Control of Grants: What That Looks Like in Practice 15:51 NIH's ROI: $48 Billion and Why It Matters 18:57 Beyond Science: Head Start, Infrastructure, and Every Community 23:03 How to Fight Back: The Two Actions You Can Take Today 26:44 Writing Effective Comments (No Expertise Required) 29:31 Use Your Voice: Why Silence Is Complicity 31:10 Final Thoughts & Where to Find Resources

See All (350)

Trailer

4.9
out of 5
39 Ratings

About

HIT Like a Girl Pod is back—with Joy Rios, Grace Vinton, and Rebecca Love. Three women. Three lenses. One big conversation about the future of healthcare, technology, and leadership. Policy & tech. Patient. Nursing. Each mini-series begins with all three of us around the mic, framing the big question. Then each of us hosts an episode through our own lens—bringing you voices you haven't heard, perspectives you haven't considered, and healthcare conversations that actually matter. We don't have all the answers. We just know these conversations are worth having. This podcast is built on joy, fueled by love, and led with grace. Bigger vision. Deeper impact. Stronger together. Join the community. Subscribe now.

Information

You Might Also Like