Digital Health Heavyweights

Norm Volsky
  • 5.0 (6)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

This conversational podcast brings you exclusive interviews with all the Heavyweights in Digital Health. Hosted by Norm Volsky, a top industry headhunter, whose team helped scale companies including Livongo, Hinge Health, Lyra, Virta, Progyny and many more. This series will bring listeners insights into the latest trends, technologies, and strategies driving the digital health revolution. In each episode, Norm sits down with some of the most influential and innovative leaders in healthcare technology today from legendary founders who have built successful companies, venture capitalists who have led funding rounds, HR/Benefits leaders at forward thinking companies, Consultants and Brokers at the top benefits consulting firms, and other impactful visionaries challenging the status quo in healthcare. Listeners can learn from the industry greats who have created what we now know as health benefits, and who are changing the face of healthcare as we know it. Whether you're a healthcare professional, a tech enthusiast, a start-up founder, benefits aficionado, jobseeker in Digital Health, or simply curious about the future of healthcare, Digital Health Heavyweights has something for you. 

  1. 1D AGO

    Episode 8: Sims Tillirson, Founder & Principal of Tillirson Consulting Group

    In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, Norm Volsky interviews Sims Tillirson, founder of Tillirson Consulting Group, about his unexpected entry into employee benefits and how his experience has shaped his approach to consulting, sales, and digital health innovation. The conversation covers the importance of storytelling, building relationships, and continuous coaching. Sims shares his views on what consultants and brokers need, how transparency can unlock progress in healthcare, and why vendors must deliver real ROI to stand out in today’s saturated market. They also explore strategies for cost containment, evolving buyer expectations, and the connection between personal wellness and professional success.    Takeaways  🧠 Sims entered the employee benefits industry by accident but saw its long-term potential.  📚 Continuous learning and coaching are essential for personal and career growth.  📖 Storytelling is a powerful tool for building trust in consulting and sales.  💡 Point solution fatigue is real brokers are looking for clarity, not clutter.  💰 Transparency in healthcare pricing is critical for market transformation.  📦 Vendors must guarantee ROI to earn buyer trust in a crowded landscape.  🧭 The employee experience—not just tech—should be the north star.  📉 Cost containment efforts need to focus on high-impact strategies.  🌐 Innovation can stall without real disruption or accountability.  🏃‍♂️ Community engagement helps reduce stress and maintain balance.    Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Sims Tillirson and His Journey  03:04 Career Path and Lessons Learned  05:51 Transitioning to Consulting and Overcoming Challenges  08:57 Identifying Ideal Clients and Business Adjustments  11:41 Insights from Experience in Employee Benefits  14:44 Challenges in the Employee Benefits Ecosystem  17:42 The Need for Transparency in Healthcare  20:18 Coaching Brokers and Consultants  23:18 Common Challenges for Vendors in Employee Benefits  27:42 Standing Out in a Crowded Market  32:11 Changing Expectations of Brokers and Consultants  36:14 The Importance of Results in Vendor Relationships  38:21 Identifying Promising Vendor Pitches  40:32 Hunger for Stability and Accountability  42:06 The Need for Transparency in Healthcare  44:57 Impact of Incentives on Behavior  46:07 Data-Driven Cost Containment Strategies  48:38 Stalled Innovation and the Need for Disruption  50:31 The Importance of Impact Over Intent  51:35 Personal Strategies for Reducing Stress  Follow, connect and subscribe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcast Youtube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweights Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

    55 min

  2. FEB 16

    Episode 7: Lee Lewis, Chief Strategy Officer & GM Medical Solutions at Health Transformation Alliance

    In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, host Norman Volsky welcomes Lee Lewis, the Chief Strategy Officer and General Manager of Medical Solutions at the Health Transformation Alliance (HTA). They discuss the pressing issue of rising healthcare costs and the misconceptions that many leaders have about managing healthcare expenses. Lee shares his insights on the three major dogmas that hinder progress in healthcare cost management: the belief that costs are fixed, that saving money equates to harming people, and the notion that efforts to save money are not worth the trouble. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the disconnect between price and quality in healthcare, urging employers to take a proactive approach in managing their health benefits. Takeaways 🔥 Healthcare costs aren’t fixed: the belief that “nothing can be done” is one of the biggest barriers to change 🚫 Saving money does NOT mean hurting people: better outcomes often come from lower-cost, higher-value care ⚠️ Doing nothing is the biggest risk: an 8–10% trend is far more disruptive than thoughtful change 🎯 Incentives drive behavior: benefits leaders are punished for one bad call but barely rewarded for massive savings 🧠 Employer decisions are rational… just misaligned: fear of disruption outweighs upside without leadership support 🔍 Price ≠ quality in healthcare: some of the best outcomes come at the lowest prices 🧾 Transparency without steerage can backfire: members may assume higher price means better care 🤝 HTA’s power is benchmarking + real-world performance data: RFPs don’t predict outcomes, current results do 🧪 Point solutions must earn their seat at the table: 1% impact, 2x+ ROI, clean math, and pay-for-performance only 🧙‍♂️ The best point solutions are invisible: show up at the moment of need, solve the problem, then disappear 🚪 Primary care is the front door to cost control: whoever controls primary care controls downstream spend 🧭 Steer referrals with data:  aligned PCPs + high-value referral pathways can reset system incentives 💰 Employers must reward value creators and punish profiteers: otherwise prices will keep rising 💊 GLP-1s and specialty drugs are the next battleground: employers want direct purchasing at rational prices 🧬 Cell & gene therapies need adult supervision — saying “yes” to any price sets a dangerous precedent 👥 The right benefits team can flatten trend: talent + permission + incentives matter more than tools 📉 Tie benefits leader comp to CPI:  hit CPI without cost shifting and eliminate constant plan design churn 🚀 Healthcare innovation must break the “10% better for 10x cost” rule: real disruption requires order-of-magnitude value 🧠 Culture change starts with rejecting bad dogma: flat trend is possible when leaders believe it is Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Lee Lewis and HTA 01:37 The Fight Against Rising Healthcare Costs 03:18 Misconceptions in Healthcare Management 06:55 Understanding Price vs. Quality in Healthcare 11:36 Employer Accountability in Healthcare 14:37 The Role of HTA in Healthcare Solutions 17:23 Structural Issues in Employer-Sponsored Healthcare 20:54 Point Solutions: Successes and Failures 31:15 The Importance of Advanced Primary Care 35:41 Data Transparency and Performance Measurement 46:57 Emerging Demands in Healthcare 56:27 Outro Follow, connect and subscribe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcast Youtube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweights Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

    55 min

  3. FEB 9

    Episode 6: Anish Sebastian, Co-Founder & CEO of Babyscripts

    In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, Norm Volsky interviews Anish Sebastian, co-founder and CEO of Baby Scripts, a digital health startup transforming prenatal care through technology and data. Anish shares his journey into healthcare, the founding vision of Baby Scripts, and how the pandemic accelerated innovation in maternal care. The conversation highlights alarming U.S. maternal mortality rates, the importance of virtual monitoring, and how digital tools empower both patients and providers. They also dive into how AI could shape the future of maternal health, the need for system-level collaboration, and the role of active listening in effective innovation.   Takeaways 🤰 Baby Scripts is focused on improving prenatal care through digital health. 📉 Maternal mortality rates in the U.S. are alarmingly high and rising. 📲 Virtual care models can enhance access and outcomes for expectant mothers. 👂 Active listening is essential in healthcare product innovation. 📈 The pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital maternal health solutions. 🧠 AI has the potential to redefine how care is delivered and accessed. 🌍 Healthcare transformation requires collaboration among providers, payers, and patients. 📦 Product-market fit evolved as Baby Scripts responded to market needs. 👩‍⚕️ Personal health stories drive innovation in maternal care. 🥗 Nutrition and wellness practices are part of the prenatal care equation.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Baby Scripts and Anish Sebastian 04:36 The Birth of Baby Scripts 09:30 Early Days and Product Market Fit 12:05 Addressing Maternal Mortality 14:50 Virtual Care and Access to Outcomes 15:51 Impact of COVID on Maternal Health 18:50 Future Innovations in Maternal Health 19:07 Understanding Racial Inequality in Maternal Health 23:05 Obesity and Pregnancy Complications 24:32 Evolution of Baby Scripts' Product 26:53 Accessing Baby Scripts and Partnerships 28:40 Accessing Baby Scripts: A Patient's Journey 30:35 Impactful Patient Stories: Real-Life Transformations 32:24 Improving Patient Outcomes: The Baby Scripts Advantage 35:51 Healthcare Transformation: The Role of Startup Health 36:58 Active Listening: Keys to Success in Healthcare 39:02 The Future of Digital Health: AI and Beyond 40:34 Next Decade in Maternal Care: Innovations Ahead 43:12 Living Health: Personal Wellness Practices 46:26 Healthy Eating: Recipes and Tips for Families Follow, connect and subscribe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcast Youtube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweights Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

    52 min

  4. FEB 2

    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' Backgrounds 02:08 Jacob Peters' Journey into Healthcare 04:17 Prabhat Dhar's Perspective on Healthcare and Technology 08:54 The Early Days of Superpower and Founding Vision 12:44 Prabhat's Personal Experience and Motivation 16:47 Investor Interest and the Future of Preventative Health 19:25 Challenges in Preventative Healthcare 21:28 The Need for Proactive Health Models 24:13 Defining Success in Preventative Health 26:22 Making Biomarker Data Actionable 26:58 Transforming Healthcare with AI and Intelligence 29:46 Navigating the Point Solution Landscape 33:56 ROI in Preventative Healthcare Solutions 37:53 Scaling Superpower: Challenges and Successes 40:42 Measuring Impact: Success Stories from Superpower 43:21 The Digital Health Ecosystem: What’s Missing? 45:46 Managing Stress in a High-Stakes Environment 48:26 Healthy Eating: Recipes for Optimal Health 49:56 Outro Follow, connect and subscribe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcast Youtube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweights Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

    50 min

  5. JAN 26

    Episode 4: Kris Davis, Chief Operating Officer at OneImaging

    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 Environment Follow, connect and subscribe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcast Youtube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweights Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

    57 min

  6. JAN 19

    Episode 3: Nandan Rao, CEO of Starlight

    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.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nandan Rao and Starlight 01:27 Founding Virtual Lab and Its Impact 04:41 Comparing International Public Health and Digital Health 07:13 The Value of an Eclectic Career in Leadership 12:17 The Inspiration Behind Starlight 23:48 Starlight's Mission and Approach 24:58 Success Stories and Outcomes from Starlight 29:15 Enhancing Patient Engagement through Referrals 32:15 The Balance of Technology and Human Touch in Healthcare 36:06 Leveraging Technology for Better Patient Outcomes 39:28 Creating Meaningful Patient Experiences 40:23 Scaling Healthcare Solutions Across Diverse Populations 44:14 Navigating the Financial Landscape of Healthcare 55:30 Personal Well-being in a High-Stress Environment Follow, connect and subscribe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcast Youtube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweights Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

    55 min

  7. JAN 12

    Episode 2: Dr. Kumar Dharmarajan, Chief Medical Officer at World Class Health

    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 Practices Follow, connect and subscribe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcast Youtube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweights Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

    59 min

  8. JAN 7

    Episode 1: Noah Kotlove, CEO of Berry Street

    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.   Chapters 00:00 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 Reflections Follow, connect and subscribe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-health-heavyweights-podcast Youtube: https://youtube.com/@DigitalHealthHeavyweights Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhealthheavyweights/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweightspodcast

    54 min
See All (108)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

This conversational podcast brings you exclusive interviews with all the Heavyweights in Digital Health. Hosted by Norm Volsky, a top industry headhunter, whose team helped scale companies including Livongo, Hinge Health, Lyra, Virta, Progyny and many more. This series will bring listeners insights into the latest trends, technologies, and strategies driving the digital health revolution. In each episode, Norm sits down with some of the most influential and innovative leaders in healthcare technology today from legendary founders who have built successful companies, venture capitalists who have led funding rounds, HR/Benefits leaders at forward thinking companies, Consultants and Brokers at the top benefits consulting firms, and other impactful visionaries challenging the status quo in healthcare. Listeners can learn from the industry greats who have created what we now know as health benefits, and who are changing the face of healthcare as we know it. Whether you're a healthcare professional, a tech enthusiast, a start-up founder, benefits aficionado, jobseeker in Digital Health, or simply curious about the future of healthcare, Digital Health Heavyweights has something for you. 

Information

  • Creator
    Norm Volsky
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    108
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Digital Health Heavyweights
  • Show Website
    Digital Health Heavyweights

You Might Also Like