Digital Health Heavyweights

Norm Volsky
  • 5.0 (7)
  • 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. 5D AGO

    Episode 16: Isaac Kassab the Co founder of Pearl Talent

    Building High-Performing Healthcare Teams with Isaac Kassab Discover how Pearl Talent is transforming healthcare hiring across borders and why talent strategy is crucial for scaling digital health companies. Join Norm Volsky as he interviews Isaac Kassab, co-founder of Pearl Talent, on building resilient, high-quality remote teams that accelerate growth and improve care delivery. "There are brilliant people overseas."  In this episode, you'll learn: 🌍 How Pearl Talent leverages international micro-communities to hire phenomenal healthcare professionals 🧠 The key lessons learned from early career team building and hiring abroad 🚀 Why talent strategy is as vital as product development in digital health 🩺 The unique challenges in healthcare talent acquisition and how to overcome them 🤝 Strategies for leaders to build inclusive, effective teams across different geographies ⭐ The importance of quality over cost in hiring decision-making 🤖 How to incorporate AI and technology into talent management and upskilling 🌱 The role of community, culture, and mentorship in scaling healthcare organizations ✅ Practical tips for avoiding common hiring mistakes and setting clear expectations 📈 Isaac’s insights on leadership evolution as companies grow Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Isaac Kassab 02:00 - The origins of Pearl Talent and the healthcare hiring challenge 05:30 - Why healthcare needs international talent more than any other sector 08:45 - Lessons from early career hiring mistakes and insights 12:10 - The impact of team quality on company success 15:25 - How Pearl builds remote healthcare teams across borders 20:00 - Differences in healthcare talent requirements versus other tech sectors 24:10 - The importance of culture and community in healthcare hiring 28:00 - Navigating challenges unique to digital health talent acquisition 32:30 - The pitfalls of outsourcing and building sustainable teams 36:50 - How leadership style adapts as organizations scale 40:15 - Investing in team well-being, mental health, and personal growth 44:00 - The future of Pearl Talent and healthcare talent global markets 48:00 - How to connect with Isaac and follow his work Resources & Links: Pearl Talent Isaac Kassab on LinkedIn-  https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaac-kassab/ Book: "High Growth Handbook" by Elad Gil 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

    46 min

  2. APR 20

    Episode 15: Ardie Sameti Co-Founder and CEO of Scala

    In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, host Norman Volsky sits down with Ardie Sameti, CEO and founder of Scala AI. Ardie shares his journey through healthcare, including his experience at Accolade, and the leadership lessons that shaped his approach to building and scaling companies.  The conversation explores the real challenges of scaling healthcare solutions, the importance of building a strong, empowered culture, and how AI is transforming patient engagement and operational intelligence. “AI is the new UI.” Ardie also dives into why trust and transparency are non-negotiable when implementing AI in healthcare—and how founders can maintain balance while building in high-pressure environments, with trust and transparency at the center.  Learn this week about making sense of the data and operational intelligence! Subscribe and follow along for more. ________________________________________ 🔑 Takeaways 🚀 Ardie's journey in healthcare began with a focus on operational efficiency. 🤖 AI's value lies in its ability to provide clarity and actionable insights. 🏗️ Building a culture of empowerment and accountability is crucial for success. 🔍 Trust and transparency are essential in healthcare AI applications. 🧠 Successful AI implementations start with understanding operational problems. 💬 Engagement is key to improving patient outcomes in healthcare. 🔗 Scala aims to unify fragmented data for better operational intelligence. ⚖️ AI should enhance human decision-making, not replace it. 🏡 Healthy living and family time are important for maintaining balance in a startup. 📈 Learning from challenges is vital for growth and innovation. ________________________________________ ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Healthcare Challenges and AI Solutions 03:14 Lessons from Accolade: Building a Healthcare Navigation System 06:02 Leadership Insights: Empowerment and Culture at Accolade 09:15 Challenges in Scaling Operations and Data Fragmentation 12:03 Core Principles for Success: Customer Obsession and Operational Clarity 15:27 Building Scala: A New Approach to Operational Intelligence 18:13 The Future of Scala: Transforming Healthcare Operations 21:24 Identifying Ideal Customers for Scala's Solutions 24:45 AI in Healthcare: Opportunities and Cautions 27:21 Elevating Healthcare Through Automation 29:16 Data-Driven Insights for Operational Efficiency 32:15 Enhancing Patient Engagement and Trust 36:02 AI's Role in Reducing Cognitive Load 36:49 Transparency and Trust in AI Healthcare Solutions 39:51 Empowering Care Navigators with AI 41:13 Avoiding Common Pitfalls in AI Implementation 44:38 Demystifying AI in Healthcare 47:19 Balancing Work and Family Life 51:32 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

    52 min

  3. APR 13

    Episode 14: Donovan Ryckis Founder and CEO of Ethos Benefits

    In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, host Norm Volsky sits down with Donovan Ryckis, Founder & CEO of Ethos Benefits, to break down one of the biggest challenges facing employers today: rising healthcare costs. “We can save 36% on drugs.”  They dive into the hidden forces driving healthcare inflation, why fiduciary responsibility matters more than ever, and how data transparency is reshaping the future of employee benefits. Donovan shares his journey into healthcare, how Ethos Benefits is helping employers take control of their spend, and why education is the missing piece in most healthcare strategies. Talking about other brokers Donovan stresses, “It does not make sense to hire someone to give you advice who refuses to act in your best interest.” Ethos is out to change that- they work purely out of results for the employer directly.  If you're an employer, benefits leader, or healthcare innovator—this is a must-watch conversation. “We only want to do our best work.” ________________________________________ 💡 Takeaways 📈 Healthcare premiums have risen significantly, impacting both employers and employees. ⚖️ The fiduciary standard is crucial for ethical practices in employee benefits. 💸 Misaligned incentives in healthcare lead to increased costs for employers. 🔍 Data transparency is essential for making informed healthcare decisions. 🧠 Employers need to understand their healthcare problem to take action. 🤝 Ethos Benefits focuses on working with clients who recognize their healthcare challenges. 🚀 Innovative solutions can lead to significant savings in healthcare costs. 📚 Education is key to helping employers navigate their healthcare strategies. 📊 Measuring success involves tracking various metrics related to healthcare spending. ⚠️ The healthcare industry is facing a tipping point due to rising costs and lack of transparency. ________________________________________ ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ethos Benefits and Healthcare Challenges 06:21 The Misalignment of Incentives in Healthcare 11:41 Identifying the Right Clients for Ethos Benefits 13:41 Fiduciary Standards and Ethical Practices 16:40 Innovative Solutions and Data-Driven Decisions 21:02 Educating Employers on Healthcare Strategies 24:19 Measuring Success in Healthcare Plans 25:11 The Evolution of Employer Demand 27:11 Enhancing Employee Experience with Better Service 31:41 The Challenge of Transparency in Healthcare 34:04 Real-World Impact of Transparency and Fiduciary Practices 38:48 The Documentary: It's Not Personal, It's Just Healthcare 44:09 Opportunities in Digital Health Solutions 48:59 Addressing Waste in Healthcare Spending 51:02 Future Plans for Ethos Benefits 53:33 Personal Well-being and Stress Management 57:16 Outro Check it all out and be sure to subscribe! 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

  4. APR 7

    Episode 13: Ann Lewandowski, Co-Founder of Equitable Evidence

    In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, Norm Volsky interviews Ann Lewandowski, a leading healthcare advocate and founder of Equitable Evidence, to unpack the structural challenges driving rising healthcare costs. Anne shares her perspective on fiduciary duty, misaligned incentives, and the lack of transparency in employer-sponsored health plans. The conversation dives into the influence of PBMs, the complexity of drug pricing, and how employers can take a more active role in reducing waste and improving outcomes. Ann also explores the growing role of AI and data analytics in healthcare, while emphasizing the importance of trust, accountability, and system-wide reform. This episode is a powerful call to action for employers, advisors, and innovators looking to challenge the status quo.    Takeaways  ⚖️ Fiduciary duty is critical for protecting employer and employee interests in healthcare.  💸 Misaligned incentives are a root cause of rising healthcare costs.  🔍 Transparency in pricing and contracts is essential for meaningful reform.  💊 PBMs play a significant role in drug pricing complexity and cost inflation.  📊 Data-driven decision making can help identify and eliminate healthcare waste.  🤝 Employers should engage independent advocates to evaluate healthcare strategies.  🏢 Employer-sponsored health plans are a key lever for system-wide change.  🤖 AI has strong potential but must be built on trust and accountability.  🚀 Challenging legacy systems requires collaboration and bold leadership.  🌱 Personal wellness and resilience are important when driving industry changes.    Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Healthcare Advocacy  02:10 Personal Journey into Healthcare Advocacy  04:24 Navigating the Healthcare System: A Personal Story  09:32 Understanding Healthcare Decision-Making  15:48 Fiduciary Duty in Healthcare  18:53 Denials and PBM Influence on Coverage  24:41 Understanding Healthcare Costs and Incentives  28:10 The Role of AI in Patient Care  31:56 Building the Healthcare Rebel Alliance  33:00 Challenging Existing Power Structures  38:27 Engaging Employers and Advisors  42:54 Evaluating Digital Health Solutions  45:13 Empowering Employers in Healthcare  46:15 The Importance of Trust in AI  49:28 Personal Well-being and Healthy Living  51:39 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

    51 min

  5. MAR 31

    Episode 12: Justin Leader, CEO of BenefitsDNA

    Join us for another amazing episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast where we interview the heaviest hitters in the Digital Health Industry and chat about the future of Digital Health!!  This week we sit down with Justin Leader, CEO of BenefitsDNA! He shares insights on transforming employer benefits through transparency, fiduciary accountability, and innovative strategies to reduce healthcare costs and improve outcomes. Discover how his punk rock spirit drives systemic change in healthcare decision-making. “Overpayment recoupments happens all the time.” We chat through Misaligned incentives in healthcare, the need for transparency and fiduciary standards and hidden cost drivers that everyone should be thinking about. Let’s take a systemic approach to innovate benefits! Sit down with Justin this week and hear about their incredible work at BenefitsDNA, and more!  Takeaways 🔍 Transparency in benefits leads to better decision-making. 📊 Fiduciary duty requires ongoing oversight, not a one-time check. 💸 Hidden fees and shared savings fees inflate costs. 🤝 Direct contracting and schedule-based care reduce expenses. 🧠 Ego and lack of education hinder benefits decision-making 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

  6. MAR 23

    Episode 11: Scilla Andreen, CEO & Founder of Impactful Networks, Inc.

    Welcome back for another great week on the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast with your host Norm Volsky, this week we sit down for a fascinating conversation with the wonderful Scilla Andreen, CEO and founder of Impactful Networks. Together we discuss her journey from the film industry to mental health education. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling in creating community and connection, the role of ethical AI in emotional wellness, and the need for empathy in mental health technology. Scilla shares insights on the evolution of her organization, the impact of their programs, and the future goals for making mental health education accessible to all. “We are human beings wired to connect.” The conversation highlights the significance of seeking help, building trust, and the power of community in addressing mental health challenges. Learn how they are transforming mental health education through the power of storytelling! Takeaways 🎬 Scilla Andreen emphasizes the importance of storytelling in mental health education.  🌍 Impactful Networks aims to make mental health education accessible and engaging.  🌱 The organization has evolved from film to focus on emotional wellness and resilience.  🤝 Community and connection are vital for mental health support.  🛤️ Sheila's journey reflects the organic evolution of her career into healthcare.  🆘 The need for teaching people to seek help is crucial in mental health.  🤖 Ethical AI can support emotional wellness but should not replace human connection.  ⚠️ There are risks associated with mental health technology built without empathy.  📱 Misunderstood trends in digital mental health include the reliance on AI as a therapist.  🎓 Success for Impactful Networks includes raising funds to provide free programs in schools.   Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Impactful Networks 02:25 Sheila's Journey from Media to Mental Health 04:34 The Power of Storytelling in Mental Health 08:48 Creating Change Through Community Engagement 10:30 Evolving Focus on Mental Health Education 17:20 Preventative Approaches to Emotional Wellness 19:51 The Role of Storytelling in Behavior Change 25:21 Ethical AI and Human Connection 25:56 Balancing AI and Human Connection 27:11 The Risks of Technology Without Empathy 28:16 Misunderstood Trends in Digital Mental Health 30:05 The Power of Storytelling in Mental Health 33:58 Success Stories and Corporate Impact 40:31 Personal Wellness Practices and Mindset 47:24 Outro (1).mp4 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

    48 min

  7. MAR 16

    Episode 10: Donovan Pyle, Founder & CEO of Health Compass Consulting

    In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, Norm Volsky interviews Donovan Pyle, founder of Health Compass Consulting, to explore the growing movement of employer-led healthcare reform. Donovan shares his journey into healthcare and explains how hidden costs, misaligned incentives, and outdated consulting models continue to drive unnecessary spending across employer-sponsored health plans. The conversation highlights the need for unbiased, fiduciary-driven consulting and more transparent procurement strategies that empower employers to take control of healthcare costs. Donovan also discusses real-world examples of cost reduction, the evolving digital health vendor landscape, and why employers must rethink how they select benefits partners. This episode offers practical insights into reducing healthcare waste while improving outcomes for employees and organizations alike.    Takeaways  🏢 Employers have significant influence over healthcare costs but often underestimate their power.  💸 Hidden waste and inefficiencies drive a large portion of healthcare spending.  ⚖️ Traditional consulting and broker models can contain conflicts of interest.  🔍 Fiduciary, unbiased advice is critical for smarter healthcare decision-making.  📊 Employers need transparent procurement processes for healthcare vendors.  📉 Strategic vendor selection can lead to meaningful healthcare cost reductions.  🚀 Emerging digital health vendors are reshaping the benefits landscape.  📘 Employers benefit from structured playbooks for managing healthcare strategy.  🔄 Reform in healthcare purchasing must be led by employers themselves.  🌱 Personal balance and wellness are essential when advocating for systemic change.    Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Health Compass Consulting  03:01 Donovan's Journey into Healthcare  06:05 Understanding Employer Influence in Healthcare  08:41 The Need for a New Consulting Model  11:38 Identifying Waste in Healthcare Spending  14:34 The Role of Employers in Healthcare Costs  17:34 Case Studies of Successful Cost Reduction  20:16 Emerging Vendors and Market Changes  23:11 Challenges in Managing Healthcare Costs  25:45 Conflicts of Interest in Traditional Consulting  27:01 Broker Incentives and Objectivity  30:52 The Role of Benefits Consultants  36:11 The Need for a Fiduciary Process  38:29 Creating a Playbook for Employers  42:51 Transforming the Healthcare System  45:09 Optimism for Employer-Led Reform  47:04 Disruption in the Digital Health Industry  48:27 Balancing Work and Advocacy  49:37 Healthy Eating and Family Recipes  50:50 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

    51 min

  8. MAR 9

    Episode 9: Mark Mincy, Chief Commercial Officer at US-RX Care

    In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, Norm Volsky interviews Mark Mincy, Chief Commercial Officer of USRX, to unpack the complex and often opaque world of pharmacy benefit management. They discuss fiduciary risks, conflicts of interest within traditional PBM models, and the structural incentives that drive up pharmacy costs for employers and employees. Mark shares his career journey in the pharmacy benefits space and explains why transparency, accountability, and independent fiduciary oversight are essential to meaningful reform. The conversation also explores specialty drug cost drivers, high-deductible health plans, legislative shifts, and how employers can take greater control of their pharmacy strategy without relying solely on legacy PBMs.    Takeaways  💊 Pharmacy benefit management is one of the most misunderstood drivers of healthcare costs.  ⚖️ Fiduciary risk in pharmacy benefits is growing and requires employer attention.  🏦 Traditional PBM models often contain structural conflicts of interest.  🔍 Transparency is critical for controlling pharmacy spending.  📈 Specialty drug costs are a major contributor to rising employer healthcare expenses.  🏢 Employers can reclaim control by reevaluating vendor relationships.  📜 Legislative reform may reshape the future of pharmacy benefit management.  🔄 Alternative PBM models are gaining traction as cost containment solutions.  💡 Evaluating pharmacy vendors requires deeper scrutiny beyond surface-level pricing guarantees.  🧘‍♂️ Maintaining personal wellbeing is crucial in a high-pressure healthcare industry.    Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Pharmacy Benefit Management  03:02 Mark Mincy's Journey in Pharmacy Benefits  05:51 Understanding the Corruption in PBM Systems  08:40 The Role of Fiduciaries in Pharmacy Benefits  11:41 Challenges in the Current PBM Model  14:28 Legislative Recommendations for Pharmacy Benefits  17:15 Innovative Approaches at USRX Care  19:43 The Conflict of Interest in Pharmacy Benefits  22:01 Strategies for Managing Specialty Drug Costs  23:37 Taking Control of Pharmacy Benefits  25:50 The Impact of High-Deductible Health Plans  27:38 Future of Pharmacy Benefit Management  31:01 Evaluating Pharmacy Benefit Vendors  33:50 The Shift Towards Alternative PBMs  37:36 Navigating Change in Pharmacy Benefits  38:28 Maintaining Personal Well-being in a Stressful Industry  42:16 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

    42 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 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
    116
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Digital Health Heavyweights
  • Show Website
    Digital Health Heavyweights

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