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 27: Nicholas Syhler & Laust Axelsen, Co-Founders of Embla

    Join us for another episode of Digital Health Heavyweights hosted by Norm Volsky, where we sit down with Dr. Nicholas Syhler and Laust Axelsen, co-founders of Embla, to discuss how personalized obesity care is transforming the future of healthcare. In this episode, Nicholas and Laust share the founding story behind Embla and explain why obesity should be treated as a chronic disease rather than a lifestyle issue. By combining medical expertise, behavioral coaching, and GLP-1 medications, Embla is helping patients achieve sustainable health outcomes through a personalized, digital-first approach to care. The conversation explores the growing role of GLP-1 therapies in healthcare, why individualized treatment plans are essential for long-term success, and how employers can better support employee health while managing rising healthcare costs. Nicholas and Laust also discuss the importance of behavior change, measuring clinical and financial outcomes, and what the future of chronic disease management looks like in an increasingly digital healthcare landscape. "The future of obesity care isn't just about medication—it's about delivering personalized care that creates lasting behavior change and better health outcomes." Nicholas and Laust share several key principles employers and healthcare leaders should consider when evaluating obesity care and digital health solutions: - Personalized Obesity Care - GLP-1 Medication Management - Behavioral Coaching and Long-Term Health Outcomes - Digital-First Healthcare Delivery - Employer Benefits and Healthcare Cost Management - Chronic Disease Management Strategies - Clinical Outcomes and ROI Measurement - The Future of Personalized Healthcare Dr. Nicholas Syhler and Laust Axelsen are the co-founders of Embla, a digital health company dedicated to improving obesity care through personalized treatment plans that combine medical expertise, technology, and behavior change support. 💊 GLP-1 Therapies: Why personalized dosing and clinical guidance are critical to achieving sustainable outcomes. 🩺 Chronic Disease Management: Why obesity should be treated as a chronic condition rather than a lifestyle issue. 📱 Digital Health Innovation: How digital-first care models are making personalized healthcare more accessible and scalable. 📈 Employer Healthcare Strategy: How employers can support healthier populations while better managing rising GLP-1 costs. 🚀 The Future of Healthcare: How personalized medicine, behavioral coaching, and technology are reshaping chronic disease management. 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

  2. Jul 20

    Episode 26: Yusuf Sherwani, CEO of Pelago

    Join us for another episode of Digital Health Heavyweights hosted by Norm Volsky, where we sit down with Yusuf Sherwani, CEO and co-founder of Pelago, to discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming behavioral healthcare through personalized, value based care models. In this episode, Yusuf shares how Pelago is helping employers improve access to substance use treatment and mental healthcare while delivering measurable clinical and financial outcomes. From addiction recovery and behavioral health to AI powered care navigation and value based healthcare, this conversation explores how technology can improve both affordability and accessibility in one of healthcare's most underserved areas. The discussion also highlights why measuring ROI remains one of the most important drivers of healthcare innovation. Yusuf explains how employers can leverage data driven behavioral health solutions to improve outcomes, reduce costs, and better support their populations through scalable digital care models. "ROI is the ultimate test of value." Yusuf shares his perspective on the technologies and strategies shaping the future of behavioral healthcare: Artificial Intelligence in Mental Healthcare Addiction Recovery and Substance Use Care Value Based Behavioral Health Models AI Powered Care Navigation and Escalation Employer Sponsored Behavioral Health Solutions Healthcare ROI and Cost Reduction Strategies Data Driven Member Engagement Personalized Mental Health Support Improving Healthcare Accessibility and Affordability The Future of Digital Health Innovation Yusuf Sherwani is the CEO and co-founder of Pelago, where he is helping employers improve access to evidence based behavioral healthcare through technology enabled, value based care solutions focused on substance use management and mental health outcomes. 🧠 Artificial Intelligence: How AI is improving access to behavioral healthcare while supporting better clinical outcomes. 📊 Healthcare ROI: Why measuring value is critical for driving meaningful healthcare innovation. 💡 Behavioral Health: How employers can rethink the delivery and funding of mental health and substance use care. 🤖 AI Powered Care Models: How technology is helping personalize treatment and increase member engagement. 🚀 The Future of Healthcare: Why scalable, data driven behavioral healthcare may be one of healthcare's biggest opportunities. 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

  3. Jul 13

    You're getting ripped off. Special Edition with Mark Cuban Co-Founder of Cost Plus Drugs

    Mark Cuban Co Founder of Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs Company PBC pulls back the curtain on the trillion-dollar healthcare scam and reveals the revolutionary strategies employers can use to cut costs and regain control.  If you’re tired of seeing your benefits bleed out through opaque contracts, hidden fees, and inflated prices, this episode is your wake-up call. Cuban shares how he’s using direct contracting, transparency tools, and AI-powered insights to break free from industry deception—and how you can too. This isn’t just another health podcast; it’s a blueprint for change. Discover how to audit insurance and PBM contracts with simple tools that can save millions. Learn why self-insuring can deliver more value and how to leverage cost-plus models for drugs, diagnostics, and surgeries. Cuban breaks down the hidden tricks PBMs and insurers use to inflate prices—then offers practical, battle-tested tactics to outsmart them. Whether you're an HR leader, CFO, or benefits manager, these actionable insights will empower you to drive transparency, eliminate hidden costs, and put employers back in the driver’s seat. You’ll see how large organizations are carving out direct agreements with hospitals, renegotiating pharmacy prices, and harnessing technology to reveal the true cost of care—saving employees thousands, boosting profits, and fundamentally transforming healthcare economics. The stakes are high: continued industry secrecy risks bankrupting both companies and workers, but armed with Cuban’s blueprint, you can turn the tide. This episode is perfect for any employer or benefits leader determined to slash healthcare costs and lead industry change. If you’re ready to challenge the status quo and unlock the power of transparency—listen now and start fighting back. You have more leverage than you realize; it’s time to use it. Mark Cuban is billionaire investor, entrepreneur, and outspoken advocate for healthcare reform, known for disrupting industries and championing transparency and innovation Learn more about Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs PBC - https://www.costplusdrugs.com/ 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

  4. Jul 7

    Announcing Simplify Health: Exclusive Interview with Co-Founders Norm Volsky & Andy Chan

    Welcome to this very exciting special edition episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast. This week we are FINALLY coming out of STEALTH MODE and announcing the launch of our startup Simplify Health!  In this episode, Andy Chan, CEO and co-founder of Simplify Health, shares his journey from healthcare innovator to startup founder. Discover how his early experiences, industry insights, and vision for digital health are shaping the future of accessible, data-driven healthcare solutions. Learn about how he built Vigilant Technologies and sold it to Sword Health. “Risk is in my DNA.” Andy wants to make it easier for employees and their families to find the right care, and employers to see what benefits are actually working. “We want to be the easy button for healthcare.” Our host Norm Volsky spent over a decade working with incredible unicorn founders and helping them scale, until it dawned on him. If these founders can’t get above a 3–5% engagement ceiling it is not a ‘them’ issue, it is an infrastructure issue. The whole system is too fragmented, confusing, and disconnected. He described Simplify as the “plumbing” and “infrastructure” that should help direct people to the right care at the right time and make the ecosystem work together better, with the handy help of AI. "AI should be used for personalization, not replacement." What is Simplify Health? Everyone else helps people navigate once they already know what they need. Simplify Health helps them understand first. Powered by Benefits IQ, our engine that meets employees and their families at the moment of confusion, grounded in real clinical knowledge, their actual plan, the broader benefits ecosystem, and guides them to the right next step (including the $0 and lower-cost paths they'd never find alone).  𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 (𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭): Get your plans answers, not internet guesses, and a guide to the right solution for the moment.  𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐰 (𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬): Your team gets real-time analytics, vendor oversight, and insights to double down on working initiatives and expand to new opportunities. Each makes the other smarter. Let’s Simplify health together! Check out Simplifyhealth.ai to learn more!!  Key Moments: 🚀 The Startup Journey in Digital Health – Building, scaling, and navigating the challenges of launching a healthcare company.  🤖 AI, Data, and the Future of Healthcare – How artificial intelligence and data are transforming care delivery, decision-making, and patient outcomes.  🤝 Building a Stronger Healthcare Ecosystem – Why collaboration among startups, employers, providers, payers, and investors is essential to driving innovation.  📚 Improving Healthcare Engagement and Literacy – Tackling the barriers that prevent people from understanding, accessing, and using healthcare effectively.  🔮 The Future of Employer-Sponsored Healthcare – A vision for how digital health, personalized benefits, and technology will reshape the employee healthcare experience. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Simplify Health 01:42 Andy Chan's Journey into Healthcare 04:51 The Birth of Vigilant Technologies 07:34 Navigating Early Challenges and Corporate Partnerships 12:07 Growth and Acquisition by Sword Health 14:48 Lessons from Hypergrowth at Sword Health 16:16 Transitioning to New Ventures 21:16 The Vision Behind Simplify Health 28:02 The Motivation to Start Again 32:20 Vision and Goals in Healthcare 35:53 The Future of Healthcare Accessibility 39:05 Empowering Employers and Employees 41:40 The Role of Digital Health 47:15 Collaboration in the Healthcare Ecosystem 51:10 AI in Healthcare: Opportunities and Challenges 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

  5. Jun 30

    Episode 24: Rohan D'Souza, CEO of Avante

    Join us for another episode of Digital Health Heavyweights hosted by Norm Volsky, where we sit down with Rohan D'Souza, CEO of Avante, to discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming employer sponsored healthcare through better data, greater transparency, and smarter decision making. In this episode, Rohan shares how fragmented healthcare data has created significant challenges for employers, brokers, and benefits leaders, and why AI has the potential to bridge those gaps with actionable insights. From improving healthcare visibility and reducing unnecessary spending to modernizing benefits management, this conversation explores how intelligent technology is helping organizations make better decisions while improving employee outcomes. The discussion also highlights why AI should enhance human expertise rather than replace it. Rohan explains how employers can move beyond information overload by leveraging data driven insights that create more personalized benefits strategies, stronger vendor partnerships, and better healthcare experiences for employees around the world. "AI is only as valuable as the actions it helps you take." Rohan shares his perspective on the technologies and strategies shaping the future of employer healthcare: • Artificial Intelligence • Healthcare Data Transparency • Employer Benefits Strategy • Healthcare Cost Management • Vendor Performance Insights • Benefits Decision Support • Healthcare Analytics • Personalized Employee Benefits • Broker and Consultant Innovation • Data Driven Healthcare Rohan D'Souza is the CEO of Avante, where he is helping employers, brokers, and benefits leaders harness artificial intelligence to improve healthcare decision making, increase transparency, and optimize employee benefits. 🤖 Artificial Intelligence: How AI is transforming healthcare benefits through actionable insights rather than information overload. 📊 Data Transparency: Why better visibility into healthcare spending is the foundation for smarter benefits decisions. 💡 Employer Strategy: How organizations can leverage AI to improve outcomes while reducing healthcare costs. 🤝 Benefits Innovation: Why AI should empower consultants and benefits leaders instead of replacing human expertise. 🚀 The Future of Healthcare: How intelligent technology is reshaping employer sponsored healthcare and employee benefits. Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with the innovators shaping the future of digital health! 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

  6. Jun 22

    Episode 23: Dr. Pete Alperin, Co-Founder of DxAngels and Early Employee of Doximity

    Join us for another amazing episode of Digital Health Heavyweights for those passionate about transforming healthcare! What does it take to build one of healthcare's most influential technology companies and what lessons can today's founders learn from that journey? Dr. Pete Alperin, physician, entrepreneur, early employee of Doximity, and cofounder of DxAngels, shares his unique perspective on scaling healthcare startups, investing in digital health, and why understanding healthcare incentives is the foundation of meaningful innovation. In this episode, Dr. Alperin reflects on his transition from practicing medicine to helping grow Doximity into one of healthcare's most recognized technology platforms before becoming an active investor in the next generation of digital health companies. We explore the rapid evolution of telehealth, what founders consistently get right and wrong, the importance of building exceptional teams, and how physician workflows remain one of healthcare's greatest opportunities for innovation. Pete also shares his outlook on artificial intelligence, explaining why AI should empower physicians rather than replace them and how thoughtful implementation can improve decision making across the healthcare ecosystem. If you're a founder, investor, clinician, or healthcare innovator, this conversation offers valuable lessons on building companies that create lasting impact, not just impressive technology. You'll uncover: 🩺 Why understanding healthcare incentives is essential for startup success 🚀 Lessons from helping scale Doximity during the early days of digital health 💡 What separates successful healthcare startups from those that struggle to gain traction 👨‍⚕️ Why AI will augment physicians through decision support rather than replace them 📱 How telehealth adoption accelerated during COVID 19 and reshaped healthcare delivery 🤝 The importance of building strong teams and company culture 📊 Why improving physician workflows remains one of digital health's greatest opportunities 💰 What investors look for when evaluating early stage healthcare founders 🌍 Where digital health and AI are headed over the next decade 📈 Practical leadership lessons from navigating medicine, entrepreneurship, and venture investing Dr. Pete Alperin is a physician, entrepreneur, early employee of Doximity, and cofounder of DxAngels. Through his experience building healthcare technology companies and investing in early stage startups, he continues to help shape the future of digital health by supporting founders solving healthcare's biggest challenges. We had a great time chatting with Pete and hope you follow along, like, comment, and 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

  7. Jun 15

    Episode 22: Monica Cepak, CEO of Wisp

    Discover how Wisp is redefining women's healthcare through digital innovation, expanding access to care, and breaking down barriers surrounding stigmatized health conditions. Join Norm Volsky as he interviews Monica Cepak, CEO of Wisp, on scaling one of the fastest-growing women's health platforms in the country and why the future of healthcare depends on accessibility, personalization, and patient empowerment. "Women's health remains one of the biggest opportunities for innovation in healthcare." In this episode, you'll learn: 👩‍⚕️ How Wisp grew into one of the leading digital health platforms serving women's healthcare 📈 The strategies that helped Wisp scale to more than 1.8 million patients 💻 Why digital health is democratizing access to care for women across the country 💡 How product innovation continues to drive growth and category expansion 🩺 The importance of addressing stigmatized health conditions through accessible care 🚀 How strong branding and consumer trust contribute to healthcare company growth 🌍 Why women's health represents one of the largest opportunities in healthcare innovation 📊 The role marketing plays in educating patients and driving engagement 🤝 How technology can improve convenience, accessibility, and patient outcomes 🔮 Monica's vision for the future of women's healthcare and digital health innovation Wisp is a leading digital health platform focused on expanding access to women's healthcare through convenient, technology-enabled solutions. Under Monica's leadership, the company has grown to serve more than 1.8 million patients while helping redefine how women access and experience care. We had a great time chatting with Monica and hope you follow along, like, comment, and 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

  8. Jun 8

    Episode 21: Trenor Williams, Founder & CEO of Socially Determined

    In this episode of Digital Health Heavyweights, Norm Volsky interviews Dr. Trenor Williams, Founder and CEO of Socially Determined, to discuss how social risk data and analytics are transforming healthcare decision-making. Dr. Williams shares his journey from clinical practice and healthcare consulting to building a company focused on integrating social determinants of health into population health strategies. The conversation explores how social risk factors impact health outcomes, healthcare costs, and engagement, as well as how AI and advanced analytics can help healthcare organizations deliver more personalized and proactive care. They also discuss lessons learned from building health technology companies, the importance of empathy in leadership, and why the future of healthcare will depend on combining clinical and social data to improve outcomes at scale.   Takeaways 🏥 Social determinants play a major role in healthcare outcomes and costs. 📊 Social risk data can help healthcare organizations deliver more personalized care. 🧠 AI and advanced analytics are reshaping population health management. 🌍 Integrating social and healthcare data creates a more complete picture of patient needs. 💡 Precision medicine should include social context, not just clinical data. 📈 Healthcare organizations are increasingly recognizing the business case for social risk integration. 🤝 Empathy and culture are essential when building healthcare technology companies. ⚡ Early intervention and proactive engagement can improve long term health outcomes. 🚀 Socially Determined was created to help organizations better understand and act on social risks. 🌱 Sustainable healthcare strategies require addressing barriers outside of traditional clinical care.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Trenor Williams 01:30 Early Influences and Career Path 03:12 Consulting Experience and Healthcare Insights 05:59 Founding Clinovations and Key Lessons 08:10 The Birth of Socially Determined 10:42 Understanding Social Determinants of Health 14:07 Integrating Social Risk Data in Healthcare 17:05 The Business Case for Social Risk Integration 19:26 Quantifying Social Risks and Their Impact 22:28 Leveraging Data for Better Health Outcomes 23:46 Integrating Social and Healthcare Data 25:42 Learning from Global Health Models 29:51 Diverse Applications Across Healthcare Sectors 31:43 Lessons from Building a Health Tech Company 35:16 Hiring for Culture and Empathy 36:46 The Future of AI in Healthcare 41:29 Maintaining Well-being in a Demanding Role 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

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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
    128
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Digital Health Heavyweights
  • Show Website
    Digital Health Heavyweights

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