Episodios

  • Tim Wentworth, Retired CEO of Walgreens : From Parking Lots to Boardrooms - Leadership Lessons running multi billion dollar companies

    Tim Wentworth, Retired CEO of Walgreens : From Parking Lots to Boardrooms - Leadership Lessons running multi billion dollar companies
    Nov 20 2025
    On this 3d long-form edition of #TheShot of #DigitalHealth Therapy, Jim Joyce and I had the privilege of sitting down for an unforgettable deep dive with Tim Wentworth, the candid, thoughtful, fiercely grounded and recently retired CEO of Walgreens (previously CEO of Evernorth Health Services). Tim’s story reads like a masterclass in leadership and life itself - from sweeping parking lots in Rochester to leading global healthcare giants like Cigna’s Evernorth and Walgreens. Across nearly two hours (and honestly, we could’ve gone four), Tim brought raw honesty, wisdom, and humor to every story - from his early scholarship thanks to a teacher who believed in him, to leading multi-billion dollar companies but always defining what it means to lead with heart. This is not just a leadership interview - it’s a living case study in resilience, humility, and purpose. 🧠 Key Takeaways 🔥 From parking lots to the C-suite 🏢 The birth, growth, and controversy of PBMs 💊 Merck - Medco, and the spin-off that changed healthcare 💼 Crisis leadership 101 💰 Cigna, Evernorth, and the end of rebates? 🏪 Walgreens, reinvention, and going private 💡 The power of asking for help 🎯 Leadership as legacy Fun mentions as always: Shaine Borukhovich Jay Parkinson, MD, MPH Dr Jack Kreindler Roberto Ascione Mark Cuban Robert Pellegrini Glen Stettin, MD David Snow Kenny Klepper David Benshoof Klein Richard Lungen Frank Sheehy David Cordani Neal Sample Per Lofberg 00:00 — Cold open: Parking-lot beginnings & the teacher who changed Tim’s life 06:20 — Early career: Music industry, Pepsi, Mary Kay, discovering healthcare 13:40 — Joining Medco: First exposure to healthcare operations 21:10 — PBM history: Why PBMs exist, why pharma once owned them, and why that broke 31:55 — Merck → Medco spinout: Fixing the original conflict of interest 41:12 — Express Scripts: Crisis moments, lawsuits, leadership under fire 50:28 — Cigna acquisition: Building Evernorth and changing the role of services 01:02:00 — The “no more rebates” move: What it means and why it matters 01:15:45 — Why Tim came out of retirement to lead Walgreens 01:20:50 — Was he brought in to take Walgreens private? 01:29:30 — Running a 300,000-person company vs. running a PBM 01:38:40 — The future of community pharmacy & neighborhood care 01:46:10 — Startups, AI, and what founders keep getting wrong 01:54:50 — Leadership legacy & advice to his younger self
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    2 h y 6 m
  • Alette Hunt, Novartis - From Proteins to Practical AI

    Alette Hunt, Novartis - From Proteins to Practical AI
    Nov 5 2025
    On this episode of #TheShot of #DigitalHealth Therapy, Jim Joyce and I had the pleasure of chatting with the globally minded and endlessly curious Alette Ramos Hunt, PhD, Global Director, Digital Innovation & AI for Drug Discovery at Novartis. From being a third culture kid (Danish dad, Filipino mom, born in Japan, raised in Hong Kong) to becoming one of the sharpest voices connecting biotech, digital health, and AI, Alette brings perspective that’s as international as it is insightful. We explored her fascinating path from studying proteins in Glasgow to driving AI innovation in pharma, and how she’s bridging the gap between molecules, humans, and machines. She reminded us that practical AI and game-changing AI both have a place - one makes us efficient, the other makes us dream bigger. It’s an episode filled with humility, humor, and yes.. human intelligence - proving that even in a world of algorithms, empathy still leads the way. Fun mentions as always: Chandana Fitzgerald Jeff Weness Milind Kamkolkar [00:00-02:00] Bloopers, sunshine, and background banter. [00:03-05:00] Alette’s third-culture upbringing — Japan, Hong Kong, Denmark. [00:05-07:00] Boarding school, biochemistry, and falling in love with proteins. [00:10-12:00] From academia to Pfizer — bringing science to life. [00:13-15:00] Leap to HealthXL — discovering digital health beyond the lab. [00:18-21:00] Entering Novartis — pre-ChatGPT AI strategy and innovation cycles. [00:22-25:00] Practical AI vs. game-changing AI — redefining productivity. [00:24-28:00] AI and drug discovery — startups, partnerships, and collaboration. [00:29-34:00] Lessons on open-minded leadership and partnering with purpose. [00:36-39:00] Jim’s classic closing story and Alette’s advice: Value your strengths, cherish your partners.
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    41 m
  • Jon Pearce, CEO of Masterlete: From Zipnosis to Masterlete: Redefining Resilience

    Jon Pearce, CEO of Masterlete: From Zipnosis to Masterlete: Redefining Resilience
    Oct 30 2025
    On episode #178 of #TheShot of #DigitalHealth Therapy, Jim Joyce and I had a blast chatting with Jonathan Pearce, the thoughtful and forward-looking CEO of Masterlete - and previously the co-founder and CEO of Zipnosis, the company that pioneered asynchronous telemedicine long before it was mainstream. From balancing athlete-grade performance with mental resilience to building a company that refuses to compromise between data and empathy, Jon brings his trademark blend of humility and precision. He also opened up about his own mental health journey, reminding us that resilience isn’t just a leadership skill - it’s a human one. It’s an episode that reminds us - even in a world of algorithms and wearables, the human spirit still defines the win. 🔹 Top 5 Key Takeaways 💻 Lessons from Zipnosis: how DTC missteps became powerful playbooks 🤖 AI enables personalization - not replacement 🔥 Burnout prevention is the next performance edge 📊 From wearables to wisdom: data needs translation 🎯 Leadership = clarity, curiosity, and constant iteration Fun mentions as always: Pat Sukhum John Brownlee 00:00–02:30 — Welcome & banter: from sports metaphors to startup scars02:31–07:00 — Jon’s journey: building Masterlete and learning from athlete ecosystems07:01–12:30 — Data + empathy: the dual pillars of sustainable coaching12:31–16:00 — AI’s promise (and limits) in personal performance16:01–20:00 — Burnout and resilience: redefining “peak” for long-term success20:01–25:00 — The role of digital health platforms in preventive care25:01–30:00 — Leadership lessons: clarity, curiosity, and iteration in practice30:01–34:00 — Future of athlete engagement and real-time feedback34:01–38:00 — Building human connection in scalable tech models38:01–End — Lightning round + advice to Jon’s younger self
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    42 m
  • Mike McSherry, CEO of Xealth: From Boost Mobile to Boosting Digital Health

    Mike McSherry, CEO of Xealth: From Boost Mobile to Boosting Digital Health
    Oct 8 2025
    On this episode of #TheShot of #DigitalHealth Therapy, Jim Joyce and I had the pleasure of catching up with the one and only Mike McSherry, serial entrepreneur and CEO of Xealth, whose journey goes from quitting Microsoft in Australia to co-founding Boost Mobile, to building the infrastructure behind digital health prescriptions - and now joining forces with Samsung. We covered everything from startups, serendipity, and Surescripts, to what it means to be insanely curious (his words!) and to always find your foxhole friends. Oh, and there may have been a few humble-brags about being the guy who helped power billions of Android phones ad their keyboards. 🦾 🔹 Top 5 Key Takeaways 💡 Curiosity drives innovation - be “insanely curious” about everything. 📈 Luck favors persistence - serendipity comes from hard work. 🤝 Build with trust - surround yourself with “foxhole friends.” 🏥 Healthcare is hard - slow, bureaucratic, but worth transforming. 🌍 Samsung + Xealth - connecting home devices to health data. Fun mentions as always: HLTH USA Samsung Electronics UPMC Providence 📋 00:00 – 02:00 | Catching up with Jim & Eugene, Vegas talk, and welcoming Mike. 📋 02:00 – 06:00 | Mike’s journey from Microsoft to Australia’s biggest web dev company. 📋 06:00 – 09:00 | Lessons from being a “Navy brat” and world traveler. 📋 09:00 – 13:00 | Founding Boost Mobile and its wild telecom legacy. 📋 13:00 – 17:00 | From Nuance to Providence: the path into healthcare. 📋 17:00 – 22:00 | Building Xealth as the “Surescripts for digital health.” 📋 22:00 – 27:00 | Selling to providers and the hard reality of healthcare economics. 📋 27:00 – 33:00 | Integrating with Epic & Cerner: the friend-or-foe dance. 📋 33:00 – 41:00 | The Samsung acquisition story and its big vision for connected health. 📋 41:00 – 49:00 | The future of ambient healthcare and consent-driven data. 📋 49:00 – 52:00 | Mike’s advice: be curious, find your foxhole friends, stay humble.
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    53 m
  • Jeff Weness: From Geek Squad to AI-Powered Cancer Breakthroughs

    Jeff Weness: From Geek Squad to AI-Powered Cancer Breakthroughs
    Oct 1 2025
    On this episode of #TheShot of #DigitalHealth Therapy, Jim Joyce and I had the pleasure of hosting Jeff Weness, VP of Growth & Strategy at RefinedScience. From small-town Minnesota roots to global ventures in digital health and now tackling cancer with AI, Jeff’s journey is as unexpected as it is inspiring. We joked about handstands, Russian accents, and Netflix DVDs (yes, mailed in red envelopes!), but his career lessons are pure gold: listen deeply, solve real problems, and don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself. 🚀 🔑 Top 5 Key Takeaways 🎓 Career pivots can fuel long-term impact 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Partnerships drive innovation in healthcare 🖥️ Geek Squad in hospitals = genius move 💊 Molecule + digital = future of pharma 🤖 AI is reshaping oncology discovery Fun mentions as always: Daniel Couchman Kendall Health Podcast Network John Brownlee Click Therapeutics, Inc. David Benshoof Klein Curio Digital Therapeutics Inc. HealthRHYTHMS Optum 📋 00:00–03:00 | Happy Wednesday banter & Jeff joins 📋 03:00–07:00 | Minnesota roots, 4-H, and Russia exchanges 📋 07:00–11:00 | Insurance career and pivot to MBA/venture 📋 11:00–14:00 | Best Buy innovation & Geek Squad in hospitals 📋 14:00–18:00 | Corporate partnerships at Children’s Minnesota 📋 18:00–23:00 | UnitedHealth & Optum Labs: data, R&D, and digital health 📋 23:00–28:00 | Otsuka: digital therapeutics, patience, and cultural insights 📋 28:00–33:00 | The molecule + digital debate in pharma 📋 33:00–38:00 | Refined Science: AI, oncology, and drug rescue 📋 38:00–46:00 | Cancer prevalence, longevity, and Jeff’s advice: listen deeply
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    47 m
  • Mark Gaunya: Wrestling With Healthcare and Captivating Change

    Mark Gaunya: Wrestling With Healthcare and Captivating Change
    Sep 24 2025
    On this episode of #TheShot of #DigitalHealth Therapy, Jim Joyce and I welcomed Mark S. Gaunya, GBA, LIA - benefits innovator, wrestling fanatic, rugby convert, and author - who’s on a mission to transform healthcare from a cost center into an asset. From cutting weight in high school wrestling to cutting healthcare costs, Mark brings equal parts grit, vision, and humor to the conversation. Some highlights: 🤼 Wrestling built resilience, discipline, and vision. 📊 Finance background fuels entrepreneurial leadership. 🏥 Healthcare system works well but for the system itself.... 📖 Insurance captives and small businesses We also talked about his new book "Captivated Health: Take Control. Gain Transparency. Leverage Confidence " (pre-order on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Captivated-Health-Control-Transparency-Confidence-ebook/dp/B0FDLRTN3M/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2K4OHVOK90G8X&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Tm_j3D1shFbNcCw4NyAf7g.KQWzsyxI7bcNVqKl8zp1DYjpRcHsutI26QEvGZx-fIw&dib_tag=se&keywords=Captivated+Health%3A+Take+Control.+Gain+Transparency.+Leverage+Confidence&qid=1758741583&sprefix=captivated+health+take+control.+gain+transparency.+leverage+confidence%2Caps%2C168&sr=8-1) Fun mentions as always: Megan Donnell, MBA, PHR, SHRM-CP, Amanda Goltz, Jennifer Borislow CLU [00:00–02:00] Welcome & pronunciation of “Gaunya” [02:00–06:00] Family roots in healthcare & entrepreneurship [06:00–10:00] Wrestling, resilience, and rugby adventures [10:00–15:00] Finance background → entrepreneurial foundation [15:00–20:00] Transition to insurers: Blue Cross, Cigna, Destiny [20:00–26:00] Leadership lessons, early management challenges [26:00–34:00] Captivated Health model & balance sheet strategy [34:00–39:00] Captives, PBMs, and real employer ROI stories [39:00–49:00] NABIP Consumer Bill of Rights & policy vision [49:00–55:00] Advice to younger self: “Pick wisely”
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    57 m
  • Jason Campana, CEO of Lifespeak : From Painting Houses to Global Wellbeing

    Jason Campana, CEO of Lifespeak : From Painting Houses to Global Wellbeing
    Sep 3 2025
    On this episode of #TheShot of #DigitalHealth Therapy, Jim Joyce and I welcomed Jason Campana, the freshly minted CEO of LifeSpeak Inc. who once learned business the hard way - running a painting company without knowing how to paint. From questionable brush strokes to scaling global wellness platforms, Jason’s career is proof that grit beats polish. Fun mentions as always: John Brownlee Kyle Rolfing Jason Von Bank Michael Held All Roads Lead to Minneapolis – Serendipitous intro & John Brownlee connection (00:00–02:00) Jason’s Early Hustle – Bootleg CDs & paper routes (02:00–04:00) College Pro Days – Painting houses, cold sales, and leadership lessons (04:00–07:00) From Paint to Fitness – Joining Fitness on Request → Wellbeats (07:00–10:00) Scaling Corporate Wellness – Pivot to digital, COVID growth, LifeSpeak acquisition (10:00–13:00) Going Public (and Back Private) – IPO, acquisitions, lessons learned (13:00–19:00) Holistic Wellbeing at LifeSpeak – Fitness, mental health, caregiving, substance use (16:00–20:00) AI & Integration – Personalization, platform unification, future of prevention (20:00–24:00) M&A Lessons – Integration pains, cultural challenges, COO perspective (25:00–28:00) What’s Next – New go-to-market, partnerships, prevention at scale (40:00–45:00)
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    48 m
  • Erik de Heus: From Dreaming Big to Detecting Early

    Erik de Heus: From Dreaming Big to Detecting Early
    Aug 27 2025
    After a summer podcasting break, Jim Joyce and I are back and on this episode of #TheShot of #DigitalHealth Therapy, we finally cornered the legendary Erik de Heus, CEO of SkinVision (yes, only 173 episodes in… shame on us). From biking along Amsterdam canals to catching curveballs in Dutch baseball, to scaling energy startups and now leading SkinVision, Erik’s story is a mix of persistence, humility, and “just follow your dream” wisdom. If you’ve ever wondered how a kid bossing his friends on the playground ends up building digital health business that catch melanoma early and save lives at scale - this one’s for you. Fun mentions as always: Steve Seuntjens HLTH Inc. Martin Kelly ⧉ 00:00 – 02:00 | Opening banter – Jim & Eugene finally get Erik on the mic. ⧉ 02:00 – 06:00 | Early career & HP days – Amsterdam to California and back. ⧉ 06:00 – 09:00 | Childhood & sports – Football, baseball, and bossing friends. ⧉ 10:00 – 15:00 | Energy startup journey – From inception to €500M revenue. ⧉ 15:00 – 20:00 | Scaling challenges – Processes, people, and persistence. ⧉ 22:00 – 28:00 | Philips DirectLife – Competing with Fitbit + coaching layer. ⧉ 30:00 – 33:00 | Birth of PHS Capital – Early digital health investing. ⧉ 34:00 – 41:00 | SkinVision origins – Melanoma detection at scale. ⧉ 42:00 – 47:00 | Aligning incentives – Insurance, NHS, and consumer trust. ⧉ 47:00 – 54:00 | Erik’s advice & future vision – Follow your dream, validate the problem.
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    56 m