In this conversation, Dylan McDonnell, founder and CEO of Foodini, discusses the challenges faced by individuals with food allergies and dietary restrictions, and how his company aims to provide transparency in food options through technology. He shares his personal journey from being a corporate lawyer to creating a dietary intelligence platform that partners with restaurants to offer personalized menu solutions. The discussion highlights the importance of dietary transparency, the impact of food choices on health, and the potential for restaurants to tap into a growing market by catering to diverse dietary needs. In this conversation, Dylan shares his journey from being a lawyer to founding Foodini, a food tech company focused on addressing food allergies. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from a founder to a CEO, the importance of resilience in the startup world, and the brutal process of fundraising. Dylan emphasizes the significance of building a lean team and staying updated with rapidly evolving technology, particularly AI. He also highlights recent regulatory changes in the food industry that present opportunities for growth and innovation.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Food Transparency and Legislation
02:49 Dylan's Journey: From Law to Food Tech
05:52 The Importance of Dietary Transparency
09:09 Understanding Foodini's Technology and Solutions
12:08 Market Expansion and Consumer Discovery
14:50 The Broader Impact of Dietary Needs
17:53 Onboarding Restaurants and Subscription Model
23:27 Transitioning from Lawyer to Entrepreneur
26:00 The Shift from Founder to CEO
28:39 Navigating the Investor Landscape
32:39 Building a Lean and Effective Team
35:00 Staying Ahead in a Rapidly Evolving Tech Landscape
40:39 Regulatory Changes and Opportunities in Food Tech

Guest Information:

• Guest's Name: Dylan McDonnell
• Guest's Title/Position: Founder and CEO
• Guest's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-mcdonnell-a5787574/
• Company / Affiliation: Foodini https://foodini.co/
• Guest's Bio: Dylan McDonnell is the Founder and CEO of Foodini, a foodtech platform connecting the 1 in 3 people with dietary needs to restaurants and menu items suitable for them through a dietitian-led verification model. Motivated by his own experience with Celiac disease, Dylan is focused on building technology that bridges the gap between consumers with dietary requirements and the hospitality industry. Under his leadership, Foodini has gained international recognition, including Startup of the Year (2022) from the International Association of Corporate Counsel and FoodTech CEO of the Year – Australia (2023) from APAC Insider.

Takeaways:

• California's SB68 bill mandates menu labeling for allergens.
• Dylan's personal experience with celiac disease inspired Fudini.
• The market for dietary needs is vast and underserved.
• Transparency in food options is crucial for consumer trust.
• Foodini uses AI and dietitian expertise to provide accurate information.
• Restaurants can reduce allergy incidents with better data.
• Consumer awareness about food health is increasing.
• Foodini aims to expand into various food service environments.
• The onboarding process for restaurants is designed to be simple.
• Dietary needs impact social interactions and dining experiences.
• The transition from law to entrepreneurship requires adaptability.
• Resilience is key in the startup world; expect many rejections.
• The shift from founder to CEO involves balancing vision and business strategy.
• Fundraising is a challenging but necessary process for growth.
• Building a lean team can lead to greater efficiency and innovation.
• Staying updated with technology is crucial for competitive advantage.
• Regulatory changes can create significant opportunities in food tech.
• Understanding your market and consumer needs is essential for success.
• Strategic investors can provide valuable insights and support.
• Networking and building relationships are vital in the business landscape.

The Healthy Enterprise Podcast is produced by Bullzeye Global Growth Partners https://bullzeyeglobal.com/

In this conversation, Jonathan López, a medical doctor and founder of karē Corp, discusses his innovative approach to biotech, focusing on a modular platform for drug delivery in extreme environments. He shares his journey from med school to entrepreneurship, the challenges he faced, and his vision for making a global impact, particularly for Puerto Rico. The discussion highlights the importance of real-time health monitoring and the potential applications of his technology in defense and emergency response.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Next-Gen Biotech
05:05 The Vision Behind karē Corp
10:00 The Modular Platform Explained
15:11 Real-Time Monitoring and Team Awareness
19:58 Challenges and Growth as a Founder
24:56 The Shift from Cannabis to Defense
29:59 Current Status and Future Aspirations

Guest Information:

• Guest's Name: Jonathan López
• Guest's Title/Position: Founder & CEO
• Guest's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanlopez92/
• Company / Affiliation: karē Corp https://karembio.com/
• Guest's Bio: Jonathan López is the Founder and CEO of karē Corp, a physician-trained entrepreneur focused on building regulated, science-first human performance systems. His work centers on the development of advanced subcutaneous infusion platforms that integrate pharmacology, hardware, and software to support human health and performance in demanding environments.
  Jonathan leads the company’s strategy across FDA-regulated development pathways, intellectual property creation, and dual-use deployment for civilian healthcare, first responders, defense, and space applications. He is currently advancing multiple patented platforms designed to align with federal innovation and research programs, with the goal of delivering next-generation biomedical solutions for extreme and mission-critical environments.

Takeaways:

• Jonathan López is building next-gen biotech platforms for drug delivery.
• karē Corp aims to provide real-time health monitoring in extreme environments.
• The platform is modular and can be tailored for different users like soldiers and astronauts.
• Real-time data can help prevent medical emergencies in the field.
• Jonathan's journey reflects the challenges of pursuing innovation in healthcare.
• He emphasizes the importance of inspiring Puerto Ricans to believe in their potential.
• The shift from cannabis to defense technology was a strategic decision for broader impact.
• Jonathan faced external doubt from family and friends about his entrepreneurial path.
• The technology aims to enhance human performance in critical situations.
• Jonathan is currently in the process of securing grants and patents for his innovations.

The Healthy Enterprise Podcast is produced by Bullzeye Global Growth Partners https://bullzeyeglobal.com/

This episode is part of a limited series called Money Ball in conjunction with the BLPN Club . BLPN's Money Ball program helps founders step up to the plate and knock fundraising out of the park. You'll hear about the people, their ventures, and their pitch-making experiences.

In this episode of The Healthy Enterprise, host Heath Fletcher speaks with Chandi Bandara, CEO of Precision Quantomics, about the challenges and innovations in drug development. They discuss the inefficiencies in the pharmaceutical industry, the importance of effective pitching to investors, and the insights gained from the Money Ball program. Chandi shares his journey from a molecular biologist to a CEO, the lessons learned in storytelling for pitches, and the significance of feedback in refining business strategies. The conversation emphasizes the need for entrepreneurs to seek guidance and input from experienced peers in their journey.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to The Healthy Enterprise and Money Ball Series
00:39 Chandi Bandara: CEO of Precision Quantomics
02:04 Innovative Solutions in Drug Development
03:49 Company Progress and Market Presence
05:07 Chandi's Journey to Precision Quantomics
06:26 The Art of Pitching to Investors
09:00 Crafting the Perfect Pitch Story
11:28 Refining the Pitch with Money Ball Program
13:30 Learning from Investor Feedback
15:22 Common Mistakes in Pitching
18:17 Unique Perspective as a Non-Founder CEO
20:03 Impact of Money Ball Program on Pitching
22:28 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
25:54 Conclusion and Future Aspirations

Guest Information:

• Guest's Name: Chandi Bandara
• Guest's Title/Position: Chief Executive Officer
• Guest's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cabandara/
• Company / Affiliation: Precision Quantomics https://precisionquantomics.com/
• Guest's Bio: Chandima Bandara is CEO of Precision Quantomics, where he leads the company’s mission to transform drug development through high-precision proteomics. With more than 20 years of experience across biotechnology, contract research, business development, and large-scale operations, he brings a unique blend of scientific expertise and operational leadership to the biotech industry.
  He began his career in R&D before scaling growth at a leading CRO and later managing world-class logistics operations at Amazon. Over the past six years, he has focused on commercializing scientific innovation through life sciences startups. At Precision Quantomics, he is building a comprehensive proteomics database, LC-MS kit portfolio, and testing-as-a-service platform to accelerate pharmaceutical R&D and reduce costs. Chandima also serves on the Board of Trustees for the Health Sciences & Services Authority of Spokane County and contributes to national initiatives advancing regulatory science and New Approach Methodologies.

Takeaways:

• Precision Quantomics addresses inefficiencies in drug development.
• 90% of drugs fail to reach the market due to outdated models.
• Chandi Bandara transitioned from science to business development.
• Effective pitching requires understanding the audience's perspective.
• The Money Ball program helped refine Chandi's pitch.
• Investors need to hear the problem and solution quickly.
• Iterating on the pitch deck is crucial for success.
• Feedback from investors is invaluable for improvement.
• Every entrepreneur's journey is unique and requires tailored advice.
• Building a supportive ecosystem is essential for startup growth.

This episode is part of a limited series called Money Ball in conjunction with the BLPN Club. BLPN's Money Ball program helps founders step up to the plate and knock fundraising out of the park. You'll hear about the people, their ventures, and their pitch-making experiences.

In this episode of The Healthy Enterprise, host Heath Fletcher interviews Doug Cohen, the Co-Founder and CEO of IR Medtek, about his journey in developing a groundbreaking technology for cancer detection. Doug shares his unique background in mechanical engineering and how it led him to identify a significant gap in the healthcare market, particularly in skin cancer detection. The conversation delves into the development process of their innovative device, the challenges faced, and the importance of refining their pitch to investors through the Money Ball program. Doug emphasizes the value of collaboration, confidence in their technology, and the potential impact on patient care.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Money Ball and IR Medtek
01:14 Doug's Unique Background and Journey
02:27 Identifying the Gap in Cancer Detection
05:51 The Development Journey of the Technology
07:41 Current Progress and Future Steps
08:39 Understanding the Device and Its Functionality
10:58 Enhancing Primary Care with Technology
13:25 Investor Response and Presentation Experience
14:34 Refining the Pitch through Money Ball
18:32 Public Speaking and CEO Responsibilities
21:12 The Advantage of an Engineering Background
24:11 Reflections on the Money Ball Experience

Guest Information:

• Guest's Name: Doug Cohen
• Guest's Title/Position: Chief Executive Officer
• Guest's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-cohen-64761410/
• Company / Affiliation: IR Medtek https://www.irmedtek.com/
• Guest's Bio: Doug Cohen is IR Medtek's Co-Founder and CEO and has over 20 years of experience in manufacturing equipment, product design, global sourcing, and logistics. Doug is a graduate of MIT in mechanical engineering and has experience as both an owner and investor in start-ups. He owns a number of technology patents and serves on the board of the public company Organovo.

Takeaways:

• Doug's background in mechanical engineering shaped his approach to IR Medtek.
• The technology developed can differentiate tumor from non-tumor tissue.
• Skin cancer detection is a significant market opportunity.
• The device provides real-time feedback to primary care doctors.
• Investor confidence is crucial for the success of startups.
• Refining the pitch can significantly improve investor engagement.
• Public speaking skills are essential for CEOs in fundraising.
• Collaboration with experts enhances the team's capabilities.
• The Money Ball program provided valuable networking opportunities.
• The technology has the potential to improve patient outcomes significantly.

The Healthy Enterprise Podcast is produced by Bullzeye Global Growth Partners https://bullzeyeglobal.com/

This episode is part of a limited series called Money Ball in conjunction with the BLPN Club . BLPN's Money Ball program helps founders step up to the plate and knock fundraising out of the park. You'll hear about the people, their ventures, and their pitch-making experiences.

In this episode, Rob Boyce, CEO of Plakous Therapeutics, discusses the company's mission to develop regenerative medicine solutions for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a devastating disease affecting premature infants. He shares insights into the challenges of developing treatments for this vulnerable population, the importance of funding, and the role of networking in the biotech industry. Rob also highlights a case study of a patient named Laurel, illustrating the potential impact of their product on improving outcomes for babies at risk of NEC.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Plakous Therapeutics
01:08 Understanding Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)
04:23 The Genesis of Plakous Therapeutics
06:24 Innovative Approach to Treatment
09:27 Real-Life Impact: Case Study of Laurel
13:32 Navigating the Funding Landscape
16:06 Refining the Pitch Process
22:05 Challenges in the Current Investment Climate
25:11 Current Stage and Future Plans

Guest Information:

• Guest's Name: Robert Boyce
• Guest's Title/Position: Chief Executive Officer
• Guest's Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertwboyce/
• Company / Affiliation: Plakous Therapeutics https://www.plakoustherapeutics.com/
• Guest's Bio: Rob Boyce is the CEO of Plakous Therapeutics, Rob has been working in healthcare and life sciences throughout his career. He has been part of several start-up companies. Prior to Plakous Rob was at Imago Systems, Inc., a software as a service medical diagnostic company seeking to redefine the medical imaging. He started his business career at Johnson & Johnson, marketing the Tylenol Brand. While at J&J he led worldwide Sales and Marketing for Independence Technology, a Johnson & Johnson company specializing in state-of-the-art rehabilitation technology. Rob launched his career as a naval flight officer in the Navy’s E-2C Hawkeye.

Takeaways:

• Rob Boyce is the CEO of Plakous Therapeutics, focusing on regenerative medicine.
• Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe condition affecting premature infants.
• The last FDA-approved medicine for NICU babies was in 1991.
• Plakous's product mimics amniotic fluid to support GI tract development.
• Laurel's case illustrates the challenges faced by NEC patients.
• Funding for pediatric biotech is particularly challenging.
• Networking and preparation are crucial for successful investor pitches.
• Understanding the audience is key to effective presentations.
• Regulatory pathways for pediatric treatments are complex and uncertain.
• Plakous aims to raise $8 million for further development.

The Healthy Enterprise Podcast is produced by Bullzeye Global Growth Partners https://bullzeyeglobal.com/

This episode is part of a limited series called Money Ball in conjunction with the BLPN Club . BLPN's Money Ball program helps founders step up to the plate and knock fundraising out of the park. You'll hear about the people, their ventures, and their pitch-making experiences.

In this conversation, James Lovgren shares his insights on the funding process for biotech startups, emphasizing the importance of team expertise, the art of pitching, and the need to balance scientific detail with storytelling. He discusses the iterative nature of pitching, the significance of understanding investor expectations, and the value of targeting the right investors to enhance the chances of success. James reflects on his experiences in the Money Ball program, highlighting the lessons learned and the importance of adaptability in investor conversations.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Money Ball and Aspiro Therapeutics
01:13 Understanding Obstructive Lung Diseases
02:59 Innovative Solutions in Lung Disease Treatment
05:04 The Journey of Aspiro Therapeutics
07:05 The Importance of Team Dynamics
09:09 Mastering the Pitch Process
10:50 Evolving the Pitch: Lessons Learned
12:58 Investor Engagement and Feedback
14:56 Navigating Investor Relationships
17:09 Refining the Pitch Through Iteration
19:01 The Role of Investor Fit
21:07 Future Directions for Aspiro Therapeutics

Guest Information:

• Guest's Name: James Lovgren
• Guest's Title/Position: CEO & Co-Founder
• Guest's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameslovgren/
• Company / Affiliation: Aspiro Therapeutics https://aspirotx.com/
• Guest's Bio: As the CEO of Aspiro Therapeutics, James Lovgren leads the company’s mission to revolutionize the treatment of obstructive lung diseases with innovative CC16-inspired therapies.
  James is an accomplished life science executive with a distinguished track record of commercializing disruptive technologies and managing global product portfolios exceeding $250 million. His extensive background spans startups, growth-stage companies, and Fortune 150 biotechnology firms, where he has successfully brought a wide range of products, services, and reagents to market in the pharmaceutical, diagnostics, and life science sectors.
  James’ strategic insight and operational expertise are instrumental in guiding Aspiro Therapeutics through its preclinical development stage and beyond.

Takeaways:

• Investors prioritize team expertise in funding decisions.
• The pitching process requires practice and iteration.
• Balancing scientific detail with storytelling is crucial.
• Understanding investor backgrounds can shape the pitch.
• Feedback from peers can refine the pitch effectively.
• High-level narratives often resonate more than technical data.
• Each investor may have different areas of interest.
• Flexibility in presentation can lead to better engagement.
• Building a targeted investor list saves time and effort.
• Long-term relationships with investors are essential for success.

The Healthy Enterprise Podcast is produced by Bullzeye Global Growth Partners https://bullzeyeglobal.com/

In this episode of the Healthy Enterprise podcast, host Heath Fletcher engages with Elissa Zylbershlag, Founder of Work Wise Labs, who specializes in proactive HR strategies and positive workplace environments. Elissa shares her journey from being an anti-bias educator to establishing her own business, emphasizing the importance of fostering a positive work culture. She explains the concept of anti-bias education, which aims to create a more just and equitable world, and how it connects to workplace dynamics. Alissa also introduces the principles of positive psychology, highlighting how focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses can lead to a more fulfilling and productive work life.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Elissa Zylbershlag and Work Wise Labs
01:23 Understanding Anti-Bias Education
07:06 The Shift to Positive Psychology
13:52 Work Wise Labs: Services and Offerings
20:41 The Journey to Entrepreneurship
22:10 Challenges Faced by Leaders Today
26:27 The Role of Coaching in Personal Development
27:15 The Dynamics of Coaching Relationships
29:29 Prioritizing Personal Needs in Leadership
30:56 The Importance of Self-Awareness
33:20 Understanding Perceptions: The Portrait Analogy
39:20 The One, Two, Three Theory of Feedback
42:15 Embracing Growth and New Opportunities
44:13 Networking and Building Connections
46:19 Transforming Conflict into Connection

Guest Information:

• Guest's Name: Elissa Zylbershlag
• Guest's Title/Position: Founder
• Guest's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elissazylbershlag/
• Company / Affiliation: Work Wise Labs https://www.workwiselabs.com/
• Guest's Bio: Elissa Zylbershlag, M.Ed. is the Founder of Work Wise Labs and a leadership development and team-building professional who helps nonprofits, universities, and small organizations create healthier, more connected workplaces. Through proactive coaching, interactive workshops, and culture-focused training, she works 1:1 with leaders and facilitates engaging group sessions that strengthen communication, trust, confidence, and collaboration—always with a focus on making work both productive and enjoyable. Through Work Wise Labs, Elissa equips organizations with practical tools to build supportive, mission-aligned cultures where people actually want to show up for work.

Takeaways:

• Different does not mean bad.
• Focusing on strengths makes you happier and makes your life more meaningful.
• Coaching is about possibility, what's possible, and it's about action plan.
• The workplace is a hotbed of bias and discrimination.
• Positive psychology looks at what's right with people, not what's wrong.
• Coaching relationships can last from months to decades, depending on individual needs.
• Self-awareness is crucial in leadership; it's about understanding how others perceive you.
• Feedback from multiple sources can reveal patterns in behavior and perceptions.
• Addressing conflict can improve relationships 75% of the time when done correctly.
• Prioritizing your own needs is essential before helping others.

The Healthy Enterprise Podcast is produced by Bullzeye Global Growth Partners https://bullzeyeglobal.com/

In this episode, Katie Saindon, Senior Director of Product at Qventus, discusses her journey in product management and the innovative solutions Qventus provides to healthcare systems. The conversation covers the challenges faced by health systems, the role of AI in automating care operations, and the importance of seamless integration with existing workflows. Katie shares insights on the impact their platform can make on patient discharge processes and surgical operations. The discussion highlights the collaborative approach they take with clients to develop tailored solutions that enhance patient care and operational efficiency.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Katie Saindon and Qventus
02:53 Katie's Journey into Product Management
05:45 Understanding Qventus and Its Solutions
09:01 The Impact of Qventus on Patient Discharge
12:00 AI as a Teammate in Healthcare
15:09 Optimizing Surgical Operations with Qventus
17:51 Integration Challenges and Solutions
21:05 Growth and Funding Stages of Qventus
24:09 Competitive Landscape and Client Partnerships
26:59 Innovative Solutions and Case Studies
30:08 Marketing and Outreach Strategies
32:55 Future of Qventus and Healthcare Technology

Guest Information:

• Guest's Name: Katie Saindon
• Guest's Title/Position: Senior Director of Product Management
• Guest's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-saindon/
• Company / Affiliation: Qventus https://www.qventus.com/
• Guest's Bio: Katie Saindon is Senior Director of Product Management at Qventus, where she leads product strategy and execution for AI-driven healthcare solutions. An intrinsically motivated and passionate product leader, Katie brings global experience driving vision, roadmap, and delivery to generate revenue and elevate customer satisfaction. She’s known for balancing short- and long-term priorities with radical clarity—keeping outcomes front and center to deliver meaningful value for both customers and the business.

Takeaways:

• Katie Saindon is the Senior Director of Product at Qventus.
• Qventus automates care operations across the entire patient journey.
• The company helps alleviate administrative burdens on healthcare staff.
• AI is positioned as a teammate to support healthcare professionals.
• Qventus aims to optimize patient discharge processes.
• The integration of Qventus solutions with existing EHR systems is crucial.
• The company is in a Series D funding stage, indicating rapid growth.
• Client partnerships are key to developing innovative solutions.
• Qventus has seen significant reductions in patient wait times and denials.
• The future of healthcare technology is focused on collaboration and integration.

The Healthy Enterprise Podcast is produced by Bullzeye Global Growth Partners https://bullzeyeglobal.com/