Digital Health Heavyweights
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.
Digital Health Heavyweights
Episode 31: Joseph Perekupka, CEO at Freespira
In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, Norm Volsky interviews Joe Perekupka, CEO of Freespira, a company focused on medication-free treatments for panic attacks and PTSD. Joe shares his journey into healthcare, his leadership experiences, and the importance of learning from mistakes. He discusses the mission of FreeSpira, the impact of COVID-19 on mental health treatment, and shares patient success stories. Joe also emphasizes the significance of cultural fitness in hiring and offers advice for employees of companies approaching IPOs. The conversation highlights the innovative approach of Freespira in addressing mental health issues and the importance of action and adaptability in leadership.
Takeaways
🩺 Healthcare offers a chance to positively impact society.
👥 Building a team in a startup requires cultural alignment.
💡 Embracing mistakes is crucial for growth.
🚀 Action creates opportunities and learning experiences.
🌬️ Freespira’s treatment is medication-free and effective.
🎖️ PTSD affects more than just combat veterans.
🌐 COVID-19 highlighted the need for virtual mental health care.
🗣️ Patient testimonials are powerful in demonstrating impact.
📈 Adherence rates for Freespira are higher than traditional therapies.
🍳 Healthy cooking can be simple and enjoyable.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Freespira and Joe Perekupka
02:12 Joe's Journey in Healthcare
06:37 Building a US Subsidiary for Brainsway
10:11 Learning from Mistakes in Leadership
13:23 Successes and Milestones at Brainsway
16:10 Hiring for Sales in Startups
17:28 Freespira Mission and Mental Health
20:08 Understanding PTSD Beyond Combat
22:40 Impact of COVID on Freespira
23:43 The Shift to Virtual Care in Mental Health
24:38 Patient Success Stories with Freespira
28:11 Understanding the 17-Minute Protocol
30:17 Real-World Impact and Statistics
32:11 Veterans and the Ease of Use of Freespira
33:42 CO2 Hypersensitivity and Its Effects
34:56 Comparing Freespira to Traditional Treatments
39:18 Managing Stress and Personal Well-being
42:16 Healthy Eating and Family Recipes
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