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 32: Joseph Kitonga, Founder & CEO at Vitable Health
In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, Norm Volsky interviews Joseph Kitonga, CEO and founder of Vitable Health. Joseph shares his journey from a family background in caregiving to creating a health plan that addresses the needs of underserved workers. He discusses the inspiration behind Vitable, his experience with the Thiel Fellowship, and the unique aspects of Vitable's direct primary care model. The conversation also covers the challenges of hybrid care models, the importance of empathy in healthcare, and the company's growth trajectory. Joseph emphasizes the need for accessible healthcare and shares insights on building a successful startup in the healthcare space.
Takeaways
✨ Joseph's family background in caregiving inspired him to create Vitable Health.
💙 Vitable Health aims to provide affordable healthcare for underserved workers.
🎓 The Thiel Fellowship provided Joseph with the opportunity to focus on his startup.
🚪 Vitable's model reduces barriers to accessing primary care services.
📈 The company has about 100,000 members and is growing rapidly.
💻 Vitable's approach integrates in-home and virtual care effectively.
🤝 Building empathy through direct interaction with clients is crucial for Vitable.
🗣️ Joseph emphasizes the importance of talking to users to build a successful product.
🚀 The Y Combinator experience was pivotal for Vitable's growth.
🧘 Joseph practices mindfulness and reading to manage stress and maintain focus.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Vitable Health and Joseph Kitonga
01:42 Inspiration Behind Vitable Health
05:12 The Thiel Fellowship Experience
08:50 Vitable's Unique Care Model
12:20 Challenges in Hybrid Care Models
13:18 Building Empathy Through User Engagement
16:02 Scaling Vitable Health
18:20 Diverse Clientele and Market Focus
20:09 The Y Combinator Experience
26:37 Advice for Aspiring Founders
27:43 Innovative Prescription Model
29:20 Future Vision for Vitable Health
31:41 Practicing What You Preach
34:02 Healthy Eating and Lifestyle Choices
37:08 Outro
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