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    Life Sciences

    Innovate and Elevate

    Join Sharon Kedar, Co-Founder of Northpond Ventures, as she has candid, in-depth conversations with top doctors, scientists, and trailblazing innovators.

    Innovate and Elevate is the podcast where the pioneering ideas and leading-edge discoveries that redefine human health are explored. Behind every revolutionary method and device is a human, or humans, daring to make the impossible possible.

    Sharon, an investor at the forefront of science-driven venture capital, talks with these change agents about how they are rewriting the rules in their fields – from human health and longevity to breakthrough diagnostics and therapeutics.

    Featured by Harvard’s Wyss Institute, this podcast delivers the sophisticated, knowledgeable, and essential insights you need to understand how innovation impacts our lives.

    Because Humanity Deserves Better.

    Sharon Kedar is Co-Founder, Partner of Northpond Ventures. She is also a human health advocate and has been invited to and spoken at notable institutions and events nationwide, including The New York Stock Exchange, The White House, ARPA-H, and Harvard University.

    “This new podcast is just what I needed- a platform to learn about health and innovation. I just listened to the first episode hosted by Sharon Kedar, a true pioneer for women. The amazing thing is that this podcast delivered with such humanity. I was glad to hear women leaders talking about real world things like women helping women, balancing our lives, advancing our careers, and prioritizing our health. It was fascinating to learn from Dr. Rexrode that women’s healthcare is often just a trial for doctors (lack of women based tests) and how frustrating that is for doctors. I loved hearing from these two top experts and can’t wait to tune into more episodes. And I plan to recommend this show to women and men! Finally, the pregnancy example really hits home and was a perfect motivator.”

    “It’s hard to find helpful and insightful content that is easy to understand. This podcast does that and should be considered on a par with Dr Andrew Huberman’s podcast.”

    “The dialogue was engaging and informative without feeling overwhelming. Both Sharon and Dr Rexrode are so knowledgeable in their fields. I can’t wait to see who the other guests will be!”

    Advertise

    Copyright: © Copyright 2024 Sharon Kedar

    • Apple Podcasts
    • Google Play
    • Spotify

    Latest Episodes:
    Special Episode with Dr. Kelly Casperson on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Nov 13, 2025
    Show notes

    Why do only 5% of women in America use hormone therapy today, when so many did just two decades ago? In this special live episode, host Sharon Kedar sits down with Dr. Kelly Casperson, urologist, author, and leading voice in women’s health, to unpack the truth about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) — and how one misleading press release in 2002 changed everything.

    Dr. Casperson explains what really happened with the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study, how the fear around hormones took root, and why it’s time to write the new narrative. Together, Sharon and Kelly discuss estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone — what they do, who they help, and how new FDA attention may finally mark a turning point.

    From brain fog to bone density, motivation to longevity, this conversation breaks down myths and builds hope for the next generation of women — and the doctors who care for them.

    What You’ll Learn from this Episode:

    • The 2002 Study That Changed Everything: How the Women’s Health Initiative was misinterpreted — and why a misleading press release reshaped women’s health for decades.
    • The Truth About Hormones: Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are made naturally by the body — and modern therapies are safer, smarter, and more personalized than ever before.
    • Longevity and Prevention: Hormones don’t just treat symptoms — they can protect your bones, brain, and heart, helping women live longer, healthier lives.
    • The Next Generation of Change: From Gen X to Millennials, women are demanding better care, better education, and better science.

    Connect with Sharon:

    • On LinkedIn
    • On Instagram
    • Learn more about the Innovate and Elevate podcast
    • Subscribe to Innovate and Elevate on YouTube
    • Join the newsletter to receive the latest episodes in your inbox

    Connect with Dr. Kelly Casperson:

    • On LinkedIn
    • On Instagram
    • Learn more on her website
    • Buy The Menopause Moment now

    Additional Resources:

    • The 2002 Women’s Health Initiative (JAMA)
    • FDA Menopause Panel Discussion (YouTube)
    • Dr. Casperson’s book: You Are Not Broken
    • Dr. Kelly Casperson Speaking at the FDA’s Announcement for Removing “Black Box” Warnings

    Skip to the Good Part:

    (0:00) Introduction: Sharon welcomes Dr. Kelly Casperson — live from the FDA Menopause Panel

    (3:00) The emotional power of restoring hormones — “I’m not angry anymore”

    (8:00) Viagra vs. HRT: The gender gap in sexual medicine

    (14:00) The WHI study: What really happened in 2002

    (21:00) Fear, misinformation, and the black box warning

    (28:00) How hormones affect every organ in the body

    (33:00) Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone — the full picture

    (40:00) The “Lost Generation” of women and rewriting the narrative

    (46:00) Testosterone: The forgotten quarterback of women’s health

    (53:00) Policy, training, and the future of menopause care

    (59:00) The next generation: Why millennials won’t wait to suffer

    (1:03:00) Closing thoughts: Every woman deserves the conversation

    Please note: The information on this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs.

    About Dr. Kelly Casperson: Dr. Kelly Casperson is a board-certified urologist, speaker, author, and women's health advocate. After realizing the significant gap in women's sexual health and hormone education, even within the medical community, she dedicated herself to empowering women through her work. As the host of the popular podcast "You Are Not Broken," and author of books like You Are Not Broken and The Menopause Moment, she uses humor, candor, and science to demystify complex topics around sexuality, menopause, and hormonal health, helping women to advocate for themselves and live their best intimate lives.

    About Sharon: Sharon Kedar is a co-founder and partner at Northpond Ventures, a multi-billion-dollar science-driven venture capital firm. Her extensive career includes leadership roles at Sands Capital and McKinsey & Company, and she is a published author on personal finance. As the host of the Innovate and Elevate podcast, she passionately advocates for menopause care and HRT (hormone replacement therapy), challenging the silence around human health XX (also known as women’s health). She aims to help women navigate midlife and achieve longevity by aging with power. Sharon holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and is a CFA charter holder. She lives in the Washington, DC area with her husband, Greg, their three kids, and their dog Bo.


    This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.


    Menopause is Hot with Joanna Strober, CEO of Midi Health Oct 14, 2025
    Show notes

    What happens when a successful professional is dismissed by her doctor, given sleeping pills for severe perimenopause symptoms, and instead decides to launch a company to help change women's healthcare forever? In this conversation, host Sharon Kedar welcomes Midi Health’s CEO Joanna Strober, who shares her personal story of being dismissed by her doctor and her mission to fix the women's health crisis. Joanna and Sharon tackle the pervasive fear and misinformation about HRT and breast cancer. They reveal the truth and misinformation about the 2002 Women's Health Initiative study. Joanna details how Midi provides expert, insurance-covered care and is shifting the paradigm so women can proactively protect their bones, brain, and heart. This is an essential listen for any woman ready to age with power.

    What You’ll Learn from this Episode:

    • The Care Crisis and Midi’s Solution: How Joanna's personal experience of being dismissed by doctors for symptoms like brain fog and anxiety led her to create Midi Health, a successful, insurance-covered virtual platform scaling expert care for midlife women.
    • Dismantling HRT Fear: The truth about the 2002 Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study, revealing that there is zero correlation between taking estrogen and getting breast cancer (unless you have estrogen-positive breast cancer) and that women on the estrogen-only arm had a 30% less likelihood of breast cancer.
    • Longevity and HRT: Why the golden time to start estrogen is during perimenopause or within 10 years of menopause, and how staying on it may be essential for long-term protection of your bones, brain, and heart.

    Connect with Sharon:

    • On LinkedIn
    • On Instagram
    • Learn more about the Innovate and Elevate podcast
    • Subscribe to Innovate and Elevate on YouTube
    • Join the newsletter to receive the latest episodes in your inbox

    Connect with Joanna Strober:

    • On LinkedIn
    • Learn more about Midi Health

    Additional Resources:

    • The 2002 Women's Health Initiative

    Skip to the Good Part:

    (0:00) Introduction: Sharon's Advocacy and Welcome Joanna Strober, CEO of Midi Health

    (2:00) Joanna’s Personal Story: From Brain Fog, Anxiety, and Marriage Problems to Finding a Specialist

    (9:00) Finding the Right Care: HRT, Transformed Life, and the Bone Protection Dose

    (18:45) Solving the Care Crisis: Founding Midi Health and Scaling Expertise with Insurance Coverage

    (25:00) Midi's Word-of-Mouth Success and Dispelling the Breast Cancer Myth

    (33:00) Longevity and HRT: The Golden Window for Bones, Brain, and Heart Protection

    (36:30) HRT and Stigma: Why We Need to Talk About Hormones and Staying on the Patch Forever

    (39:00) The Financial and Family Case: Midi Patients Cost Less for Insurers

    (41:30) Midi's Mission, Funding, and the Future of Virtual Care

    (45:00) Conclusion and Thank You

    Please note: The information on this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs.

    About Joanna Strober: Joanna is the founder of Midi Health, a virtual care platform for women, with a focus on perimenopause and menopause. Midi brings expert care, covered by insurance, to women nationwide. Before Midi, Joanna founded Kurbo, the first digital therapeutic for childhood obesity, which was scaled to help tens of thousands of children worldwide. The company was successfully sold to Weight Watchers in 2018. Before diving into digital health, Joanna spent more than 20 years in direct private equity and venture capital investing in health and consumer companies, including several notable consumer internet companies, such as Blue Nile, eToys, BabyCenter, HotJobs, and Flycast. Joanna is the author of the book Getting to 50/50, a primer on how women can succeed and thrive at work and home. She has spoken extensively to corporate and graduate school audiences on the topic of women and leadership. She was named to Forbes' 50 over 50 list of top Innovators, the CNBC Changemaker 2025 and Time 100 Healthcare Leaders.

    About Sharon: Sharon Kedar is a co-founder and partner at Northpond Ventures, a multi-billion-dollar science-driven venture capital firm. Her extensive career includes leadership roles at Sands Capital and McKinsey & Company, and she is a published author on personal finance. As the host of the Innovate and Elevate podcast, she passionately advocates for menopause care and HRT (hormone replacement therapy), challenging the silence around human health XX (also known as women’s health). She aims to help women navigate midlife and achieve longevity by aging with power. Sharon holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and is a CFA charter holder. She lives in the Washington, DC area with her husband, Greg, their three kids, and their dog Bo.

    This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.


    My Personal HRT Protocol with Dr. Rachel Rubin, Urologist and Sexual Medicine Specialist Sep 30, 2025
    Show notes

    What if aging wasn't about being discarded, but about reclaiming your dignity and power? In this powerful episode of Innovate and Elevate, host Sharon Kedar sits down with her personal doctor, Dr. Rachel Rubin, a board-certified urologist and sexual medicine specialist. Dubbed "The Women's Dignity Doctor" by Sharon, Dr. Rubin is on a mission to fix the menopause care crisis by educating both patients and clinicians. The two unpack the systemic failures of modern medicine, from the misinterpretation of the 2002 Women's Health Initiative study to the shocking fact that doctors are still not adequately trained in women's midlife health. Dr. Rubin shares her five-step "prescribing" guide for HRT, including testosterone and vaginal estrogen, and a deeply personal story about why this work is a matter of life and death. This is a must-listen for every woman who feels like a "hot mess," or is an advocate for a woman in her life, who is not feeling like herself.

    What You’ll Learn from this Episode:

    1. The Midlife Care Crisis: Understand why women are often left to navigate menopause symptoms like brain fog, joint pain, and sleep issues on their own, and how the medical community's siloed approach to care has failed them. Dr. Rubin explains why this is a systemic problem, not a failure of individual doctors.
    2. The "NFLM" Diagnosis: Learn about the "Not Feeling Like Myself" diagnosis that Dr. Rubin uses to describe the common, but often dismissed, symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.
    3. The Five Pillars of HRT: Get a detailed look at the five key areas of hormone replacement therapy that Dr. Rubin covers in her course for clinicians: systemic estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, vaginal hormones, and vulvar vestibule cream.
    4. A Call for Dignity: Hear why Dr. Rubin and Sharon believe that access to proper menopause care is about more than just managing symptoms—it's about a woman's fundamental dignity. Dr. Rubin shares a poignant story about a patient who was at risk of dying from a UTI due to lack of treatment

    Connect with Sharon:

    1. On LinkedIn
    2. On Instagram
    3. Learn more about the Innovate and Elevate podcast
    4. Subscribe to Innovate and Elevate on YouTube
    5. Join the newsletter to receive the latest episodes in your inbox

    Connect with Dr. Rachel Rubin:

    1. On LinkedIn
    2. On Instagram
    3. Learn more on her website
    4. Take the Hormone Therapy for Early Adopters course

    Additional Resources:

    1. Find a sexual medicine provider at ISSWSH.org
    2. The 2002 Women's Health Initiative
    3. American Urologic Association guidelines on genital urinary syndrome of menopause
    4. Free trainings on genital urinary syndrome of menopause on Dr. Rubin's YouTube
    5. Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs website

    Skip to the Good Part:

    (0:00) Introduction and The Menopause Care Crisis

    (1:50) What Midlife Care Looks Like with Dr. Rubin

    (6:08) Why The Medical System Got It Wrong

    (11:00) Fixing the Marketing Problem

    (15:15) The Fear of Breast Cancer

    (18:25) The Dignity of Aging

    (20:01) The Care Crisis and Dr. Rubin’s Course

    (25:40) Unpacking the HRT Prescriptions

    (26:10) Systemic Estrogen (the "Workhorse")

    (30:22) Progesterone

    (35:50) Testosterone

    (39:40) Vaginal Estrogen: A Life-Saving Treatment

    (44:40) Vulvar Vestibule Cream

    (46:25) Dr. Rubin's Wish for the Future

    Please note: The information on this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs.

    About Dr. Rachel Rubin: Dr. Rachel Rubin is a board-certified urologist and a fellowship-trained specialist in sexual medicine. An assistant clinical professor at Georgetown University, she is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for people of all genders. Dr. Rubin is a passionate advocate for human health, working to advance the fields of research, education, and advocacy in sexual medicine. She is a prolific educator, teaching doctors how to prescribe hormone therapy through her online courses.

    About Sharon: Sharon Kedar is a co-founder and partner at Northpond Ventures, a multi-billion-dollar science-driven venture capital firm. Her extensive career includes leadership roles at Sands Capital and McKinsey & Company, and she is a published author on personal finance. As the host of the Innovate and Elevate podcast, she passionately advocates for menopause care and HRT (hormone replacement therapy), challenging the silence around human health XX (also known as women’s health). She aims to help women navigate midlife and achieve longevity by aging with power. Sharon holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and is a CFA charter holder. She lives in the Washington, DC area with her husband, Greg, their three kids, and their dog Bo.

    This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.


    The New Testosterone Story with Dr. Kelly Casperson, Urologist Sep 23, 2025
    Show notes

    What if everything you thought you knew about testosterone was completely wrong? This episode of Innovate and Elevate features a groundbreaking conversation with Dr. Kelly Casperson, a renowned urologist and women’s health advocate who is rewriting the narrative around testosterone and women. She makes a compelling case for why testosterone is not just for men and why it is so much more than just a hormone for libido. Dr. Casperson, whom host Sharon saw speak in-person at the FDA Menopause Panel, unpacks the outdated medical dogma that has created a massive gap in women's health. The message is clear: our midlife journey isn't just about managing symptoms, but about aging with power, which starts with advocating for proper hormone health and understanding what your body needs to thrive. This is a must-listen for every woman who loves HRT and wants to live a better, stronger second half.

    What You’ll Learn from this Episode:

    • The New Testosterone Story: Learn why testosterone is a human hormone that helps with motivation, energy, and brain clarity—not just libido. Dr. Casperson reveals that female bodies have four times the amount of testosterone than estrogen and why this hormone is vital for longevity.
    • Barriers to Access: Understand the shocking truth about what’s holding women’s health back—from outdated regulations and the misinterpretation of data that has driven black box warnings to the lack of training for well-meaning doctors. You'll hear why the system is in "catch-up mode," and how doctors and organizations, including the FDA, are now working hard to correct the misinformation from decades ago and bring accurate information to the public.
    • The Power of Patient Advocacy: Discover why women are turning to sources like Instagram and ChatGPT for medical advice and how this is a sign of a larger problem. Dr. Casperson provides a powerful call to action for women and men to advocate for proper health and to stop accepting a life of struggle and ill health.

    Connect with Sharon:

    • On LinkedIn
    • On Instagram
    • Learn more about the Innovate and Elevate podcast
    • Subscribe to Innovate and Elevate on YouTube
    • Join the newsletter to receive the latest episodes in your inbox

    Connect with Dr. Kelly Casperson:

    • On LinkedIn
    • On Instagram
    • Learn more on her website
    • Buy The Menopause Moment now

    Additional Resources:

    • FDA Menopause Panel Video
    • Dr. Kelly Casperson at the FDA Menopause Panel Video
    • Dr. Heather Hirsch Academy - Testosterone and Sexual Health Course
    • The Menopause Society
    • You Are Not Broken - Dr. Kelly’s first book
    • The 2002 JAMA WHI Study
    • Menoposse

    Skip to the Good Part:

    (1:19) How Dr. Casperson Got Into Hormone Health

    (1:34) Introduction

    (2:59) Medical Education Gaps Around Women's Health

    (5:44) The New Testosterone Story

    (23:55) The Challenge of Getting Care

    (29:33) The Scale of the Problem

    (33:27) The Importance of Treating Both Partners

    (38:10) Closing Thoughts

    Please note: The information on this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs.

    About Dr. Kelly Casperson: Dr. Kelly Casperson is a board-certified urologist, speaker, author, and women's health advocate. After realizing the significant gap in women's sexual health and hormone education, even within the medical community, she dedicated herself to empowering women through her work. As the host of the popular podcast "You Are Not Broken," and author of books like You Are Not Broken and The Menopause Moment, she uses humor, candor, and science to demystify complex topics around sexuality, menopause, and hormonal health, helping women to advocate for themselves and live their best intimate lives.

    About Sharon: Sharon Kedar is a co-founder and partner at Northpond Ventures, a multi-billion-dollar science-driven venture capital firm. Her extensive career includes leadership roles at Sands Capital and McKinsey & Company, and she is a published author on personal finance. As the host of the Innovate and Elevate podcast, she passionately advocates for menopause care and HRT (hormone replacement therapy), challenging the silence around women's health. She aims to help women navigate midlife and achieve longevity by aging with power. Sharon holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and is a CFA charter holder. She lives in the Washington, DC area with her husband, Greg, their three kids, and their dog Bo.

    This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.


    The Truth About Bones and Estrogen with Dr Vonda Wright, Orthopedic Surgeon Sep 16, 2025
    Show notes

    Aging is inevitable, but decline is not. This episode of Innovate and Elevate features a powerful conversation with Dr. Vonda Wright, an orthopedic surgeon and advocate for aging with power. She makes a compelling case for women to take control of their health long before menopause, starting in their 30s and 40s, or even earlier. Using the moving story of her patient, Miriam, who suffered a preventable hip fracture, Dr. Wright highlights the critical, often-overlooked link between estrogen and bone health. She unpacks the staggering statistics on bone density loss and osteoporosis, revealing that one in two women will experience a fracture. The message is clear: our midlife journey isn't just about managing symptoms, but about aging with power, which starts with proactive steps to build and protect your body. This is a must-listen for every woman who loves HRT and wants to live a better, stronger second half.

    What You’ll Learn from this Episode:

    • Proactive Steps for Your 30s & 40s: Learn the "Vonda rules" for proactive health, including why it's crucial to get a baseline DEXA scan, REMS scan, how to feed your bones with protein, and the importance of lifting heavy weights.
    • The Truth About Estrogen: Understand the profound, protective role of estrogen in bone health and why the widespread fear of hormone replacement therapy is often based on old, misinterpreted data. Dr. Wright explains why there is "zero debate" about its preventative role on bone.
    • A Call to Action: Discover practical, actionable steps you can take today—from seeking out your own DEXA Scan to starting a progressive weightlifting routine—to invest in your future health and avoid becoming a burden on your loved ones.

    Connect with Sharon:

    • On LinkedIn
    • On Instagram
    • Learn more about the Innovate and Elevate podcast
    • Subscribe to Innovate and Elevate on YouTube
    • Join the newsletter to receive the latest episodes in your inbox

    Connect with Dr Vonda Wright:

    • On LinkedIn
    • On Instagram
    • Learn more on her website
    • Buy Unbreakable now

    Additional Resources:

    • FDA Menopause Panel Video
    • Estrogen Matters by Avrum Bluming and Carol Tavris
    • Adesso

    Skip to the Good Part:

    00:00 Introduction to Estrogen and Women's Health

    02:20 The Impact of Hip Fractures on Women

    04:37 Understanding Bone Health and Estrogen

    10:51 The Importance of DEXA Scans

    18:19 Making Informed Decisions About Estrogen

    25:33 Preventative Measures for Bone Health

    32:17 Empowering Women Through Knowledge and Action

    Please note: The information on this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs.

    About Dr Vonda Wright: Dr. Vonda Wright is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and elite sports physician who has dedicated over 20 years to research on optimizing aging. She is also a public speaker, author, and health innovator, with a focus on redefining women's longevity and wellness. Her work helps women navigate and thrive through menopause and other life changes. She has authored several books, including "Unbreakable" and hosts the "HOT For Your Health" podcast.


    About Sharon: Sharon Kedar is a co-founder and partner at Northpond Ventures, a multi-billion-dollar science-driven venture capital firm. Her extensive career includes leadership roles at Sands Capital and McKinsey & Company, and she is a published author on personal finance. As the host of the Innovate and Elevate podcast, she passionately advocates for menopause care and HRT (hormone replacement therapy), challenging the silence around women's health. She aims to help women navigate midlife and achieve longevity by aging with power. Sharon holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and is a CFA charter holder. She lives in the Washington, DC area with her husband, Greg, their three kids, and their dog Bo.


    This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.


    Single Digits: The Business Case for WHAM with Carolee Lee, Founder & CEO of WHAM Oct 17, 2024
    Show notes

    In this episode of Innovate & Elevate, Sharon Kedar is joined by Carolee Lee, Founder and CEO of Women’s Health Access Matters (WHAM). Carolee shares her journey from fashion entrepreneur to women's health trailblazer, highlighting how her experience building a global jewelry brand led her to recognize the critical need for change in women's health funding and research.

    The conversation delves into the reality of the current state of women's health research and investment. Less than 1% of global research funding is allocated to studying women's health and only 2% of venture capital goes to female-founded startups, with an even smaller percentage dedicated to women's health companies. However, organizations like WHAM are making strides in changing that reality.

    Carolee outlines WHAM's groundbreaking initiative, "3Not30," which aims to accelerate change in women's health research and investment within three years. The Initiative is the first of a series of activities WHAM is spearheading in recognition of the 30th Anniversary of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Revitalization Act of 1993, a law which established guidelines that women and minorities should be included in all clinical trials and research which are funded by the NIH. The goals of the program include doubling research funding for women's health, increasing venture capital investment in women-founded companies from 2% to 4%, and improving diversity in clinical trials.

    This conversation underscores that women's health is everyone's health. By raising awareness about these disparities, WHAM is driving collaborative efforts across sectors to create meaningful change. Carolee’s parting message is powerful: while individual efforts are crucial, it's the collective power of everyone working together that will ultimately create substantial change in women's health research and investment.

    Connect with Sharon

    • Connect with Sharon on LinkedIn: Sharon Kedar
    • Learn more about Innovate and Elevate innovateandelevatepodcast.com
    • Subscribe to Innovate and Elevate on YouTube
    • Join the newsletter to receive the latest episodes in your inbox: Innovate and Elevate Newsletter

    Connect with Carolee

    • Follow Carolee LinkedIn
    • Follow WHAM on LinkedIn

    Additional Resources

    • WHAM (Women's Health Access Matters)
    • The WHAM Report
    • WHAM 3Not30 Initiative

    This podcast is produced by The Wave Podcasting


    The Strength Within: Beyond Imposter Syndrome with Shelley Zalis, Founder and CEO of The Female Quotient Sep 24, 2024
    Show notes

    In this episode of Innovate and Elevate, Sharon is joined by Shelley Zalis, Founder and CEO of The Female Quotient, a media and experience company that advances gender equality in the workplace. Shelley is a pioneer in online research and the first female chief executive ranked in the research industry's top 25.

    The importance of mentorship and community building is a central theme of Shelley’s career. She shares powerful advice for young women who are starting to build up their careers and addresses the concept of imposter syndrome, emphasizing how important it is to recognize and own your value.

    Shelley reflects on her journey as a self-proclaimed "Chief Troublemaker" and discusses how breaking rules has led to her success. She isn’t afraid to ruffle feathers and encourages everyone to practice self-advocacy, create new norms in the workplace, and challenge the status quo.

    Shelley highlights the need for better data and storytelling to change narratives around women in business and VC funding. She discusses her efforts to challenge existing statistics and uncover more nuanced data about female founders and diverse investors. This approach, she argues, is crucial for shifting perspectives and driving change in the industry.

    Episode Outline

    (01:27) Chief Troublemaker

    (06:12) Shut That B***h Up in Your Head

    (09:27) Data Driven: The Power to Tell New Stories

    (13:40) Together We Rise: Closing the Mentorship Gap

    Connect with Shelley

    • Follow Shelley on LinkedIn
    • Learn more about The Female Quotient

    Additional Resources

    • Shelley's column in Forbes
    • Shelley's article for Time Magazine: Women Drive Wealth. So Why Is Equity Still Inequitable?

    Connect with Sharon

    • Connect with Sharon on LinkedIn: Sharon Kedar
    • Follow Sharon on Instagram
    • Learn more about Innovate and Elevate innovateandelevatepodcast.com
    • Subscribe to Innovate and Elevate on YouTube
    • Join the newsletter to receive the latest episodes in your inbox: Innovate and Elevate Newsletter

    This podcast is produced by The Wave Podcasting


    Healthier America: ARPA-H and the Return on Investment for the American People with Dr. Renee Wegrzyn Aug 20, 2024
    Show notes

    In this episode of Innovate and Elevate, Sharon Kedar is joined by Dr. Renee Wegrzyn, the inaugural director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), a government agency designed to drive high-impact health innovations. Appointed by President Biden in 2022, Dr. Wegrzyn shares her deep experience in both synthetic biology and biosecurity, drawing from her work at DARPA, IARPA, and Ginkgo Bioworks.

    The conversation dives into the unique role of government in fostering breakthrough technologies, emphasizing ARPA-H’s mission to transform health outcomes. Dr. Wegrzyn explains how ARPA-H takes on ambitious, high-risk projects with the potential to revolutionize healthcare, much like DARPA’s past successes in defense technologies, such as the early development of mRNA technology.

    Dr. Wegrzyn highlights ARPA-H’s approach to maximizing the return on investment for American taxpayers by focusing on scalable, impactful solutions that can transition to the private sector. She walks listeners through transformative projects, including NITRO, GLIDE, ADAPT, and POSEIDON.

    ARPA-H has a unique Program Management structure, which provides hands-on mentorship and support to ARPA-H grantees. Dr. Wegrzyn identifies how the partnership helps innovators address cost, accessibility, and user experience in health innovations. Sharon and Dr. Wegrzyn also discuss the ARPA-H’s Sprint for Women's Health and how the funding opportunity addresses critical unmet challenges in the women’s health sector.

    Episode Outline

    (01:50) How the US Government Drives Innovation

    (04:01) The Return on Investment to Americans

    (09:27) ARPA-H Programs and Funding

    (12:42) How To Work with ARPA-H

    (15:28) The Audacity to Imagine Success

    (18:59) Improving Research and the Standard of Care

    (21:40) Women’s Health Innovation

    (26:45) Beyond Conversation: Embracing Data-Driven Solutions

    Connect with Sharon

    • Connect with Sharon on LinkedIn: Sharon Kedar
    • Learn more about Innovate and Elevate innovateandelevatepodcast.com
    • Subscribe to Innovate and Elevate on YouTube
    • Join the newsletter to receive the latest episodes in your inbox: Innovate and Elevate Newsletter

    Connect with Dr. Renee Wegrzyn

    • Follow Renee on LinkedIn
    • Learn more on the ARPA-H website

    Additional Resources

    • Subscribe to the ARPA-H Vitals newsletter
    • Full list of ARPA-H programs
    • The hidden questions behind the Heilmeir Questions
    • The White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research

    This podcast is produced by the women at The Wave Editing


    Closing The $1 Trillion Women’s Health Gap with Lucy Pérez Jul 02, 2024
    Show notes

    In this episode of Innovate and Elevate, Sharon welcomes Lucy Pérez, a Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company and Coleader of the McKinsey Health Institute. Lucy is also coauthor of the groundbreaking report, "Closing The Women's Health Gap: A $1 Trillion Opportunity to Improve Lives and Economies," copublished with the World Economic Forum. Sharon and Lucy discuss the report’s key findings and the significant economic and social benefits of closing the women's health gap.

    Lucy shares that closing the women’s health gap could add an astounding $1 trillion to the global GDP annually. This economic boost would come from healthier women having fewer missed workdays, increased productivity, and less time spent on unpaid caregiving duties. She highlights that women, despite living longer than men, spend more time in poor health, particularly during their most productive years (ages 20-60), which has considerable economic implications.

    A major challenge in addressing women's health is the shocking underinvestment in research. Currently, only 1-2% of R&D dollars are dedicated to women's health issues, excluding cancers. Lucy emphasizes the need for increased funding and better understanding of sex-based differences in medical research. Conditions like cardiovascular disease and autoimmune diseases often present differently in women, necessitating tailored approaches to diagnosis and treatment.

    Lucy provides actionable advice for how individuals can close the women’s health gap, including ways to be proactive in healthcare interactions, raise awareness about women's health issues, and support initiatives aimed at closing the health gap. She also underscores the importance of leveraging real-world data to drive innovation and improve health outcomes, advocating for strategic partnerships and increased funding to address health inequities.

    Episode Outline

    (02:13) What Is The Business Case For Investing In Women's Health?

    (07:50) Understanding Sex-Based Health Differences

    (11:43) When Women Are Healthier, Everyone Benefits

    (18:06) Opportunities for Women's Health Research, Development & Funding

    (25:01) How Can We Contribute to Closing The Women's Health Gap?

    Additional Resources:

    • Closing the Women's Health Gap: A $1 Trillion Opportunity to Improve Lives and Economies

    Connect with Sharon

    • Connect with Sharon on LinkedIn: Sharon Kedar
    • Learn more about Innovate and Elevate innovateandelevatepodcast.com
    • Subscribe to Innovate and Elevate on YouTube
    • Join the newsletter to receive the latest episodes in your inbox: Innovate and Elevate Newsletter

    Connect with Lucy Pérez

    • Follow Lucy Pérez on LinkedIn: Lucy Pérez

    This podcast is produced by the women at The Wave Editing


    Harnessing The Power of Profit: The Business Case for Women’s Health Startups with Erin Lambroza Jun 18, 2024
    Show notes

    In this episode, Sharon is joined by Erin Lambroza, Vice President of L Catterton, a consumer-focused private equity firm. Erin holds Director roles on the boards of Alice Mushrooms—a functional health supplement business pairing chocolate with the power of adaptogens from legal mushrooms; an unannounced beauty and wellness platform providing solutions to women who are navigating menopause; and Yummers, a pet food company founded by “Queer Eye” stars Jonathan Van Ness and Antoni Porowski alongside the former CMO of Petco.

    In this conversation, Erin and Sharon discuss what makes a women's health company fundable and how to navigate the challenges in this space. Erin brings her extensive experience in early-stage investments with a focus on health and wellness to provide invaluable advice for founders and investors alike.

    Erin emphasizes that the success of a women’s health startup relies on the same factors as any other sector: a growing market, scalable growth, and demonstrated product-market fit. She highlights the importance of understanding unit economics, ensuring that the business model is sustainable and profitable, especially after the first year in the market. The conversation also touches on the historical challenges in women’s health, such as underinvestment and the lack of viable exit paths, which make fundraising particularly difficult. Erin notes that overcoming these obstacles requires innovation at the research level to build a foundation for profitable businesses.

    The episode delves into the historical context of women's health, revealing that women were excluded from clinical trials until 1993, resulting in a significant lack of comprehensive data and chronic underrepresentation in healthcare research. Erin also discusses the origins of the word "hysteria" and its longstanding impact on the perception of women's health issues. This historical lens underscores the need for deliberate and targeted innovation in areas such as autoimmune diseases, Alzheimer's, and cardiovascular disease, which disproportionately affect women.

    Erin offers practical advice for founders, emphasizing the importance of surrounding oneself with the right people who genuinely support the mission, being receptive to investor feedback while synthesizing advice from multiple sources, and seeking strategic, active capital rather than passive investment. Her insights provide a roadmap for founders looking to make a meaningful impact in women’s health.

    Episode Outline

    (01:56) What Makes a Women's Health Business Fundable?

    (04:49) The Audacity of Profit

    (08:53) Beyond Bikini Medicine: Addressing Innovation in Women’s Health

    (12:06) You Are Not Alone: Common Challenges All Startup Founders Face

    Connect with Sharon

    • Connect with Sharon on LinkedIn: Sharon Kedar
    • Learn more about Innovate and Elevate innovateandelevatepodcast.com
    • Subscribe to Innovate and Elevate on YouTube
    • Join the newsletter to receive the latest episodes in your inbox: Innovate and Elevate Newsletter

    Connect with Erin Lambroza

    • Follow Erin Lambroza on LinkedIn
    • Learn more about L Catterton
    • Learn more about Alice Mushrooms

    Additional Resources

    • The New Menopause by Dr. Marie Claire Haver
    • Scipher
    • Kyverna
    • NYSE Women's Health Summit

    This podcast is produced by the women at The Wave Editing


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