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/

In this episode of The Healthy Enterprise, guest Martin Tsui shares his journey from scientist to entrepreneur and the founding of his biotech startup, ncrspt. The conversation explores how CRISPR technology can be used for DNA-based data storage, offering a radically new approach to long-term, secure data preservation. Tsui breaks down the science behind CRISPR in accessible terms, discusses the fundraising challenges faced by deep-tech biotech startups, and highlights potential applications of DNA data storage—particularly in healthcare. The episode also examines the growing role of AI in data management, the future of data preservation, and why biological systems may hold the key to storing information at unprecedented scale and durability.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Martin Tsui and ncrspt
02:52 Martin's Journey in Science and Technology
05:59 The Birth of ncrspt
08:48 Understanding CRISPR Technology
12:03 Current Stage of ncrspt and Challenges
15:01 Innovative Data Storage Solutions
18:02 The Science Behind DNA Data Storage
20:56 Applications of DNA Data Storage
23:51 Navigating the Investment Landscape
27:04 Future Prospects and Applications of ncrspt
29:57 The Challenges of DNA Data Storage
32:56 The Process of Storing Data in DNA
36:54 The Future of Data Centers
38:00 Applications in Healthcare and Beyond
40:32 The Role of AI in Data Storage
42:24 Innovative Data Transfer Methods
45:03 The Future of Data Preservation
48:40 The Vision for Data Storage Technology

Guest Information:

• Guest's Name: Martin Tsui
• Guest's Title/Position: Founder & CEO
• Guest's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/t-k-martin-tsui/
• Company / Affiliation: ncrspt https://www.ncrspt.com/
• Guest's Bio: T.K. Martin Tsui is the Founder & CEO of ncrspt, a biotech platform pioneering the preservation of digital data in living cells using DNA-based storage technology. Under his leadership, ncrspt is developing proprietary methods to encode any digital format into biological systems for secure, long-term archiving across industries including healthcare, government, and enterprise. Tsui has a background in structural biochemistry and CRISPR research, with a Ph.D. in Molecular Biophysics and experience applying cutting-edge molecular biology techniques to solve complex scientific challenges before turning to deep tech entrepreneurship.

Takeaways:

• Martin Tsui is the founder and CEO of ncrspt.
• ncrspt focuses on using CRISPR technology for data storage.
• CRISPR technology has applications in genome engineering and beyond.
• The startup was born out of a layoff experience at Amazon.
• Investors are often hesitant to fund biotech startups due to perceived risks.
• DNA can store vast amounts of data in a small volume.
• The density of DNA data storage is significantly higher than traditional methods.
• ncrspt aims to keep data for decades or centuries.
• The company is currently in the process of fundraising and developing prototypes.
• Understanding the science behind CRISPR is crucial for its applications.
• The technology requires cutting DNA into smaller pieces for storage.
• Quality control is essential in the DNA data storage process.
• Storing data in DNA can provide a secure backup solution.
• The process involves converting files into DNA sequences.
• Genome engineering tools like CRISPR are used in data insertion.
• Data can be preserved for long periods using biological methods.
• AI currently cannot access data stored in DNA.
• Innovative methods for data transfer can include space travel.
• The technology has potential applications in healthcare and national security.
• Raising awareness about DNA data storage is crucial for its adoption.

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

In this episode of The Healthy Enterprise, Annie Stephanos shares her journey from burnout to becoming a certified life, mental health, and wellness coach. She discusses the realities of burnout, the difference between coaching and therapy, and how women can build sustainable routines, set healthy boundaries, and prioritize self-care. Annie also reflects on her entrepreneurial path with Highroads Coaching and offers practical tools for creating meaningful, lasting change.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Highroads Coaching
02:54 The Journey to Coaching
06:44 Understanding Burnout
10:34 The Layers of Burnout
15:31 Preventing Burnout
19:18 The Importance of Rest
22:01 Coaching vs. Therapy
30:27 The Reward of Coaching
31:52 The Importance of Coaching for Coaches
34:47 Navigating the Entrepreneurial Journey
39:54 Marketing Strategies in a Saturated Market
44:22 Leveraging Technology and AI in Coaching
49:04 Advice for Aspiring Coaches and Those Facing Burnout

Guest Information:

• Guest's Name: Annie Stephanos
• Guest's Title/Position: Founder
• Guest's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/highroadscoaching/
• Company / Affiliation: Highroads Coaching https://highroadscoaching.com/
• Guest's Bio: Annie Stephanos, M.Ed., CMHC, CPLC is a life, mental health, and wellness coach who helps individuals reconnect with themselves and build sustainable paths to balance and well-being. A former educational coach and Founder of Highroads Coaching, she empowers clients to recognize that the capacity for meaningful change has been within them all along. Annie brings a deep passion for guiding people toward their goals, grounded in her core values of hope, trust, and compassion, shaped by her own journey through burnout and PTSD.

Takeaways:

• Annie Stefanos is a certified mental health and wellness coach.
• She helps high-achieving women recover from burnout.
• Burnout can stem from various sources, including workplace stress and societal pressures.
• Support systems are crucial for recovery from burnout.
• Coaching focuses on future goals, while therapy often addresses past issues.
• Setting healthy boundaries is essential for mental well-being.
• Rest is often undervalued in a productivity-driven society.
• Women need to be heard and supported in their struggles with burnout.
• Creating sustainable routines can help prevent burnout.
• Every client has unique needs, and coaching should be tailored to them.
• Never think you can do it all alone; it takes a village.
• Continuous learning and feedback are essential in coaching.
• Starting a business can be easier with the right support.
• Standing out in a saturated market requires a unique story.
• Word of mouth is the most effective marketing strategy.
• Coaching is a valuable investment in oneself.
• Don't wait for burnout to seek help; reach out early.
• Having a niche helps in establishing a coaching business.
• Coaching provides actionable tools for immediate change.
• You are worth investing in your mental health and well-being.

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