Dr. Swathi Varanasi is creating the kind of healthcare she wished existed - one rooted in science, inclusivity, and plant-powered wellness. As an integrative health pharmacist and entrepreneur, she’s bridging the gap between evidence-based medicine and holistic care. She shares how she co-founded Element Apothec, how she’s changing pharmacy from the inside out, and why more women of color need a seat at the funding table. We talk about entrepreneurship, community impact, and how she stays grounded while paving a new path.

Chapters:

00:00 Dr. Swathi Varanasi’s mission

01:20 Why she left traditional pharmacy

03:00 What is integrative health?

05:10 Starting Element Apothec

07:30 Plant-based medicine and evidence-based care

09:00 Bringing equity and inclusion into wellness

10:30 Getting her first funding

12:00 How to lead with curiosity

14:15 Being the first in her field

15:45 Self-care for founders

17:00 Navigating burnout in health spaces

18:45 Building credibility in alternative wellness

20:00 Educating patients and changing mindsets

22:30 Partnering with patients, not prescribing to them

24:00 Launching the first integrative health residency

26:30 LinkedIn and unexpected opportunities

28:00 What she’s working on next

The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.

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