What if cancer treatment could be tailored not just to a diagnosis, but to you, your unique biology, history, and biomarkers?

In this episode of Lightning RX, host Colette Nataf sits down with Nadav Weinberg, Chief Commercial Officer at Valera, to explore how precision medicine is transforming healthcare. Valera acts as the “connective tissue” of precision medicine, bridging labs, bioinformatics, and data ecosystems to enable personalized treatment for patients.

Nadav shares insights from scaling multiple companies, including two unicorns and four successful exits, bringing his B2B SaaS growth expertise into the healthcare space. He breaks down:

What You’ll Learn:

• How next-generation sequencing (NGS) data powers patient-specific treatments in oncology
• Why interoperability across labs, providers, and pharma is the missing piece in U.S. healthcare
• How Valera supports both lab pipelines and large-scale bioinformatic research
• The trust, compliance, and partnerships that helped secure early government contracts
• Lessons on scaling from zero to one, building credibility, and setting the right culture in high-growth companies
• Why aligning product-market fit, customer trust, and scalable infrastructure is critical in healthtech

💡 Golden Nugget:

“Innovation is not just about the science, it’s about connecting the ecosystem, earning trust, and scaling responsibly.”

Connect with Nadav Weinberg

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nadavweinberg

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What if the most effective treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) wasn’t another drug—but a simple blood test that tells you which foods to avoid?

In this episode of Lightning RX, host Colette Nataf sits down with Gary Lu, CPA, Chief Financial Officer, transformative leader, and finance technologist, to explore how a 50-year-old NASDAQ-listed company is reinventing itself with InFoods, a breakthrough diagnostic and therapeutic for IBS. Instead of vague food sensitivity lists, InFoods pinpoints one or two trigger foods validated through clinical trials, offering patients a drug-free way to reduce pain, bloating, and discomfort.

Gary shares his journey from finance and enterprise tech to healthcare innovation, including his experience scaling companies from 70 to 700 employees. He explains how he’s bringing startup agility into a legacy company to launch a first of its kind product that the FDA even evaluated alongside IBS drugs, and outperformed.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why IBS drugs leave major treatment gaps, and how InFoods provides a better alternative
• How InFoods bridges diagnostics and therapy to empower patients with precision food insights
• The strategy behind launching through both physicians and direct to consumer telehealth
• Why physician education and peer-reviewed data are critical for credibility in healthcare
• How AI-powered patient guidance helps sustain results through recipes and lifestyle support
• The challenges of scaling a D2C healthcare product that requires education and behavior change
• Why smart storytelling, branding, and building champions are as vital as the science itself
• The importance of balancing corporate strategy, market access, and patient experience

💡 Golden Nugget:

“Great healthcare products don’t just mask symptoms they get to the root cause. InFoods is about giving IBS patients their lives back, one meal at a time.”

Connect with Gary Lu

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/garylucpa
• Website: garylucpa.com
• Company: forgeoptima.org

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What if the next wave of tech innovation wasn’t about algorithms or apps but about people coming together to share knowledge, collaborate, and build with purpose?

In this episode of Lightning RX, host Colette Nataf sits down with Karisa Schroeder, founder of Future of Tech and product marketer at MediaRadar. With nearly 10,000 followers on LinkedIn and years of experience building authentic industry connections, Karisa is transforming that momentum into a cross-industry community designed to make technology serve humanity, not replace it.

Karisa shares how Future of Tech grew out of her personal “hive” of trusted peers, and why she believes collaboration across silos is the key to navigating a rapidly changing workplace. From veterans eager to share knowledge to newcomers searching for guidance, Future of Tech creates a space where curiosity, ethics, and community drive innovation forward.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why Karisa founded Future of Tech after building a personal brand and network online
• How her “hive” of trusted collaborators became the seed for a broader community
• The role of curiosity, questions, and feedback in shaping early-stage ideas
• Why she believes tech should serve humanity not replace it
• How AI is reshaping marketing, pricing, and collaboration in real time
• The challenges of balancing passion, vision, and financial investment as a founder
• The importance of saying “yes” and “no” strategically when building community
• Why creating a safe and welcoming space is essential for sustainable innovation

💡 Golden Nugget:

“If there weren’t the crazy ones, we’d never have new innovations. Future of Tech is about giving those ideas—and the people behind them—a place to grow.”

Connect with Karisa Schroeder

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/karisaschroeder
• Portfolio: karisaschroeder.com
• Website: futureoftech.ai

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What if the real innovation in tech wasn’t about the tools themselves but about how people come together to use them?

In this episode of Lightning RX, host Colette Nataf sits down with Dr. Oghosa Evbuomwan, physician-executive, digital health strategist, and founder of Future of Tech. With a background spanning oncology, public health, and technology, Oghosa is building a cross-industry community designed to help innovators from fresh graduates to veteran leaders collaborate, share knowledge, and create ethical solutions that truly serve humanity.

Oghosa shares how her experiences in global health and digital transformation shaped her perspective on the changing “way of work.” She dives into the need for spaces where technical skills can be exchanged across industries, where AI is harnessed responsibly, and where innovation strengthens communities rather than replacing them. From her early vision to her upcoming platform launch, Oghosa explains how Future of Tech is designed to empower leaders, founders, and builders with the support they need to create lasting impact.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why Oghosa founded Future of Tech as a community-first initiative
• How her career in medicine and public health informs her approach to digital innovation
• The role of ethics in shaping the future of AI and health tech
• Why collaboration across silos leads to more sustainable innovation
• How she built a strong early following and what she calls her “hive”
• The vision for Future of Tech as both a digital platform and movement
• Lessons for founders on curiosity, resilience, and surrounding yourself with the right people
• Why “crazy ideas” are often the sparks that move industries forward

💡 Golden Nugget:

“If there weren’t the crazy ones, we’d never have new innovations. The future belongs to those willing to imagine something different, and then build it.”

Connect with Dr. Oghosa Evbuomwan

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/oghosaevbuomwan
• Website: docoghosa.wixsite.com/portfolio 

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• LinkedIn
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What if burnout, misdiagnosis, and personal struggle weren’t the end of your story—but the beginning of a movement to reimagine healthcare and community?

In this episode of Lightning RX, host Colette Nataf sits down with Emily Kapszukiewicz, CEO of Squirrel Space, a community and platform designed to support people who struggle in traditional environments—particularly those with ADHD. From her own health battles and psychiatric hospitalization to launching an innovative Public Benefit Corporation, Emily shares how vulnerability, creativity, and resilience became the foundation for her entrepreneurial journey.

Emily opens up about the dangers of overprescription, her experience with the failures of the healthcare system, and how art, therapy, and play helped her heal. She explains how Squirrel Space blends digital connection, physical spaces, and ADHD-friendly kits to create safe environments where people can thrive. Along the way, she highlights the power of turning setbacks into strengths, leaning into authenticity, and building trust-driven communities.

What You’ll Learn:

• Emily’s journey from burnout and psychiatric hospitalization to entrepreneurship
• Why she reframed ADHD as a superpower and leadership strength
• The inspiration behind Squirrel Space and its mission of psychological safety
• How creativity, art, music, dance, pottery became central to healing and design
• The role of Squirrel Kits in supporting focus, calm, and joy for members
• Why she structured the company as a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC)
• Her long-term vision for tiny homes as therapeutic safe spaces
• Practical advice for founders: bet on yourself, stay authentic, and lead with compassion

💡 Golden Nugget:

“Trust yourself. Bet on yourself. And don’t let anyone tell you that kindness isn’t a strength in business.”

Connect with Emily Kapszukiewicz & Squirrel Space

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/emilykapszukiewicz
• Website: squirrel-space.com 

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• LinkedIn
• Website
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What if the real future of AI isn’t about replacing people—but about amplifying their best abilities?

In this episode of Lightning RX, host Colette Nataf sits down with AJ Bubb, founder of MxP Studio, host of Facing Disruption, and former Amazon and Accenture innovation strategist. AJ is a futurist who helps organizations cut through the noise of rapid technological change and focus on what truly matters: solving real customer problems.

AJ shares how his philosophy of “Human + AI” challenges the fear-driven narrative that machines will replace us. Instead, he frames AI as augmented intelligence—a way to accelerate research, support decision-making, and unlock creativity, while keeping people at the center of innovation.

From working backwards in true Amazonian style to launching MxP Studio on the principle of “minimum, lovable, viable, and feasible,” AJ explains how companies can embrace disruption without losing sight of human trust and customer obsession. He also emphasizes the role of psychological safety and team trust in creating organizations that are truly innovative.

What You’ll Learn:

• What it really means to be a futurist in today’s fast-changing world
• Why customer obsession must come before technology in innovation
• The philosophy behind MxP Studio’s “minimum, lovable, viable, feasible” model
• How to reframe AI as augmented intelligence rather than replacement
• The importance of trust, openness, and vulnerability in building innovative teams
• Why startups must focus on solving durable customer problems—not just chasing shiny tools
• How to use AI as a sanity check for research and ideation, not the final answer
• When and how to pivot your strategy based on data and market signals

💡 Golden Nugget:

“Use AI to think around corners, not to give you the answer. At the end of the day, innovation is still about people, trust, and solving real challenges.”

Connect with AJ Bubb & MxP Studio

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ajbubb
• Websites: linktr.ee/ajbubb | facingdisruption.com

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• LinkedIn
• Website
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What if the biggest challenge in healthcare innovation isn’t the technology itself—but navigating shifting policies, unpredictable approvals, and the need for trust at every step?

In this episode of Lightning RX, host Colette Nataf sits down with Kat Kovalchik McDavitt—President of Innsena, CEO of the Zorya Foundation, host of the Health Tech Talk Show, and investor/advisor to multiple health tech startups. Kat shares how she helps more than 40 clients nationwide navigate government policy, secure market access, and design go-to-market strategies that actually work in healthcare’s ever-changing environment.

From the unpredictability of FDA approvals to the patchwork of Medicaid programs at the state level, Kat explains why uncertainty is the norm in healthcare—and how founders can thrive despite it. She also highlights how resource-limited rural and red states often become unexpected leaders in innovation by embracing hyperlocal solutions and grassroots partnerships.

Drawing on her time as CMO at Collective Medical (later acquired by PointClickCare), Kat reveals why traditional sales and marketing tactics often fail in healthcare. Instead, she stresses that seven-figure deals come from building long-term trust, showing up locally, and creating authentic partnerships that compound over time.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why U.S. startups sometimes launch in Europe or Canada before home markets
• How rural states are finding creative ways to adopt healthcare technology
• Why traditional lead-gen campaigns fall flat with governments and health systems
• The importance of trust, local presence, and reputation in multi-million-dollar deals
• How relationship-driven strategies can outperform spreadsheets and dashboards
• Why flexibility is non-negotiable in healthcare innovation
• 💡 Golden Nugget:

“In healthcare, plans will always change—but relationships are what carry you through.”

Connect with Kat Kovalchik McDavitt:

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/katkovalchikmcdavitt
• Website: zoryafoundation.org

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If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone passionate about healthcare marketing, startup growth, or innovative product launches, and don’t forget to leave us a review. New episodes drop weekly!

What if the best way to transform sports medicine was to pack up your car and start fresh in a city where you didn’t know a single person?

In this episode of Lightning RX, host Colette Nataf sits down with Dr. Aneesh Garg, DO, CAQ, Chief Medical Officer at Dynamic Athlete, to uncover how he and his wife launched a regenerative sports medicine clinic in Boulder, Colorado, growing from scratch to doubling their office space within the first year.

Aneesh shares the story of leaving traditional orthopedic practices that didn’t align with his patient-first approach, and how building authentic community relationships became the cornerstone of his success. From knocking on doors to educating patients about regenerative medicine, Dynamic Athlete has grown into a trusted resource for athletes of all levels, sometimes even drawing patients from across the country.

• Why Dr. Garg left orthopedic practices in Chicago and Nashville to create a new model in Boulder
• How authentic relationships and word-of-mouth beat traditional marketing in the early days
• Why not all regenerative treatments (PRP, stem cells, shockwave) created equal
• How to adapt services based on patient feedback and community needs
• The role of education and outreach in building trust in a highly motivated athlete community
• Advice for healthcare founders on persistence, purpose, and surrounding yourself with smarter people

💡 Golden Nugget:

“If you really believe what you’re doing is for the greater good, then there’s no stopping you—no one can compete with that.”

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aneesh-garg-dynamic-athlete
• Website: DynamicAthlete.com

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What if the solution to safer surgeries started with a radiologist teaching himself to code?

In this episode of Lightning RX, host Colette Nataf sits down with Dr. Jesse Courtier, pediatric radiologist and founder of Sira Medical, to explore how he turned a reading-room frustration into an augmented reality platform reshaping pre-surgical planning, training, and education.

Jesse shares his journey from anthropology major to self-taught Unity developer, building his first prototype with a HoloLens and YouTube tutorials. What began as a grassroots effort—showing 3D models to surgeons in his reading room has grown into a venture backed by UCSF and 500 Global. Together, Colette and Jesse dive into how Sira Medical is helping surgeons save time in the operating room, improving resident education, and even reducing patient anxiety by making anatomy understandable in 3D.

• Why traditional radiology reports and imaging fail to fully translate complex anatomy
• How AR is helping surgeons reduce OR time by up to 20%
• The surprising impact of 3D models on patient education and anxiety
• Lessons from going through accelerators like UCSF Catalyst and 500 Global
• Why early customer feedback is critical to finding product-market fit
• Tips for healthcare founders on research, outreach, and knowing when “good enough” is better than perfect

💡 Golden Nugget:

“Don’t wait to perfect your product before showing it to people. Get it in their hands, your customers will tell you what matters most.”

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jesse-courtiermd
• Website: siramedical.com

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What if your personal journey through end-of-life decisions inspired a business dedicated to guiding families through the hardest choices they’ll ever face?

In this episode of Lightning RX, host Colette Nataf sits down with David Hopkins, co-owner of Assisted Living Locators of Central Florida, to explore how his career in senior living operations and his own family’s experiences shaped his mission to serve as a trusted navigator for families in crisis.

David shares why senior living placement is as much about trust and compassion as it is about logistics, and how he and his co-owner are differentiating their franchise through authentic storytelling, community outreach, and education. From supporting first responders on dementia awareness to rebranding senior living as a place of dignity, David reveals the heart and strategy behind building a healthcare business that truly serves.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why most families encounter senior living in a moment of panic, and how to prepare before a crisis hits
• How Assisted Living Locators builds trust through authenticity, testimonials, and community engagement
• Why dementia awareness training for first responders is critical and how it changes outcomes
• The marketing challenge of speaking to two audiences: seniors and their adult children
• The role of personal storytelling in making healthcare brands relatable and credible

💡 Golden Nugget:

“Know your story and don’t be afraid to share the mistakes alongside the wins. Authenticity is what connects people to your brand.”

Connect with David Hopkins:

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/davidshopkins
• Website: assistedlivinglocators.com/central-florida

Connect with the Show:

• LinkedIn
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If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone passionate about healthcare marketing, startup growth, or innovative product launches, and don’t forget to leave us a review. New episodes drop weekly!