In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Jessie Warner speaks with Shan Padda, co-founder and CEO of Harvard MedTech, about building mission-driven companies and addressing the opioid crisis through innovative, non-pharmaceutical solutions. The conversation centers on how technology, particularly virtual reality, can transform the treatment of trauma, chronic pain, and behavioral health challenges.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why successful entrepreneurs often shift toward mission-driven work later in their careers

• How the opioid crisis is closely tied to untreated trauma, PTSD, and mental health conditions

• The importance of treating the whole person rather than isolated symptoms

• How virtual reality can be used as a therapeutic tool to rewire thought patterns and build resilience

• Why non-pharmaceutical approaches can be as effective as traditional pain management methods

• How immersive environments influence brain function and emotional responses

• The unique needs of veteran populations and others dealing with long-term trauma

• What it takes to design scalable healthcare solutions that combine technology and behavioral science

This episode highlights the power of aligning innovation with purpose, showing how addressing root causes rather than symptoms can lead to more effective and lasting outcomes. Shan Padda’s work demonstrates how emerging technologies like virtual reality can redefine healthcare by offering holistic, patient-centered solutions that reduce dependency on traditional medications while improving quality of life.

To learn more about Shan Padda and his work, visit harvardmedtech.com.