Shape the System

Peter Vranes is the co-founder and CEO of Nutromics. With over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, Peter previously took a skincare company from startup to a successful trade sale. Fascinated by health diagnostics, he shifted his focus to medtech. Alongside co-founder Hitesh Mehta, Peter is on a mission to revolutionize health diagnostics and patient outcomes through continuous biosensing technology. Under his leadership, Nutromics has raised $55 million and assembled a team of 60 experts in Melbourne and San Diego.

In this episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner speaks with Peter Vranes, co-founder of Nutromics, about revolutionizing health diagnostics to improve patient outcomes. Peter shares his journey from the skincare industry to pioneering technology in medtech. The discussion introduces Nutromics' innovative approach to continuous health monitoring through biosensors, aimed at transforming reactive healthcare into a proactive model.

The conversation delves into the current state of patient diagnostics, emphasizing its inefficiencies and limitations. Peter illustrates how critical diagnostic markers often fluctuate quickly, making timely and continuous data crucial for effective treatment decisions. He explains how Nutromics' platform leverages DNA-based biosensors to provide real-time monitoring, thus addressing life-threatening conditions like heart attacks and sepsis with unprecedented accuracy and speed. The discussion also touches on the company's collaboration with top-tier universities and its future plans to extend the technology's reach from hospitals to everyday individual health monitoring.

• Legacy Diagnostic Systems: Today's healthcare heavily relies on blood draws that provide single data points, often delayed, for over 70% of clinical decisions, which can lead to inefficiencies and life-threatening oversights.
• Continuous Monitoring: Nutromics is developing a platform of DNA-based sensors to provide continuous, real-time health data, crucial for conditions with rapidly changing biomarkers like heart attacks and drug dosages for sepsis.
• Target Vertical Integration: Nutromics strategically focuses on high-impact verticals (ICU, cardiology, renal, etc.) to establish strong use cases and optimize their technology's application before a broader rollout.
• Proactive Healthcare Vision: The ultimate goal is shifting from reactive to proactive healthcare by creating a system that alerts individuals of health issues before they become symptomatic.
• Collaborative Innovation: Peter underscores the importance of collaborating with world-class researchers and being persistent in securing and developing groundbreaking technologies.

1. "70% of all clinical decisions are based on lab diagnostics like the ones we described; the current system has been a legacy system for decades."
2. "The holy grail of healthcare is shifting from a reactive to a proactive model, rendering symptomatic diagnosis obsolete."
3. "We are on our way to revolutionizing diagnostics, which is what we're trying to do."
4. "When you know you've got a tech that can save someone's life and people are dying today because this isn't in the market, you have to go."
5. "We feel privileged to be given the opportunity to do this. That's what drives us, that legacy we are going to leave behind."

• Nutromics Website: Nutromics
• University of California, Santa Barbara: UCSB
• Tim Ferriss' Books: The Four-Hour Body, The Four-Hour Workweek

Dive deep into the future of health diagnostics with Peter Vranes and learn how Nutromics is changing the system. Don’t miss this insightful episode and stay tuned for more transformative stories from Shape the System.

Shape the System is  an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures

More about KPMG High Growth Ventures

Scale up for success. We’re here for that.
We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone. 

From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey.

Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights. 

Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help.

Links:

Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/

Contacts: [email protected]

Paul Frasca: Paul Frasca is a co-founder of Sustainable Salons, an organization dedicated to minimizing waste in the beauty industry by turning salon waste into valuable resources. With a background in hairdressing and a keen interest in sustainability inspired by his partner Evelina, Paul has been pivotal in introducing sustainable practices into salons across Australia and New Zealand. Paul is also involved in innovative recycling solutions, such as using human hair for oil spill cleanups and creating fertilizers.

In this captivating episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner welcomes Paul Frasca, co-founder of Sustainable Salons, to discuss the revolutionary impact of sustainability in the hair and beauty industry. Turner’s humorous remark on discussing hair without personally having any sets a light tone for the intense subject matter. Frasca shares his journey from hairdressing to pioneering sustainability initiatives, influenced in part by his italian heritage and sustainable living principles inherited from his grandparents.

The conversation dives deep into the specific waste challenges within salons, including metals, plastics, and human hair, and how Sustainable Salons has developed innovative solutions to transform these waste products into valuable resources. Using hair to clean up oil spills and create fertilizers are just two of their groundbreaking initiatives. Paul also sheds light on the logistics and operational challenges behind making sustainability viable, capturing the importance of point-to-point solutions and vertical integration in recycling. The episode underscores the need for industries to adapt swiftly to sustainability norms and the role of brands in driving this change.

• Sustainable Salons Initiatives: Sustainable Salons tackles waste in hair salons by recycling metals, plastics, and even human hair, converting these into useful products like hair booms for oil spills and fertilizers.
• Three-Pillar Approach: The organization’s sustainability strategy focuses on people, planet, and profit, ensuring that environmental solutions also benefit communities and businesses financially.
• Educational Outreach: The company integrates sustainability into educational frameworks, making it a part of the curriculum in hairdressing schools to inspire future generations.
• Reverse Logistics: Effective recycling relies on sophisticated reverse logistics and point-to-point solutions, which Sustainable Salons has meticulously developed.
• Global Potential: Sustainable Salons is setting a precedent in Australia and New Zealand, with potential applications in other regions and industries, encouraging innovation and partnership in sustainability practices globally.

1. "I never came from some green world… I was born in Australia, but having italian migrants, grandparents and parents, they grew up a very different way." - Paul Frasca
2. "Each boom, just to give you some stats, can hold up to eight times its weight, and it's highly attractive to oil." - Paul Frasca
3. "So we've had to build it from scratch. And right now we have far better software than the courier companies do." - Paul Frasca
4. "If we're going to solve this egg, we’re going to have to crack it, right? We're going to have to really get in here and solve this problem." - Paul Frasca
5. "The way you're thinking is just so 1980s, it's dead. You've got to rethink sustainability from the ground up." - Paul Frasca

• Sustainable Salons: Website
• Teslar: Website
• Critical: Website
• Soils Alive: Website
• Oz Harvest: Website
• Kiwi Harvest: Website

For more insights and to stay updated on groundbreaking sustainable solutions in various industries, make sure to listen to this episode and stay tuned for more content from Shape the System.

Shape the System is  an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures

More about KPMG High Growth Ventures

Scale up for success. We’re here for that.
We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone. 

From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey.

Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights. 

Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help.

Links:

Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/

Contacts: [email protected]

Christa Stelzmuller: Christa Stelzmuller is a prominent technologist and leader currently serving at charity: water, an organization dedicated to bringing clean and safe water to people in developing countries. With a rich background in consulting and startups, particularly in mission-driven enterprises, Christa combines her technical expertise and passion for social impact to drive charity: water's technology and data initiatives. She has been instrumental in integrating innovative technological solutions to enhance both operational efficiency and donor engagement within the organization.

In this riveting episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner engages with Christa Stelzmuller from charity: water to delve into the critical issues surrounding global water infrastructure and how technology plays a pivotal role in transforming lives. Christa shares her journey from consulting and startups to spearheading technological advancements at charity: water, driven by a mission to bring clean, safe water to communities in need. The episode highlights the organization’s innovative efforts in using sensors and data to ensure water sustainability and impact.

As they explore the state of water infrastructure, Christa outlines the challenges faced by millions who lack basic access to clean water, spanning across Africa and Southeast Asia. She discusses how charity: water utilizes technology, such as IoT sensors, to monitor water projects and ensure their long-term sustainability. The discussion also touches on the broader impact of clean water on health, education, and economic opportunities within communities. Christa reveals how charity: water's data-driven approach not only enhances their operations but also builds transparency and trust with donors.

• The Technology Behind Clean Water: Charity: water leverages innovative technological solutions, including IoT sensors, to monitor and ensure the long-term sustainability of water projects in remote areas.
• Impact on Communities: Access to clean water directly influences education, health, and economic opportunities, particularly empowering women and girls.
• Dual Funding Model: Charity: water's unique approach separates donor funds into operational expenses and direct project funding, ensuring 100% of certain donations go straight to water projects.
• Brand and Partnerships: Strategic storytelling and brand partnerships play a critical role in building trust and expanding charity: water’s impact globally.
• Data and Growth Strategies: The organization employs data-driven tactics common in e-commerce to attract and retain donors, maximizing their mission's reach and effectiveness.

1. "703 million people lack basic access to clean water in the world today." – Christa Stelzmuller
2. "Water has a follow-on impact to many of the UN Sustainable Development Goals." – Christa Stelzmuller
3. "Charity: water was looking for technologists and really thinking about technologists and engineers as revenue drivers." – Christa Stelzmuller
4. "The 100% model was established to reinforce the idea of being able to trust where your dollar is going to go." – Christa Stelzmuller
5. "Our mission is our product." – Christa Stelzmuller

• Charity: water website
• Vincent Turner's LinkedIn
• UN Sustainable Development Goals

For more captivating insights and to experience how charity: water is revolutionizing access to clean water through technology and data, listen to the full episode and stay tuned for more episodes of Shape the System.

Shape the System is  an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures

More about KPMG High Growth Ventures

Scale up for success. We’re here for that.
We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone. 

From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey.

Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights. 

Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help.

Links:

Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/

Contacts: [email protected]

Dr. Aditya Nagrath is a distinguished individual with a profound background in mathematics and computer science, highlighted by his PhD from the University of Denver. Following his academic ventures, he founded Elephant Head Software, a dynamic contract software engineering firm that rapidly launched over 35 product lines, consisting of 50 applications with an efficient team of engineers. Building on this momentum, Dr. Nagrath spearheaded the innovative math education platform, Elephant Learning, which is designed to empower children's understanding of mathematics as a language.

In this engaging episode of "Shape the System," host Vincent Turner invites Dr. Aditya Nagrath to the conversation to discuss the evolution and challenges of mathematics education. The episode sets off with a discussion on the diverse educational systems within the United States and how they are adapting (or not) to modern pedagogical insights, particularly in the realm of mathematics education.

The episode delves into Dr. Nagrath's Elephant Learning platform, which leverages adaptive algorithms to make mathematics education more conceptual, akin to learning a language. The system, designed with user engagement in mind, presents mathematics as puzzle games and promises significant improvements in students' math learning within a short timeframe. Highlighting the platform's scholarship program, the episode also touches upon the challenges and strategies of making high-quality math education accessible to economically diverse populations.

• Mathematics education in the US varies greatly due to a decentralized system across states and districts, leading to disparities in teaching methods and outcomes.
• Dr. Nagrath emphasizes the importance of conceptual understanding in mathematics, likening it to learning a language—both require immersive and experiential learning for mastery.
• Elephant Learning's platform addresses math education by providing personal, adaptive learning experiences, aiming to reduce math anxiety and increase proficiency.
• The learning system promises an average of 1.67 years of math progress within 13 weeks, reshaping how children interact with the subject.
• A financial model that ensures engagement: Elephant Learning's scholarship program charges a variable fee based on income to maintain a value perception and consistent usage among learners.

• "The value in the human knowledge is, can I instruct the computer to do it, or can I get the calculator to do it?" - Dr. Aditya Nagrath.
• "Four out of five students are starting kindergarten unprepared…mathematics is the answer." - Dr. Aditya Nagrath.
• "As long as you understand the teacher and it's fun. Well, you're not anxious of it, right." - Dr. Aditya Nagrath.
• "The value in any human being's mind for anything is the dollar value ascribed that you paid for it." - Dr. Aditya Nagrath.

• Dr. Aditya Nagrath: Elephant Head Software
• Scholarship Program: [Application Process](mention of a process but no direct URL provided)
• Learning Platform: Elephant Learning

For anyone eager to reshape a child’s relationship with mathematics and foster a deeper understanding in a fun, adaptive way, listen to the full episode for inspiring insights from Dr. Aditya Nagrath and learn about the breakthroughs of Elephant Learning. Stay tuned for more episodes from "Shape the System" that highlight innovative approaches to evolving the systems we live by.

Shape the System is  an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures

More about KPMG High Growth Ventures

Scale up for success. We’re here for that.
We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone. 

From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey.

Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights. 

Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help.

Links:

Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/

Contacts: [email protected]

Kat Roma Greer is the Artistic Director of Micro Galleries, a global roaming arts initiative that focuses on using art as a tool for positive change in under-resourced communities. With her expertise, Kat leads a team of creative individuals developing small-scale innovative solutions to address both local and global issues through artist residencies, workshops, and the well-known Micro Galleries Live Festival. She is deeply passionate about the intersection of art and social impact, particularly in regions undergoing issues such as climate disruption and unequal resource distribution.

In an enthralling episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner explores the transformative power of art with Kat Roma Greer, the dynamic force behind Micro Galleries. This conversation delves into the unique ability of art to address complex societal and environmental issues, highlighting the incredible initiative that Micro Galleries embodies. Engaging with creators from around the world, the platform harnesses creativity to inspire change and offer innovative perspectives on pressing challenges.

Kat's work demonstrates a clear link between the arts, knowledge sharing, and problem-solving in a tangible form. Throughout the discussion, key points emerge regarding the importance of contextual understanding and empathy within the creative process. Covering a major concern in Chiang Mai, Thailand - the smoky season resulting from agricultural burning, Kat discusses the approach of using art to communicate deeper societal narratives that data alone cannot capture. The episode truly captures the essence and roles of artists in pushing boundaries, fostering dialogue, and imagining solutions that could potentially be carried forward by others with greater resources.

• Micro Galleries is an initiative that uses art to generate social and environmental impact, primarily focusing on issues like equitable access and climate disruption.
• The role of the artist extends beyond traditional boundaries, including complex idea generation, collaboration, and risk-taking to address and highlight societal problems.
• Artistic interventions can effectively communicate the nuanced experiences of communities affected by global issues, potentially leading to innovative real-world solutions.
• The episode discusses the historical role of art in presenting subversive commentary on political and societal issues, often leading to change or greater awareness.
• The structure of Micro Galleries allows a blend of local and international artists to work on projects, creating a global network aimed at fostering creativity and social change.

1. "We use the arts to address problems in under-resourced communities and work with them to creatively express those issues and find some solutions." - Kat Roma Greer
2. "Artists have this unique ability to sit in that space, and from that comes some really fantastic possibilities and solutions that are kind of innovated or imagined up." - Kat Roma Greer
3. "Artists are quite often some of the most intelligent and aware and well-read people that I encounter because they need to be, because of the work they're producing." - Kat Roma Greer
4. "So a lot of artists, for example, will lend each other equipment and resources. So there's a lot of resource sharing that occurs." - Kat Roma Greer
5. "We think we play a seeding role, a grassroots role, and we're connecting very much on the ground with the exact people that are affected by these issues." - Kat Roma Greer

• Micro Galleries Website: Micro Galleries
• Instagram Handle: @microgalleries
• Facebook Page: Micro Galleries Facebook

Join us for an inspiring journey through the world of creative activism with Kat Roma Greer on Shape the System. Tune into the full episode to gain a deeper understanding of how art intertwines with social and environmental discourse, and discover a community where art is truly being used as a catalyst for positive change. Stay connected for more enlightening conversations that challenge us to rethink the way the world works.

Shape the System is  an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures

More about KPMG High Growth Ventures

Scale up for success. We’re here for that.
We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone. 

From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey.

Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights. 

Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help.

Links:

Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/

Contacts: [email protected]

Ari Tulla is a passionate healthcare entrepreneur focused on delivering better health solutions through technology and data. With his roots firmly planted in Finland, Ari has been a Bay Area resident for over 16 years, dedicating the last 14 to spearheading healthcare companies. His inspiration stemmed from personal challenges, as he and his wife faced a long journey with health issues, eventually leading to the birth of their children through IVF after overcoming obstacles tied to thyroid tumors and autoimmune diseases. Ari's prior ventures include BetterDoctor and Quest Analytics, where he led initiatives to improve healthcare accessibility. Currently, he’s the CEO of Elo, a company redefining personalized nutrition to combat chronic illnesses and promote overall health.

In this enlightening episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner engages with Ari Tulla in a profound discussion on transforming health outcomes through personalized nutrition. The episode sheds light on systemic health issues and the power of targeted intervention in creating more sustainable, healthy lifestyles.

Ari Tulla delves into the detrimental effects of sugar consumption, the normalization of unhealthy food, and the rise in chronic conditions like obesity and metabolic diseases. He shares his journey from personal health struggles to entrepreneurship, grounding his mission in the desire to fundamentally reshape how people approach health, particularly through the lens of nutrition.

Key insights into the inadequacies of the current healthcare systems are coupled with Ari's vision of utilizing data to tailor health solutions. By leveraging advancements like 3D-printed gummy vitamins and AI-driven models, Elo aspires to make precision nutrition a reality for a healthier society.

• Chronic illnesses such as obesity and metabolic diseases are significantly influenced by the extensive intake of sugar and processed foods.
• Personalized nutrition, affirmed by individual blood tests, can address specific deficiencies and improve overall health outcomes.
• Engaging in healthy behaviors requires systemic changes, as current societal norms and commercial influences perpetuate unhealthy choices.
• Innovations in data utilization and product personalization, like 3D-printed gummy vitamins, represent a new frontier in the field of nutrition.
• Elo's expansion into B2B partnerships aims to scale the impact of personalized nutrition to broader audiences through established wellness-oriented communities.

• "We possibly lost our son because we didn't have the right care at that moment and it felt really bad for us, of course." - Ari Tulla
• "Food is the main cause [of chronic diseases]." - Ari Tulla
• "Stop eating carbs in the morning. That will change everything." - Ari Tulla
• "You have more sugar, so you're going to lose weight. And let's say multiply that by 1000 days." - Ari Tulla
• "We're going to be talking to tens of thousands or more people who are coming from these partners." - Ari Tulla

• Ari Tulla's LinkedIn: Profile
• Elo's Website: https://www.elo.health/
• Quest Analytics: https://questanalytics.com/
• BetterDoctor: https://betterdoctor.com/

Enjoyed the episode? Listen to the full conversation and join us as we continue exploring innovative ways to shape the system for a healthier tomorrow. Stay tuned for more thought-provoking content that challenges and inspires.

Howard Pearl is the Chief Executive of Charitable Adult Rides and Services, Inc. (CARS), which operates under the parent nonprofit that has been functioning for 107 years and collaborates exclusively with nonprofits. Known for running the largest vehicle and real estate donation program in the US, CARS serves a broad range of clients, including renowned organizations like the American Red Cross, American Kidney Foundation, and Sierra Club, among many others. With more than 9000 clients, Howard leads CARS on its mission to maximize donations and funnel them back into various charitable causes.

In this thought-provoking episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner sits down with Howard Pearl, the trailblazing Chief Executive of CARS (Charitable Adult Rides and Services, Inc.), to delve into the intricate world of nonprofit organizations and their impact on our society. The conversation unfurls the nuances of charity inception, operations, and fundraising, shedding light on an ingenious model of asset-based contributions to generate funding for nonprofits.

Howard Pearl shares compelling insights into the multi-faceted reasons that drive individuals to start and support various charitable causes, revealing the symbiotic relationship between those who wish to contribute to society and those in need. With a particular focus on CARS, Pearl elucidates the process and advantages of non-cash charitable contributions, specifically vehicle and real estate donations, and how they capitalize on consumer behavior to benefit thousands of charities across the US.

• Nonprofits Arise from Altruism and Social Needs: Individuals start charities prompted both by altruistic desires to contribute and societal needs that require organized assistance.
• Undesignated versus Designated Funding: Nonprofits thrive on undesignated funds as they offer flexibility in addressing the organization's immediate needs, as opposed to designated funding which is restricted to specific purposes dictated by donors.
• Profitable Niche in Asset Donations: Vehicle and real estate donations are crucial sources of nonprofit funding due to their tendency to be motivated by convenience for the donor and potential tax benefits.
• Redefining Nonprofit Innovation: Pearl discusses the 'On The Go' project, an initiative that aims to address transportation needs of seniors, showcasing how nonprofits can innovate to find new revenue sources while serving community needs.
• Leading with Purpose: Howard Pearl's personal journey into nonprofit leadership highlights the value of applying commercial acumen to philanthropic efforts, bringing efficacy to altruism and driving systemic change.

• "We are the largest vehicle and real estate donation program in the US that you have never heard of."
• "The donor and the donors' wishes are, without a doubt, the single most important part of the equation."
• "Undesignated funding… it's just money I can spend on anything that I legitimately need."
• "It's a great asset class to give for a number of reasons… the tax implications are really huge."
• "My job isn't any different than being the CEO of any other corporation… we will grow and change with [society]."

• CARS (Charitable Adult Rides and Services, Inc.) Website: Not mentioned in the transcript
• On The Go: otgrides.org as mentioned for the transportation initiative
• KPMG High Growth Ventures: Not mentioned in the transcript

Tune in to the full episode to follow Howard Pearl's enlightening insights on the transformative world of nonprofit organizations and how, through innovative methods, charities are reshaping the landscape of philanthropy. Stay connected for more engaging content that seeks to uncover how individuals and organizations shape the systems around us for the better.

Shape the System is  an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures

More about KPMG High Growth Ventures

Scale up for success. We’re here for that.
We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone. 

From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey.

Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights. 

Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help.

Links:

Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/

Contacts: [email protected]

Dejan Nenov is a seasoned technology entrepreneur and software engineer with roots in Sofia, Bulgaria. Having moved to the United States in 1984 and with a background in electrical engineering and computer science, Dejan dove into the startup culture of San Francisco in the early '90s. His entrepreneurial spirit has seen him involved in multiple startups, with notable work experience in Australia with Solution 6 and a continuous engagement with healthcare technology projects. Dejan is currently a co-founder and investor in a healthcare startup, emphasizing the importance of integration in the healthcare industry.

In this insightful episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner engages with Dejan Nenov to explore the intricacies of the U.S. healthcare system and the opportunities for technological innovation within. The conversation uncovers the historical reasons behind the system's unique complexities and challenges, providing a holistic understanding of why U.S. healthcare operates the way it does.

Dejan opens the discussion with an overview of the U.S. healthcare's origins, which were shaped by labor union negotiations and policy decisions that have led to employer-provided insurance being the norm. They examine why healthcare costs are so significant, the process-driven nature of the industry, and the ethical considerations that differentiate it from other sectors. The conversation then shifts to the potential of technology, specifically the crucial role of integration in advancing healthcare effectiveness and efficiency, and how AI might influence future developments.

The U.S. healthcare system is unique due to historical decisions that tied insurance coverage to employment, leading to a complex interplay between various stakeholders.

Despite its inefficiencies, the U.S. excels in biomedical research and setting standards for drug safety and efficacy.

Integration is key in healthcare to ensure comprehensive and efficient care, especially since the industry lags in adopting newer technologies like cloud systems.

AI's application in healthcare is currently limited due to ethical concerns and the accuracy required in medical contexts, yet machine learning and NLP show immediate utility.

Future healthcare advancements may heavily rely on empowering patients to own and control their health information as a means of ensuring data security.

"The U.S. healthcare system is complex, with many moving parts and historical circumstances that led to its current state."

"In healthcare, your first priority is not to be more efficient, but to do no harm. That is a fundamental difference from other industries."

"What I found particularly interesting personally is that because I come out of the Silicon Valley technology space... in healthcare, things are four times slower than any other industry."

"Integration is fundamental in healthcare and extremely immature... It is a huge opportunity, huge challenge..."

"Technology exists today to turn on a microphone in an exam room, record everything that's said... and have it correctly annotated and stuck in the medical record."

Shape the System Podcast: www.shapethesystem.org

KPMG High Growth Ventures: Home - KPMG High Growth Ventures (Not explicitly mentioned, inferred for context)

Panaton: Company Website (Not explicitly mentioned, inferred for context)

We invite you to listen to the full episode to gain a deeper under

Shape the System is  an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures

More about KPMG High Growth Ventures

Scale up for success. We’re here for that.
We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone. 

From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey.

Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights. 

Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help.
Links:
Website: About highgrowthventures.com.au 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/
Contacts: [email protected]

Miles Mufuka Martin is a distinguished entrepreneur from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, dedicated to revolutionizing the way we exchange goods locally. He is the co-founder of Relai, a company designing innovative solutions for physical asset exchange, leveraging his background in sports and technology. Martin's track and field experience has instilled in him a high-risk tolerance, an attribute he brings to the startup landscape.

In this gripping episode of "Shape the System," Vincent Turner engages in an enlightening conversation with Miles Mufuka Martin, exploring the transformative concept of "exchange zones" and their impact on local trading systems. The discussion provides a rich analysis of the sharing economy's evolution, revealing how it adapts to today's economic realities and growing consumer demands for efficiency and sustainability.

Martin articulates how Relai establishes a seamless network of exchange zones, liberating users from the constraints of synchronous, in-person exchanges. These zones usher in an era of convenience, as Martin paints a vivid picture of a world where transactions are conducted asynchronously, highlighting Relai's mission to embed these systems into the fabric of the community. The episode captures the imagination with real-life applications, from marketplaces to comedy clubs, showcasing the versatility of Relai's approach.

• Local Sharing Economy Expansion: The shift towards localized, sustainable consumption is spurred by economic pressures and a preference for pre-owned goods.
• Convenience and Safety in Exchange: Relai introduces a network of secure exchange zones, enabling people to transfer physical goods without the need for real-time, face-to-face interaction.
• The Asynchronous Advantage: Relai's model emphasizes asynchronous exchanges, allowing transactions to unfold at the convenience of each party involved.
• Infrastructure That Scales: Relai's strategy includes a scalable hardware infrastructure, free for hosts, tailored to foster a high density of exchange zones within communities.
• Network Growth Through Partnerships: The company's expansion relies on forming key relationships with property developers and businesses to increase the ubiquity of exchange zones.

• "There's something about throwing up and bleeding in front of your friends and family that like, I think I can take the risk elsewhere too." - Miles Mufuka Martin
• "We open the door at these unique compartments and multiple places." - Miles Mufuka Martin
• "People appreciate the change in flow, right? It's that moment of, if I had an alternative that was asynchronous that I trusted, would I use it consistently?" - Miles Mufuka Martin
• "We didn't need to start with 1020 [units] at a time." - Miles Mufuka Martin on scaling focus

• Relai Company Website (not mentioned explicitly in the transcript, based on context)
• Miles Mufuka Martin's LinkedIn Profile (not mentioned explicitly in the transcript, based on context)
• Facebook Marketplace (referenced in the conversation)
• Craigslist (referenced in the conversation)

Tune into the full episode to discover how Relai is carving out a vital niche in the circulatory system of our economy, and don't miss out on subsequent episodes of "Shape the System" for more illuminating discussions on system innovation.

Shape the System is  an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures

More about KPMG High Growth Ventures
Scale up for success. We’re here for that.
We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone. 
From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey.
Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights. 
Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help.
Links:
Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/
Contacts: [email protected]

Bryce and Brita represent the multi-generational family-owned Lundberg Farms located in Northern California, a cornerstone in the world of sustainable agriculture. Bryce is a third-generation farmer, instrumental in upholding the farm's legacy through innovative organic farming practices. Brita, a fourth-generation farmer, continues to expand the farm's vision of integrating ecological farming strategies. Together, they oversee a team of approximately 400 individuals dedicated to producing a wide array of organic rice products. The Lundberg family has been at the forefront of organic and regenerative farming since 1937 when the farm was established with a commitment to leaving the land better than they found it.

In this thought-provoking episode of "Shape the System," hosts delve into the world of regenerative and organic farming with two passionate advocates from Lundberg Farms, Bryce and Brita. The show explores the ins and outs of sustainable rice farming, challenges faced by organic farmers, and the dynamic business model that sets Lundberg Farms apart from traditional agricultural practices. With a history that runs deep into the dust bowl era, this family farm has brilliantly melded generational wisdom with modern sustainable methods to create a product that resonates with the eco-conscious consumer.

Listeners will gain intimate knowledge of the painstaking process of organic rice cultivation, which shuns conventional herbicides in favor of careful water management to control weeds. The duo elaborates on the synergistic relationship between their farming methods and the environment, revealing how flooded fields provide essential habitat for migratory birds and support a revitalized ecosystem that benefits a variety of species. Furthermore, this episode highlights the importance of value-driven consumption; by choosing Lundberg Farms products, customers are directly contributing to the preservation of wetlands and other critical habitats.

Organic farming at Lundberg Farms involves intricate weed management using water levels, unlike conventional methods which rely heavily on herbicides.

Lundberg Farms emulates natural wetland ecosystems, providing crucial habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife using their rice fields.

The transition toward regenerative organic certification by 2027 is a core ambition for Lundberg Farms, emphasizing soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness.

Education on the value and impact of regenerative agriculture is key for wider consumer adoption and systemic change within the food industry.

The "Ducking Good Rice" campaign is an initiative to connect consumers with the ecological impact of Lundberg Farms' practices, highlighting their role in duck conservation.

"We grow rice because our soil is rice ground. And, well, it's heavy clay, very heavy clay." - Bryce

"We're not going to stop growing cover crops. We're going to keep growing cover crops." - Bryce on the family's commitment to organic farming since 1937

"We need people to not just be the change they want to see in the world, but, you know, to eat the change they want to see in the world." - Brita on consumer's role in promoting regenerative farming

"Eat like the world depends on it, because it does." - Brita on the philosophy driving Lundberg Farms' mission

"Growing cover crops and not using the conventional fertilizers and the conventional herbicides are really climate-smart farming and is making a difference as far as the climate." - Bryce on the environmental benefits of their farming methods

No specific resources or URLs were mentioned in the transcript to list in this section.

Tune in to the full episode to immerse yourself in the inspiring story of Lundberg Farms and understand the profound impact your food choices have on the environment. Stay with us for more empowering discussions that challenge and reshape systems for the betterment of our world.

Shape the System is  an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures

More about KPMG High Growth Ventures

Scale up for success. We’re here for that.
We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone. 
From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we’ll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey.
Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights. 
Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help.
Links:
Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/
Contacts: [email protected]