Digital Health Heavyweights
This conversational podcast brings you exclusive interviews with all the Heavyweights in Digital Health. Hosted by Norm Volsky, a top industry headhunter, whose team helped scale companies including Livongo, Hinge Health, Lyra, Virta, Progyny and many more. This series will bring listeners insights into the latest trends, technologies, and strategies driving the digital health revolution.
In each episode, Norm sits down with some of the most influential and innovative leaders in healthcare technology today from legendary founders who have built successful companies, venture capitalists who have led funding rounds, HR/Benefits leaders at forward thinking companies, Consultants and Brokers at the top benefits consulting firms, and other impactful visionaries challenging the status quo in healthcare. Listeners can learn from the industry greats who have created what we now know as health benefits, and who are changing the face of healthcare as we know it.
Whether you're a healthcare professional, a tech enthusiast, a start-up founder, benefits aficionado, jobseeker in Digital Health, or simply curious about the future of healthcare, Digital Health Heavyweights has something for you.
Digital Health Heavyweights
Episode 3 : Steve Bluemenfield, Global Head of Partnerships and Alliances at Willis Towers Watson
Welcome back to the Second Season of the Digital Health Heavyweights Podcast for our Third Episode. Today, Norm Volsky interviews Steve Blumenfield, the global head of partnerships and alliances at Willis Towers Watson. Steve shares his journey from strategy consulting to benefits consulting, discussing the evolution of the healthcare landscape, innovations in the early 2000s, and the challenges faced by health plans in engaging consumers. He reflects on his experiences in the PBM industry, the importance of building partnerships, and the trends shaping digital health today. Steve also offers insights into the future of benefits consulting, the role of AI in healthcare, and shares his personal wellness practices.
Takeaways
🧳 Steve's journey into healthcare was inspired by personal experiences and family health issues.
📊 The benefits consulting landscape has evolved significantly over the years, with a focus on innovation and client-specific solutions.
🤯 Engagement remains a critical challenge for health plans, as consumers often feel overwhelmed by options.
🤝 Building partnerships and alliances is essential for navigating the complex healthcare ecosystem.
📱 The rise of digital health solutions has transformed the way benefits are delivered and managed.
🤖 AI is poised to play a significant role in enhancing patient care and engagement.
🔑 Vendors must focus on delivering real value to gain trust and establish long-term relationships with clients.
🌀 Point solution fatigue is a common issue, and effective navigation tools are needed to help clients manage their options.
🔮 The future of benefits consulting will involve increased accountability and a focus on cost management.
💪 Personal wellness practices, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet, are crucial for maintaining health in a high-stress industry.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Steve Blumenfield and His Journey
02:30 Transitioning from Strategy to Benefits Consulting
06:04 Innovations in the Early 2000s Benefits Landscape
07:30 Insights from the PBM Industry
09:22 Challenges in Health Plan Engagement
11:42 Returning to Willis Towers Watson
13:43 The Evolution of Digital Health
15:21 Building Strategic Partnerships
17:12 Lessons Learned from the Past Decade
21:58 Proud Accomplishments and Industry Impact
26:17 Identifying Durable Digital Health Solutions
27:02 Evaluating Solutions for Durability and Engagement
29:35 Navigating Point Solution Fatigue
31:47 The Challenge of Vendor Promises
33:59 Advice for New Vendors in the Market
36:26 Current Trends in Digital Health
38:29 The Future of Selling to Benefits Leaders
40:37 Predictions for Accountability and AI in Healthcare
45:03 Personal Wellness Practices and Philosophy
49:16 Outro
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