HITea With Grace

In this special ViVE conference episode of HITea With Grace, I’m joined by my friend and founder of Kepler Team, Olga Muller, a powerhouse in the health tech space helping startups and digital health companies overcome one of their biggest early hurdles: interoperability. As Founding Partner and CEO of Kepler Team, Olga works directly with early-stage and scaling companies to untangle complex integrations, navigate compliance, and avoid the all-too-common pitfalls of entering the EHR ecosystem. This episode is a must-listen for anyone building in healthcare—and especially for startups that want to play smart, move fast, and avoid getting sidelined by the unspoken rules of the industry. We dig into: The myths vs. realities of working with EHRs and integrating into hospital systems When to start planning for integrations—and why waiting too long can derail growth The unique challenges of building at the MVP stage vs. scaling to enterprise How to tackle compliance without killing innovation (yes, it’s possible) And what Olga sees as the next big fight in healthcare IT (hint: it might not be what you think) Olga brings deep operational experience and sharp insight into the nuance of health tech infrastructure. Her advice is clear, actionable, and rooted in hard-won experience helping startups survive and scale in one of the toughest industries out there. Whether you’re founding a company, scaling one, or just want to understand the hidden dynamics shaping the digital health landscape—this conversation is packed with insight you won’t want to miss. Follow HITea With Grace for more fearless conversations with the women leading the way in Health IT.

In this special ViVE conference edition of HITea With Grace, I’m joined by two powerhouse leaders and co-hosts of the Health Tech Talk Show: Kat McDavitt, President of Innsena, CEO of the Zorya Foundation, investor, and health equity advocate—and Lisa Bari, CEO of Civitas Networks for Health, a national voice in interoperability, data strategy, and value-based care. Together, they’re creating space for bold, unfiltered conversations in healthcare—and they brought that same energy to our discussion. We dig into the critical issues shaping the future of health IT and explore the real-world challenges of driving change in a complex, often inequitable system. In this episode, we discuss: Their unique career journeys—and what drives them today Why they launched Health Tech Talk Show and what conversations the industry is still avoiding The policy and regulatory changes they’re watching most closely in 2025 The hot topics that sparked the biggest debates on their show The boldest stances they’ve taken—and how they were received And as the conversation wraps, Kat and Lisa offer a powerful insight: that real leadership is rooted in community. Their key to success? Each other. Having a trusted peer to give honest feedback, challenge your thinking, and offer support is essential—not just for surviving the health tech space, but for changing it. If you care about the future of healthcare, policy, and equity, this episode will leave you inspired—and ready to get real about what it takes to lead. Follow HITea With Grace for more fearless conversations with the women moving healthcare forward!

In this special ViVE conference edition of HITea With Grace, I’m joined by Rachel Blum, Vice President of Sales and Partnerships at Verato, for an important conversation about one of healthcare’s most foundational challenges: getting patient identity right. Rachel shares her career journey into health IT leadership and breaks down the concept of Healthcare Master Data Management (MDM)—what it is, why it matters, and how it impacts nearly every facet of care delivery. We explore what happens when health systems don’t have a clear view of “who is who” across records and settings, and how a more unified identity approach can improve both clinical outcomes and operational efficiency. In this episode, we dive into: What Healthcare Master Data Management means in practice Why patient identity is a core issue in healthcare transformation Key challenges health systems face in adopting modern identity solutions How a 360-degree view of the patient enhances outcomes and experiences The implications of treating patients as consumers in a digital health environment The role of AI in driving innovation in patient identity Real-world success stories from hospitals leveraging identity tools to improve care Rachel also opens up about the personal habits and life strategies that help her thrive in a demanding industry, and shares what she wishes she had known earlier in her career. Tune in for a thoughtful, grounded conversation that sheds light on the hidden infrastructure powering patient-centered care.

In this special ViVE conference episode, I'm joined by friend and visionary, the dynamic Sabrina Runbeck, Co-Founder and CEO of PulsePoint Path, for a candid and insightful conversation about the realities—and possibilities—for women founders in health tech. Before becoming a startup leader, Sabrina faced clinician burnout firsthand. That experience became a turning point, fueling her mission to reshape healthcare from the inside out. Her story is one that so many in the industry can relate to, and her journey offers both inspiration and practical wisdom for those looking to make lasting change. We dive into: How Sabrina’s burnout experience propelled her into health tech innovation What it's really like to build a startup as a woman in healthcare IT Why women-led companies still receive less than 3% of venture capital—and how we can change that Practical strategies for building financial stability in early-stage startups The unique challenges women founders face in attracting and retaining top talent What VCs and angel investors must start doing differently to level the playing field The bold actions our industry needs to shift the narrative—and the numbers—for women-led innovation We also get personal: Sabrina shares the habits and mindset that keep her grounded and high-performing, the strategies she’s used to overcome life’s obstacles, and the advice she’d give her younger self. Tune in!

In this episode of HITea, recorded live at the ViVE conference, we learn from Teri Thomas, CEO of Volpara Health — a leader in AI-powered breast health solutions. The conversation centers around the future of autonomous readings of mammograms and how this technology is shaping the next era of early detection and precision care. Teri shares her insights into the growing role of AI in radiology, the need for scalable and consistent screening tools, and how automation can improve clinical outcomes and reduce disparities in women’s health. With global experience, Teri provides valuable perspective on how AI implementation differs across regions and what’s needed to support broader adoption. Whether you’re in digital health, radiology, or women’s health innovation, this episode offers a timely look into where the industry is headed — and why autonomous mammogram readings are a key part of that future.

As care delivery shifts beyond traditional hospital settings, how do we ensure patient safety, cybersecurity, and equitable access to high-quality care? In this episode of HITea at the ViVE conference, we sit down with Laura Rogers, Senior Director, Healthcare Strategy at SHI International, to explore how the "Care Anywhere" model is transforming healthcare. We discuss the driving forces behind home-based care, the IT infrastructure needed to support it, and the biggest challenges—from cybersecurity risks to reimbursement hurdles. Plus, we dive into how this shift impacts women, who often juggle their own health alongside caregiving responsibilities. What cutting-edge innovations are making Care Anywhere a reality? And what’s still standing in the way? Tune in to find out!

In this episode, I’m honored to welcome Dr. Janet Choi, Chief Medical Officer at Progyny, the first billion-dollar women’s health benefits company. Dr. Choi shares her journey to Progyny and her insights on the systemic lack of focus on women’s health—how it has shaped today’s healthcare landscape and where the biggest opportunities for change lie. We discuss the growing demand for better access to infertility care, comprehensive benefits, and experienced providers, as well as the role of employers in providing and improving women’s health benefits. Dr. Choi also breaks down the return on investment for businesses, the impact of disjointed care on families, and how a big-picture approach to women’s health can drive better outcomes for both individuals and organizations. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of women’s health, the power of early action and prevention, and what it takes to build a more seamless, supportive system for families!

In this episode, we sit down with Megan Antonelli, Founder & CEO of HealthIMPACT Live events and powerhouse host of Digital Health Talks to discuss how she creates healthcare technology events that are filled with purpose and drive meaningful conversations forward. Megan shares her unique approach to event planning—bringing patients, caregivers, and care partners onto panels and keynotes in addition to the usual leaders in technology to ensure their voices are heard in a space where they’re often overlooked. We also dive into the biggest trends emerging from the discussions at her events, the challenges and opportunities shaping health IT today, and the evolving role of AI in healthcare. Tune in for an insightful conversation on how the right conversations—and the right people—can push the industry forward!