Why Founders Need to Prioritize Health: Insights from Physicians and Thought Leaders

Why Founders Need to Prioritize Health: Insights from Physicians and Thought Leaders

As Founders, Investors, and innovators, we often pour our energy into building, creating, and solving problems. But what happens when health issues—either our own or those of loved ones—demand our attention? For many of us, this can be a wake-up call, forcing us to confront the reality that without good health, our ability to innovate, lead, and contribute is severely compromised.

A long-time friend with type-1 diabetes once told me, "People with good health don't know how good they have it." Watching him manage his condition gave me a deep appreciation for the effort required to maintain health and the privilege of being able to focus on work without constant health concerns.

This perspective has stayed with me, especially as I’ve worked on developing medical products like blood glucose meters and ECG Holter monitors. Through this work, I’ve learned a great deal about physiology and how the body responds to various stimuli.

But one of the most eye-opening realizations has been how the Standard American Diet (SAD) drives many of the chronic health conditions we see today, including insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. These conditions are not just statistics—they are real challenges that affect the lives of people we know, including many in the entrepreneurial community.

A Personal Journey into Health Science

As a curious person and someone committed to improving health outcomes, I’ve gone beyond the surface-level understanding of these issues. I’ve joined paid podcasts hosted by leading physicians, read books by doctors who have shared their personal and professional experiences, and immersed myself in the science behind nutrition and chronic disease. What I’ve discovered is both fascinating and concerning:

The insights shared by these doctors often differ significantly from what is traditionally taught in medical schools or promoted in mainstream health guidelines. Many of these physicians have experienced firsthand how the SAD diet wreaked havoc on their own health, and they’ve used their expertise to uncover better approaches to nutrition and lifestyle.

Why Founders Need This Information

As Founders, we are often so focused on our work that we neglect our own health. But the truth is, our ability to innovate and lead is directly tied to our healthspan—the period of our lives during which we are healthy, active, and able to contribute.

This is why I’ve made it a priority to share the healthcare insights I’ve learned from these physicians and thought leaders. Through my own podcast, I include books, research, and stories from these experts to make their knowledge accessible to other Founders. My goal is to provide enough information for each of us to make informed choices about our health and the health of our families.

A Call to Action

The entrepreneurial journey is demanding, and the stress of building something meaningful can take a toll on our physical and mental well-being. But by prioritizing our health and learning from those who have dedicated their lives to understanding how the body works, we can make better choices that support our long-term success.

I encourage all Founders to take a step back and consider how their current lifestyle and diet are impacting their health. Seek out resources, listen to experts, and don’t be afraid to challenge conventional wisdom.

The more we understand these nuances about how our bodies metabolize what we eat, the better equipped we’ll be to maintain the energy, focus, and resilience needed to keep innovating.

Let’s not wait for a health crisis to remind us of the importance of well-being. Instead, let’s proactively invest in our health so we can continue to build, create, and lead for years to come.

If you’re interested in learning more about the insights I’ve gathered or want recommendations on books and podcasts that have been particularly impactful, feel free to reach out or follow my podcast. Together, we can prioritize health and innovation—because the two go hand in hand.

Relevant InnoGuidePodcast Episodes:

"Outlive" by Peter Attia MD -

Episodes #8, 9 & 10

"Lies I Taught In Medical School" by Robert Lufkin MD -

Episodes #28 & 29

Peter Attia MD Podcast "The Drive"