Traktion Talks: Healthcare & Technology

Reclaiming Intrinsic Worth In A Performance-Driven World

More leaders than ever are searching for meaning, balance, and a sense of purpose, but many modern wellness programs still focus on optimization, productivity, and biohacking rather than the deeper roots of stress and disconnection. That was the focus of our conversation with Alissa Allen [https://www.linkedin.com/in/heyfrienditsalissa/] and Justin Breen [https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinbreen1/], co-founders of AURUM Sanctuary [https://aurumsanctuary.com/]. Alissa shares how her background in neurotheology, public health, and spiritual intelligence shaped her belief that human flourishing requires integrating science with spiritual awareness. Justin discusses how his work building founder communities and connecting visionary entrepreneurs helped spark the idea for a new kind of wellness infrastructure built specifically for leaders. We also explore why AURUM intentionally rejects “optimization culture,” choosing instead to center intrinsic human worth rather than external achievement. Alissa and Justin explain how practices such as sound therapy, contemplative intelligence, and quantum biofeedback can help restore coherence in the nervous system, allowing founders and executives to lead with greater clarity, creativity, and presence. Finally, we discuss the broader vision behind AURUM, including the AURUM Forum: Capital & Stewardship, which aims to connect conscious capitalism with regenerative health. This episode invites leaders to rethink how personal well-being, leadership, and economic systems intersect, and what it might look like to build a world where human flourishing is the foundation, not the afterthought. Mentioned in this episode: AURUM Sanctuary [https://aurumsanctuary.com/] Traktion Talks, brought to you by Traktion Partners, LLC [https://www.traktionpartners.com]

Building A Mental Health Platform Gen Z Can Afford

Mental health access for Gen Z is at a breaking point. While we talk openly about a national mental health crisis, many Gen Z students and young professionals still struggle to access care that feels affordable, relevant, and built for how they actually live. That was the focus of our conversation with Amari Morton [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amari-morton-10a17830a/], Founder and CEO of Greater Change Health [https://www.greaterchangehealth.com/]. Amari shares his personal journey and the experiences that led him to rethink how mental health services are delivered to young people. We discuss why student utilization of counseling services often remains low despite growing need, and what colleges may be missing when mental health is treated as a compliance requirement rather than a strategic priority. We also explore what “access to care” really means for a generation that studies, works, and lives online, and whether traditional campus counseling models are built for today’s students. Finally, Amari gives us a look at what Greater Change Health is building in 2026 to make therapy more accessible and affordable for all. This episode challenges higher education and healthcare leaders to rethink how mental health services are structured, and who they’re truly designed to serve. Mentioned in this episode: Greater Change Health [https://www.greaterchangehealth.com/] Traktion Talks, brought to you by Traktion Partners, LLC [https://www.traktionpartners.com]

What Healthcare Can Learn From Top Consumer Brands

The patient experience is evolving rapidly. As transformational change comes to every corner of the sector, what can healthcare organizations learn from major consumer brands like Delta Air Lines, Home Depot, and American Express? That was the question we posed to Elizabeth Daugherty [https://www.linkedin.com/in/eadaugherty/], founder of consultancy SpurConnX [https://www.spurconnx.com/], and a contract strategy partner for Atlanta's Piedmont Healthcare [https://www.piedmont.org/]. In our conversation we talk about her "why", and how advocating for family members first drew her into the healthcare space after a successful career working for some of the world's best known consumer brands. We also dive into what healthcare organizations can take from big brands in terms of creating a better patient experience, building brand loyalty, and constructing a feedback loop that truly listens to the patient to enhance the process of delivering care. Mentioned in this episode: SpurConnX [https://www.spurconnx.com/] Piedmont Healthcare [https://www.piedmont.org/] Traktion Talks, brought to you by Traktion Partners, LLC [https://www.traktionpartners.com]

The Mainstreaming Of Cannabis Wellness Culture

With a career background that has included stops at medical supply and equipment behemoth, McKesson [https://www.mckesson.com/], as well as executive roles at a variety of life sciences companies, Botanical Sciences [https://botanicalsciences.com/] CEO Gary Long [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-long-a9908b5/] knows healthcare. While his background may not seem like a traditional fit for the medical and hemp-derived cannabis world, his arrival along with other outsiders signal a transformation underway in a category becoming known more for its positive lifestyle impacts than for previous negative stereotypes. In our conversation we talk about what led him to the industry, what he sees as opportunities and threats, and how cannabis has slowly become part of the growing health and wellness movement that continues to unfold across the country. Mentioned in this episode: Botanical Sciences [https://botanicalsciences.com/] ONE59 [https://one59ga.com/] U.S. of N/A Podcast [https://www.usofna.com/] Traktion Talks, brought to you by Traktion Partners, LLC [https://www.traktionpartners.com]

2025 Georgia Life Sciences Summit Recap

"The biggest impact for AI is likely to be in healthcare." That prediction, spoken by Northside Hospital's Dr. Guilherme Cantuaria, were one of many comments made at the 2025 Georgia Life Sciences Summit [https://www.galifesciences.org/georgia-life-sciences-summit] that really got us thinking how significant this period of change will likely be for an industry that normally loathes it. In this bonus episode of Traktion Talks we talk biomed in the Peach State, including a show-side chat with Jonathan Schwartz of OrthoPreserve, an orthopedic medical device company born from the same place as many before it in the region; Georgia Tech university. We also give a shout-out to the eight companies featured in the startup showcase, a highlight of the summit. Mentioned in this episode: OrthoPreserve [https://www.orthopreserve.com/] Andson Biotech [https://andsonbiotech.com/] Annate Bitherapeutics [https://annatebitherapeutics.com/index.html] Atomistic Insights [https://www.atomisticinsights.com/] Ecoatex [https://www.ecoatex.com/] Gordian Surgical [https://www.gordiansurgical.com/] Metanoi Therapeutics [https://www.metanoitherapeutics.com/] RoboMateMR VirTuCell AgeTech Connect [https://www.agetechconnect.com/] Straight Outta Health IT [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/straight-outta-health-it/id1621160402] (podcast) Interested to learn more about Traktion? Visit our Navigator home page [https://www.traktionwellness.com/navigator] to request our free white paper, or schedule a 45 minute, no-obligation Meet to get specific recommendations. Traktion Talks, brought to you by Traktion Partners, LLC [https://www.traktionpartners.com]