Breaking the Silence: Gloria Kolb’s Journey to Revolutionize Women’s Health

Gloria Kolb, the brilliant CEO and co-founder of Elida, joins us to chat about her groundbreaking work in women's health, specifically tackling incontinence with her innovative Elitone device. Her personal journey with incontinence spurred her to create a solution that’s not just effective but also non-intrusive, breaking the mold of traditional treatments that often leave women feeling sidelined. We dive deep into the unique challenges female founders face in the notoriously male-dominated medical device industry, especially when it comes to securing funding and societal support. Gloria sheds light on the staggering statistics that show only a fraction of healthcare funding goes towards women's health innovations, and how this impacts early treatment options. With a dash of humor and a whole lot of heart, we explore the importance of open conversations about pelvic floor health and the mission to provide accessible solutions for all women, especially those in underserved communities.

Gloria Kolb's journey to creating Elida is nothing short of inspiring. As a biomedical engineer and a mother of three, she found herself grappling with incontinence after childbirth—something that many women face but often feel too embarrassed to discuss. Gloria shares her personal story of struggle and resilience, which led her to develop the Elitone device, a groundbreaking solution that offers a non-intrusive way to improve pelvic floor health. This conversation dives deep into the challenges faced by female founders in the medical device industry, where funding disparities are stark. Did you know that only 2% of venture capital goes to female founders? Gloria sheds light on the uphill battle for funding and the societal stigma surrounding women’s health issues, emphasizing the need for more awareness and support in this area. The episode also addresses the broader implications of incontinence on women’s lives, from social interactions to mental health, highlighting the importance of early treatment and open conversations about these taboo topics. Through her work, Gloria is not only changing lives but also paving the way for a future where women’s health is prioritized and normalized in society.

Takeaways:

• Gloria Kolb's personal battle with incontinence drove her to create Elitone, a groundbreaking external pelvic floor health device.
• Female founders face a daunting funding landscape, with only 2% of venture capital directed towards women's health innovations.
• Awareness is key; many women suffer in silence for years due to societal stigma surrounding incontinence and pelvic floor health.
• The healthcare system often prioritizes pads over effective treatments, perpetuating a cycle of dependency and embarrassment for women.
• Elitone's approach allows women to regain control of their pelvic health without invasive procedures, promoting early treatment and preventative care.
• Gloria emphasizes the importance of normalizing conversations around women's health issues, encouraging openness and support among communities.