Leading Mitochondrial Disease Research and Advocacy | Blaine Penny
EPISODE 35
In this episode of The Leadership Standard podcast, host Gair Maxwell and guest Blaine Penny discuss his current focus as the CEO of Lumiio Inc.—helping patient organizations, academic research groups, and pharmaceutical companies design world-class digital health programs to accelerate outcomes that impact patient care.
Blaine’s involvement in rare disease advocacy and research began in 2008 with the tragic onset of a mitochondrial disease in his then 4-year-old son, Evan. Today, Evan is a quadriplegic, and is unable to talk or eat. No one knows what his future holds, but Blaine is committed to giving his son the best life possible. Motivated to help others going through similar experiences, Blaine co-founded the MitoCanada Foundation in 2009. Since then, they have raised over $4 million to advance mitochondrial medicine and are building a MitoCommunity connecting patients, scientists, clinicians, and industry.
Blaine is a one-of-a-kind personality, who has been recognized for his achievements via Avenue Calgary Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40, is the recipient of 6 Guinness World Records, and is an elite ultra-marathon runner competing on the international stage.
Join us for an unforgettable conversation as we celebrate one of the most inspiring people in our world and someone who has made it his life’s work to make humanity better than he found it.
HEAR BLAINE’S INSIGHT ON:
- [2:00] The pivotal moment when Blaine’s son, Evan, faced a life-changing diagnosis of Mitochondrial disease
- [7:00] How MitoCanada—the foundation that has raised over $4 million to advance mitochondrial medicine—came to be
- [9:07] The story of Lumiio
- [11:59] What exactly is a Mitochondria?
- [16:40] How being an ultra-marathon runner has helped Blaine on his leadership pursuits
- [23:51] How Blaine defines leadership
- [27:01] Blaine’s Guiness World Record achievement
- [31:28] Blaine’s experience as a TEC Canada member
- [37:53] Blaine’s personal mission and how it aligns with the causes he is involved in
ABOUT MITOCANADA
MitoCanada is constantly developing resources to help protect, enhance and restore mitochondrial health. They introduce initiatives and opportunities to not only understand mitochondrial disease but inspire, empower and connect those in our community to enhance lives. Proudly advocating for those living with mitochondrial disease, MitoCanada funds essential research that is patient-focused and transformational.
ABOUT LUMIIO
Lumiio helps patient organizations, academic research groups, and pharmaceutical companies design world-class digital health programs to accelerate outcomes that impact patient care.
Watch Blaine & Gair’s Chat
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About The Leadership Standard Podcast
The Leadership Standard, hosted by TEC Canada speaker and branding expert Gair Maxwell, features in-depth conversations with subject matter experts all across the business spectrum.
Featuring thought leadership and actionable insights to challenge your assumptions – and inspiring stories of business triumphs, struggles, and perseverance that provide a motivational push – every episode of The Leadership Standard is a revealing discussion about the life of business and the business of life.
