The Unstoppable Doctor—From Blade Runner to Brain Trust

Designing Successful Startups

Kelly Bruno Bio

Kelly Bruno is a Board certified physician in anesthesiology and pain medicine, currently practicing at Yale University. She's also an avid athlete, competing in abled body and para sports since she was 14 years old, in everything from track and field to ultramarathons and Ironmans. Currently she's chasing a record in the marathon. Combining her interest in medicine and sports, she previously co-founded a training company called Complete Human Performance and is now pivoting to longevity and performance medicine.

Intro

Kelly, a woman who was born without a complete leg, shares her journey of overcoming challenges and achieving success. She grew up with a prosthetic leg and faced the realization of being different in middle school. Despite the internal struggles and traumatic experiences, Kelly developed a strong drive to prove herself and be as capable as anyone else. She excelled in sports, including running track and field, and went on to participate in Ironman races and even competed on Survivor Nicaragua. Kelly's determination and resilience have led her to pursue a career in medicine, specializing in anesthesiology and pain medicine. She is now focused on longevity medicine and building a company that promotes health and wellness.

Summary

Jothy Rosenberg interviews Kelly Bruno, a remarkable individual who has turned personal challenges into extraordinary achievements. Born without a complete leg, Kelly's journey began with a childhood marked by surgeries and a growing awareness of her differences. Yet, rather than succumb to adversity, she discovered the power of sports as an outlet for her determination. From participating in track and field to completing Ironman triathlons and ultramarathons, Kelly's grit shines through as she recounts her experiences of navigating life with a disability. Throughout the conversation, Kelly reflects on the internal conversations that fueled her drive—transforming moments of feeling different into an unwavering commitment to excel. The discussion delves into her motivations and how she carved out a unique space for herself in athletics, ultimately earning admiration and inspiration from peers and strangers alike.

The episode also touches upon Kelly's professional life as a physician specializing in anesthesiology and pain medicine at Yale University. Her medical career is intertwined with her athletic pursuits, leading her to co-found Complete Human Performance, a training company focused on optimizing human capabilities. As she pivots toward longevity and performance medicine, Kelly shares her vision for a healthcare system that prioritizes prevention and wellness rather than merely addressing ailments. The conversation is rich with insights into the intersection of health, athleticism, and personal resilience, offering listeners a compelling narrative of empowerment and possibility.

Takeaways

• Kelly Bruno's journey of overcoming challenges began when she was born without a complete leg, shaping her extraordinary resilience and determination.
• Her experiences with sports helped her to redefine her identity and inspire others, transitioning from feeling different to being seen as a role model.
• In medical school, her work with wounded veterans led to her decision to pursue a career in medicine, focusing on pain management and anesthesiology.
• Kelly emphasizes the importance of proving oneself, stating she wanted to be more than just average despite societal expectations.
• She co-founded Complete Human Performance, combining her passion for athletics and medicine to help others achieve their fitness goals.
• With her current focus on longevity and performance medicine, Kelly aims to shift healthcare from treating illness to promoting overall well-being and health.

Sound Bites

"You're like the queen of grit in my opinion."

"I'll show me."

"I hit that transition... I suddenly became... not the impaired one on the sideline."

Links

Kelly’s site: www.kellybrunomd.com

Kelly’s Instagram handle: kellybrunomd

Please leave us a review: https://podchaser.com/DesigningSuccessfulStartups

Tech Startup Toolkit (book): https://www.amazon.com/Tech-Startup-Toolkit-launch-strong/dp/1633438422/

https://www.manning.com/books/tech-startup-toolkit

Site with all podcasts: https://jothyrosenberg.com

Jothy’s non-profit that helps kids with disabilities get into high challenge sports:

https://whosaysicant.org

Jothy’s TEDx talk about why people with disabilities tend to overachieve:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNtOawXAx5A

Chapters

• 00:03 - Introduction to Kelly Bruno
• 00:10 - Early Life and Overcoming Challenges
• 01:56 - Discovering Grit and Resilience
• 07:09 - The Transition to Sports and Athletics
• 10:11 - From Triathlons to Ironman and Beyond
• 15:15 - Experiences from Survivor
• 20:23 - Medical Journey and Career Path
• 28:00 - Founding Complete Human Performance
• 30:26 - Future Aspirations in Longevity Medicine