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Vitality And Vision: Natalya Wallin's Full-Circle Journey To Investing In Nature-Inspired Innovation
Vitality And Vision: Natalya Wallin's Full-Circle Journey To Investing In Nature-Inspired Innovation

Int'l Business Times

time4 days ago

  • General
  • Int'l Business Times

Vitality And Vision: Natalya Wallin's Full-Circle Journey To Investing In Nature-Inspired Innovation

As a child growing up in Chicago, Natalya Wallin was raised on stories that most Americans never hear. Her grandparents had survived deportation from Poland to a Siberian labor camp, uprooted in the dead of night and forced into the brutality of exile. Those stories, woven into her earliest memories, weren't just history lessons. They were fuel. "I've always had this fire in the belly to do something about situations in the world that I don't think are okay," Wallin says. "It's just how I'm wired." Today, Wallin is the founder of Vitality , a Nature-Inspired investment fund founded in 2023, aimed at catalyzing early-stage solutions that work in harmony with the natural world. The path to this moment, where science, justice, economics, and ecological restoration intersect, was anything but conventional. Wallin began her journey with a scholarship to study biology, eventually entering a Ph.D program in molecular genetics. Her love of scientific rigor and the art of breaking down complex systems was real. But her mind was elsewhere. Her lab bookshelf was filled not with gene sequencing manuals but with volumes on global justice, human rights, and international affairs. One day, a mentor finally named what was already obvious. "He told me, 'You light up when you talk about global issues. You should pay attention to that," she recalls. That conversation set Wallin on a different track altogether: out of the lab and into the world. She pivoted to humanities and public policy, seeking answers to the root causes of global injustice. That clarity led to a defining moment: an invitation to help build a fund focused on the economic systems driving forced labor in global supply chains. The fund, in partnership with a former corporate procurement executive, was dedicated to untangling how opaque, fragmented systems allow human exploitation to thrive in industries like apparel and construction. "For me, that fund was an opportunity to build something from the ground up," she says. "It was about systems thinking. About figuring out: where are the biggest leverage points? How can we bring together the private sector, public sector, technology, and civil society? And use every tool available to solve problems?" Over the next several years, Wallin led global fundraising efforts, built and managed cross-continental teams, and immersed herself in the mechanics of systemic change. The work was hard. It was often uphill. But it solidified her belief that complexity isn't a barrier but an invitation. While winding down that fund, Wallin enrolled in an executive MBA program. It was a chance to reflect, reorient, and ask a question that would once again reset her trajectory: What is the most important thing I could do next? "Everything I'd done up to that point suddenly came full circle, right from biology, to public policy, and systems work," she affirms. "I realized the biggest leverage point of all was our relationship with the natural world." Her new mission became clear. If the soil isn't healthy, if the water isn't clean, if the air isn't breathable: human systems, economies, and even human health collapse. "If the phytoplankton communities in the ocean collapse and we can't breathe," Wallin says, "how much is your financial portfolio worth? It's worth zero." That clarity gave birth to Vitality, an early-stage fund based on the Biophilia Hypothesis: the idea that humans are biologically and psychologically wired to thrive in connection with the natural world. Wallin began to build a thesis rooted in biomimicry, working with scientists to define a practical, investable lens: fund entrepreneurs whose technologies tap into nature's intelligence. "We're talking about solutions that are resilient, circular, and energy-efficient by design," Wallin says. "From agriculture to the built environment to textile manufacturing, we're looking for people who are solving problems at the intersection of human and planetary health." Natalya Wallin Vitality, for Wallin, is her idea of a full-circle moment. Her early passion for biology, her systems acumen from fund management, and her lifelong instinct to confront root causes have all converged. And behind it all, there's still that same tenacity she had as a kid in Chicago, compelled to take action against what isn't right. A long-distance mountain runner and Life Time Foundation athlete, Wallin's connection to the natural world has always remained deeply personal. She's visited more than thirty countries, drawn inspiration from the wild, and learned firsthand the endurance required to build something meaningful from the ground up. "We're not just trying to put a band-aid on broken systems," she says. "We're asking, how do we redesign them altogether, starting with how we value nature, and how we value each other?" With Vitality, Natalya Wallin isn't just investing in startups. She's investing in a future that acknowledges our biological, ecological, and moral interdependence and puts it at the heart of innovation.

MedX Health Corp. Names John Gevisser as Chief Executive Officer
MedX Health Corp. Names John Gevisser as Chief Executive Officer

Business Wire

time7 days ago

  • Business
  • Business Wire

MedX Health Corp. Names John Gevisser as Chief Executive Officer

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MedX Health Corp. ('MedX' or the 'Company') (TSXV: MDX), the global leader in teledermatology solutions, confirms the appointment of John Gevisser as the Company's Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Gevisser previously held the position of Chief Digital Officer at Health Partners Group, the United Kingdom's largest provider of occupational health services, where he led the company's technology and data strategy. He also oversaw their strategic partnerships and operationalized MedX's UK pilot programs. Before that, he served as Vice President of Growth & Development at Vitality Group in the United States, where he was responsible for commercializing Vitality's direct-to-consumer network and managing its global partnership with Apple Health and Apple Watch. Vitality operates the world's largest wellness platform. As MedX's CEO, Gevisser will focus on expanding MedX's international footprint, advancing the commercialization of its technology platform, and accelerating revenue-generating opportunities. 'John brings deep expertise in digital health and a global perspective that will prove invaluable as we scale MedX's operations,' said Mike Druhan, MedX President, Dermatology Services. 'His ability to execute international growth strategies and navigate an evolving healthcare landscape positions MedX for long-term success.' 'Skin cancer is a largely preventable condition, and employers and insurers are increasingly adopting preventative strategies to reduce the costs of workplace absenteeism,' said John Gevisser. 'As a former client, I saw firsthand how seamlessly MedX's hardware and software delivered peace of mind and fast-tracked access to dermatologists for hundreds of UK employees. This non-invasive technology platform is highly scalable, so the goal is to make this technology available to the at-risk population through occupational healthcare and insurance providers globally. The true strength of MedX lies not only in the speed of its assessments but also in the clinical accuracy of its results. These are exciting times for MedX as its unique solution to at-risk patients in the workplace is gaining market acceptance.' While passing over the CEO role to Mr. Gevisser, Stephen Lockyer will remain as President of MedX. 'The Board and shareholders of MedX are immensely grateful to Stephen, who stepped up as a Director, CEO and President in 2023 and has been a very significant contributor to the development and advances made by the Company since that time,' said Ken McKay, Chairman of the Board. About MedX Health Corp. MedX Health Corp., headquartered in Ontario, Canada, is a leader in non-invasive skin assessment and teledermatology. Its proprietary SIAscopy® technology, integrated into the DermSecure® platform, enables pain-free, accurate imaging of skin lesions for rapid dermatologist review. These products are cleared by Health Canada, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Therapeutic Goods Administration and Conformité Européenne, for use in Canada, the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the European Union and Turkey. MedX's advanced telemedicine platform enables healthcare professionals to quickly and accurately assess suspicious moles, lesions, and other skin conditions through its proprietary imaging technology, SIAscopy®, and its secure, cloud-based patient management system, DermSecure®. SIAscopy® is the only technology capable of capturing five high-resolution images, including four spectrophotometric scans that penetrate 2mm below the skin's surface. Visit: Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This Media Release may contain forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties.

Best beauty travel essentials: Bon Patch, Rationale, Maison Louis Marie and more
Best beauty travel essentials: Bon Patch, Rationale, Maison Louis Marie and more

7NEWS

time22-07-2025

  • 7NEWS

Best beauty travel essentials: Bon Patch, Rationale, Maison Louis Marie and more

When packing for your upcoming trip, essentials like passports, charging cables and adaptor plugs are a given, but don't forget to make room for your beauty products. Rather than lugging a full size bottle of shampoo and conditioner across the globe, there are plenty of mini-size formulas that take up less room and abide to plane liquid restriction rules too. From body cleansers to perfume oils, there's an abudance of travel-friendly beauty products across hair, skin and overall wellness that can be packed into your carry-on case — fuss free. We've rounded up the best of the bunch for your next vacay. 1. BonPatch Jetset Sleep and Vitality, was $100 now $75 at Bon Patch BonPatch's JETSET duo is the ultimate travel companion for any upcoming holiday — especially if you have a jam-packed itinerary from the moment you land. Combining two of the brands best-sellers, SLEEP helps you to relax in transit, while VITALITY supports energy levels from the moment you touchdown in a new city. Simply peel, stick and wear for up to 24 hours. 2. Rationale The Discovery Travel Kit, $496 at Rationale Looking for some luxe new additions for your beauty regime? We've found them — and in mini form too. Rationale's six-step beauty ritual includes everything you need for an AM and PM skincare routine, consisting of serums, creams and the award-winning cleanser. All in mini sizes (there's nothing over 50ml), the Discovery Travel Kit even comes with a luxe pouch so you can transport your essentials in style. 3. Maison Louis Marie Perfume Oil Discovery Set, $93 at Sephora Rather than decanting your favourite fragrance into a travel-friendly bottle, treat yourself to a new set of roll on perfume oils for your next vacay. Maison Louis Marie's Discovery Set is a best-seller for a reason, offering five popular scents in a mini roller for your pulse points (chest, neck and wrists). Declared as 'fantastic' by shoppers, there's a range of different fragrances to suit your mood. 4. OUAI Wanna Get A Ouai Kit Mini, $63 at Sephora There's nothing better than a post-ocean shower — especially when you're on holiday. But to crank it up a notch, you need some luxe products on hand. OUAI, best-known for their hair products created by celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin, has a range of travel-friendly skin and body essentials too. Wanna Get A Ouai Kit contains a body cleanser, creme, and mist to keep skin feeling silky smooth while you're away from home. 5. Gem Skin-Loving Roll-On, $5.50 at Gem Jam-packed with all the good ingredients like hyaluronic acid shea butter and vitamin E, shoppers can't get enough of Gem's Skin-Loving Roll-on antiperspirant. Perfect for keeping odors at bay with up to 48 hours of protection, the 50ml size is perfect for taking on your travels. Available in three of the brand's best-selling scents, choose from Santal, Coconut Vanilla and Vanilla Macadamia. 6. Benefit Cosmetics Once Upon A Beauty Moon Bestsellers, $85 at Sephora Benefit Cosmetics are experts when it comes to beauty on the go, and the Once Upon A Beauty Moon gift set has all of our favourite products bundled into one. Containing the viral Badgal Bang mascara, Benetint, and mini-size Hoola bronzer, you can go from bare-faced to a sun-kissed glam in as little as five minutes.

No fairytale for Aria as Gaimin Gladiators stumble in Riyadh
No fairytale for Aria as Gaimin Gladiators stumble in Riyadh

New Straits Times

time19-07-2025

  • Sport
  • New Straits Times

No fairytale for Aria as Gaimin Gladiators stumble in Riyadh

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's hopes of seeing a female player lift an international Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) title were dashed after North American side Gaimin Gladiators (GG) were crushed 4-0 by Indonesia's Team Vitality in the MLBB Women's Invitational (MWI) Grand Final in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday. The Malaysian trio -- EXP Laner Sharifah Alia Husna "Aria" Syed Fakrrurozi, head coach Kelvin "Rexvinn" Unting, and analyst Farhan "SoraPayung" Ibrahim -- had been bidding to guide GG to North America's first-ever international MLBB crown. But Vitality, the two-time MWI champions, were simply too strong, sweeping the best-of-seven series in dominant fashion to underline their status as the queens of the game. Their victory earned them US$150,000 (RM636,600), while Aria and her GG teammates took home US$90,000 (RM381,960) as runners-up. GG had undergone a three-week bootcamp in Malaysia ahead of the tournament and put up a brave fight, banning Vitality's most dangerous heroes and trying to dictate team fights but were ultimately outclassed by a more experienced and cohesive outfit. Aria, a SEA Games bronze medallist in Phnom Penh in 2023, was heavily targeted in her lane, with Vitality giving her little breathing space throughout the contest. Despite the loss, Farhan praised the team for exceeding expectations. "They exceeded my expectations by reaching the grand final," he said. "I think they could have done better, but it came down to a lack of experience. Rome wasn't built in a day, and certainly not in three weeks. "You need time to build synergy, and that was what we lacked, especially against a team that's been together for five years. Still, I'm proud of them." All eyes now turn to the Mid Season Cup x Esports World Cup (MSCxEWC), where reigning champions Selangor Red Giants will look to defend their title The MSCxEWC group stage begins on July 23

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