Recap:
Lake Nona Impact Forum 2025
From the POV of our CEO & Co-Founder, Jaclyn Wainwright
Day 1 of the Lake Nona Impact Forum set the stage for transformative conversations about science, trust, and the future of well-being of humanity.
Michelle Williams led an incredible discussion on global collaboration in science, and it left me feeling something I don’t think we talk about enough in healthcare and business: hope and the power of community.
Here's a few standout moments from that panel:
🌍 “There are no borders from space.” – Senator Bill Nelson
A reminder that the problems we're solving—whether in healthcare, science or workplace wellbeing—have no boarders. Collaboration is everything.
🦠 “Outbreaks are inevitable. Pandemics are a choice.” – Larry Brilliant
The same is true for how we approach workplace well-being, mental health, and healthcare. We can wait for crises, or we can build systems that predict and prevent them.
🧬 “With public trust, we can do anything. Without it, we can do nothing.” –Venki Ramakrishnan, PhD
One of the biggest challenges we face is that trust in institutions—scientific, corporate, and otherwise—is at an all-time low. But trust requires honesty, transparency, and accessibility. If people don’t understand what we do, or don’t feel it applies to them, then we’ve already lost them.
As leaders, we have an obligation to communicate the impact of our work—clearly, frequently, and in a way that actually resonates. That’s not just a responsibility of scientists. It’s on all of us.
At Humankind, we think about this constantly. Well-being solutions don’t work if people don’t trust them.
So, a thought I’m taking away from today: How can we do better at earning trust—at work, in leadership, and in the systems we build? Would love to hear your thoughts.
“We all deserve a fair and equal chance of living a life of health.”
David McLain
Photographer & Filmmaker, David McLain, Inc.
Featuring from left to right: Humankind's Jaclyn Wainwright, Elizabeth Bingham, & Lynne DePauloDay 2 of the Lake Nona Impact Forum left me with one overwhelming thought:
The human condition—everywhere—matters.
From mental health as a force multiplier to health equity as a moral and economic imperative, today’s conversations pushed us to rethink how we approach well-being—not as a benefit, but as a fundamental right.
Some standout moments from yesterday's sessions:
🧠 Hope Ahead: A Vision for Positive Mental Health Transformation
Mental health isn’t just an individual issue—it’s a force multiplier that impacts every aspect of life, work, and innovation. Patrick J. Kennedy and Amy Kennedy spoke about the urgent need to integrate mental health into broader health strategies, because without it, true well-being doesn’t exist.
🌎 Through the Lens of Equity: A Photographer’s Journey to Health Justice
Photographer David McLain reminded us that data flattens the human experience, but stories bring it to life. Numbers tell us what is happening—stories tell us why it matters. His work was a testament to the power of narrative, empathy, and representation in driving meaningful change.
🏛️ President of the NCAA, Charlie Baker's Leadership Talk
“Everyone’s got a point of view that is worthwhile.”
As leaders, our job isn’t just to make decisions—it’s to make space. The best cultures aren’t built on hierarchy; they’re built on belonging. If people don’t feel heard, innovation stops before it even starts.
🌍 “The human condition elsewhere matters to the security of this country.” – President George W. Bush
Global well-being isn’t separate from national well-being. When we prioritize health, we create stronger, more resilient communities everywhere.
At Humankind, we think about this every day. Well-being isn’t just a program or policy—it’s foundational to how people show up in their lives and their work. If we want to create environments where people thrive, innovate, and contribute fully, we have to start by making well-being accessible, trusted, and deeply human.
Looking back on last week’s Lake Nona Impact Forum, one thing is clear—these conversations weren’t just inspiring, they were a call to action.
After a few days to process everything, I keep coming back to a central theme: well-being isn’t just a perk—it’s the foundation for innovation, leadership, and impact.
From mental health as a force multiplier to health equity as a moral and economic imperative, the discussions at #LNIF25 reinforced a powerful truth: how we invest in people today will define the future we build tomorrow.
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Key Takeaways from an Unforgettable Forum:
🏀 Magic Johnson Talk: Discipline, Vision & Giving Back
Hearing Earvin "Magic" Johnson share his journey—from a kid dribbling in grocery store aisles to an NBA legend and business mogul—was a masterclass in vision, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership. He built success through relentless discipline, but what stood out most was his commitment to giving back. Even when his family had little, his mother believed it was their duty to help others—a lesson he carried into his work revitalizing underserved communities. Success is all the sweeter when we lift others up with us.
🧠 Mental Health: A Global Crisis with Local Solutions
Dr. Tara Thiagarajan shared research showing a global decline in mental health, particularly among younger generations. The takeaway? We need to think differently. More of the same isn’t working.
⚕️ Women’s Health: The Investment We Can’t Ignore
Women’s health isn’t just a healthcare issue—it’s an economic and innovation imperative. Carolee Lee, Dr. Erica Ollmann Saphire, Elizabeth Comen, MD, Dr. Julie Gerberding, and Michele Goodwin made it clear: investing in women’s health research benefits everyone.
🔬 AI & Proteins: The Future of Medicine
AI-driven breakthroughs are transforming healthcare, but innovation must be guided by ethics, accessibility, and human impact.
The Big Question: Where Do We Go From Here?
The conversations at hashtag#LNIF25 were bold, but what happens next is what truly matters. At Humankind, we believe that well-being isn’t an initiative—it’s the foundation for everything.
So, I’ll leave you with the same question I’m asking myself after this week:
What’s one action you can take—today—to advance well-being, health equity, or innovation in your own work?
This forum may be over, but the work is just beginning. Let’s keep the momentum going. Huge thank you to Gloria Caulfield and all of the organizers who made this incredible event possible.
Missed us at Lake Nona?
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