In Part 1 of our conversation with Yoemy Waller, a healthcare data scientist turned fractional CTO, we explore her journey from corporate roles to independent leadership in AI and healthcare innovation. Yoemy discusses overcoming the fear of self-promotion, stepping outside her comfort zone, and learning to scale a business while protecting time for travel and family. She also reflects on the power of community, activating networks, and keeping AI human-centered. This episode offers thoughtful insights for tech and healthcare leaders navigating growth, purpose, and balance in a fast-evolving AI world.
About the Guest
Yoemy Waller is a healthcare data scientist turned fractional CTO who guides organizations through AI-powered transformation—from payment integrity to natural-language processing and disease detection—always focused on patient outcomes. Known as a fearless AI evangelist, she blends clinical precision with cultural fluency gained from visiting 160 countries and speaking seven languages. Yoemy champions ethical, human-centered systems that heal, empower, and connect.
Connect with Yoemy
Website: Healthittek LLC | DataCzars LLC
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoemywaller/
Episode Breakdown
Part 1 – Mindset, Community & Human-Centered AI
0:00 – Cold open: how Yoemy first found CTOx (“when the whole areas of the universe get together…”)
0:22 – Welcome to Inside CTOx with host Donna
2:14 – Meet Yoemy Waller: 25+ years in healthcare data science
2:26 – Seven languages and a love for Italian
2:42 – Why she joined CTOx: plateau, scaling, and “the universe aligning.”
3:07 – Biggest challenge: embracing sales and outreach outside her comfort zone
5:06 – Personal growth moment: designing a scalable business that creates time to travel
7:11 – Mindset shift: defining her “why” and creating time freedom
8:39 – The power of community and diverse perspectives within CTOx
9:24 – Playing to your strengths: public speaking vs cold outreach
11:16 – Lesson learned: don’t miss live meetings — momentum matters
12:19 – Non-negotiables: activate your network and make people feel important
17:06 – A surprising introduction that unlocked new executive access
19:45 – Be human first: using AI to serve real people and real problems
20:42 – Outcomes over hype: AI as a tool for better patient care
22:35 – Data readiness and the reality of AI implementation
25:32 – Part 1 wrap-up & teaser for Part 2
