#168- How “Yes, And” Can Change Healthcare, Aging, and Your Life – with Jennifer Cain Birkmose

In this exciting episode of the Peak Performance Perspectives Podcast, host Mark Talukdar welcomes Jennifer Cain Birkmose — a healthcare leader, TEDx speaker, improv comedian, and co-founder of Viva Valet, a company helping seniors live better, safer lives at home. Jennifer shares her amazing story of how saying “yes, and” instead of “yes, but” has shaped her career, her mindset, and her company. She talks about peak performance not just in business, but in life — and how we can all tap into it using tools from improv comedy, empathy, and public health. In this episode, you’ll discover: What it really takes to feel your best and perform at your peak How improv comedy teaches life-changing skills for focus and creativity The hidden dangers older adults face — and how to protect them Why growing older can be a time of strength, not struggle How simple tech tools can boost freedom and confidence for seniors What gives people purpose — and why that matters for your health How saying “yes, and” can change how you lead, work, and connect Why aging isn’t a crisis — it’s a chance to build something better for everyone Jennifer also shares the inspiration behind Viva Valet, a digital platform that helps seniors get rides, meals, home care, tech support, and more — all in one place. She talks about caregiving for her own grandmother as a child, working in public health, and building teams where people feel safe, valued, and empowered. Jennifer’s message is simple: We’re not meant to do life alone. Whether you're building a company, a family, or a mission — co-creation, compassion, and small steps are the secret to success. Offer You can find my website at: www.vivavalet.com Bio Jennifer Cain Birkmose has championed patient access to healthcare, for over 25 years as a global health and pharmaceutical executive. She is the co-founder and Chief Executive of VivaValet, a digital eldercare platform in Chicago that provides trusted services to support Older adults to live at home independently, ease the caregiving burden of their adult children, and develop local businesses. She is a two time Tedx speaker and a Second City trained improv comedian. Connect with her: website: www.vivavalet.comInc article: https://www.inc.com/suzanne-lucas/study-1-in-4-think-its-a-waste-of-money-to-hire-those-over-50/91139484Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/company/vivavaletofficial/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivavaletofficial?igsh=enh2OXdyNWQ3Nmc3Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1JRm6is9fS/?mibextid=wwXIfrYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/@vivavaletofficial Personal sites:Tedx talks: https://www.ted.com//search?q=jennifer%20cain%20birkmoseinstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jcbirk?igsh=Ymdoemdoc3UwOGtr&utm_source=qrlinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-cain-birkmose-ab05a6/Health 2.0 interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izxJp-oHewk