Show notes
Episode SummaryIn this episode, Ursula Mann is joined by Christine Pisapia for a thoughtful conversation with Sigrun Watson, a healthcare leader and entrepreneur passionate about improving women’s health and reducing stigma around mental health.Sigrun shares her personal journey with perfectionism, an eating disorder, depression, and what it meant to seek help—and why storytelling and community can be powerful first steps toward healing. The conversation also explores gaps in women’s health education and care, including pelvic floor health and menopause, and what Sigrun is building through her work with UROSPOT to make pelvic health support more accessible and modern.Why you should listenListen if you want:A real, compassionate conversation about mental health, perfectionism, and asking for helpInsight into why women’s health is still under-researched and under-discussedA clearer understanding of pelvic floor health, menopause-related changes, and why symptoms are often normalizedA leadership perspective grounded in empathy, lived experience, and patient-centered careHopeful reminders that you’re not alone—and that support can start with hearing someone else’s storyEpisode Highlights[00:00:00] Introduction Ursula and Brent welcome listeners to Amplify – Elevating Patient Voices and introduce the themes of women’s health, mental health, and leadership.[00:03:00] Meet Sigrun Watson Sigrun shares her Icelandic roots, career journey from dietitian to pharmaceutical executive, and her passion for healthcare transformation.[00:06:11] Perfectionism & Eating Disorders Sigrun opens up about her struggle with bulimia, the connection between perfectionism and eating disorders, and how mental health shaped her career path.[00:08:54] The Impact on Young People Christine and Sigrun discuss perfectionism in children, early warning signs for parents, and the pressures of social media.[00:12:15] Depression & Dark Thoughts in University Sigrun shares her experience with depression during first-year university and why early intervention and support matter.[00:14:03] The Power of Storytelling & Unsinkable Sigrun discusses her work with Unsinkable, the healing power of shared stories, and how vulnerability creates connection and hope.[00:18:52] Mental Health Access & Affordability The conversation explores barriers to accessing care and why hearing others’ lived experiences can be a powerful first step.[00:22:45] Women’s Health Gaps Ursula transitions the discussion to women’s health—highlighting stigma, lack of education, and systemic research gaps in menopause and midlife care.[00:23:19] Sigrun’s Menopause Journey Sigrun shares her personal experience with perimenopause and menopause, and how it reshaped her perspective on healthcare.[00:27:55] Pelvic Floor Health Explained A deep dive into pelvic floor muscle function, why issues like bladder leakage are common but under-discussed, and how hormonal changes accelerate muscle weakening.[00:30:36] What UROSPOT Does Sigrun explains the technology behind pelvic floor rehabilitation and how non-invasive electromagnetic therapy works.[00:33:41] The Reward of Being Close to Patients Sigrun reflects on moving from corporate healthcare into entrepreneurship and the profound impact of working directly with patients.[00:34:43] Closing Reflections Ursula and Christine thank Sigrun for her candor and leadership in advancing mental health awareness and women’s health innovation.Want to Share Your Voice?If you’re a patient or caregiver, you