In the world of digital purpose-driven entrepreneurship, our guest Gene Gurkoff stands out as a beacon of inspiration, especially for the healthcare industry. As a founder and CEO of Charity Miles, he has dedicated his career to helping in the fight for the health of others. In episode 9 of our podcast, we had the privilege of hosting a true leader, whose journey from the legal profession to the realm of app development and digital health is nothing short of remarkable.

Listen carefully – this time it’s not an interview about data, healthtech, and the latest solutions using artificial intelligence. This is the story of a compassionate man who helps to help with tech.

What (among other things) will you hear about in this episode?

A Journey Through Law to Value-based Entrepreneurship

Gene’s professional journey began in the legal field, where he worked as an Associate at prestigious law firms. Armed with a JD from Harvard Law School, Gene seemed destined for a successful legal career. But sometimes, life takes unexpected turns.

The Spark of Inspiration for “The Charity Ecosystem”

The spark that ignited Gene’s entrepreneurial journey was deeply personal. It was his grandfather’s diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease that prompted Gene to take action. He started running marathons to raise funds for Parkinson’s research, a mission that eventually evolved into the creation of Charity Miles.

The Phenomenal Advance of Charity Miles

Since its founding in 2011, Charity Miles’s startup has been a resounding success, using basic marketing activities. The smart app, available on both iPhone and Android platforms, allows users to earn corporate sponsorships for charity by walking, running, or biking. Outcome? With nearly $3 million raised for various charities and accolades such as the 2013 SXSW People’s Choice Award, Charity Miles has established itself as a game-changer in the world of charitable giving. 

The Insight and a Heart Behind the App

What sets Charity Miles apart is Gene’s unwavering commitment to making a difference. He’s not just a CEO; he’s a marathoner who has completed over 40 marathons and participated in six triathlons. His passion for philanthropy, behavioral interests, and physical fitness are the driving force behind Charity Miles around the world.

A Personal Touch in Charity Selection

With Charity Miles supporting 37 different charities, Gene shared with us the rigorous criteria they use when choosing partners. He emphasized the importance of personal connection, sharing a story of how his background has influenced Charity Miles’ mission.

Mental Health Recovery: A Priority for 2023

Gene’s commitment to mental health brings another facet of his mission. He shared his thoughts on how physical activity (and the medication if necessary) can significantly impact mental health and discussed initiatives to promote well-being through the platform.

A Glimpse into the Future

During our conversation, Gene tantalizingly hinted at a new app in development, showcasing his continued dedication to making a positive impact in the world. We eagerly anticipate learning more about this exciting project. What’s it? Listen to the entire episode.

Impact and Challenges

When asked about his proudest moment at Charity Miles, Gene highlighted the overall impact and growth of the platform. He also touched upon the critical challenges in promoting a pro-health attitude and how companies like Charity Miles can help overcome them.

A Personal Side

Gene isn’t just a philanthropist and innovator; he’s also a Bruce Springsteen fan, whose music has influenced his mindset. As a marathoner and triathlete, he shared memorable race experiences and advice for those embarking on their journeys.

Gene Gurkoff’s story shows that with determination and passion, we can use technology to create positive change in the world. We eagerly await the next chapter in Gene’s journey, knowing that it will undoubtedly be filled with innovation and philanthropy.

Do you know that I’ve only listed some selected topics from this episode? 

It’s really worth listening to the whole thing at https://applover.com/podcast/