Neal Shah’s journey, showcases the impact of caregiving on individual lives and the broader healthcare system. Raised in a close-knit immigrant family, Neal's values were shaped early by the examples set by his parents and grandparents. After building an impressive career in finance, a series of personal experiences as a caregiver—first supporting his grandfather through end-of-life care, then facing his wife’s severe illness—transformed his outlook and priorities. He became intimately aware of both the emotional toll and practical challenges caregivers face and the systemic flaws that make caregiving in America so difficult.

These experiences motivated Neal to leave his high-powered finance career to focus on creating social impact. He founded Carry Ya, a not-for-profit project that connects families in need with qualified, motivated student caregivers at affordable rates, disrupting the expensive, often impersonal agency model.

Neal is also the author of the book "Insured to Death," which exposes the failures of the American health insurance system, and he launched Counterforce Health, an AI-powered platform that empowers patients and caregivers to fight insurance denials. Neal’s innovative, empathetic responses to systemic challenges underline his commitment to honoring caregivers as the backbone of the healthcare system and ensuring that their support, as well as that of care recipients, is financially and emotionally sustainable.

About Neal:

America's Chief Elder Officer. CEO of CareYaya Health Technologies and Chairman of Counterforce Health. Working hard to improve healthcare. Author of #1 Bestseller in Health Policy, "Insured to Death: How Health Insurance Screws Over Americans - And How We Take It Back". After a successful career as a $250 million hedge fund manager, deeply personal caregiving experiences inspired a pivot to social entrepreneurship. Now, determined to transform care delivery through technology.

Building a rapidly-growing tech startup to expand access to affordable care. Pioneering cutting-edge AI applications and neurotechology to fundamentally elevate quality of life for those needing care. Motivated by creativity and humanitarian progress.

Leveraging experiences guiding multi-billion dollar investments to make an impact on improving care for our most vulnerable populations. Leading with both heart and analytical rigor.

Building unrivaled technical capabilities and strategic partnerships to establish CareYaya as America's leading launchpad for care innovation. Together, let's build a better future for care!

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Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

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Zack Demopoulos’s story begins with his upbringing as the proud son of Greek immigrants, whose journey to the United States instilled in him a deep sense of gratitude, resilience, and responsibility. He shares how his family’s experiences shaped his values and work ethic, from working in his father’s restaurant as a teenager to pursuing higher education and a successful corporate career. Zack’s life took a dramatic turn in 2006 when he was suddenly thrust into the role of caregiver for his father after a major stroke, all while balancing a demanding job and a young family of his own.

Throughout the episode, Zack candidly discusses the emotional, logistical, and financial challenges of caregiving, including the complexities of sibling dynamics and the importance of open communication and planning. He reflects on the mistakes and lessons learned during his father’s illness, such as the need to involve siblings, have difficult end-of-life conversations, and seek out resources—even when they seem limited. Zack’s journey didn’t end with his father; he later became a key support for his mother, applying the hard-earned wisdom from his earlier experiences to ensure her well-being and dignity.

Now, Zack channels his expertise and empathy into advocacy for working caregivers. Drawing on his background in HR, home care, and personal caregiving, he collaborates with his partner Selma to develop resources and support systems for employees balancing work and caregiving responsibilities. Zack’s story is a testament to the resilience of caregivers and the critical need for greater awareness, support, and compassion in both families and workplaces.

About Zack:

Zack Demopoulos along with his partner Selma Archer founded ieadvocates llc, or Invisible Employee Advocates, a consulting firm created to support working caregivers by working with their employers. He has over 36 years of diverse experience working in the corporate and small business environments. His expertise spans across sales management; executive leadership; human resources; diversity, equity, and inclusion; small business; board leadership; and caregiving. Zack along with his wife Phyllis founded and operated a home care agency for 13 years, helping over 500 families care for their family loved ones, and hiring over 700 professional caregivers to provide that care.

Zack is a caregiver advocate as well as a caregiver--long distance for his mother who is in a nursing home in Charlotte NC. He commutes 1-2 x every four months to spend time with her and be her advocate.

Zack with his wife, Phyllis, reside in New Jersey and spend significant time with their family who live nearby and include 2 rescue dogs, three adult children, their spouses, and 3 grandchildren.

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Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

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With a lifelong passion for nursing, Donna Steigleder’s journey began in her childhood and evolved into a career in healthcare, where she gained a wealth of experience across various medical settings. Her personal caregiving story started early, as she recognized and advocated for her daughter’s mental health needs at a time when such issues were often dismissed. Despite resistance from family and medical professionals, Donna’s persistence ensured her daughter received the care she needed, ultimately enabling her to thrive as an adult and nurse herself.

Donna’s caregiving responsibilities expanded over the years, encompassing her first husband, who struggled with denial about his MS diagnosis, and later her mother, who battled cancer. Balancing full-time work, Donna managed complex medical care at home, often feeling isolated and emotionally compartmentalized to cope with the relentless demands. Her experience as a director of employee relations gave her unique insight into the challenges working caregivers face, and she advocated for flexibility and support within her organization.

Recognizing the lack of accessible resources for caregivers, Donna created the “Healthcare to Home Care” website, a comprehensive hub for practical information and community connections. She also launched the “Compassion Mission” initiative, encouraging churches to support caregivers and those in need within their congregations. Donna’s story is not only one of personal sacrifice and strength but also of transforming her experiences into resources and advocacy to uplift others navigating the caregiving journey.

About Donna:

Donna Steigleder, a native of Henry, Virginia, began her career with a passion for writing and leadership, graduating in the top 1% of her high school class. After earning her nursing diploma, she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Her first job as a nurse clinician provided a broad range of experience, leading to her promotion to Director of Human Resources. After a divorce, she became a single mother and took on a second job to support her family. Following her marriage to Lynn Steigleder in 1997, she transitioned to working from home to care for him while continuing her HR duties until her retirement in 2018. Now retired, Donna has combined her personal caregiving experience with her professional healthcare background to create Healthcare to Homecare, a website offering resources for family caregivers. She is also an advocate for churches to provide support to the sick and needy in their communities.

Thank you to sponsor: CareScout

Support the show

Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

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Tune in on Whole Care Network