Elizabeth Gazda is an accomplished leader in the healthcare and technology sectors. Her journey into the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry began after completing her third startup. She was introduced to Embr Labs and invited to join the team as CEO. The company’s mission and innovative product, the Embr Wave, immediately caught her attention. This wearable device delivers temperature to the body, influencing physical and psychological well-being. It assists users in managing sleep, stress, and hot flashes, making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. At EliteX, we are proud to have Elizabeth Gazda as part of the edition: 10 Unstoppable Women in Healthcare & Pharma, 2025.
Elizabeth Gazda | CEO | Embr Labs
Her passion for health and technology has always driven her career. She has been particularly fascinated by the intersection of emerging technology and health trends. Elizabeth strongly believes in the body’s natural ability to heal with small interventions enabled by behavior, actions, and now, technology like the Embr Wave. This belief has motivated her to push the boundaries of innovation in the healthcare industry. Throughout her career, she has faced significant challenges, particularly in raising capital as a female entrepreneur. Female-led companies receive less than 1% of investment dollars, creating an uphill battle. To navigate this, she has had to be creative and change the rules of the game. She believes that persistence, adaptability, and innovative thinking are key to overcoming such challenges.
“We win together and we lose together—teamwork is everything.”
Balancing work and personal life in a demanding industry is not easy, but she has found exercise to be essential. Staying fit helps her manage stress, improve sleep, and set personal goals. This practice has provided resilience and focus, enabling her to navigate business obstacles effectively. Elizabeth is particularly excited about innovations aimed at improving the quality of end-of-life care. While there is still much progress to be made, she sees a growing shift in how society approaches this stage of life. Removing the stigma and addressing this issue objectively can lead to better experiences for individuals in their final years.
Technology is playing a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare and pharmaceuticals. She is confident that human-technology interfaces will continue to improve health outcomes. Embr Labs has already developed a wearable that uses temperature waveforms to address unresolved health conditions. She anticipates more breakthroughs that harness similar innovative approaches. One of her proudest accomplishments is Embr Labs’ recent development in predicting and stopping hot flashes before they start. This groundbreaking advancement has the potential to eliminate hot flashes for millions of women worldwide. With 1.1 billion women experiencing menopause, this innovation represents a major step forward in women’s health.
Women play a transformative role in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. They serve as both the Chief Medical Officers and Chief Purchasing Officers of their families, often acting as caregivers for multiple generations. This dual role places them at the forefront of healthcare decision-making. Companies that recognize and leverage this influence stand to benefit greatly. For young women aspiring to enter the healthcare or pharmaceutical industries, Elizabeth advises following their genuine interests and passions. She encourages them not to pursue a career solely for power, prestige, or money. Authentic curiosity and dedication lead to meaningful success and fulfillment.
“Setbacks bring more personal growth than easy successes.”
Setbacks and failures are inevitable, but she believes they present opportunities for growth. The key is to acknowledge that difficulties are temporary and to embrace challenges as learning experiences. She maintains that obstacles often pave the way for new opportunities and personal development.
Success in the healthcare industry requires the ability to identify trends, think innovatively, and prioritize the needs of patients and consumers. She notes that the pharmaceutical industry has traditionally lacked direct engagement with customers. Bridging this gap presents a significant opportunity to improve patient care and outcomes. Collaboration and teamwork are fundamental to Elizabeth’s leadership approach. She emphasizes that success is a collective effort. At Embr Labs, the philosophy is “we win together and we lose together.” This mindset extends beyond employees to include partners, investors, and customers. Building strong relationships and fostering a collaborative environment are essential for achieving success.
The healthcare and pharmaceutical industries face significant challenges in the coming years, with the rising cost of healthcare being one of the most pressing issues. The financial burden on individuals has become unsustainable, particularly in advanced economies like the United States. Addressing these costs is critical to ensuring accessible and effective healthcare for all. Staying informed about the latest developments and research is a priority for her. She continuously reads, conducts research, and actively engages with other companies and professionals in the field. Connecting with innovators and thought leaders allows her to stay at the cutting edge of emerging trends and advancements.
Elizabeth’s ultimate goal is to expand the reach of Embr Labs and help people struggling with temperature-related conditions. She envisions a future where men with prostate cancer, individuals with POTS and MS, women with breast cancer, and those dealing with anxiety and panic disorders can all benefit from temperature-based therapies. Her commitment to leveraging technology for health improvements continues to drive her work and impact in the industry.
“The body has tremendous potential to heal itself with small nudges enabled by technology.”
