Audrey Sommerfeld | Founder & CEO | Jump to Health
Audrey Sommerfeld’s journey into healthcare began with a strong desire to help people through natural solutions. While working in the pharmaceutical industry, she witnessed firsthand the side effects of medications. She realized that while individual drugs are studied for safety, the interactions between multiple drugs are not always well understood due to the sheer complexity of combinations. This became a personal issue when her mother experienced side effects from multiple medications. Audrey saw an opportunity to make a difference through nutrition, which plays a vital role in blood sugar control, hunger management, fat burning, memory, mood, and digestion. She also observed that nutrition education is often lacking in schools and even among healthcare professionals, who receive minimal training on the subject. This realization inspired her to develop training programs and advocate for better education in nutrition. As she delved deeper, she noticed that while there were many good products on the market, there were also inferior ones that did not deliver real health benefits. This led to a mission to create better products, training, and support for people seeking healthier lifestyles. At EliteX, we are proud to have Audrey Sommerfeld as part of the edition: Transformational Women in Healthcare, 2025.
For Audrey, being a transformational leader in healthcare means challenging the norms, listening to diverse opinions, and working towards solutions that truly transform lives. She believes that leadership is about continuous learning and listening, valuing feedback, and fostering teamwork. At Jump To Health™, the focus is on health, wealth, living, and giving—a holistic approach to improving lives. Audrey believes that a great leader does not rest on past achievements but continuously seeks improvement and innovation.
“Diversity in thought and experience leads to better solutions and stronger teams.”
One of the most transformational moments in Audrey’s career came during her time with Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Care team, where she traveled globally and observed that despite cultural and economic differences, people everywhere want the best for their families. This reinforced her belief in the fundamental similarities among people and strengthened her commitment to creating solutions that cater to a wide audience. As a woman in healthcare, Audrey has faced several challenges, both as a consumer and as a professional. She points out that medical studies and drug dosages are often based on male physiology, which can lead to issues for women who may require different dosages or experience different side effects. In the workplace, she has encountered stereotypes and biases but has learned to overcome them with resilience, humor, and a commitment to change. She draws inspiration from Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s words: “Fight for the things that you care about. But do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”
Balancing innovation and patient care is crucial in Audrey’s work at Jump To Health™. The organization prioritizes education and prevention, helping people understand how to make better nutritional choices based on their lifestyles, whether they follow vegan, vegetarian, low-carb, or other dietary preferences. By teaching people how to read labels, recognize quality protein sources, and manage sugar intake, Jump To Health™ has helped thousands reduce or even eliminate medications under their doctors’ guidance. Their approach also focuses on reducing inflammation, improving digestion, and enhancing mood and sleep quality.
One of the most impactful initiatives Audrey has led is in education, particularly for young people. By helping them manage mood swings and adopt healthier habits, the initiative has not only improved their health but also their academic performance and overall quality of life. She sees healthcare as more than just treating illnesses; it is about empowering people to live better lives. Audrey believes that one of the biggest opportunities for women in healthcare today is advocating for a system that recognizes and addresses the unique health needs of women. Women experience heart attacks differently, undergo unique hormonal fluctuations, and face distinct stressors compared to men. She sees an opportunity to push for greater equality in research, treatment, and workplace policies while also acknowledging the biological differences that require tailored healthcare solutions.
“Healthcare is not just about treating today—it’s about shaping the future.”
Throughout her career, Audrey has been fortunate to have strong mentors who have shaped her leadership style. Friends like Janice Jackson encouraged her to break free from limitations, while Robbi Fernandez taught her the importance of grace and resilience. Myra Pasek inspired her to dream big, and her early bosses, Bill Slivka and Anna Marie Desando, saw her potential and pushed her to achieve more. Her husband has been a constant source of support, motivating her to keep striving for excellence. Audrey credits these mentors for helping her grow into the leader she is today.
Staying motivated and continuing to grow is essential to Audrey. She firmly believes in lifelong learning and views failure as an opportunity to improve. She acknowledges that staying motivated can be challenging at times, but she emphasizes that inaction leads to stagnation. She advises others to make decisions, take action, and trust in their ability to figure things out along the way. The only way to achieve greatness is through continuous practice and perseverance. To young women aspiring to enter the healthcare industry, Audrey offers valuable advice: healthcare is about shaping the future, not just treating the present. It is a field where passion and heart make a difference, and where leaders can inspire others to believe in themselves. She encourages young women to lead with conviction, knowing that their contributions can have a lasting impact on individuals and communities.
Technology is playing a crucial role in transforming healthcare, and Audrey is excited about the potential it holds, especially for women leaders. Wearable devices, apps, and health-monitoring tools are empowering consumers by providing real-time insights into their health. She believes that these advancements will reduce healthcare costs and promote preventative care, fostering a more collaborative relationship between healthcare professionals and patients. Technology is making healthcare more accessible and personalized, and Audrey sees this as a game-changer for the industry.
Diversity and inclusion are core values in Audrey’s work environment. She believes that diverse experiences, beliefs, and thought processes drive innovation and better outcomes. By actively seeking team members with different backgrounds and skill sets, she fosters an environment where multiple perspectives are valued. She has learned that true progress comes not from enforcing a single way of doing things but from allowing others to challenge and refine ideas, ultimately leading to better solutions. Work-life balance remains a challenge for Audrey, as she is deeply passionate about her work. She admits that work can sometimes consume her, but she has learned the importance of self-care to prevent burnout. Painting in her studio, surrounded by music, is her way of recharging. She emphasizes that taking time for personal well-being is essential for maintaining long-term energy and motivation.
Reflecting on her career, Audrey wishes she had learned earlier the importance of collaboration and communication. In her early years, she focused on getting things done efficiently, often seeing meetings and discussions as time-consuming. Over time, she realized that involving others in decision-making leads to better outcomes. When people feel heard and valued, they are more engaged and committed to the success of a project. She continues to balance efficiency with collaboration, recognizing that great results come from teamwork.
“Transformational leadership means challenging norms, listening, and never resting on your laurels.”
Looking ahead, Audrey envisions a future where healthcare is increasingly personalized. Advances in DNA analysis, metabolism tracking, and microbiome research will allow for customized treatments and nutrition plans tailored to individual needs. She believes that women leaders are well-positioned to drive this transformation, as they naturally excel at listening, problem-solving, and addressing individual needs. The growing understanding of gut health and its impact on overall well-being is particularly exciting to her, and she looks forward to seeing how this evolving science shapes the future of healthcare.
Audrey Sommerfeld’s passion for healthcare, leadership, and innovation continues to inspire change. Through her work, she is not only improving lives but also shaping the future of healthcare for generations to come.
