Episode 345 - Leading with T1D featuring University Presidents Dr. Sally Kornbluth (MIT) and Ron Daniels (Johns Hopkins)

Summary In this episode, two university presidents, Dr. Sally Kornbluth (MIT) and Ron Daniels (Johns Hopkins) join Rob to talk about adult-onset Type 1 (LADA), leading in high-performance environments, and the single most “practical” diabetes upgrade: making a friend with diabetes. What stands out isn’t prestige—it’s how candidly they describe the everyday realities: managing highs and lows during major speeches, checking pumps in meetings, and staying open about diabetes to normalize it for everyone around them. The conversation also connects diabetes progress to the university research engine—past (insulin’s discovery era) and future (stem cell/islet replacement, closed-loop algorithms, and emerging trials). Chapters * 00:26: Diagnosis stories through high-performance leadership lens + “patients first” approach * 01:02: Sally Kornbluth’s adult-onset Type 1 (LADA) diagnosis * 02:55: Ron Daniels’ adult-onset Type 1 diagnosis * 06:08: Adult-onset Type 1, LADA, and misdiagnosis risk * 08:29: Carbs, discipline, and the real lifestyle tradeoffs * 10:19: The biggest adjustment: mental load + fear of lows * 13:30: How they found each other + why “a friend with diabetes” changes everything * 21:41: Universities power diabetes progress (and what’s next) * 42:45: Closing lessons: openness, resilience, and gratitude Resources Dr. Sally Kornbluth Ron Daniels