Figuring It Out with Deborah Kilpatrick

In this episode of North Star Leaders, Lindsay talks with Deborah Kilpatrick - former CEO and board chair of Evidation Health, co-founder of MedTech Women, and now partner at Sonder Capital.

Episode 49 of the North Star Leaders podcast, hosted by Lindsay Pedersen, titled "Figuring It Out with Deborah Kilpatrick" was published on November 11, 2025 and runs 28 minutes.

November 11, 2025 ·28m · North Star Leaders

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Summary

Are the hardest problems the ones most worth solving? Is leadership about being the smartest person in the room, or about creating space where everyone can bring their best? In this episode of North Star Leaders, Lindsay talks with Deborah Kilpatrick - former CEO and board chair of Evidation Health, co-founder of MedTech Women, and now partner at Sonder Capital. Deborah opens up about what drives her love of early-stage innovation, the lessons she carried from her small-town Georgia roots, and how she’s learned to lead in ways that bring out the best in others. You’ll hear them discuss: Why Deborah lights up at the messy, uncertain “figuring it out” stage of innovation How her dad’s career as a high school football coach shaped her philosophy on teams and leadership The mindset shift that took her from academic researcher to the C-suite What it really takes to make a co-CEO model not only work, but thrive The importance of patience and knowing when *not* to jump in as a leader The routines that keep her grounded, from early mornings to long bike rides The perspective she gains by reminding herself that “everybody’s got their thing today” Resources: Deborah Kilpatrick on Sonder Capital | LinkedIn | Sonder Capital LinkedIn | Deborah's Favourite Candy - Peanut Ginger Chews Lindsay Pedersen - Contact me to tell me who you'd like to hear as a guest! | Connect with me on LinkedIn

Episode Description

Are the hardest problems the ones most worth solving? Is leadership about being the smartest person in the room, or about creating space where everyone can bring their best? In this episode of North Star Leaders, Lindsay talks with Deborah Kilpatrick - former CEO and board chair of Evidation Health, co-founder of MedTech Women, and now partner at Sonder Capital. Deborah opens up about what drives her love of early-stage innovation, the lessons she carried from her small-town Georgia roots, and how she’s learned to lead in ways that bring out the best in others. You’ll hear them discuss: Why Deborah lights up at the messy, uncertain “figuring it out” stage of innovation How her dad’s career as a high school football coach shaped her philosophy on teams and leadership The mindset shift that took her from academic researcher to the C-suite What it really takes to make a co-CEO model not only work, but thrive The importance of patience and knowing when *not* to jump in as a leader The routines that keep her grounded, from early mornings to long bike rides The perspective she gains by reminding herself that “everybody’s got their thing today” Resources: Deborah Kilpatrick on Sonder Capital | LinkedIn | Sonder Capital LinkedIn | Deborah's Favourite Candy - Peanut Ginger Chews Lindsay Pedersen - Contact me to tell me who you'd like to hear as a guest! | Connect with me on LinkedIn

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