Donato Tramuto

Founder of the TramutoPorter Foundation

Donato Tramuto is a distinguished global health activist, philanthropist, and the visionary founder of the TramutoPorter Foundation. With over three decades of experience in healthcare innovation, Tramuto has left an indelible mark on the industry, advocating for healthcare equity, social determinants of health, and workplace dignity. As the former CEO of Tivity Health, he spearheaded initiatives that transformed the company and made significant strides towards addressing health disparities. His leadership extends beyond corporate success, focusing on creating meaningful social change and improving lives. Tramuto’s commitment to health and human rights has earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award. An author and sought-after speaker, Tramuto’s insights on compassionate leadership and social responsibility continue to inspire and influence leaders across the globe.

What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?

My days usually start early with some quiet time for reflection, followed by a review of my schedule and priorities. To make my day productive, I focus on impactful tasks and delegate when necessary. Regular check-ins with my team help keep everything aligned with our mission.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I believe in collaborative innovation. When I have an idea, I share it with my team, seeking their input and perspectives. This collaborative process enriches the idea and lays a strong foundation for its realization through collective effort and diverse expertise.

What’s one trend that excites you?

The increasing focus on the social determinants of health within the healthcare industry excites me. Recognizing and addressing these factors can transform lives on a global scale, which is closely aligned with my personal mission and work.

What is one habit that helps you be productive?

Prioritizing tasks based on their impact has been crucial for my productivity. Each day, I identify the tasks that will make the most significant difference and tackle those first. This ensures that my energy is spent on what truly matters.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell my younger self to trust the journey and not be afraid of taking risks. It’s through challenges and setbacks that we grow the most, so embrace every experience as an opportunity to learn and evolve.

Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?

I believe that vulnerability is a strength, especially in leadership. Some may see it as a weakness, but showing vulnerability fosters trust, authenticity, and deeper connections with others.

What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?

I recommend regularly stepping out of your comfort zone. Whether it’s in professional decisions, personal growth, or simply trying something new, growth happens at the edge of our comfort zones.

When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?

I take a step back to breathe and meditate. Clearing my mind helps me refocus on my priorities and approach tasks with renewed clarity and energy.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?

Growing my network. Whether it’s with colleagues, partners, or communities we serve, genuine relationships based on trust and mutual respect have opened doors and created opportunities for growth.

What is one failure in your career,  how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?

I once faced a project that didn’t succeed as I had hoped. It taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability. Learning from that experience, I now approach setbacks as lessons rather than failures.

What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?

An app or platform that will help the younger generation connect with seasoned professionals’ for advice and guidance.

What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?

Evernote. I use it to capture ideas, notes, and to-do lists across all my devices, ensuring that I have access to my thoughts and tasks wherever I am. Its organizational capabilities, from notebooks to tags, allow me to keep track of various projects and collaborate with my team by sharing notes and updates in real-time. This seamless integration into my daily routine helps me stay organized and focused on my priorities

Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?

“Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek. It reinforced my belief in the power of servant leadership and the importance of creating a culture where people feel safe and valued.

What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?

I recently got into “The Crown” on Netflix. It’s a fascinating exploration of leadership under the intense pressure of public and personal scrutiny. Watching the evolution of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign and how she navigates the complexities of politics, family, and duty provides a unique perspective on leadership and the sacrifices it often entails. It’s intriguing to see the balance between personal values and public responsibility, a balance that resonates with my own experiences in leading organizations and advocating for social change.

Key learnings:

  • Importance of collaborative innovation
  • Integration of social responsibility
  • Power of empathy in leadership