Running a business is never as glamorous as it seems, and Dr. Laura Purdy knows that firsthand. While the world sees her as a powerhouse CEO leading SWELL Medical into uncharted territories, there’s a darker side to entrepreneurship that few are willing to discuss—especially in healthcare. The truth is, it’s not always about success stories; sometimes, it’s about the battles fought behind the scenes, like navigating medical boards and standing her ground, head-on, against them all.
Let’s not sugarcoat this: Dr. Purdy has faced her fair share of challenges, and if you think one measly negative press clip over her entire tenure is a sign of defeat—think again. In an industry that thrives on scrutiny and judgment, that single hiccup in the press is almost a badge of honor. After all, building an innovative business isn’t easy—and it’s certainly not cheap! “If that’s the worst to show for my time leading SWELL Medical, then I’d say I’m doing something right,” she jokes.
Yet, the toughest part of the journey isn’t just the external critics—it’s navigating who truly supports the mission. It’s easy to understand that not everyone will love you or your vision. But it hits harder when those people are sitting right under your roof, working for your company. Here’s the real question: Why stay if you don’t believe in the mission or the founder? “I get it, sometimes it’s not a fit,” says Dr. Purdy. “But when someone hangs around for too long with ulterior motives, it creates a toxic and unproductive environment that not only damages the business but also creates unnecessary stress.”
CEOs are often painted as the villains, but rarely does anyone stop to consider the employees who linger too long, creating friction. “It’s okay to say, ‘This isn’t for me,’ and leave. But staying just hurts the entire ecosystem,” she continues. Building the right team is everything. In fact, this process—finding, curating, and investing in the right team—is what often makes or breaks a business. The investment isn’t just financial; it’s emotional, mental, and deeply personal.
“People think business is all about removing emotion, but when it’s your baby, something you funded from day one, that’s nearly impossible,” Dr. Purdy says. And it’s not just about the team—it’s about having a core group of executives you can trust, confide in, and lean on for critical business decisions. Will people disagree, be upset, or even say hurtful things? “Of course,” she laughs. “We’re all human. But it’s those who keep showing up, who have the tough conversations, and who commit to being part of the solution that make a business thrive.”
The reality? Business is expensive. It’s costly to pay salaries, provide benefits, and support an infrastructure of resources that help a company scale. Then add in the expenses of growth, which people often question, rather than trust. “Nobody is entitled to know every single reason why decisions are made,” she states, “which is why trusting the mission of the company and why you’re here is so important.”
And trust me, it’s stressful. Business is tough, but so is life. That’s why companies like SWELL Medical have policies, PTO, HR departments, and open-door initiatives to help navigate the inevitable challenges. Dr. Purdy’s ventures aren’t stopping anytime soon. SWELL Medical continues to expand, and now, JellyMed is joining DUSK Music Festival to provide non-stigmatized healthcare for festival-goers. Alongside Dr. Stacey Podkovik, JellyMed is setting new standards for medical care at festivals, proving once again that healthcare can evolve with the times.
And let’s not forget MELTOFF—SWELL Medical’s newest initiative focused on helping people lose weight safely and effectively. “MELTOFF is about putting personal health first and giving people the tools they need to succeed,” says Dr. Purdy.
Through it all, none of this would be possible without the relentless staff, agencies, and fans who believe in the vision and work tirelessly to make it happen. “It takes a village,” she admits, “and I’m forever grateful to those who have been with us from the start.”
It’s easy to paint CEOs as the bad guys, but the reality is, it’s a journey of resilience, determination, and, most importantly, community. And Dr. Laura Purdy is living proof of that.
CREDITS:
Talent: Dr. Laura Purdy
HnM / Styling: Nina Vargas
Photographer: Mike Yi
PR Contact:
Social Media:
mariana@thelafashion.com
