Meet Brian McDonnell | Entrepreneur & Co-Founder of HealMD, LLC

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brian McDonnell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brian, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I read a very interesting study about performing deep work tasks for 90 minute intervals and having a max of three of these intervals per day for a specific activity or work. I implemented this strategy and immediately found amazing results. I am able to put my full focus on work during these 90 minute intervals and you definitely feel like you have reached your limit afterwards. I find if I am unable to finish something I need to work on, of course I can work longer during the day to finish it or push it off to another day. I started recognizing tasks that were taking up unnecessary deep work time and started delegating them. This was a huge relief to not have to focus on tasks like Quickbooks or shipping and freed up time to focus on sales and marketing. Us entrepreneurs need to focus on what will grow our companies and let go of trying to do it all!

I find I am way more efficient at getting my work done using these intervals and I put these blocks in my calendar. I spend my mornings and evenings either learning, exercising, spending time with my partner Shiva and my dog Rex, cooking, working on a side-hustle, and plotting for the future. I have been successful when I put in 70-80 hour work weeks but I feel significant burn out and I find I am unable to work as intensely the next day or even week. You need to have appropriate time to step away from work to wind down and get some quality sleep. Work life balance is a must and I find it to be a fascinating topic to read up on how the elite tackle this.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am co-founder of HealMD, LLC alongside Kian Karimi, MD, FACS. I had been working with Dr. Karimi in his Facial Plastic Surgery and Medical Aesthetics center in Brentwood for about two years before the idea to start this company begin brewing between us. Although I never planned on becoming a surgeon, I treated my time with Dr. Karimi as an apprenticeship. He is one of the world’s top facial plastic surgeons and ENT’s, he has a booming practice, has his own conference (LAMCA), and is a phenomenal lecturer, educator, mentor for everyone in the field, and much more. If you look up Dr. Karimi you will see nothing but 5-star reviews from his patients. Their experience around their procedures are what makes this so, of course in addition to the results! He sets his patients up for success by providing them the necessary pre-treatment and post-treatment do’s and don’ts and most importantly provides them all of the supplies and products they need for an optimal recovery. My expertise has been anti-aging, diet, and exercise and he was always picking my brain how to improve the perioperative experience of his patients.

We came across CBD and the peer-reviewed research that was out on it was outstanding for its uses to reduce stress, pain relief, sleep, acne, and more. Targeting these issues was a no-brainer for anyone having procedures. Although there are prescriptions and OTC medications already provided, there are inherent side effects/risks and many patients were opting out of taking them. We looked at sourcing CBD and were unable to find a reputable brand or one that would be cost effective for our patients. Dr. Karimi used his degree in Biochemistry to privately formulate the CBD line we now carry and I was able to use the evidenced and educational approach I absorbed from Dr. Karimi over the years to launch HealMD into the 5 countries we are now in. The barriers we faced and still face is the stigma over Cannabis and THC. We are educating healthcare practitioners of the science behind CBD, its differences from THC, the endocannabinoid system, and how we can apply it for patients in a clinical setting. What has set us apart from any competitors is we have protocols and guidelines for our products to provide dosing guidelines, test them vigorously to ensure they are medical grade, and the fact that we have an actual physician behind the product to give patients and other clinicians a peace of mind it has been vetted by a leader in the industry. In the era where an opioid epidemic exists, we are proud to replace narcotics for a natural supplement time and time again.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had a friend visiting the area for one week and I wanted to give them the best week ever, I would definitely spend two of the days at the beach. Manhattan Beach and the beach South of Venice Pier are a must for saltwater therapy and basking in the California sun. I would take them on the bike trail that goes along the beach from Redondo Pier to Playa del Rey, ensuring the return trip was around sunset as this is a breathtaking experience. When in Los Angeles, they would definitely have to watch a sports game so checking out the Dodgers, Kings, a football game at SoFi, a basketball game at Crypto Arena, or an LAFC game at Banc of California is a must. Restaurants I would take them to would be Killer Shrimp and Irori Sushi in Marina del Rey and Meat on Ocean and Fia in Santa Monica. My answers are mostly biased to the west side! I have yet to go to The Getty Center so it would be a good first experience for us both! We would also have to spend an evening in the Art District if they are beer fans. The daily trek around Playa Vista is a must as well with my dog, Rex!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a shoutout to my partner, Shiva. She is a Clinical Social Worker and Therapist here in Los Angeles and I truly believe it is one of the toughest jobs but it has such a profound impact to the Los Angeles community. Therapists like her are truly super heroes. I see her at times completely exhausted but not ever letting that get in the way of advocating for her clients and ensuring they are off the streets and are supported to improve their lives. She has backed me in my endeavors and kept me balanced for the last 7 years. I could not have been more lucky to have this angel in my life. The soul of Los Angeles are the people and mental health issues affects us all. Shoutout to you Shiva for helping support our city as we all benefit when your clients prosper.

Website: www.healmd.us

Instagram: Heal_MD

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-mcdonnell-175013231/