In this compelling episode of Data Hurdles, hosts Chris Detzel and Michael Burke sit down with Rich Williams, Senior VP and Head of Data Partnerships and Strategy at Hexaware Technologies. Rich shares his remarkable health transformation journey, from weighing 280 pounds and facing life-threatening medical complications to losing over 100 pounds and completely reinventing his approach to wellness.

Rich candidly discusses his wake-up call—a serious medical emergency involving gallstone pancreatitis that left him contemplating mortality on a hospital bed. This pivotal moment led him to make the bold decision to step away from his high-powered career for 15 months to focus exclusively on his health.

Throughout the conversation, Rich offers valuable insights on how high-stress leadership roles in data and consulting can silently erode health through demanding schedules, workplace food culture, and constant pressure. He breaks down his comprehensive approach to wellness into four key components: food, body, mind, and sleep, sharing practical strategies that helped him succeed where previous attempts had failed.

The episode explores how Rich completely reframed his identity, treating his health transformation as a "Project Me" with the same strategic approach he would use for client work. Listeners will gain actionable advice on developing sustainable healthy habits, overcoming setbacks, and prioritizing self-care as the foundation for leadership success rather than an afterthought.