Vic Strecher, PhD, MPH

Vic Strecher, Ph.D., MPH, is a leading expert in the science of purpose and wellbeing and a trailblazer in digital health innovation. As Founder and CEO of Kumanu and a professor at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, Vic has dedicated his career to helping individuals and organizations unlock the transformative power of purpose.

In 1998, Vic founded HealthMedia, one of the earliest ventures to combine behavioral science with scalable digital health coaching, serving millions worldwide. After its acquisition by Johnson & Johnson, Vic continued to advance the science of motivation and behavior change, becoming a recognized thought leader in the emerging field of purpose science.

In 2015, Vic launched Kumanu (meaning “nourish” in Māori) to help people and organizations thrive by connecting deeply to what matters most. The company represents a bold shift in how wellbeing is approached—moving beyond checklists and incentives to embrace inner motivation, alignment with values, and emotional resilience.

A prolific author and speaker, Vic has written multiple books, including Life on Purpose and On Purpose, blending storytelling with science to make the case that purpose isn’t just good for individuals—it’s essential for organizations seeking to build resilient, values-driven cultures. His work has influenced Fortune 100 leaders, healthcare systems, schools, and governments.

Vic’s personal and professional mission is to help people lead more meaningful lives by applying the latest insights from science with compassion and creativity. Through Kumanu and his broader work, he continues to shape the future of wellbeing.