Brenda sits down with Mary Fusillo, fertility industry pioneer and founder of Family Solutions International, to explore the intersection of ethics, empathy, and innovation in family-building.

From her early days as a fertility clinic executive to launching one of the first nurse-led consulting firms in reproductive health, Mary shares hard-won lessons on reshaping how people experience the path to parenthood.

Together, they dive into the ethical gray zones of assisted reproduction, the emotional toll of fertility journeys, and the entrepreneurial drive it takes to build compassionate solutions in a high-stakes industry.

Mary also reveals how empathy-driven leadership and ethical frameworks can transform the business of fertility, reminding us that behind every innovation is a human story.

In This Episode, We Cover

✔️ The ethical challenges shaping today’s fertility industry

✔️ How empathy can guide innovation in family-building services

✔️ Mary’s journey from fertility clinic executive to industry consultant

✔️ The emotional realities of fertility struggles and patient burnout

✔️ Balancing rapid innovation with ethical responsibility

✔️ What it takes to lead with compassion while scaling a business

✔️ The future of ethical entrepreneurship in reproductive health

Timeline

00:00 Introduction to Mary Fusilo and Family Solutions International

03:49 The Evolution of Family Solutions International

06:32 Personal Journey and Challenges in Fertility

09:42 The Changing Landscape of IVF and Patient Care

12:46 Ethics and Pricing in Fertility Services

15:50 Navigating the Emotional Journey of Family Building

18:47 The Importance of Education and Counseling

21:58 Red Flags in the Fertility Industry

25:22 Technology's Role in Fertility Treatment

28:29 The Intersection of Bioethics and Fertility

31:42 Future Directions in Fertility Services

45:18 Exploring Ethical Dilemmas in Fertility

51:21 Navigating the Complexities of IVF

56:40 The Role of Technology in Fertility Treatments

01:03:41 The Impact of AI and Genetic Testing

01:06:15 Insurance and Government's Role in Reproductive Health

01:11:10 The Emotional Journey of Building a Family

01:20:59 Introduction to Redefine Her Podcast

01:21:26 Call to Action for Engagement

Mentioned in the Episode:

Maven Clinic provides a comprehensive guide.

• https://www.mavenclinic.com/post/in-what-states-is-ivf-covered-by-insurance

• https://policysearch.ama-assn.org/policyfinder/detail/insurance%20coverage?uri=%2FAMADoc%2FHOD-185.926.xml

• https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexandralevine/2024/07/26/rise-of-the-ivf-influencers-fertility-creators-tiktok-instagram/

•  https://kabukisprings.com/

• In what states is IVF covered by insurance?: A comprehensive guide for HR leaders

• https://www.mavenclinic.com/post/in-what-states-is-ivf-covered-by-insurance

• policysearch.ama-assn.org

• Policy Finder | AMA

  
  

Connect with Mary Fusillo🌐 Website: https://familysolutionsinternational.com/

• 💻 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedonorsolution/

• 📱 Social: https://www.facebook.com/3SistersSurrogacy/

• 🎧 Podcast: @the_eggsplanation_pod

  
  

RedefineHER Podcast Credits
🎙 Host: ⁠Brenda Armstrong⁠

🎧 Producer: ⁠Tarryn Long

⁠💼 Sponsor: CH2 Solutions connects purpose-driven organizations with top-tier nearshore engineering talent—helping you build high-performing, diverse teams without compromising on quality, speed, or budget. Whether you're scaling a health tech platform or launching your next innovation, CH2 delivers expert support that aligns with your mission and moves your vision forward.

📜 Disclaimer ⚠️ This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. ©2025 RedefineHER Podcast. Please share with credit and direct link.