Author: CIO Times

David Wortley is a globally recognized thought leader in digital health and preventative medicine, specializing in the intersection of technology and healthcare innovation. As the Vice President of the International Society of Digital Medicine (ISDM) and the Non-Executive Director of World Lifestyle Medicine Education Services, he plays a pivotal role in advancing digital therapeutics and AI-driven healthcare solutions. He is also a sought-after keynote speaker at international conferences, where he shares insights on AI, digital twins, and enabling technologies in sustainable public health. His expertise in gamification and immersive technologies has positioned him as a leading advocate for personalized health management, helping individuals and organizations harness digital tools for improved well-being. 

An Impactful Career

David’s professional journey has been defined by a deep commitment to bridging innovation, education, and impact. With a background spanning healthcare leadership, business development, and digital innovation, he has worked across sectors to help organisations deliver meaningful change. Over time, his passion for preventative health and wellbeing led him to the field of lifestyle medicine—a domain that aligns medical practice with real human outcomes.

A defining element of David’s journey has been his own health transformation. Over the past 11 years, he has actively managed his health through the use of wearable technologies and gamified behavioural strategies. As a 75-year-old man who takes no medication and walks five miles every single day, he is living proof that lifestyle change—when sustained—is powerful and possible. This lived experience, combined with his strategic work, fuels his leadership role as Non-Executive Director of the World Lifestyle Medicine Education Services (WLMES), the commercial arm of the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine (BSLM).

Lifestyle Transformation

David’s personal journey with wearable tech and lifestyle optimisation started more than a decade ago, long before these tools became mainstream. He saw firsthand how tracking his activity, sleep, nutrition, and stress could drive real, lasting change. It wasn’t just the data—it was the engagement. Gamification kept him consistent. Wearables made him accountable. And over time, these digital nudges became life-changing habits.

That experience inspired David to think bigger—what if one could deliver that same transformation to thousands, even millions, through immersive education? 

“Lifestyle medicine provides the scientific foundation; immersive technologies provide the human connection, motivation, and scale. Together, they have the power to revolutionise public health and reshape how we deliver wellbeing in both clinical and corporate settings,” he says.

Commitment to Global Healthcare

World Lifestyle Medicine Education Services (WLMES) is the commercial and educational outreach arm of the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine (BSLM). Its mission is to expand access to world-class lifestyle medicine education by working with organisations that want to invest in the health of their people. WLMES offers corporate programmes, immersive learning pathways, and an accreditation framework that enables partners—from health startups to tech companies—to align with evidence-based lifestyle medicine principles.

For David, this work is deeply personal. He believes that true healthcare reform must begin with prevention, education, and empowerment. Whether that’s a multinational providing its workforce with their education as part of a CSR wellbeing initiative, or a health tech firm becoming an accredited lifestyle medicine partner, WLMES is here to help shape a future where healthier choices are easier, supported, and accessible to all.

Meaningful Collaborations

WLMES serves as a vital bridge between evidence-based lifestyle medicine and the organisations that have the power to implement it. It collaborates with healthcare providers, universities, medical schools, and training bodies to embed lifestyle medicine education into their curriculum, continuing professional development, and staff wellbeing strategies.

WLMES’ partnerships are both strategic and practical. It provides tailored programmes that equip health professionals with the tools to engage patients in lifestyle change, and it works with educational institutions to deliver immersive, accredited learning that blends theory with practice. It also supports organisations developing digital health solutions—helping them align with lifestyle medicine principles so they can become accredited WLMES partners.

“By offering scalable education platforms, micro-credentials, and support for organisational transformation, we enable our partners to deliver real, measurable change in health outcomes,” shares David.

Handling Challenges

One of the biggest challenges, shares David, is awareness—lifestyle medicine is still gaining traction outside academic and clinical circles. Many organisations understand the value of wellness but may not yet grasp the evidence-based, structured approach that lifestyle medicine offers. Part of David’s role is to educate and advocate—to translate the science into real-world opportunities for impact.

Another challenge is commercial alignment. As a non-executive director focused on business development, David needs to ensure that WLMES generates revenue without compromising its integrity. They overcome this by developing partnerships that are mission-aligned, and by offering tangible value—such as accreditation, education, and engagement tools that support workforce wellbeing and enhance partner credibility.

“Having lived the benefits of lifestyle medicine myself, I’m able to speak from both professional and personal experience, which helps build trust and relatability in conversations with partners and sponsors,” says David.

Barriers to Adopting Lifestyle Medicine in Mainstream Healthcare

David says integration is often hindered by structural inertia and a medical model prioritizing treatment over prevention. Most healthcare systems are designed to react to disease, not to empower patients before illness strikes. Time constraints, limited reimbursement models, and lack of training in behavioural change also make it difficult for clinicians to practise lifestyle medicine.

To address this, WLMES promotes education at every level—from early medical training to continuous professional development—so that clinicians see lifestyle medicine as essential, not optional. It also works with policymakers and healthcare leaders to highlight the cost-effectiveness of prevention and the clinical outcomes associated with lifestyle interventions.

Technology, too, is helping shift the tide. As it helps integrate wearables, digital health records, and remote monitoring into the healthcare experience, it becomes easier to track lifestyle data and make it part of clinical decision-making. 

Gaining Global Popularity

Lifestyle medicine is rapidly gaining global traction as the burden of chronic disease intensifies and the limitations of reactive healthcare become undeniable. Countries around the world are recognising the value of prevention-first strategies—not only for improving health outcomes, but also for reducing healthcare costs and enhancing productivity.

Globally, we’re seeing lifestyle medicine being integrated into public health policy, medical school curricula, and digital health innovation. There’s a growing appetite from both public institutions and private enterprise to move upstream and invest in what truly drives health—lifestyle behaviours.

WLMES also collaborates closely with the World Lifestyle Medicine Organisation (WLMO).  WLMO is a registered civil society in Geneva, made up of a 46-member General Assembly, each national society representing Lifestyle Medicine in their regions. Membership is drawn from North and South America, Europe, Australasia, Asia, and Africa, each implementing Lifestyle Medicine in their own unique way, whilst adhering to the evidence base of the 6 pillars of Lifestyle Medicine. Lifestyle Medicine is therefore now a global movement, with WLMO at the forefront of regional development and implementation. WLMES continues to work closely with WLMO members regarding the expansion of Lifestyle Medicine education and services.

Immersive technology is also playing a pivotal role in that evolution. Tools like virtual reality, AI-based health coaching, gamified wellness platforms, and biometric wearables are transforming how people learn, engage, and stay accountable. These technologies can bring the principles of lifestyle medicine to life—making education more experiential, personalised, and impactful.

“At WLMES, we’re exploring how to incorporate immersive and other technologies into our learning models so that behaviour change is not only taught, but experienced. Whether it’s a VR simulation of a patient conversation or an AI-guided self-reflection journey, these tools are not just adjuncts—they’re catalysts for transformation,” says David.

Staying at the Forefront 

WLMES’s approach to staying ahead in both research and educational methods is grounded in three pillars: evidence, innovation, and engagement.

First, it remains closely aligned with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine and the global network of academic partners leading research in this space. This ensures that all its educational offerings reflect the latest clinical guidelines, emerging science, and real-world outcomes.

Second, WLMES is committed to pedagogical innovation. Education should be engaging, not overwhelming. That’s why it is constantly evolving its delivery models—using microlearning, scenario-based simulations, community-based discussion forums, and, increasingly, immersive tech to bring content to life.

Third, WLMES listens. The organization consults with learners, healthcare providers, employers, and industry partners to understand their needs and refine its approach. In a world flooded with content, relevance is everything. 

“Our programmes are designed to be not only evidence-based but practically usable by time-poor professionals and organisations. By maintaining this dynamic balance of science, storytelling, and smart delivery, we ensure WLMES remains a leader in the field,” asserts David.

Strategy for Efficiency

David believes that accessibility and effectiveness go hand in hand. So WLMES is designed to meet learners where they are—geographically, digitally, and professionally.

One of its most innovative strategies is its Accredited Partner Programme, which enables organisations—whether they’re digital health platforms, wellness startups, or healthcare providers—to embed lifestyle medicine principles into their offerings and receive formal recognition for doing so. This creates a ripple effect, extending its impact far beyond traditional classroom settings.

WLMES also offers corporate packages that align with CSR and employee wellbeing strategies, enabling companies to support staff health while strengthening engagement and productivity.

Its modular, micro-credential courses allow learners to absorb content in bite-sized, flexible formats that fit around their lives. And WLMES is actively exploring AI-driven personalisation—delivering content that adapts to the learner’s behaviour, goals, and preferences.

In everything the organisation does, the goal is to remove friction, enhance relevance, and support the journey from knowledge to sustained behaviour change.

Measuring Impact for Positive Change

WLMES believes education should lead to transformation, not just certification. That’s why it works with partners to establish clear impact metrics tied to both learning outcomes and health behaviours.

At the individual level, it tracks improvements in knowledge, confidence, and behaviour change among health professionals and corporate learners. At the organisational level, it assesses programme engagement, retention, and satisfaction—alongside shifts in wellbeing indicators like absenteeism, productivity, or health claims.

WLMES also works with clinical partners to assess the downstream effects of lifestyle medicine education on patient outcomes—whether it’s improved metabolic markers, reduced medication use, or enhanced quality of life. The real-world data is compelling: lifestyle interventions, when applied consistently, work.

“As we integrate more technology and AI-driven insights, we’ll be able to further personalise content and capture real-time behavioural feedback—helping us demonstrate ROI for both health systems and employers,” feels David.

Words of Experience

David shares the following advice for organisations and leaders looking to implement lifestyle medicine principles in their workplace or services:

Start by treating health as a strategic asset, not a perk. Organisations that embed lifestyle medicine principles into their culture—from leadership to line managers—see a ripple effect: greater resilience, reduced burnout, improved retention, and a stronger brand reputation.

I would also say: don’t try to reinvent the wheel. Partner with experts. WLMES provides evidence-based education, accreditation, and implementation support. Whether you’re a corporate employer designing a wellbeing strategy or a health tech company wanting to align with clinical best practice, we’re here to help you scale safely and smartly.

And finally, lead by example. I’ve walked five miles every day for the last 11 years, and at 75, I take no medication. When well-being becomes part of your leadership identity, it inspires others to follow.

Trends Redefining the Industry

We’re entering the age of precision lifestyle medicine—where behavioural science meets digital innovation to deliver deeply personalised, data-driven, and emotionally resonant health education.

Future trends David foresees include:

• AI-enhanced coaching that adapts dynamically to user inputs.
• Immersive VR simulations for professional training and patient empowerment.
• Smart wearables integrated with learning platforms to turn health data into actionable insights.
• Digital twin models allow patients to visualise the long-term impact of lifestyle choices.

These technologies, he says, won’t replace human care—they’ll enhance it. They’ll help health professionals and individuals alike make better decisions, faster, and with more confidence.WLMES is at the forefront of this evolution—bringing scientific credibility, educational rigour, and behavioural insight to a rapidly changing landscape.

Gearing for Growth

For David and WLMES, this year is all about growth, partnerships, and visibility.

The organization is scaling its Accredited Partner Programme globally and deepening its relationships with forward-thinking organisations that want to lead in workplace wellbeing, digital health, or healthcare innovation. It is also launching new corporate learning products that make lifestyle medicine education both accessible and impactful at scale.

The next key event in that journey is the annual BSLM conference, which is being held in Brighton on September 18th – 20th (https://bslm.org.uk/events/bslm-2025-annual-medical-conference/). The BSLM annual conference is always very well attended, with hundreds of delegates and speakers from around the world. Last year’s conference in Newcastle upon Tyne was recognized as one of the best conferences in the world. As well as being very well attended, the range and quality of the speakers from around the globe are exceptional. 

The BSLM conference, shares David, also provides a great opportunity for organisations with lifestyle medicine products, services, or practices to showcase their work in the exhibition area, which is always very busy and a productive way to raise visibility and build new contact networks.  Whether for the BSLM annual flagship conference or strategically, WLMES is always looking for sponsors, collaborators, and partners who share its vision. If an organisation is ready to lead the next chapter of health innovation—WLMES is ready to work with them.

“Personally, I’ll continue to use my role—and his own health journey—to raise awareness around the power of lifestyle medicine, healthy ageing, and the need for commercial models that deliver both wellbeing and sustainability,” concludes David.

Quote for Feature

“At 75, I take no medication, walk five miles a day, and am living proof that lifestyle medicine works. Now, through WLMES, I’m helping organisations harness that same power—to transform lives, workplaces, and healthcare itself.”

Quote: “Lifestyle medicine is not just an alternative—it’s a vital evolution of care.” 

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Environmental solutions services are more vital today than ever due to the growing challenges of climate change, pollution, and resource depletion. These services help industries and communities adopt sustainable practices, reduce environmental harm, and comply with regulations aimed at protecting our planet.

Amin Ali, CEO of Environmental Horizons, plays a significant role in this field. His company has been a leading environmental services provider since 2007, offering solutions such as hazardous waste management, environmental consulting, and sustainability transformation. Environmental Horizons is licensed and approved by multiple regulatory bodies, ensuring compliance with national and international environmental standards. Through these efforts, Amin Ali contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

A Passionate Problem-Solver

Amin’s professional journey has always been rooted in a passion for solving real-world challenges. He began his career in International Steel Industries and International Fuel Companies, which offered a hands-on platform to create innovative, tangible solutions. Over time, his interest in environmental sustainability and the need to align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 led him to transition into the environmental services sector, where he took on the role of CEO at Environmental Horizons (EH).

Leadership for Amin is about vision, resilience, and empowering the right people to achieve shared goals. Over the years, he has shifted from a task-oriented approach to a strategy-led model, focusing more on cultivating innovation, building trusted teams, and fostering a purpose-driven culture. He believes in three key leadership principles: clarity in direction, adaptability to changing circumstances, and integrity in every decision. These values have allowed him and Environmental Horizons (EH) to build lasting relationships with clients, scale their operations, and drive measurable impact in environmental sustainability.

Services for Sustainability

Environmental Horizons (EH) was founded with a mission to offer world-class environmental solutions tailored to the region’s unique needs. It provides integrated services across:

CO2 Emission Reduction:

• EH is committed to reducing CO2 emissions through innovative strategies and advanced technologies. It assists clients in adopting carbon capture and advising on the utilization of international solutions through its partners, optimizing energy efficiency in industrial operations, and transitioning to cleaner energy sources.

Additionally, EH collaborates with stakeholders to implement sustainable practices in hazardous waste management and recycling, which contribute to minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. Its environmental studies include environmental impact assessments, carbon footprint assessments, and mitigation planning, empowering clients to meet stringent emission reduction targets and achieve sustainability goals.

Hazardous Waste Management:

• Environmental Horizons (EH) has expertise in collecting, transporting, recycling, and safely disposing of hazardous materials, ensuring that industries can meet environmental compliance requirements while protecting ecosystems.

Environmental Studies:

• The company conducts comprehensive environmental assessments, including impact analysis, to guide sustainable project development. This helps its clients understand and mitigate potential environmental risks.

Oil Spill Response:

• Operating in the Red Sea region, EH offers rapid response services for oil spills. This service minimizes damage to marine ecosystems and ensures swift recovery after emergencies.

Accredited Training Center:

• Environmental Horizons’ training center is a key component of its sustainability mission. EH provides certification programs and workshops for professionals and organizations, focusing on environmental management, compliance, and best practices. By educating and empowering stakeholders, it contributes to a more environmentally conscious workforce capable of addressing future challenges.

The inspiration behind EH stemmed from the growing demand in Saudi Arabia and the region for sustainable environmental practices that align with national goals such as Vision 2030. There was a clear gap in the market for a company that could combine technical expertise with an understanding of local regulations and a commitment to innovation. “Our goal has always been to be more than a service provider—we strive to be a partner in shaping a more sustainable future,” says Amin.

Scaling Challenges

One of the biggest challenges Amin and his team faced in scaling EH was the market perception, particularly in the early days, around the value of environmental services. Many companies saw compliance as a cost rather than an investment. EH overcame this through relentless client education, offering measurable results, and positioning itself not just as a service provider but as a strategic partner delivering long-term value.

Another major challenge, shares Amin, was navigating the complex regulatory landscape, especially in a region undergoing significant policy shifts. EH addressed this by building strong relationships with regulatory bodies, hiring top talent with local expertise, and establishing a dedicated compliance department within the company.

Lastly, access to technology and reliable partners was initially limited. To overcome this, EH built strong international collaborations and invested in developing in-house capabilities to localize innovative solutions that serve the Kingdom’s environmental and industrial sectors.

Comprehensive Services

Environmental Horizons (EH) Environmental Services is distinguished by its client-centric approach, integrated and adaptive service model, and unwavering commitment to sustainability. 

Environmental Horizons (EH) is the major environmental consultant for top-tier government agencies like the Saudi Electricity Company and the National Water Company, as well as many leading private clients in cement, petrochemicals, steel, and downstream industries. Its large-scale waste recycling and treatment contract with the Saudi Customs Authority further showcases the trust placed in its capabilities.

Additionally, EH’s in-house training center, strategic international partnerships, and investment in technology allow it to deliver solutions that are compliant, scalable, and future-ready.

Other factors that set EH apart include:

– Extensive Regulatory Approvals: The company is licensed by multiple environmental authorities, including the National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC) and the National Center for Waste Management (MWAN), ensuring its services meet strict environmental standards. EH is also ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 certified. 

– Diverse Service Portfolio: It provides a wide range of environmental services, including environmental studies (marine and terrestrial), GIS and remote sensing, hazardous waste treatment, industrial wastewater management, air pollution control, asbestos management, and many others. 

– Advanced Hazardous Waste Treatment Facilities: EH’s facility in Rabigh is equipped to handle large-scale hazardous waste disposal, including recycling and circular economy solutions. 

– Sustainability-Focused Solutions: EH integrates eco-friendly practices into its operations, such as using oil regeneration filters for its fleets and equipment to reduce emissions and enhance equipment performance. 

– Local & Global Expertise: EH combines deep knowledge of regional environmental challenges with international best practices, making it a trusted partner for businesses seeking sustainable solutions.

Impactful Projects 

Environmental Horizons (EH) has delivered a wide array of impactful projects that directly support national sustainability goals. These include:

• Managing hazardous waste streams for the power and water sectors, ensuring zero non-compliance incidents.
• Establishing mobile environmental labs for real-time monitoring across remote regions.
• Supporting large industrial clients in achieving zero-waste-to-landfill goals through custom waste minimization strategies.
• Partnering with government entities for nationwide initiatives in environmental protection, waste diversion, recycling, and circular economy frameworks.
• Implementing full environmental audits and sustainability assessments for new industrial projects, helping clients secure permits, and aligning with Vision 2030 and ESG goals.

“Each project we undertake is designed to deliver both environmental and economic value,” assures Amin.

Pioneering Innovation in Environmental Management

At EH Environmental Services, innovation is at the core of the environmental management approach. EH collaborates with global partners to introduce cutting-edge technologies into Saudi Arabia, including waste-to-resource systems, advanced emissions monitoring tools, and digital platforms for environmental reporting and compliance tracking. 

Its use of GIS and remote sensing technologies enables precise site assessments and land-use mapping, ensuring data-driven decision-making. Additionally, EH is an early adopter of digital workflow management software, enhancing transparency, accuracy, and client communication. 

To further drive sustainability, EH has piloted smart recycling solutions for large facilities, empowering clients to quantify, trace, and minimize their environmental footprint. By integrating these innovations, EH Environmental Services is shaping a more sustainable future through technology-driven environmental solutions.

Innovation and Adaptation and The Future of Environmental Services 

 The environmental services industry in the Middle East is poised for a significant transformation over the next five years. With governments across the region committing to net-zero targets, Amin acknowledges that the demand for professional waste management, carbon capture, circular economy models, and ESG compliance services is expected to rise sharply.

A greater emphasis, he observes, will be placed on digital integration, enabling lifecycle impact tracking and sector-specific sustainability solutions. Regulatory enforcement will become more stringent, compelling industries to adopt higher environmental standards and measurable performance metrics. Additionally, public-private partnerships will play a crucial role in developing infrastructure for waste, water, and energy management.

“The future of the sector will favor those who can adapt swiftly, innovate locally, and deliver measurable, sustainable outcomes, ensuring long-term environmental resilience in the region,” ays Amin.

Navigating Regulatory Challenges in Environmental Services

The environmental services sector faces rapidly evolving regulations, requiring businesses to stay ahead of compliance while maintaining operational efficiency. At EH Environmental Services, we tackle these challenges through a dedicated regulatory department, fostering close communication with authorities, and investing in continuous staff training to ensure adherence to the latest environmental laws.

Additionally, we provide regulatory advisory services to help clients navigate complex compliance frameworks, including Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) approvals, hazardous waste handling, and environmental permits. By prioritizing proactivity, transparency, and knowledge-sharing, EH Environmental Services ensures smooth navigation through regulatory complexities, enabling businesses to meet environmental standards while driving sustainable growth.

Ensuring Compliance

Compliance is foundational to Environmental Horizons’ (EH) service delivery model. EH is certified to ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), ISO 45001 (Health & Safety), and ISO 9001 (Quality Management). Its internal quality assurance system includes regular audits, staff training, and performance evaluations.

EH benchmarks its operations against global standards while adapting them to local conditions and regulatory requirements. Its field teams and consultants are trained to apply best practices from the EU, US EPA, and other leading frameworks. By integrating international standards into its local service offering, EH ensures compliance, credibility, and impact.

Innovative Solutions

EH Environmental Services is actively preparing to launch a suite of new services and expansion initiatives that align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s environmental goals. These include the introduction of advanced circular economy technologies aimed at maximizing resource recovery and waste valorization, as well as innovative recycling solutions for industrial sectors.

The company is also developing technologies focused on reducing oil consumption and CO₂ emissions, supporting the national decarbonization agenda. Additionally, EH plans to expand its services in ESG reporting, sustainability consulting, and green project implementation to help clients meet both regulatory and international sustainability standards.

Forestation and nature-based solutions are also part of EH’s roadmap, contributing to carbon sequestration and enhancing biodiversity. These initiatives are not only designed to meet the evolving needs of its clients but also to support the Kingdom’s broader goals of environmental stewardship, economic diversification, and global environmental leadership.

Message for Young Entrepreneurs

To the young entrepreneurs looking to enter the environmental services industry, Amin’s advice is: 

“Start with a deep understanding of both the environmental challenges and the regulatory context. Focus on building trust and long-term partnerships rather than just offering transactional services. Environmental impact is long-term and multi-dimensional—your approach should be too.

Invest in a skilled team, never compromise on compliance, and always keep learning. The sector rewards those who innovate and those who stay grounded in ethics and accountability. Finally, be prepared for resistance—especially in markets where environmental awareness is still developing—but stay committed to your purpose.”

Strategic Goals Ahead

The future of EH Environmental Services is deeply aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainability, circular economy, and environmental leadership. Over the next five years, EH’s goal is to significantly expand its service portfolio across the environmental sector—covering advanced waste management, environmental remediation, air and water quality monitoring, sustainability advisory, and industrial decarbonization.

The company plans to establish strategic partnerships with leading international companies to bring cutting-edge environmental technologies and solutions to Saudi Arabia, localizing global expertise to meet national priorities. These collaborations will help elevate standards in the industry, build local capabilities, and support national efforts in climate action, waste diversion, and resource efficiency.

Its focus will also be on supporting both government and private sectors in achieving their ESG goals, enhancing compliance with international environmental standards, and driving measurable impact. 

“Ultimately, EH aims to be a key enabler of the Crown Prince’s vision for a greener, more sustainable Saudi Arabia—positioning the Kingdom as a regional and global leader in environmental innovation,” concludes Amin.

Quote: “Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.” — Simon Sinek.

Quote: “We are not just contractors—we’re consultants, innovators, and long-term partners to our clients.”

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