Team

We are a small team of amateur athletes, and world leading coaches, sports scientists, and medical doctors, who have had the problems we seek to solve, know there is a better way, and truly pumped to be providing the solution, which gets better every month. We know how good it feels when you're flying, how rubbish when you're ill, and the cost to society of not looking after ourselves.

  • Dan Wakerley, Founder of Vita by Pillar

    Dan Wakerley

    FOUNDER

    Dan works on the Vita product, strategy and leading Pillar. Throughout his career, he has seen the importance of health and safety in an industrial context - from delivering strategic growth reviews to industrial machinery and mining companies to a role as Strategy Manager at DX Group where he oversaw the implementation of its 5-year plan, working closely with operations managers to ensure execution on the ground. He is passionate about protecting the quality of lives on the ground.

  • Nowshad Amin, CTO of Vita by Pillar

    Nowshad Amin

    CTO

    Nowshad is the technological cornerstone of Vita Product, where he transforms visionary ideas into scalable and impactful products. He brings over a decade of hands-on experience from the Healthcare Software, Fitness Software, and Telecommunications sectors. Beyond his technical prowess, Nowshad is deeply committed to wellness, always eager to steer individuals towards healthier lifestyles. His passion extends to ensuring a high quality of life for all, reflecting the profound impact of his work both in the digital realm and in everyday lives.

  • Jamie Caldwell PHD

    Jamie Caldwell PHD

    PRODUCT MANAGER

    Jamie drives the algorithms that sit behind Vita. He has worked as aerospace engineer for European Space Agency, and has a PhD in computer science specialising in aglorithms that utilise machine learning to solve optimisation problems. He has also lead development of algorithms, modelling and simulation for logistics and resupply networks. A ex-professional athlete, he is passionate about getting people to their best.

  • Ifan Roberts MSc, Product Manager at Vita by Pillar

    Ifan Roberts MSc

    PRODUCT MANAGER

    Ifan Roberts is an avid exercise physiologist and performance coach, with a strong background in providing performance support to elite athletes and military personnel. Holding an MSc in Exercise Physiology from Loughborough University, Ifan has published manuscripts in the research area of sleep physiology. His unique skill set harmoniously blends both practical and technical expertise, allowing him to translate the latest methodologies into tangible features within our app, ensuring cutting-edge solutions for our users.

Advisors

All members of our Pillar Advisory Panel are exceptional leaders in their respective fields and work at the forefront of high performance science and strategy. Their combined expertise acts as your pro support team and their insight drives the continuous innovation of our product.

  • Prof. Shona Halson

    Prof. Shona Halson

    As a distinguished Professor of Exercise Science, Prof. Shona Halson is a renowned expert in the domains of fatigue, recovery, and sleep. Her research focuses on recovery, fatigue and sleep and she has published over 160 peer-reviewed articles and multiple book chapters. Having served as the Head Recovery Physiologist at the Australian Institute of Sport from 2002 to 2018, Shona brings extensive experience, including participation in three Olympic campaigns with the Australian Olympic Committee. Shona is working behind the scenes with Vita to optimise our algorithms by integrating the latest scientific advancements and practical applications, making invaluable contributions to our mission.

  • Paul Stonebanks

    Paul Stonebanks

    Paul founded and grew 3T training, before a partial exit to Bluewater PE. 3T provides training and competency assessments to Oil & Gas workers. When Paul left, 3T had circa 80% market share within the training market for Oil & Gas companies operating in the UK. Paul knows how important human factors are in the causation of accidents, and he knows how important fatigue is. Paul is excited to help Pillar engage with Oil & Gas companies in the UK, and in so doing help these companies reduce accidents that are caused by fatigue.

  • Dr. Nicky Keay

    Dr. Nicky Keay

    Nicky is a highly decorated endocrinologist, an honorary lecturer in medicine at University College London and research fellow in the department of Sport and Exercise Sciences at Durham University. She has worked with Forth Health, ENSpire clinic and the Royal Ballet, amongst others, and is working with Vita to inform the science behind exercise and the endocrine systems (assessing human health through hormone balance).

  • Dr. Len Shapiro

    Dr. Len Shapiro

    Len is a leading cardiologist, operating at Papworth Hospital, Cambridge. He is an ex Cardiologist for the Football Association, and is working with us to inform the algorithms behind Vita.