On the Shoulders of Giants

There are moments that ask us to pause - to look back with gratitude, forward with purpose, and inward with heart. This is one of those moments.

The Values That Guide Us

Howard made the difficult decision to step down as CEO to focus on his health. While he’s stepping away from day-to-day leadership, his spirit, values, and vision remain at the heart of everything we do.

Howard taught us to stay optimistic, even when the work is hard, and to never be afraid to challenge the status quo. He led by example, navigating difficult moments with care. At Tidepool, health and well-being always come first - not just for the community we serve, but for our team. Whether it was guiding us through meditation sessions at an onsite, a breathing exercise at an All-Hands, or encouraging a balanced work schedule that makes space for life - Howard helped create a culture where we celebrate the wins, and where it’s okay to sit with the hard stuff, too.

Leading with Passion and Purpose

Howard always says that Tidepool stands on the shoulders of giants, consistently and enthusiastically crediting the DIY community, the #WeAreNotWaiting movement, the parents, clinicians, engineers, and people with diabetes who refused to settle.

But here’s the thing: Howard is one of those giants, too.

Because of him, there is a nonprofit in digital health putting people with diabetes at the center. Because of him, radical transparency became not just a value, but part of our culture. Because of him, so many of us now know that bold, community-driven innovation can not only exist - but thrive and make a meaningful impact on regulations and the standards of care.

Tidepool was founded out of unmet needs, heart, and lived experience. This has always been personal because most of us either live with diabetes or have a personal connection to diabetes. We built Tidepool because we saw what was missing, and we recognized how the needs of people living with diabetes were often overlooked. And we knew there was another way.

Howard didn’t just start a company. He helped spark a movement - with purpose, clarity, and possibility. He also gave me the opportunity of a lifetime to help build something that matters.

Looking Ahead

Over the last few months, I’ve taken extra time to listen closely to our teams, our partners, and this community, and the message is clear: we have something powerful and special here. Tidepool’s next chapter is already in motion. We’re continuing to build tools that empower people living with diabetes and the clinicians who support them—tools that are accessible, actionable, meaningful, and grounded in lived experience.

I’ve been here since the beginning, and I’m more confident than ever in where we’re headed. I am honored to carry this work forward—and grateful to be doing it alongside a team, a Board, and a community that shares this vision..

The Campaign

Last month, we launched On the Shoulders of Giants, a fundraising campaign to honor what Tidepool has built so far and power what’s next.

This campaign is not just about Howard. It’s about all of us. We’re lifting up the giants who came before, and inviting the next generation to join us.

Forward together,
Brandon Arbiter
Co-Founder, Acting CEO