2024 Fellow Focus: Isis Ashford + Greens Health
Digital Health Technologist, World-Changer, Health Equity Champion …
2024 Fellow Isis Ashford , Founder of Greens Health shares more about her journey as a social impact entrepreneur.
What life experiences propelled you into the entrepreneurial space and made you decide to be your own boss?
My journey into entrepreneurship began during my engineering studies when I felt the disconnect between academic knowledge and its practical applications in the real world. Despite searching for internships to gain hands-on experience, I found limited opportunities that aligned with my aspirations. Rather than passively waiting for an opportunity, I decided to take action and apply my knowledge by co-founding a business with my study partner, who eventually became my life partner. Initially focused on sports technology, our venture aimed to improve baseball biomechanics through data analytics and wearable technology. However, the onset of the pandemic prompted a significant shift in our focus. When my father was diagnosed with diabetes in 2020, it shed light on the gaps and shortcomings in traditional healthcare approaches.Despite being informed about the potential reversibility of type 2 diabetes, the treatment plan provided was inadequate. This experience sparked a realization that there was a pressing need for innovative and personalized healthcare solutions. In response, we founded Greens Health with a mission to empower individuals facing health challenges, ensuring that healthcare interventions are not only effective but also tailored to their unique needs. Through Greens Health, we strive to bridge the gap between traditional healthcare models and the diverse realities of patients, advocating for a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system for all.
What do you enjoy most about being a founder?
What I enjoy most about being a founder is the ability to curate the team and environment I work in. I feel fortunate that the majority of my peers share a common goal of contributing to impactful projects that aim to make a difference in the world. Additionally, I find immense satisfaction in believing wholeheartedly in the mission we're pursuing. Despite its audacity, our goal of fostering greater equity within the healthcare sphere resonates with me deeply, driving my passion and dedication every day.
What do you wish someone had told you before you started your entrepreneurial journey?
I wish someone had emphasized the importance of balance before embarking on my entrepreneurial journey. While it's crucial to be laser-focused on achieving milestones, I've learned that true resilience comes from enjoying the journey itself. Amidst the inevitable setbacks and rejections, finding fulfillment in the process and identifying what rejuvenates and inspires you is just as vital as pursuing your goals with determination.
Tell us about an experience you had as an entrepreneur or in starting your company that exemplified one of Camelback's core values: "Belief in Mission + Vision"; "Unafraid of Failure"; "Constant Learner"; "Humble + Hungry"; and "Give First."
Humble & Hungry: Our initial pilot experience was a humbling lesson in the importance of staying true to our values and remaining open to learning. Despite our confidence in addressing the issue of automating carb counting, the reality of the pilot's outcome was far from what we expected. Witnessing the children's fascination with our application, yet their reluctance to fully engage with it, was a stark reminder that our initial assumptions were off the mark. In the face of apparent failure, it would have been easy to concede defeat and abandon our efforts. However, our commitment to being constant learners and embracing curiosity propelled us forward. Rather than retreating, we delved deeper into understanding the underlying issues and barriers that the children were facing. It was a humbling experience to acknowledge our initial thesis was flawed, but it also presented an opportunity for growth. By listening to the children's vulnerabilities and uncovering unaddressed challenges, we were able to pivot our approach and focus on solving more pressing issues. This experience reaffirmed our belief in our mission and vision, while teaching us the invaluable lesson that failure is not the end, but rather a catalyst for innovation and growth.
Let's talk about your legacy. What is your vision for the kind of world you hope to create through your venture?
My vision for the world through my venture is to lay down the foundation for accessible and ultimately free healthcare for every American. I am committed to creating a world where racial bias is eradicated from the healthcare system, leading to the elimination of health disparities and the injection of equality into the quality of care provided. In this world, people are the healthiest they have ever been, and they are able to pursue their dreams unburdened and uninterrupted by health concerns. By removing barriers to healthcare access and addressing systemic inequalities, we can create a society where everyone has the opportunity to live a fulfilling and healthy life.
What's your favorite book or podcast that you draw entrepreneurial inspiration from?
1. The Diary of the CEO podcast
2. Compound Effect
3. Lead from the Outside
We know balancing the demands of entrepreneurship and life can be challenging. What are some of your favorite ways to prioritize your self-care?
Going to art museum, sitting in a sauna meditating, swimming, reading, writing, and going for long walks.
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