Data is one of the most important assets one can have today to improve and innovate in nearly every industry. Leading professionals who comprehend the significance of data have discovered technologies that have the potential to develop over time, and the healthcare sector is no exception. These leaders are working on technologies that will enable organizations to use data to drive accurate and effective healthcare. One of these leaders is Seqster’s CEO and Co-Founder, Ardy Arianpour, who wants to make patient-centric interoperability a reality and lead the nation with his company.
In our search for the “10 Most Innovative Healthcare Leaders to Watch in the World 2022,” Corporate Leaders Magazine interviewed Ardy Arianpour to learn more about his expertise and how he is making a significant impact in the healthcare industry.
The best parts of the interview are listed below.
Describe your journey as a business leader up until your current position at Seqster for our audience. What obstacles have you overcome to get to where you are now?
At the age of six in 1986, I began my journey as an immigrant to the United States. Fast forward to the early 2000s, when I began my career as a young executive and eventually rose to become CEO and founder of Seqster in 2016. I’m used to difficulties. Because I have a strong sense of purpose, I thrive in uncertainty, and the same can be said for my business; Seqster’s mission is to break down data silos and make a big difference in the lives of patients, which is the biggest challenge in healthcare. To accomplish this, we focused on developing a platform that would allow patients to collect, own, and share their data on their terms.
Ironically, my father, who was diagnosed with colon cancer, and my grandmother, who had Alzheimer’s, were the first patients we were able to assist. I was there when the Seqster platform had an effect not only on the patient but also on the entire family’s care journey. In a highly private and secure manner, Seqster facilitates seamless access to health data and makes it simple to share it.
The fact that the majority of businesses have a vision for the foreseeable future is truly remarkable. At Seqster, we set the standard for patient-centric interoperability and real-time data access, achieving both our mission and our vision early in 2018.
Please explain to us how your market knowledge has helped you establish yourself as an authority in the healthcare sector.
Early on, I was aware that high-quality, high-fidelity medical record data must be paired with DNA/genomic data for it to be meaningful. A person’s health profile has been stored in their health records as a static snapshot. For better health condition monitoring and quicker medical intervention, a dynamic, real-time view of health is essential.
In addition to automating the collection of longitudinal health records, Seqster has developed the first and only platform that integrates data from health records, fitness/wearable technology, and DNA.
At the right time and place, the stars have aligned. Healthcare consumerization, which aims to simplify the patient experience and enhance the patient journey, is receiving a lot of attention. From the most recent global patient access and interoperability guidelines to the intuitive display of information for the patient, their physician, and the care team to easily comprehend, the focus is increasingly on the patient. Empowering patients has always been the focus of my career. At some point or another, we are all patients.
What people, books, and aspects of your life have had an impact on you?
I was influenced by Steve Jobs from a young age because he was a visionary entrepreneur who built Apple into what it is today. When I met Bill Gates in 2018 after being asked to give a private presentation, he also inspired me by suggesting that we take the Seqster enterprise to scale. In terms of books, his monumental Business @ the Speed of Thought taught me how crucial it is to trust my instincts and act quickly. Additionally, I was made aware of the significance of multigenerational data for society by the Alzheimer’s disease of both my maternal and paternal grandmothers.
Patients have made special requests to use our platform. We realized how life-changing being on the Seqster platform is after granting access. By running a tumor board in six hours with his health data when my father was ill with colorectal cancer, I was able to get him a diagnosis immediately and in surgery in days rather than weeks. Our team is motivated to work hard every minute of every day by these personal stories as well as remarkable tales from patients who have utilized the Seqster platform.
Describe Seqster’s core values and work environment in detail.
At Seqster, we run a culture that is fast-paced, enthusiastic, and engaging because we prioritize the patient in everything we do. We are an agile ninja team accustomed to swift and efficient execution. There is no “Plan B” when it comes to the patient or how I run the business. We strive for excellence in everything we do. Because our mission is so important, I never have a “Plan B.” Instead, we always use “Plan A.” Do you think it’s important for businesses to align their offerings with newer technological developments?
Virtual care, specialty pharmacies, and virtual clinical trials—all of which require a longitudinal 360-degree view of the patient’s health—all fit well with Seqster. A static picture of a person’s health is not enough to tell the whole story. Seqster is one of a kind in digital health and healthcare because it provides a dynamic, real-time view.
What are your long-term aspirations for Seqster and where do you see yourself in the future?
In the long run, I can see our technology at Seqster having a significant impact on the lives of patients, much like how Amazon and Netflix have made it simple for customers to order goods or watch movies. I can’t express how excited I am about the future. We are only just getting started and are experiencing rapid growth.
How would you advise aspiring healthcare entrepreneurs just starting out?
One of the most challenging and rewarding careers you can have been entrepreneurship. When you add healthcare to the already difficult nature of entrepreneurship, it often seems impossible. You can only get through difficult times if you fully support the mission. If you want to enter the healthcare industry, my advice is to ensure that you are completely dedicated to your goal. If you don’t, you will fail, I promise. A must-have is the mission, which is the company’s soul.