Insider Insight: Theresa Neil, founder and CEO of Guidea

This week we meet digital health innovator Theresa Neil, founder of the women-owned product design company Guidea. Her recent programme, Femovate, is supporting 50 early stage femtech start-ups to accelerate product validation and commercialisation.

 

What is your morning routine?

I start each day at 5:30am with a cup of coffee and play word puzzles for a few minutes instead of scrolling the news and social media. This new habit has really improved my outlook on the day.

At 6 am, I typically meet with one of our European or Middle Eastern femtech start-ups. I take a break from work at 7am to get the kids ready for school, then back to the desk at 8am for our clients in the US.  I have to admit I am not a morning person, but I’ve gotten into the routine so it isn’t as bad now.

Which technology could you not live without?

Fathom, the AI notetaker that joins me for every meeting. The recordings and summaries are invaluable! Outside of work I am very low tech and frequently forget to even take my phone with me.

How do you relax?

By forgetting to take my phone with me. No, really, I live in a wonderful area, Santa Cruz, California, close to the beach and the redwood forests.

I like to hike or kayak when I have some free time. And I have a 10 month old corgi mix puppy who is great to take walks with.

Which quote resonates with you?

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”by Mary Oliver.

What is the best thing about your job?

I never planned to have my own company, it just organically grew up around me. 18 years later, Guidea has partnered with hundreds of companies to launch products now used by one billion people!

I find a deep source of pride being involved in so many interesting and innovative companies, especially now that we’re focused on health and wellbeing.

What keeps you motivated?

The start-up founders we work with and their wins. I just heard that our very first Femovate sponsored founder, Tina John of Veera, won two pitch competitions and was voted most investable company by both investors and the general audience!

Every time one of the companies we sponsor receives a grant, investment ,award, FDA clearance, or launches in the market, it shows me we’re making a difference in women’s health.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Wear more sunscreen.

What is something you wish you could experience again for the first time?

I grew up on a small farm and I was five years old the first year our sheep had lambs. I was absolutely amazed when the lambs were born; one of them imprinted on me and followed me everywhere. I would do that again in a heartbeat.

What is your greatest achievement since establishing Guidea?

We’ve won a lot of awards, as a company and as an individual designer, but I think launching and running Femovate with my team is my greatest and most meaningful achievement so far.

To find out more about Guidea, visit guidea.com. To learn more about Femovate, visit femovate.com.