2024 Fellow Focus: Jessica King + FlowIntell
FemTech innovator, women’s health advocate, passionate founder… 2024 Fellow Jessica King of FlowIntell 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?
Coming from a Hispanic background with limited access to healthcare, my childhood was marked by financial worries about medical bills we couldn't afford. My first OBGYN visit occurred in graduate school, fortunately without experiencing endometriosis-related pain. But while I was in grad school at Harvard, I had three friends, all in their 30s and 40s, facing fertility challenges, including miscarriages and unsuccessful IVFs. They were all eventually diagnosed with endometriosis.
None of them had a clue about their condition until they were met with infertility. We talked about how outrageous it was that their symptoms had been dismissed for years - not just by doctors, but also by their family, friends, and spouses. They’re not alone, of course. Endometriosis affects over 10% of women. I’m shocked by how many people I meet everyday that have been affected by delayed diagnosis themselves.
Why did I choose to take the leap into entrepreneurship and become my own boss? Because I believe with every fiber of my being that as a female founder in the FemTech realm, it's our duty to blaze trails for others and ignite positive change. Seizing autonomy grants me the freedom to lead a mission that’s more than just profit-making. It's about driving FemTech innovation forward and lifting up our fellow female founders. It's about dismantling barriers and ushering in a new era of empowerment and advancement in women's health and technology.
What do you enjoy most about being a founder?
What I enjoy most about being a founder is the incredible opportunity it provides to champion causes that truly matter - like the taboos and stigmas surrounding women's health. I've found a deep sense of purpose in breaking the silence around issues like menstruation, incontinence, menopause, and postnatal depression. Being a founder gives me a platform to make a meaningful difference, such as ensuring that the information we provide is both accessible and impactful.
Being a founder also grants me the autonomy to align my company's culture, values, and mission with our greater cause, which is advocating for women's health and empowerment.
What do you wish someone had told you before you started your entrepreneurial journey?
Before diving into my entrepreneurial journey, I wish someone had shed light on the stark realities faced by women in the industry. Only 2% of FemTech founders are women, which has made it difficult when it comes to accessing funding, attracting human capital, and assembling a diverse board. I’m happy that programs such as Camelback offer support for underrepresented members at the table.
I also was unprepared for how difficult it would actually be to discuss taboo topics related to women's health, such as menstrual bleeding. I learned so much about the lack of education, especially when it comes to investors and mentors being unfamiliar with the symptoms and challenges addressed by FlowIntell, like period pain. This lack of awareness can severely hinder investment opportunities within the industry. If I had known the extent of these challenges beforehand, I would have approached networking and fundraising efforts with a more informed and strategic mindset.
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] I usually don’t like talking about myself; I’m not great at promoting my wins. A lot of people chalk it up to me being an introvert (which I’m not! I love talking to people), but it’s intentional. I’m trying to become a better listener and empathizer.
This is where humility comes into play, recognizing that we need to meet women where they are, understand their needs, and empower them to take control of their health. As founders, it's our duty to listen to stories, empathize, and understand what our customers need and want, rather than what we THINK they need and want.
Even more humbling is the realization that we - as founders - are often wrong. This is where we need to stay hungry and value the importance of consulting experts and listening to mentors. I’m so thankful to the wide expert bench that Camelback has introduced me to. It's not just about personal victories, but about advancing women's health for the benefit of all, with humility and a relentless hunger for change.
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 a legacy is focused on challenging societal norms and making a meaningful impact on women's lives. The issues FlowIntell focuses on, such as menstruation, incontinence, menopause, and postnatal depression, have long been shrouded in secrecy. I'd love to see founders, customers, investors, advertisers, marketers, and mentors more comfortable talking about women's health.
Oh, and soooo many women are unaware of their own menstrual cycles and potential medical conditions, leading to delayed diagnoses and a lack of health literacy.
What's your favorite book or podcast that you draw entrepreneurial inspiration from?
I love "How I Built This" with Guy Raz. He has such a way of explaining concepts that is pragmatic without being didactic, and I hope that's how I explain things to others as well.
We know balancing the demands of entrepreneurship and life can be challenging. What are some of your favorite ways to prioritize your self-care?
A long walk, a good book with a cat on my lap, and a craft beer.
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