Rethinking care: Gabriele Schwan on her vision with GuideCare
Sometimes all it takes is a close look at the needs of others to get a transformative idea rolling - and this is exactly what Gabriele Schwan has achieved with GuideCare. Her goal: to redesign care advice through digital and hybrid solutions. "We want to rethink advice: neutral, barrier-free and always accessible," explains Gabriele. In addition to a platform that provides people in need of care and their relatives with important information, GuideCare offers an online community for exchange and a digital campus that qualifies care professionals for the challenges of tomorrow.
Healthcare provider to startup founder
After many years in the healthcare industry, Gabriele kept coming up against the same problems: The needs of people in need of care and their relatives are often ignored by rigid healthcare policies. This realization was the impetus for GuideCare. “I wanted to create a solution that really responds to people and their challenges – flexibly and independently of old structures,” says Gabriele.
Hurdles and opportunities of an analog industry
However, the path to implementation was not an easy one. As Gabriele describes, the healthcare system is heavily influenced by analog processes, which often makes progress and innovation more difficult. At the same time, the flood of information overwhelms those affected, while care professionals are often not prepared for advice or prevention. “The market is often only understood by those who are affected themselves,” she says, which underlines the urgency of a targeted solution.
Success – what really matters
For GuideCare, success means creating real added value, living the company values and growing sustainably. Personally, Gabriele sees success as the ability to recognize and courageously seize opportunities – even in the face of resistance. “It’s about persevering and believing in your own idea until it becomes reality.”
Milestones that shape the path
Special moments, such as winning the ZukunftAlter pitch or participating in Push Hessen, have decisively advanced GuideCare. Being recognized as a Preferred Supplier was another milestone that shows that GuideCare’s vision not only resonates, but also delivers concrete results. “These successes show that we are on the right track.”
Advice and wishes for female founders
Gabriele advises other founders to understand the needs of their target group in detail and to develop solutions that offer real added value. A diverse team and flexibility are essential in order to react to setbacks and take advantage of opportunities. At the same time, she would like to see more support for female founders, for example through targeted funds, stronger networks and more role models who break through stereotypes. “There needs to be more visibility for women in the start-up world.”
The next step for GuideCare
The journey continues for GuideCare: the expansion of the matchmaking and community platform, the further development of the digital campus and sustainable growth are on the agenda. “We are continuing to scale and take GuideCare to the next level,” explains Gabriele. With GuideCare, Gabriele Schwan shows how courage, a spirit of innovation and a deep understanding of the target group can change an industry – step by step into a digital future.
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