Anne Wojcicki, co-founder of 23andMe, discusses her groundbreaking work in personal genomics. She emphasizes the importance of embracing regulatory frameworks rather than evading them, viewing them as partnerships rather than obstacles. Wojcicki reflects on her early passion for ice skating and how it resonates with her drive in the healthcare space. The conversation also touches on the ethical implications of genetic testing and the transformative power of direct access to one’s DNA in fostering community connections and addressing healthcare challenges.
When Anne Wojcicki co-founded 23andMe, she carved out a brand-new space in personal health -- helping people become experts on their bodies right down to the DNA level. Then the federal regulators came calling. But instead of trying to outwit the FDA in the name of moving fast, Wojcicki made the call to work with regulators directly and collaboratively. Hear how she embraced "red tape" as a tool to scale — not swiftly, but sustainably.