Masters of Scale 23andMe's Anne Wojcicki: Embrace the gatekeepers
Aug 1, 2019
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.
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Childhood Perseverance
- Anne Wojcicki's passion for ice skating as a child was discouraged by her parents, who found it expensive.
- Determined, she earned skates by winning annual skate-a-thons and babysitting for lessons, even sneaking into the rink.
Healthcare Disillusionment
- Anne Wojcicki's disillusionment with the healthcare system stemmed from her experience investing in it.
- She found the system's exploitation of sick people morally irreconcilable, inspiring her to empower patients.
Initial Market Failure
- 23andMe's initial launch was met with low consumer interest due to a lack of market research.
- Many scientists, while recognizing the potential of genetic testing, lacked business acumen to understand consumer needs.