Masters of Scale Rapid Response: How mission fuels risk-taking, with Illumina CEO Francis deSouza
Aug 19, 2021
Francis deSouza, CEO of Illumina and a pioneer in gene sequencing, discusses the alignment of mission and business strategy in the face of regulatory hurdles. He reflects on navigating the challenges posed by the FTC while trying to acquire a company with a breakthrough cancer screening test. DeSouza highlights the transformative potential of genomic technology and its implications for healthcare innovation. He also shares insights on balancing immediate business needs with long-term goals, emphasizing the importance of mission-driven leadership.
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Cancer Discovery
- Scientists noticed unusual maternal DNA in pregnant women's blood samples.
- These women were later diagnosed with cancer, leading to the development of a cancer-detecting blood test.
Healthcare vs. Tech
- Healthcare differs from tech due to higher stakes impacting human lives directly.
- This necessitates careful, thorough work involving studies, regulatory approvals, and reimbursement systems.
Grail Spinout and Reacquisition
- Illumina spun out Grail to develop a blood test detecting 50 cancer types.
- They aim to reacquire Grail to accelerate market reach and save lives.