Harmonizing innovation: Building the Co-Pilot Care Manager AI Product Team

By Avva Thach

Posted on January 11, 2024

Introduction:

Imagine a space where you're seen for who you are beyond labels. This is a story about such a place, a journey of innovation, growth, and belonging in the realm of AI.

The Triggering Message:

Our adventure began unexpectedly with a WhatsApp notification from Kurt Lozier, the CEO of Somml Health, following our project's VC pitch. He shared the exciting news that Flagship Pioneering had ranked us #1, a delightful surprise marking the culmination of our dedicated and unified efforts.

Building Our AI Team's DNA:

Despite time zone challenges, we created a unique spirit within our team, comprising Sudhir Goel, a dedicated product manager at Walmart and myself, the Product coach ( smile) . Our online sessions transcended typical meetings, evolving into energetic and innovative brainstorming sessions.

Integrating Strategic AI Expertise:

Working with an experienced AI architect, we grounded our innovative ideas into practical and feasible solutions, ensuring our AI approach was effective for real-world applications.

Purpose-Driven AI Development:

We constantly revisited our core mission, asking ourselves:

• What is our purpose here?
• Who are we making life easier for?
• What challenges are we solving?
• How significant is this challenge?
• What is the market value?

This reflection guided our focus on creating AI solutions to enhance patient care and healthcare operations.

Embracing Differences for Innovation:

I often found myself vocal in our meetings, asking bold questions and voicing opinions significantly when they differed from others. This approach fostered true innovation and built trust, paving the way for open, constructive dialogue.

Leadership and Team Dynamics:

Our discussions always circled back to our daily goals, driven by powerful questions and a commitment to bring ourselves to work. Understanding each team member's unique qualities was vital, as team building has no one-size-fits-all approach.

Technical Consultation and Collaboration:

Deep dives into AI's technical aspects and consultations with experts were crucial. These interactions were like a symphony, with each expert's input blending seamlessly into our collective effort.

Final thoughts

Our AI journey involved more than just creating a product; it also involved developing a team's DNA through strategic planning and purposeful innovation. It reminded me of the saying, "It takes a village to raise a child." In our case, it took a village to build a team where each member thrives.

Acknowledgements:

Special thanks to Marily Nika, PhD., for fostering a learning and collaborative culture in her AI product boot camps and to Mihai Ciobanu for being such an outstanding servant leader and facilitator behind the scenes. Gratitude also goes to Rahi Punjabi, Flagship Pioneering, for your valuable insights and advice and to my rockstar teammates Kurt and Sudhir for their collaboration. 

Reflections:

Investing time in learning, especially in AI and advanced technology, is challenging but rewarding. Like a gardener tending to plants, we nurtured our team, growing stronger daily. This story is a tapestry of innovation, communication, teamwork, and the transformative power of AI in healthcare - a testament to the impact of committed individuals united under a shared vision.