In a recent interview at Centuro Global’s Global Expansion Conference 2023 (CenturoGEC2023), Parsa shared his thoughts on the importance of global expansion in serving everyone, everywhere. He emphasised that every company needs to think globally to succeed, regardless of its size or origin.
Ali believes that the success of any company depends on its ability to innovate, and innovation requires learning. To learn, organisations need to seek out new experiences, even if they are difficult. While short-term revenue generation is important, it should not be the only focus. Instead, companies need to make choices that allow for further growth.
When it comes to going global, Parsa advises young founders and entrepreneurs to "think big, build fast, be brilliant, and make it part of your dream to make it possible for other people's dreams to come true." He believes the key to success is not to waste time but to be focused and make decisions that benefit the organisation's long-term growth. Ali stressed the importance of a cohesive team and ensuring that you are building a team that plays well together when recruiting.
Parsa also addressed the role of technology, particularly AI, in healthcare. He acknowledged the potential downsides of misinformation and emphasised that how AI is used depends on how humanity chooses to use it. Like nuclear technology, AI has the potential to either improve our lives or cause great harm. Ultimately, Parsa believes it is up to us to use technology for good and maximise its benefits while minimising its risks.
According to Ali, choices that will yield the most success will consider “accessibility as well as opportunity”. Healthcare is a right that every person, no matter where they are located or their background, deserves to access. As such, Ali feels that technologies which meet need first, above opportunity, will see more longevity than others created from other intentions.
Looking towards what Babylon Health may look like in the future, Ali reminds us that the company is “still in its infancy” - and that we are just beginning to see the impact it will have on the global patient population:
“We have a billion dollars of revenue in an industry of $10 trillion strong. We have so many hopes and promises that we still have not delivered. It's our job to deliver our future. We've built the foundation for a fantastic organisation to grow in future, and our responsibility is to bring the promise of better healthcare home."
“By no stretch of the imagination is bringing that promise home an easy task. It is just as challenging as when the company had $1 in revenue. Our promise and mission to deliver better patient care will remain consistent regardless of our size or future. No matter where they are in the world.”
In conclusion, Ali Parsa's thoughts on global expansion and healthcare offer valuable insights into how organisations can succeed in today's fast-paced and rapidly changing world. By thinking big, learning from new experiences, and using technology for good, companies can expand their reach and positively impact the world.