Nick Soman, Decent
You started Nice after your young son was sick and you wasted a lot of time and money in the hospital. How do you measure your success as a CEO? What about as a dad?
Thompson Aderinkomi, Nice
Success, to me, is a multifaceted concept, both in my role as CEO of Nice Healthcare and as a father. As our company evolves, so do my metrics for success. Currently, my focus lies in ensuring our company's vision and strategy are not only clearly defined but also effectively communicated and embraced throughout the organization. I see success in this realm when I witness a shared understanding and alignment across all levels of our team. This cohesion is crucial for us to navigate the complexities of the digital healthcare landscape and deliver on our mission to provide accessible and affordable care to all.
In the earlier stages of Nice Healthcare, I was more hands-on as an individual contributor. However, as our team has grown, my role has shifted towards empowering and enabling my direct reports and our broader management team. Success here is evident when I see our executive leadership functioning cohesively, driving initiatives forward in line with our strategic objectives. Should challenges arise, my focus shifts to addressing any inefficiencies or tensions promptly, ensuring that everyone has the support and resources needed to excel in their roles.
Parenthood, on the other hand, presents a unique set of challenges and joys. My children, now 13 and 7, continually evolve, necessitating an ongoing adaptation on my part. Success, as a father, is measured by my ability to keep pace with their growth and changing needs. I frequently ask myself if I am evolving alongside them, striving always to be a better parent than I was yesterday. Central to this journey is the notion of presence—being not just physically but mentally engaged with my children. I gauge my success in this area by my ability to maintain focus during our interactions, ensuring that I am fully present and attentive to their needs and experiences.
In both my professional and personal roles, success is not a destination but a continuous journey of growth, adaptation, and presence.
Nick Soman, Decent
You talk about designing a better sick experience at Nice, and your Net Promoter Score is 93. What is your team doing right?
Thompson Aderinkomi, Nice
The success of Nice Healthcare is a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of our team. Central to our approach is a steadfast commitment to prioritizing the well-being and experience of both our clinical team and our patients. Every decision we make is filtered through this lens, ensuring that our services not only meet but exceed the expectations of all involved. By placing empathy and compassion at the forefront, we create an environment where both providers and patients feel valued and supported.
A key driver of our success is our reliance on data-driven insights. In the early stages of our journey, when data was scarce, we relied on intuition and educated guesses. However, as our company has matured, data has become our guiding light, informing every aspect of our operations. From optimizing patient pathways to refining clinical protocols, data empowers us to make informed decisions that yield tangible benefits for all stakeholders.
Furthermore, we recognize that the affordability of healthcare is a pressing concern for many families. At Nice Healthcare, we are committed to addressing this issue head-on. By continually seeking innovative solutions and negotiating favorable terms with our partners, we strive to lower out-of-pocket expenses for our patients while maintaining the highest standards of care. This relentless focus on affordability is not just a business strategy; it is a reflection of our unwavering dedication to our mission of making healthcare accessible to all.
In essence, the success of Nice Healthcare can be attributed to our unwavering commitment to empathy, data-driven decision-making, and affordability. By staying true to these principles, we continue to design a better sick experience for all.
Nick Soman, Decent
What are the best and worst things about your job?
Thompson Aderinkomi, Nice
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is witnessing the profound impact that our work has on the lives of patients. Every success story, every moment of healing and transformation, reaffirms the purpose and passion behind what we do at Nice Healthcare. Equally fulfilling is seeing the dedication and enthusiasm of our team members, who tirelessly strive to revolutionize healthcare and improve outcomes.
However, like any job, there are challenges that come with the territory. One of the most difficult aspects is bidding farewell to valued team members, whether due to personal reasons or shifts in our organizational needs. It's a poignant reminder of the inherent complexities of operating within a capitalist framework, where decisions are sometimes dictated by economic realities rather than solely by our desire to make a difference. This aspect of the job can be disheartening, as it underscores the inherent tension between our mission-driven aspirations and the practical constraints of the business world.
Nevertheless, I am committed to navigating these challenges with integrity and compassion. While we may be bound by the realities of capitalism, I believe there is still ample opportunity to infuse our work with empathy, humanity, and a genuine desire to serve others. By fostering a culture of inclusivity, support, and mutual respect, we hope to maximize the positive impact in our corner.
Nick Soman, Decent
You mostly employ Nurse Practitioners. What misconceptions about NPs would you like to clear up?
Thompson Aderinkomi, Nice
One of the most prevalent misconceptions about Nurse Practitioners (NPs) is the idea that they are somehow less capable or qualified than physicians. In reality, NPs play a vital role in modern healthcare delivery and are highly trained professionals who can provide a wide range of services at a level of quality comparable to that of physicians.
By dispelling misconceptions and fostering a culture of collaboration and respect among all healthcare professionals, we can leverage the full potential of NPs to enhance the quality, accessibility, and efficiency of healthcare delivery.
Nick Soman, Decent
Who else in healthcare inspires you, and why?
Thompson Aderinkomi, Nice
While I draw daily inspiration from the incredible dedication and compassion of patients, providers, scientists, researchers, and medical support staff, I must admit that I have yet to find a single entity in healthcare that has truly inspired me in terms of addressing the overarching issue of healthcare costs.
The pressing challenge of reducing healthcare expenses for individuals and families remains largely unmet on a large scale. My admiration is reserved for those who can pioneer innovative solutions that significantly decrease healthcare costs, thereby enhancing the financial well-being of households across the nation. It is my belief that whoever achieves this feat will not only earn my admiration but will also contribute substantially to the betterment of society.
