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Hi there, welcome to episode number 47! I’m beyond thrilled to be joined by Geetha Manjunath, Founder and CEO of Niramai Health Analytix, which is developing a novel solution for detecting early stage breast cancer using machine learning. Geetha is a researcher-turned-entrepreneur and is a genius with a holistic perspective and mindset that balances both these hats adeptly!This conversation is about understanding the researcher mindset and how it translates to entrepreneurship, business and innovation. We go deeper as a researcher while building up as an entrepreneur. Geetha talks to us about her 25+ years journey and about how even as a researcher, she’s always been about making things work on the ground, realistically.Simultaneously, we understand the gravity and the prevalence of breast cancer itself. “Today, breast cancer is the largest cancer killer in women in 159 countries.” Geetha provides insightful contextual data about the current scenario in India and globally, and her work is trying to move the needle. Further, we understand the multitude of processes that are involved in running a scalable business that caters to solving real-world problems.Going beyond theory, we talk about comfort with ambiguity, tackling microtasks, trust and transparency. With main intent in place, she also shares her experience of dealing with the guilt of having other people sacrifice for your vision. “I am doing my best, I know, that’s what matters at the end of the day.” This one’s for all of us on a transformative journey, with a purpose. Tune in now!0:00 Introduction2:39 Introducing Geeta ManjunathFounder of Nerumai, Geeta Manjunath is an entrepreneur from research background and this podcast aims to unfurl the intriguing mindset of a researcher3:38 What does a researcher’s mindset look like?The mind is an amalgamation of a plethora of things and we dive into how the world looks like from a researcher’s perspective6:07 Going on a trekGeeta compares research through an analogy of mountaineering8:11 The first experienceBeen a part of the first supercomputer commercial from India, Geeta talks about the challenges she faced along with some exciting things she learned along the way11:25 The power of claritySome temporary destinations in our journey towards reaching our goals help us gain clarity14:35 The first pushGeeta talks about what gave her the motive to plunge into researching breast cancer18:37 Defining ambiguityAmbiguity can mean different things to different people but we all need to learn how to deal with it nonetheless to fulfil our goals21:56 Ambiguity in entrepreneurshipEvery arena of life needs a little bit of a research mindset to overcome ambiguity24:39 To assume or not to assume?Clarity helps you understand which assumptions you need to take forward and validate and those which you need to strike off completely26:10 The origins of NiramaiGeeta talks about how she began the journey of Niramai with the thought of just saving people29:24 Inevitable dilemma of salary & opportunitySometimes one follows the other, the other times one needs to be prioritised over the other32:10 The first pitchA vision has many milestones and the first one is always powerful in deciding its course34:07 Shifting lanes, switching gearsTransitions are always tough and uncertainties are something we need to learn to withstand, leaving behind previous identities38:06 Reaching a milestoneToiling through hardships certainly does pay off as Geeta recalls her first term sheet of a million dollars41:27 Dealing with issuesTechnology has advanced but it still carries disadvantages that cannot be avoided42:49 How does Niramai do it differently?Niramai’s methods take precautions into decreasing the risks while increasing the accuracy of measuring breast cancer44:21 The kinds of accuracyGeeta’s definition of accuracy through different research and studies47:19 Regulations behind the processWith each idea to make the world better, there are countless regulations that people must consider52:06 Getting into the complexitiesThere are several aspects one has to consider right from ethics to the different protocols of research55:22 The process of patentsWhile there’s a sense of satisfaction in owning patents, the process in itself is very complex59:29 Connecting child analogy to NiramaiGeeta explains how parents are important in the whole process1:01:35 Nitty-gritty of clinical analyticsIn clinical studies, AI is a boon but it also needs one to look at the scientific and medical aspects of different variables for decision making1:05:06 Every minute mattersWhether it’s waiting for results or studying the results, each minute matters especially when there’s room for error1:07:52 Complex algorithms of decision makingEach study has its complexities. The number of variables and their results contributes differently to the findings1:09:23 Through the medical lensViews clash and assumptions need to be dealt with delicately especially when scepticism is involved1:12:18 Significance of resultsData from research is meant to be reviewed and only then can you clear the air for sceptics and their assumptions1:18:50 Graduality of the processResearch is a process that needs to be approached in a gradual manner, starting from value propositions to what partners to choose for distribution1:22:07 What call for action can you take?Geeta talks about two call for actions that we can take to increase awareness about breast cancer through regular screenings and doing a surface examination every month as well as having the confidence to take the jump1:27:43 Urging HR in CSR space to take necessary steps1:29:06 One coin, two sidesWith partnerships, differences in opinion are bound to follow. Geeta talks about how one can navigate through partnerships and manage certain dilemmas1:33:54 Pressures of emotions & environmentsFrom emotions to the environment you’re surrounded in dealing with investors, differences are a tough aspect of partnerships1:37:58 Looking at the past selfGeeta talks about how she has changed in her journey from being a researcher to an entrepreneur1:40:31 What does attitude makeover mean to Geeta?For Geeta, it’s about space free from judgements, giving the best in what you do-- Connect with Me --Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/attitudemakeover/?hl=enTwitter: https://twitter.com/sowjanyashettyAudio version of the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/15qNxNpjPlBclAnWRNm4aV