S02|11: Innovating Access: Transforming Healthcare for Underserved Communities with Amaan Banwait of PurposeMed

01/28/25 • 36 min

In this episode of The Founder Mindset, Amaan Banwait, Co-Founder and Chief Commercialization Officer at PurposeMed, takes us through his journey from a management consultant to a healthcare-focused leader with the Clinton Foundation to Co-Founder of PurposeMed. He explains how each of PurposeMed’s brands serve different underserved communities, including Freddie—which supports HIV prevention, Frida—which focuses on ADHD and mental health diagnosis and treatment, and Foria—which offers expert gender-affirming care.

Amaan shares the complex challenges PurposeMed faces in overcoming barriers, such as social stigma towards their target audience and high specialist wait times. He also discusses how PurposeMed’s tech-driven approach enables patients to receive comprehensive care from diagnosis to treatment, no matter where they live in North America.

Amaan also gives insight into PurposeMed’s shift from a revenue-focused business model to a bottom-line-oriented business model—an essential transition for building a sustainable organization in healthcare without compromising results. As Amaan opens up about his personal growth and leadership journey, he reveals his commitment to continue making a global impact in healthcare, with future aspirations that include applying PurposeMed’s learnings to emerging markets. This conversation offers an inspiring look into the complexities of healthcare innovation and the personal drive needed to make a lasting impact in the lives of others.

About Amaan Banwait

Amaan is a Co-Founder and Chief Commercialization Officer of PurposeMed. PurposeMed delivers complex healthcare to underserved communities through various brands such as Freddie, which is Canada's largest HIV prevention service and Frida, which provides mental healthcare online. Amaan was previously the Co-Founder of Ilara Health, a VC-backed provider of affordable diagnostics for African clinics. He was also previously a manager at the Clinton Foundation, helping the Government of Uganda scale up its HIV/AIDS programs, and a consultant at Bain & Company. He holds an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a BComm from UBC.

Resources discussed in this episode:

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Contact Thin Air Labs:

Contact Amaan Banwait | PurposeMed:

Transcript:

Amaan 00:02

Going back for me, growing up, I always knew I wanted to do something good for the world. I wanted to make a difference. I didn't know what that was, that you know, the flavour of that changed many times over, but ultimately, sort of kicked off with my time at the Clinton Foundation. And, you know, I've kind of weaved impact into my work and my story in different ways since then.

Leah 00:20

Hi, thanks for being here. And welcome to Season Two of The Founder Mindset, brought to you by ATB. I'm Leah Sarich, your host, and I'm super excited to talk to more Founders about the human experience of being an entrepreneur. In this podcast, we're digging into what it really feels like to build a company from nothing. I was a broadcaster for over 20 years. So I've interviewed thousands of people, but entrepreneurs, not that many. And yet they have the best stories. They're solving big problems. And they're creating incredible impact. But it is hard work. So why would they do this? Let's find out. Joining me today is Amaan Banwait, Co-Founder and Chief Commercialization Officer of PurposeMed, a company improving access to complex health care for underserved communities. Amaan, thank you so much for being here.

Amaan 01:19

Thank you so much for having me.

Leah 01:20

I just love the work that you are doing, to be very clear. I've done a little bit of research on you, and I'm deeply impressed. You're the Co-Founder of another company as well, with PurposeMed, but al...

About Amaan Banwait

Resources discussed in this episode:

—

Contact Thin Air Labs:

Contact Amaan Banwait | PurposeMed:

Transcript:

Amaan 00:02

Leah 00:20

Amaan 01:19

Thank you so much for having me.

Leah 01:20

Previous Episode

S02|10: From Wrestling Rings to Financial Waves: Jeff Adamson on Building Canada’s Digital Banking Future with Neo Financial

In this episode of The Founder Mindset, Jeff Adamson discusses his passion for putting Canada’s prairies on the map by building Neo Financial. From humble beginnings in Saskatoon to scaling SkipTheDishes, Jeff dives into his motivation to establish Neo as a transformative digital bank by building an ambitious team of mission-driven talent. He offers advice on navigating entrepreneurial challenges, from managing runaway demand to harnessing his sports background for success in business.

Jeff's story is a testament to the power of community, innovation, and hard work. Jeff also reflects on the importance of trust, the evolution of digital banking, and how Neo is creating a future where Canadians can access a streamlined, customer-centred financial experience. For Jeff, Neo is more than a tech company—it’s a mission to keep Canada’s brightest talent in the prairies and create lasting impact across industries.

*Neo Financial was recently ranked #1 on The Globe and Mail's Top Growing Companies List

**Neo Financial topped Deloitte's 2024 Fast 50 List which recognizes Canada's fastest growing tech companies

About Jeff Adamson

Jeff Adamson is Chief Commercial Officer and Co-Founder of Neo Financial, a new and better way to save and spend.

Founded in 2019, Neo Financial offers a range of innovative financial solutions, including high-interest savings accounts, deposit accounts, a suite of Mastercard offerings, including a no-annual-fee cash back Mastercard, and competitive mortgage options. Neo is trusted by over 1M Canadians and was recently ranked No. 1 on the 2024 Report on Business magazine’s annual ranking of Canada’s Top Growing Companies.

Jeff’s background is steeped in high performance. Previous to Neo Financial, Jeff represented Canada globally on the Canadian national wrestling team for over a decade and co-founded SkipTheDishes—Canada’s leading food ordering and delivery platform, which grew to over 3000 employees and 6 million customers.

Resources

Neo Mortgages
https://www.neofinancial.com/mortgages
Neo Financial Partners with CI Financial to Launch Suite of Cutting-Edge Financial Solutions
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241009155090/en/Neo-Financial-Partners-with-CI-Financial-to-Launch-Suite-of-Cutting-Edge-Financial-Solutions

Contact Thin Air Labs:

Contact Jeff Adamson | Neo Financial:

Transcript:

Jeff 00:01

Well, you spend your whole life developing these attributes to not leverage them for the rest of your life just seemed like such a waste. Fortunately for me, business happened to be a really good one for me to transfer these skills to–

Leah 00:14

Yeah, and harness all of that that you've learned.

Jeff 00:17

At least attempt to.

Leah 00:18

Yes. Yes, at least attempt it.

Leah 00:19

Hi, thanks for being here and welcome to Season Two of The Founder Mindset, brought to you by ATB. I'm Leah Sarich, your host, and I'm super excited to talk to more founders about the human experience of being an entrepreneur. In this podcast, we're digging into what it really feels like to build a company from nothing. I was a broadcaster for over 20 years. So I've interviewed thousands of people, but entrepreneurs, not that many. And yet, they have the best stories. They're solving big problems. And they're creating incredible impact. But it is hard work. So why would they do this? Let's find out.

Leah 01:06

Joining me in the studio today is Jeff Adamson, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Neo Financial, a financial technology company offering Canadians a new way to take control of the financial future with user-friendly ...

Next Episode

S02|12: Ecosystem Live with Terry Rock, Shelley Kuipers, Amreesh Khanna, and Martin Toner

In this season two finale, recorded for a live audience, host Leah Sarich dives into the critical role of ecosystem support in driving the success of tech startups, featuring insights from a panel of dynamic leaders. Terry Rock, CEO of Platform Calgary, starts the discussion by highlighting their efforts in connecting innovators with capital and resources, supporting over 600 tech companies through specialized programs.

Shelley Kuipers, Managing Partner of The51, shares her vision of activating $2.5 billion in capital for women-led businesses by 2030, emphasizing the transformative impact of community and advisory support. Martin Toner from ATB Capital Markets highlights the bank’s commitment to Founders through lending, venture capital, and equity research, ensuring long-term support to Alberta’s growing tech sector. Amreesh Khanna, dentist and Founder of the OraQ platform offers an inspiring perspective on the transition to becoming a Founder and creating innovative technology for his industry. He underscores the value of mentorship, community support, and an interconnected ecosystem for overcoming challenges.

The panelists collectively explore the importance of collaboration, networking, and shared resources in fostering innovation in Alberta and Canada. The conversation concludes with a shared vision for Calgary as a leading tech hub fueled by investment, mentorship, and a vibrant community ready to support the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Resources discussed in this episode:

About Terry Rock | CEO of Platform Calgary

Dr. Terry Rock is President & CEO of Platform Calgary, an organization focused on driving growth and velocity in Calgary’s tech and innovation ecosystem. Platform works with over 100 partners to advance startup Founders, investors, tech talent and corporate innovators in the new Platform Innovation Centre in Calgary’s East Village.

Terry’s previous experience has covered a wide variety of contexts and industries. He has been Executive Director of the Alberta Small Brewers Association and founding CEO of Calgary Arts Development Authority. He worked on civic partnerships at The City of Calgary and was an assistant professor in strategy at the University of Calgary.

Terry has contributed to the community through volunteering on the TELUS Calgary Community Board and the boards of Sled Island Music & Arts Festival, Hillhurst United Church, Calgary Cultural Capital 2012, the 2008 and 2016 Calgary-hosted Juno Awards, and was on the founding board of cSPACE Projects. He was Chair of the AIESEC Canada board where he had been President in the early 90’s.

Dr. Rock holds a PhD in Management with a focus on strategic management, entrepreneurship and innovation from Texas Tech University, and a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing (with Distinction) from the University of Saskatchewan.

About Shelley Kuipers | Co-Fo...