Transforming Healthcare in Austria!
In an era where healthcare demands a more empathetic and patient-centric approach, visionary leaders have emerged to guide their organizations towards a brighter future. One such innovator prospering in the dynamic environment of Austria is Carl Ludwig Schönfeldt, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CURAWEL GmbH. This digital platform facilitates the seamless booking of nursing and caregiving services.
Since taking on the role in November 2021, Schönfeldt has been responsible for steering the strategic direction, operational leadership, and customer acquisition of Curawel. With a deep understanding of business consulting and customer relationship management, he has worked tirelessly to enhance the platform’s operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Schönfeldt’s passion for helping others, combined with his acumen in business, has created a powerful synergy that has led Curawel to the forefront of the healthcare industry.
Our team had an insightful interview with Carl Ludwig Schönfeldt, where he shared the inspiring journey that led him to this defining moment in his career.
Can you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare?
I graduated with a master’s degree in business administration and later became a Certified Public Accountant. I began my career in auditing at a global professional services firm and later took on the role of CFO at a major family-owned company in Austria. I have experience in private equity and direct investments throughout Europe and Latin America.
Although I’m relatively new to the healthcare field, I saw a significant opportunity during an investment in a startup in Munich. This startup focused on an internet platform for personal care services, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, we specialized in nursing and healthcare, specifically night watches for patients. The ongoing healthcare crisis and the potential of our platform to provide practical solutions to hospitals and healthcare staff inspired me to dive deeper into this sector.
As the CEO of CURAWEL GmbH, what are your primary responsibilities and how do you prioritize them?
My primary responsibilities revolve around a few key areas. First, I focus on developing our platform to meet the needs of our clients, patients and employees. This means constantly innovating and improving our technology and algorithm to make sure it’s as effective as possible. Second, I work on promoting our services and spreading awareness about what we do. It’s important to get the word out and make sure people know how we can help them. Third, I focus on acquisition and investment opportunities to help our company grow and expand. Prioritization is all about addressing our clients’ immediate needs, continuously improving our platform, and exploring new growth avenues to enhance our service offerings.
What innovative strategies has CURAWEL implemented to improve patient care and outcomes?
CURAWEL has brought in some really cool and innovative strategies to make patient care better. For starters, we’re proud to be the first true digital health platform that connects healthcare institutions with qualified nursing professionals super quickly and efficiently. We help make sure the right healthcare professionals are available exactly when and where they are needed.
One of our standout features is our efficient search algorithm. It’s designed to help healthcare staff find the personnel needed for the patient, whether it’s for nursing care or night watches. This optimization means better management of their staff, freeing up more resources to focus directly on the patient.
How do you see technology shaping the future of healthcare, particularly in Austria?
In my opinion, technology is set to completely change the game for healthcare in Austria. In the midterm, just like in many other sectors, digital health will become super relevant in the overall Austrian healthcare scene. What we’re doing at CURAWEL is just the first step towards this trend. By streamlining administrative processes and cutting down on bureaucracy, we’re allowing healthcare professionals to spend more time on what really matters – patient care.
Can you discuss a challenge you faced in your role and how you overcame it?
One significant challenge we faced, and still do, is to get our clients to warm up to digital solutions for recruitment and billing. At first, there was a lot of reluctance, but we tackled this by offering comprehensive training and support to show our clients how to use our platform effectively. We also ran pilot projects to demonstrate the efficiency and reliability of our system. By continuously gathering feedback and making necessary adjustments, we’ve managed to meet our clients’ expectations and build their trust.
What role does collaboration play in your leadership style, and how do you foster teamwork within your organization?
Collaboration is at the heart of my leadership style. We really believe in a flat organizational structure with no strict hierarchy. Everyone works together in a collegial and respectful way. We focus on the needs of our clients and employees to strengthen their relationship. We give all our internal team members as much freedom as possible to bring their ideas forward and encourage leadership at every level. For our healthcare professionals, this means they have maximum flexibility to choose their shifts and take time off when they need it.
What advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to lead in the healthcare sector?
My advice to young professionals is to embrace innovation and be open to adopting new technologies. The healthcare sector is rapidly evolving, and staying ahead of the curve is crucial. Also, prioritize empathy and a patient-centered approach in your leadership. Finally, always seek feedback and be willing to adapt and improve. It’s through continuous learning and improvement that you’ll be able to make a real impact.
What trends do you believe will have the most significant impact on healthcare in the next five years?
Looking ahead and as I’ve previously mentioned, I see digitalization within healthcare having a huge impact. It’s going to improve organizational efficiency and reduce administrative burdens, which will allow healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care. Advanced data analytics and personalized treatment plans will enhance patient care, and better resource management and planning within healthcare institutions will become possible. The potential is immense, and I believe we’re just scratching the surface of what technology can do for healthcare.
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