Rowan Wilkie, the Chief Financial Officer of Nutromics, an innovative Australian diagnostic company, shares insights into his career journey and the transformative technology his company is developing. With a vision to eliminate preventable deaths through continuous monitoring, Nutromics has raised $35 million in funding and garnered recognition for its breakthrough wearable patch. This device uses synthetic DNA-based sensors to monitor multiple health indicators in real-time, marking a significant advancement in healthcare technology. Wilkie's diverse background, from working at EY and Goldman Sachs to leading operations in various sectors, has shaped his leadership style and commitment to purpose-driven innovation.

Wilkie's career began in Ballarat, a small town near Melbourne, where he developed a deep appreciation for nature and animals. After studying commerce and modern languages at the University of Melbourne, he joined EY despite not being a certified accountant. This experience provided him with a solid foundation in finance and introduced him to mentors who emphasized attention to detail and excellence. Following EY, Wilkie moved to Goldman Sachs, where he covered consumer and retail stocks before transitioning into operational roles within facilities management companies. His tenure as CFO at Telstra Health further aligned his interests in technology and healthcare, setting the stage for his current role at Nutromics.

Wilkie's decision to join Nutromics was driven by three key factors: purpose, people, and product. The company's mission to save lives through continuous diagnostic monitoring resonated deeply with him, especially after witnessing the life-threatening complications his father experienced due to a lack of timely medical intervention. The strong ethical values and collaborative culture at Nutromics also appealed to him, as did the potential of the company's "lab on a patch" technology. Since joining Nutromics, Wilkie has witnessed substantial growth, including raising significant capital and advancing clinical studies for their groundbreaking wearable device.

The relationship between Wilkie and Nutromics' CEO, Peter Vranes, and COO, Hitesh Mehta, exemplifies the importance of alignment in leadership. They maintain close daily communication and frequently travel together to meet with teams and investors. This cohesion ensures that decisions are well-thought-out and aligned with the company's long-term goals. Wilkie emphasizes the value of empathy in leadership, advising young professionals to seek out opportunities to understand the challenges faced by different departments. His own experiences as COO and CEO have given him invaluable insights into the complexities of running a successful business.

Wilkie's journey highlights the significance of finding a career that aligns with one's values and passions. At Nutromics, he has found a platform where technology and healthcare converge to create meaningful impact. The company's ongoing development of its wearable patch promises to revolutionize how we monitor and manage health conditions, potentially saving countless lives. As Nutromics continues to grow and innovate, Wilkie remains committed to driving the company forward with a focus on purpose, people, and product.