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anniversary Team

10 years of ClinFlows: “Business is done by, with and for people.” 

Interview with company founder Uwe Gladbach

In this interview on ClinFlows’ 10th anniversary, founder Uwe Gladbach provides insights into his very personal funding story and gives outlooks on the company’s future as well as the development of the industry.

When you look back ten years, why did you decide to found ClinFlows back then?

Well, it was actually more or less by chance. At the end of 2010, I had the opportunity to take over a software from a failed startup. Based on my many years of experience in various management positions in medical technology, I was convinced that this software would add a lot of value to the medical industry: remember that the internet was different back then and sending gigabytes around the globe was a huge deal. At the same time, after 20 years of being an employee, I felt that it would be great to start my own business and do “my own thing”. No sooner said than done, ClinFlows was founded together with Jeff our CTO .

Wasn’t it a big step for you to become self-employed?

Yes, it definitely was. But the anticipation of self-determination outweighed it. I found the idea exciting of taking responsibility for all the strategic decisions of my own business, setting the right priorities, and being confronted with the good and, of course, sometimes not so good results. In any case, I haven’t regretted my decision for a second so far and I think the fact that our products decidemedical and dicomdrop are now used in 94 countries and by the big players in the industry speaks for itself.

What is it like today: What do you like best about your work?

Well, one the one hand, it’s being in touch with the most innovative technologies in medicine, the progressiveness of our industry, developing state-of-the art technology that helps people. And on the other hand, it’s our global reach, connecting specialists worldwide for the benefit of the patient and the impact this has on the individual and their health.

What moment in the last ten years with ClinFlows stands out in your mind?

There are many special moments when you lead a company for 10 years. For me, the above-average team spirit and the high level of customer orientation in ClinFlows are of the utmost importance. One situation that has particularly stuck in my memory is therefore the following:

At the beginning of each year – when Covid-19 is not dominating the world – we typically spend a few days with the entire ClinFlows team at a winter sports resort – we call it the ClinFlows WinterCamp. There, we discuss strategies, do roundtable discussions, and hold internal meetings. And, of course, we also enjoy some nice ski days together. 

Years ago, there was this evening after skiing when the whole team was sitting in an Italian restaurant after a very sporty day, all pretty exhausted and tired and ready to spend a nice evening together. But then my phone rang and a customer from California was on the line, complaining that there was a problem, and she couldn’t retrieve some medical images from our platform, which she urgently needed because the patient needed surgery the same day, thus the case review was urgent. When I described the situation to my team, one immediately grabbed his tablet, the other trudged through the snow to get his laptop from the hotel. And then we all sat at the table in the restaurant, reviewed the situation and fixed the problem so the data could be reviewed and the patient operated. No one groaned, everyone was very focused and motivated. That was a very satisfying moment for all of us.

What was the most important lesson you learned in ten years of ClinFlows?

Clearly, “Business is done by, with and for people.” I think it’s quite important to keep reminding ourselves of this, because even though we are software providers and thus deal mainly with IT and artificial intelligence, the focus on people and health drives us. 

Let’s venture a look into the future: Where do you think your industry will develop in the next 10 years?

I am convinced that artificial intelligence will play an increasingly important role as well as personalized medicine to provide individual treatment plans and options. In the space of clinical trials it will be most interesting to see developments with regard to the concept around Human Digital Twins and its consequences to speed up innovation in medicine.  

Thank you, Uwe, for the open conversation!

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Team

May we introduce? Our new team member Sam!

Our new colleague Samuel Mayer Watts has recently joined ClinFlows to support us at operations. In a short interview, he reveals how he came to ClinFlows and what he enjoys most in his private life.

How did you come to ClinFlows and why?

I found a job offer on the internet that included exactly the position I wanted to have. I thought it was serendipitous and the company description sounded great and innovative, so I did not hesitate to apply and hand in my CV.

What is part of your job at ClinFlows? What are the things you take care of on a daily basis?

As Project Manager Operations, I have the responsibility of running daily operations, which means that I am the first contact for our clients that among others are major medical device manufacturers. One of my most important tasks is to understand their needs when it comes to medical image (DICOM) transfers and to tailor our platform to their individual requirements. 

What did you do before joining ClinFlows’ team?

Before joining the ClinFlows team I had been working as an in-house Clinical Research Associate at a multinational Clinical Research Organization. There, I monitored sites to support them in making sure study protocol expectations were being met.

How were your first weeks at ClinFlows? 

My first weeks at ClinFlows went by really fast, I hit the ground running, and was taught all the particulars of the complex system. At the moment, I am still learning, but learning by doing, which in my opinion is the best way to do so. The team was very warm and welcoming. The only thing I did not like is that I wanted to get to know everything at once.

Your job in three words?

BEST.JOB.EVER! Just kidding… I’d say: Patients. Service. Images.

Work is only half of life. What do you like to do in your spare time?

I am the proud father of two girls, and I love to spend my time with them. Next to this, I regularly practice Win Tsun Kung Fu.

What things do you always carry with you?

Since 2020, well… a mask. But my everyday carry includes my phone, a multitool, a lighter, ear buds, and a lucky silver coin.

What food could you not live without?

Since I have been living in Germany since 2012, I miss all the food from Mexico where I grew up, especially Mexican street food. But of what is available I can’t live without having Sushi occasionally, or slow cooked ribs.

What can you laugh about?

Absolutely everything! But if you would like me to be more precise: a good pun, a quick-witted response, even jokes that come with word play I find funny. Also, I enjoy watching stand-up comedy very much!

Which moment was so beautiful that you would like to relive it?

Tough question, as there are many… If I had to choose one single moment it would be my wedding day. I had been in a long-distance relationship for over 10 years to my now wife. It was the culmination of love, dedication, patience, sacrifice, and commitment that truly taught me that with enough effort and against all odds I can achieve everything of what I truly want in life.

We are looking forward to working with Sam and wish him a lot of fun with us at ClinFlows!

Are you also looking for a new challenge? Then get in touch via info@clinflows.com