Jessica de Mesa-Lim is the co-founder and CEO of Kindred, a hybrid women’s health clinic in the Philippines that offers a full spectrum of health and wellness services designed for every step of a woman’s journey. 

Earlier this year, they raised a $1M seed. 

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👋🏼 How would you explain your job to someone outside tech?

I steer the ship, ensuring that every woman who comes to us feels seen, empowered, and catered to, no matter which part of her health journey she's on.

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🧐 What's something about you or your job that would surprise us?

When I get home, the first greetings I receive are from my six enthusiastic dogs and one very independent cat. The real chaos isn’t in the board room, it's trying to manage that lively crew! And when I need to wind down I dive into the world of video games.

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🏆 What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

Seeing the testimonials of thousands of women who felt seen, heard, and genuinely cared for by Kindred has been overwhelmingly heartwarming. 

Many mentioned they'd never had such a tailored approach to their health, and knowing we played a role in that transformation was monumental.

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🔍 What's a startup trend or space you're watching this year?‍

One of the most compelling trends I've been observing lately is the intersection of biotech and AI in personalized women's health diagnostics. 

Very interesting because it's like having a crystal ball, but powered by tech and science.

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💼 What advice would you give someone starting out in your industry? 

As with any startup journey, there will be highs and lows. Every industry has its unique challenges—from biases in investment to deeply ingrained societal norms—and that requires an added layer of resilience. 

So remember your ‘why’, gather a supportive community around you, and forge ahead!

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🗣 What's one thing you can keep talking about for hours? 

Without hesitation, it's the untapped potential and importance of women's health innovation. For so long, women's health has been sidelined, misunderstood, or generalized. 

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🎥 What's your favorite movie/TV show? 

Spirited Away and all other Studio Ghibli films.

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🍨 What's your go-to ice cream flavor?‍

Chocolate chip!

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FYI. We've edited this interview for clarity.