Zara Hajihashemi's AI Will See You Now—and Help Your Women's Health Provider See You Better

Apr 30

APRIL 30, 2025 | 00:36 | Episode 68

Zara Hajihashemi, Founder & CEO Cybele Health

Zara spent six years at Apple as a tech lead and AI scientist, driving innovation and delivering impactful projects. Inspired by her personal experiences and driven by her passion for women’s health, she founded Cybele Health an AI-powered platform designed to help women proactively manage their health and well-being.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Summary

Zara Hajihashemi's journey from Iran to the United States is emblematic of resilience and innovation, and serves as the focal point of our discourse. In this episode, we delve into her profound commitment to transforming women's healthcare through artificial intelligence, particularly as the founder of Cybele Health. Zara elucidates on her academic endeavors, including her PhD in AI and healthcare, and her impactful tenure at Apple, which provided her with invaluable experience in technology. We explore the myriad challenges she faced as an immigrant woman in tech, the systemic inefficiencies she identified within healthcare, and her vision for creating personalized care solutions for women. Join us as we uncover the compelling narrative of Zara's entrepreneurial path and the driving passion behind her mission to enhance the health and well-being of women everywhere.

Story

In a thought-provoking episode, we engage with Zara Hajihashemi, who embodies the spirit of innovation and resilience in the tech industry. Zara’s journey is a remarkable narrative of overcoming societal expectations and personal challenges. Her early life in Iran, where she faced substantial limitations as a woman, instilled in her a profound understanding of the importance of education and empowerment. Moving to the United States for her Ph.D. was not merely a change of scenery; it was a pivotal moment that opened doors to a world of possibilities. At Apple, Zara's work on cloud infrastructure allowed her to refine her skills and understand the operational intricacies of a tech giant. However, her true calling emerged during her tenure there, as she identified critical deficiencies in the healthcare system, particularly in how it served women. Zara's vision for Cybele Health is rooted in her commitment to enhancing healthcare outcomes through AI, recognizing the urgent need for personalized care models. This episode explores her strategic approach to entrepreneurship, including the significance of building from personal experiences, identifying market needs, and fostering innovation in a traditionally conservative industry.

Takeaways

Zara Hajihashemi's journey exemplifies the resilience and determination required to navigate cultural barriers and achieve success as an immigrant entrepreneur.
The transition from a stable corporate position to the uncertainty of startup life necessitates a mission that transcends personal ambition.
Zara's experience highlights the significant gaps in women's healthcare, which she has identified through her own challenges in balancing work and family.
The development of AI agents for healthcare providers aims to address the inefficiencies in personalized care for women, emphasizing the need for tailored healthcare solutions.
Building a startup in a competitive landscape requires a focus on smaller clients initially, allowing for rapid iteration and freedom to innovate without cumbersome institutional constraints.
Zara's story underscores the importance of grit, shaped by early life challenges, as a vital trait for overcoming obstacles in the entrepreneurial journey.