The EIC Women Leadership Programme (WLP), an initiative of the European Innovation Council (EIC) Business Acceleration Services, has been a transformative journey for women innovators, equipping them with essential skills and a supportive community to excel in their entrepreneurial ventures. Upon conclusion of her journey with the EIC WLP 4th cohort, Olívia Oliveira, Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Promptly Health and EIT beneficiary, reflects on her enriching experience and the programme’s profound impact on her professional and personal development. 

Discovering the EIC Women Leadership Programme 

Olívia first learned about the EIC Women Leadership Programme from a peer working in R&D in the field of digital health solutions. "Several factors motivated me to apply for the WLP," she shares. "Firstly, the opportunity to connect with experienced mentors and fellow female leaders in various fields is invaluable. I believe that building a robust network of professionals who share similar challenges and ambitions can greatly enhance my personal and professional growth." 

Additionally, Olívia was eager to engage in the programme's activities and workshops designed to develop leadership skills and expand knowledge. The programme's emphasis on innovation and problem-solving in leadership resonated with her passion for developing cutting-edge digital health solutions. "Overall, the combination of mentorship, community, and professional development opportunities made the EIC Women Leadership Programme a perfect fit for my career aspirations and personal growth," Olívia explains.

Leading innovation at Promptly Health 

At Promptly Health, Olívia plays a pivotal role in driving the company's strategic vision and aligning operational goals with overarching business strategies. "I am a professional with experience in leadership, operations management, and data engineering," she states. "Currently serving as the COO, I focus on customer success management and operational efficiency, leading and mentoring cross-functional teams to optimize business processes and enhance scalability and performance." 

Promptly Health is at the forefront of building a patient-centred global evidence network, offering real-world data sharing and monetization capabilities. The company collaborates with healthcare providers, payers, and life sciences partners to generate new knowledge from harmonized high-quality clinical, socio-economic, and claims data, augmented with patient-reported data and digital biomarkers. "I am part of the C-level team, being the only woman in the executive team. I love to solve problems and mentor people to achieve successful milestones, and my value in part comes from being a generalist," Olívia adds. 

Overcoming challenges with the support of the EIC WLP 

Olívia's innovative journey is not without challenges. "I am currently facing several challenges, such as professional development, building a professional network, and scaling up the company," she notes. The programme has been crucial in addressing these challenges. "The support provided by this programme has been invaluable. I have been able to connect with a diverse group of experienced mentors and fellow female leaders, providing valuable insights, advice, and a sense of community." 

The programme's workshops and resources tailored to enhance leadership skills and knowledge have significantly boosted Olívia's confidence and competence as a leader. "The guidance and mentorship provided by experienced leaders have been crucial in planning and executing the scale-up of my company and my professional development," she explains. "Overall, the EIC WLP has equipped me with the tools and support needed to overcome the challenges in my innovation journey and achieve my goals." 

Most valuable experiences 

Several experiences in the EIC Women Leadership Programme stood out for Olívia. "Firstly, the regular and insightful sessions with my mentor have been incredibly valuable," she says. "These one-on-one interactions provided tailored guidance and support, addressing my specific challenges and goals. My mentor's expertise and personalized advice have helped me navigate complex situations and make informed decisions." 

The in-person sessions in Brussels were exceptionally beneficial. "The opportunity to meet fellow participants and interact in various dynamics allowed us to build deeper connections, share experiences, and collaborate more effectively," Olívia recalls. "The group discussions fostered a strong sense of community and mutual support, which has been invaluable in building a robust professional network." 

Additionally, the training sessions led by experienced leaders provided profound insights into leadership, innovation, and management. "Hearing directly from successful professionals who have navigated similar paths was both inspiring and educational. These seminars offered practical knowledge and strategies that I could immediately apply to my work," she adds.

Changing perspectives 

Being immersed in a community of leading women from diverse countries and industries has profoundly changed Olívia's perspectives. "Interacting with women leaders from diverse geographical and professional backgrounds has broadened my understanding of global challenges and opportunities," she reflects. "I have gained valuable insights into different industries' unique approaches to innovation and leadership." 

The network of ambitious and supportive women reinforced the importance of community in personal and professional growth. "The shared experiences, challenges, and triumphs have created a strong bond among us, fostering a collaborative and encouraging environment. This sense of solidarity has been empowering, reminding me of the strength found in unity and mutual support," Olívia states.

Looking forward 

Reflecting on her experience in the 4th cohort of the EIC Women Leadership Programme, Olívia takes away several key lessons and insights that will significantly impact her journey moving forward. "The programme has equipped me with advanced leadership skills and a robust network of peers and mentors," she says. "Engaging with leaders from diverse industries and countries has broadened my perspective on innovation and problem-solving."

"The impact of the EIC WLP on my journey will be profound. It has significantly boosted my confidence in my abilities as a leader," she concludes. 

Next cohort 

The 4th cohort concluded in April, but the programme continues to pave the way for future leaders. The upcoming 6th cohort will focus on women (co-)founders and C-Suite leaders, continuing to expand opportunities for women in leadership roles, within the EIC and EIT beneficiary ecosystem. Applications will open on 1st of July , with the programme starting in September 2024.  

Bookmark the programme’s page to stay up to date and be the first to hear about the upcoming open calls! 

About the EIC Women Leadership Programme 

Support to women innovators is among the cornerstones of the EIC efforts to the economic competitiveness of Europe. The wide recognition and traction with high potential startups, especially from underrepresented groups such as women innovators and those from less developed ecosystems, has thus been included among the six strategic goals that the EIC Board has identified the period 2021-2027.  

To support the role of women in innovation and tech, the European Innovation Council (EIC), in partnership with the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), offers a skills enhancement and networking programme for women researchers and entrepreneurs, the Women Leadership Programme (WLP).  

The programme is open to female researchers, aspiring female leaders and entrepreneurs from the EIC and EIT Communities.  

With the EIC Women Leadership Programme (WLP), the EIC aims to level the playing field in scalable businesses and mindsets by unlocking potential and breaking down barriers to success!

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