Originally published by TechUK, read how our Founder and Managing director continues to promote and expand innovative healthcare solutions.
Louise Wall , a leader in technology and healthcare with over 20 years of experience. Her journey led her to become the CEO of e18 Innovation , where she guides a team in creating sustainable tech solutions. Under her leadership, e18 Innovation has grown significantly, partnering with NHS organisations and other healthcare providers to streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve service delivery. Committed to giving back, Louise supports women’s leadership in tech and promotes STEM education for young people. Her dedication to tech for good and unique path to innovation make her story worth exploring.
🟣 Louise, introduce yourself. What makes you, uniquely you?
From a very young age, I wanted to make a difference in society and leave a legacy of positive impact. My heart is very big, and I always look at life in a positive way and look for the good in everyone. I love the saying ‘find a job you love and you will never work a day again’ – I can relate to this in my role and truly love the work I do and have a lot of respect for the people I work with.
I have a blend of expertise that allows me to drive transformative change effectively. What I believe sets me apart is my ability to make technology relatable and accessible. I focus unwaveringly on outcomes and customer success, ensuring that every project we undertake at e18 Innovation delivers tangible benefits. My approach combines strategic vision with a deep understanding of customer needs, enabling us to develop solutions that not only meet but exceed expectations.
On a personal level I am family orientated and love nothing more than spending time in the countryside with my 2 loyal Labradors.
🟣What can you tell us about your early years?
I spent my early childhood on a council estate, born to two very aspirational and entrepreneurial parents. They were always looking to improve our lives and create better opportunities for our family. My upbringing instilled in me a relentless pursuit of improvement and a strong focus on providing for my family. My parents’ drive and determination to overcome challenges inspired me to adopt a mindset of continuous growth and innovation, which has been a cornerstone of my career and leadership at e18 Innovation.
I became a mother at 23 and 27 years old, which brought with it the challenges of bringing up a young family while still pursuing my career. At times, the juggling act between the two was a real struggle, and I look back now, wondering how I ever managed.
I am very lucky to have a really amazing husband who was my biggest support, and somehow we found our way through the financial and emotional challenges of being young parents and have two amazing boys who are now in their early/mid-twenties. In fact, after gaining a 1st Class degree in Economics and spending some time in the corporate banking world, my eldest son now works for e18 Innovation as Operations Director. He certainly inherited the hard-working entrepreneurial genes!
🟣Tell us more about the work you are currently doing…
e18 Innovation provides market-leading Intelligent Automation solutions and associated services to healthcare organisations in the UK. By working in strategic partnership with our NHS and private healthcare customers, we support all aspects of an automation programme. This enables organisations to empower their workforce and provide high-quality care to the nation’s patients. Our focus on leveraging Intelligent Automation to drive process improvement allows us to design transformational roadmaps incorporating best-of-breed technology to enhance operational efficiency for the NHS. Our services are covering some very topical areas, such as helping to reduce patient waiting lists, streamlining patient flow and improving cancer pathways and performance.
🟣 Let’s talk tech for good. What does tech for good mean to you?
Tech for good, to me, means leveraging technology to create positive social impact and drive sustainable change. It’s about using our innovations not just to solve business problems but to address broader societal issues. At e18 Innovation, we aim to develop solutions that improve lives, enhance healthcare delivery, and promote environmental sustainability. For instance, our work with Intelligent Automation in healthcare not only improves operational efficiency but also ensures that patients receive high-quality care while also supporting the NHS workforce. Tech for good is about making sure that our advancements benefit everyone, leaving no one behind.
🟣Who or what is currently serving as a source of inspiration for you?
Currently, our work in improving cancer services is a significant source of inspiration for me. With the stark reality that 1 in 2 people will get cancer in their lifetime, the impact of our efforts is profoundly motivating. At e18 Innovation, we are focused on developing and implementing solutions that enhance cancer care, streamline processes, and improve patient outcomes. The positive feedback we receive from healthcare providers and patients alike drives us to continue innovating and striving for excellence. Seeing firsthand how our technology can make a difference in people’s lives is incredibly inspiring and reinforces our commitment to leveraging tech for good.
My 99-year-old Irish nan is a tremendous source of inspiration. As the matriarch of our family, she embodies strength, independence, and resilience. Her life and experiences remind me of the importance of determination and the power of a strong, supportive community.
Her unwavering spirit and wisdom continue to inspire me every day, both personally and professionally. My family is also my inspiration and focus. Side by side since we were 18 years old, my husband has been my rock and my total support, and I have enjoyed being on this life journey with him. Whether it is being an advisor to the business or coparenting our 2 great boys, I could not have done it without him.
🟣 Looking into the future, what aspects worry and excite you the most, and why?
Looking ahead, I am deeply concerned about the lack of targeted investment in the NHS and the current morale of the NHS workforce. These challenges threaten the sustainability and effectiveness of our healthcare system. However, I am equally excited about the proven and available technology that we are working with. At e18 Innovation, we are fostering a community of sharing and collaboration, which is incredibly promising. By leveraging this collective expertise, we can drive significant improvements in healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. I am going to embrace the future as I have done since starting e18 Innovation – with passion, dedication and enjoyment!
🟣 How do you feel about being shortlisted for techUK’s #PresidentsAward 2024?
I was thrilled to be shortlisted for techUK’s #PresidentsAward 2024, especially as e18 are relatively new members of techUK. As an SME, it’s crucial for us to have our voice heard, particularly when we are delivering such exceptional services to the NHS. Our deep knowledge and expertise in this area are unrivalled, and we are eager to showcase our achievements and innovations to as many people as possible. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. I hope it also acts as an inspiration to other females in the industry who are from varied backgrounds and who are striving to make an impact on society.
About TechUK and Tech for Good work
At techUK, our mission is to champion our members and their technologies, preparing and empowering the UK for what comes next. We believe that by doing so, we can deliver a better future for people, society, the economy, and the planet. We are committed to supporting emerging social innovators who are tackling today’s most pressing challenges through technology, while also demystifying tech for all. “The People Behind Tech for Good” are a series of interviews that aim to spotlight rising social innovators who are addressing today’s most pressing challenges through technology.
Find out more how to get involved with our #TechForGood work – email Tânia Teixeira (tania.teixeira@techuk.org).
