Kevin Ross, CEO of Precision Driven Health and Director of Research for Orion Health

In our new series, we ask our key thought leaders to share a more personal perspective on their career journey and current position.

Kevin is the CEO of Precision Driven Health and our Research Director at Orion Health. He has enjoyed a 20-year career in consulting, corporate, leadership and academic roles in the data science, analytics, technology and healthcare verticals. Kevin has previously worked for NASA, Bell Labs, Eli Lilly and London Councils, he also holds a Ph.D. from Stanford University.

Kevin brings a wealth of knowledge to his roles in Precision Driven Health and Orion Health. He is passionate about machine learning, artificial intelligence, ethical data use and data governance.

Can you share with us five things you wish you knew before you started out?

Don’t wait for ideas or products to be perfect before sharing them
It is very easy to get stuck obsessing over getting an idea or product 100% perfect before sharing, but this is the “trap” of perfectionism. When you’re continually improving, there’ll always be another thing that needs changing. Instead, learn to know when to share what you have, and benefit from the response you get. This applies all the way from initial idea generation to product releases – you will spend less time on the wrong ideas and benefit hugely from the feedback you receive.

You won’t be the only one with that niggling question – don’t be afraid to ask
We get embarrassed when we don’t understand and hold back from asking for help. If you’re part of the Orion Health team, then you are intelligent, and capable, and chances are others are thinking the same thing. By stepping up and asking to clarify, you won’t look foolish, but rather, you will be doing a great service to everyone in the room. 

Customers are on the same team. If they win, we win. If they lose, we lose
When working with a client, it can be easy to perceive your success as independent of your client’s success. However, these things are much more intertwined. If your customers happy, then you’re more likely to retain them, have them refer other businesses your way and become a trusted provider in the marketplace. An argument with a customer over who should compromise more is usually on the path to becoming an ex-customer.

Make having fun a priority. You’ll work hard over long hours with your team; you will enjoy life and be more productive if you become friends as well as colleagues
Work doesn’t have to be all hard slog. There’s real value to balancing social and work culture together in a professional way. You’re going to be around your team for a long time, so it makes sense to try to have fun wherever appropriate. Take an interest in each other, eat lunches together and share your funny weekend stories. 

How to play trick shots in pool
I seem to see some leaders at the pool table about as much as the board table. There must be something in that.

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