Women Who Inspire with Jade Utsch: Transforming Company Social Aspects with Health, Technology, and Gamification

To combat the idea of the “weaker sex,” women have always been at the forefront of the quest for equality. Therefore, it’s not surprising that they now show a special interest in the ESG agenda.

A study conducted by MindMiners, in collaboration with Google, indicates that 61% of them are particularly engaged in these issues, while only 39% of men share the same interest.

These data reflect the meticulous and sensitive approach that women bring to business decisions, aiming not only for profits but also for social and environmental impacts.

With this perspective, the inspiring Jade Utsch, alongside her partners and co-founders Jennifer Faria and Taty Mesquita, created RadarFit. Their entrepreneurial vision and commitment to sustainability values are a testament to the power of women in leading positive changes in the world.

The company, in which we at Domo had the opportunity to invest, is a remarkable example of how dedication to social and environmental causes can be incorporated into an innovative and successful business approach. Now, let’s dive into a summary of our conversation, where we explore the challenges and opportunities for those envisioning a healthier world.

Studies show that female leadership is contributing to greater engagement with the ESG agenda in companies. Do you agree with this statement? What has been your experience in this regard?

Jade: Yes, I believe that female leadership plays a crucial role in driving and advancing ESG agendas in companies. At RadarFit, for example, we clearly see that the majority of people seeking our services and engaging with us are women. This trend is no coincidence; it reflects the fresh perspective that women bring to the market when it comes to corporate responsibility.

At RadarFit, from the early stages, the pillars of the ESG agenda are integrated into our company, shaping our practices, decisions, and strategies. This commitment is evident not only in our product but also in our hiring process, where we seek individuals who share our vision of working with purpose.

It’s true that it’s not an easy process. But as the company was founded by three female partners, we have always considered it important to bring balance to the table, not only in terms of gender but in diversity as a whole, to hear diverse opinions. This way, we can arrive at a more effective strategy for the company.

We are genuinely proud to build this culture with people who are committed to creating a more sustainable, healthy, and responsible future. After all, diversity of thought brings a insightful and dedicated approach that is driving the positive changes we want to see in the world.

What impact does an inclusive environment that values diversity have on a business?

Jade: In our professional experiences, before starting our entrepreneurial journey, we observed that environments with homogeneous leadership often resulted in similar tactics and limited market perceptions.

So we quickly realized that diversity enriches our understanding of the audience and market dynamics since companies are, above all, made up of people. The plurality of perspectives allows our strategies to go beyond conventional standards and result in more creative and effective approaches. Throughout RadarFit’s journey, diversity at the leadership table from the beginning helped us make fewer mistakes.

Furthermore, when interacting with other businesses, our market strategy is already geared towards those that share the same values. This way, we find greater openness and receptivity to our solution, especially in organizations that prioritize employee well-being and sustainability, such as those with the Great Place to Work) seal.

The diversity of sectors we serve, from petrochemical companies to technology firms, strengthens our belief that this approach is effective in different contexts.

When we knock on the doors of these companies, it’s often female figures who welcome us. These organizations are often recognized for their excellence, awarded, and driving significant results in various areas, which demonstrates the positive impact of diversity on their journey.

Now, thinking about your journey as an entrepreneur. How did it all begin?

Jade: My entrepreneurial journey had a start marked by challenges and learning experiences. Before RadarFit, I had the opportunity to explore different paths. Initially, I founded an event production company in Belo Horizonte; however, this sector didn’t inspire me for various reasons, so I sold my share in the company and returned to the job market.

During that time, I actually worked in my mother’s company. I learned a lot about entrepreneurship and sustainability from her because her life has always been guided by purpose and an entrepreneurial mindset. This legacy inspired me to follow a similar path, which led me to co-found RadarFit with my partner Jennifer, whom I had known since college. We reconnected and shared a desire to create a business with a significant impact on people’s lives.

RadarFit emerged from a specific pain point we experienced. Both of us shared the frustration that achieving health and well-being is not an immediate thing. People get frustrated because they don’t see instant results from a therapy session, a 60-minute workout at the gym, or a healthy meal. This realization led us to understand that immediate rewards would make people more engaged in healthy habits.

Our journey began in 2017 with the creation of a gamified health products and services marketplace. However, we made significant mistakes and faced financial challenges. It wasn’t until we went through an acceleration process with Startup Farm that we restructured our business model and focused on gamifying healthy habits.

This evolution led us to develop a gamified health app, using artificial intelligence and image recognition to promote user engagement, which is our current model. We created a strategy of immediate rewards, allowing users to earn points, redeem prizes, and track their progress toward health goals.

Throughout this journey, we transitioned to a B2B model to leverage growth. We received investments, including rounds with Domo Invest, which helped us expand and enhance our offering.

Our differentiator is a 360-degree understanding of health. We understand that mental and physical well-being are interconnected and not limited to a single activity. That’s why we offer a solution that addresses all these aspects.

RadarFit stands out because it’s not just a diet app, a workout app, a hydration app, or a meditation app separately, but rather a platform with all these solutions integrated for health.

Faced with so many lessons, what would you say today to a woman who is starting to venture into entrepreneurship or facing challenges in leadership positions?

Jade: Have determination and pursue the entrepreneurial journey with full commitment. Entrepreneurship goes beyond purely financial goals; it’s about finding your freedom to implement your vision in the market, bringing to life what you believe in.

Of course, it’s crucial that your idea is viable, solves a real need, and has commercial potential. But this can be learned and refined.

In the case of RadarFit, our purpose has always been to simplify good habits and encourage people to lead a healthy life. However, it was necessary to adjust the business model, rethink the product, and find new ways to achieve this goal.

Success is also made up of failures that teach us invaluable lessons. Remember, it may be a cliché, but it’s a truth, and it happens when you face challenges, become more resilient, and strengthen your emotional intelligence. This journey is a constant evolution; it’s like building mental muscles that empower us to face adversity with confidence.

In moments of difficulty, I always tell my team, “We won’t give up for another day,” and that mindset has helped us get to where we are. Eventually, you will reach the places you aspire to, and over time, your ability to overcome challenges will become an essential part of who you are. So, embrace every obstacle as an opportunity for growth and keep moving forward with courage and resilience.

Furthermore, having a strong business structure and seeking good partnerships is crucial. Look for those who can bring complementary skills, financial resources, and experience capable of driving your company’s growth. Moreover, being surrounded by a network of female entrepreneurs and professionals builds valuable emotional support, collaboration opportunities, and an environment conducive to knowledge sharing.

In the market, there has always been the “Boys Club,” and now, we’re trying to establish the “Girls Club.”

All jokes aside, the point is that by joining other women who share similar goals, you create a network that can boost your growth and foster collective success.

Finally, who are your female role models, and why are they examples to be followed?

Jade: My greatest female role models are those who are very close to me in my personal and professional life.

My mother is undoubtedly my biggest role model. Her journey as an entrepreneur and her guidance throughout my life have been invaluable to me. She showed me the importance of following my dreams and persevering in the face of difficulties.

In addition, my partners, Jennifer and Tati, are constant sources of inspiration. Together, we share a commitment and a common vision that allows us to face the many challenges in this competitive market. The entrepreneurial journey can be lonely in many aspects, but the partnership we have is a driving force for us.

Each of their journeys inspires me to move forward, not to give up for another day, and always seek ways to innovate and grow. They remind me that entrepreneurship is more than just a job; it’s a way of life that involves dedication, courage, and the constant pursuit of positively impacting the world around us.

As an investor, I closely follow the power of entrepreneurship and female leadership in business diversity.

However, it cannot be denied that the market proves to be more challenging for women. So, I document this conversation with Jade, a visionary entrepreneur who made it to the Forbes Under 30 list, to share her unique perspective on female leadership and inspire everyone to embrace diversity in business.

Jade’s journey and RadarFit show us that a commitment to values like sustainability and corporate responsibility is possible, drives business success, and creates a lasting positive impact on society as a whole.

Share your insights on this conversation, your own experiences, and your opinions on female leadership, diversity in business, and the importance of ESG agendas. Together, we can strengthen the discussion and inspire positive change.

And don’t forget, the next edition is coming, bringing more inspiring stories and valuable insights. Keep following to connect with more transformative voices and enrich your understanding of the world of business and leadership. Until then!