Leadership Journeys [181] - Wais Shaifta - "The moment Work stops being a Hobby, I stop doing it"

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

In this episode, we sit down with Wais, the CEO of Private Doc, who shares his fascinating journey from leading major companies like Push Doctor and Just Eat to revolutionizing the wellbeing industry.

Wais delves into the intricacies of consumer-first strategies, the profound psychological impact of beauty treatments, and the evolution of digital healthcare.

He offers valuable insights on leadership, emphasizing the importance of respecting team foundations and adapting management styles to diverse demographics.

Discover how Wais balances high-stakes business decisions with a passion for his work, treating it as a hobby rather than a stressor.

Whether you're navigating leadership challenges or seeking inspiration for your own career, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical advice.

You can find Wais Shaifta at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/wais-shaifta-5184134b/
• wais.shaifta@gmail.com

In the interview, Wais shares

• "Private Doc is transitioning from online pharmacy and prescriptions into wellbeing, with bespoke healthcare programs for both men and women. Stay tuned for our exciting expansion."
• "At Push Doctor, we served over 6 million NHS patients. Leading through COVID was fascinating and challenging."
• "I've held leadership roles at Just Eat and TreatWell, managing global operations and driving innovation in the digital space."
• "In addition to my role at Private Doc, I sit on the boards of a major gym group and Reach PLC, the largest news publisher in the UK."
• "My career has been driven by a consumer-first mindset, optimizing products and influencing consumer behavior to deliver the best experiences."
• "Treatwell taught me the profound psychological impact of beauty treatments, which was an eye-opener for me in understanding customer wellbeing."
• "Joining Push Doctor, we launched the first digital video consultations in the UK, making healthcare more accessible and immediate."
• "Leadership is about respecting the foundation built by the team and highlighting their achievements to motivate further growth."
• "As a leader, adapting my managerial style to different demographics, especially the younger generation, is a continuous learning process."
• "Work is a hobby for me. The key to managing stress is prioritizing family and keeping a balanced perspective on work challenges."