Samara Mahindra, the visionary founder of CARER, India’s trailblazing integrative oncology company. Samara’s entrepreneurial venture is not just a business but a heartfelt response to a deeply personal experience – the loss of her mother to cancer. This poignant event became the catalyst for CARER, where the focus is not only on treating cancer but on transforming the entire journey of those affected. We at CIO Global, are proud to introduce Samara Mahindra as one of Promising Women Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2024.
Samara’s journey is one of resilience and compassion. After losing her mother to cancer, she identified a crucial gap in conventional cancer care. This realization fueled her determination to establish CARER, a groundbreaking initiative that blends traditional medical treatments with evidence-based lifestyle interventions. Since its inception, CARER has been at the forefront of redefining oncology care in India, offering personalized treatments that address the mind, body, and spirit. The inspiration for CARER stems from Samara’s personal encounter with the limitations of mainstream cancer treatment. Witnessing the adverse effects and diminished quality of life during her mother’s journey prompted her to embark on a mission to reshape the landscape of cancer care. CARER was born out of a desire to enhance patient outcomes by integrating holistic wellness into conventional treatments.
CARER is not just a healthcare enterprise; it’s a paradigm shift in cancer care. Specializing in integrative oncology, CARER’s mission is to provide a holistic approach to cancer care. The company focuses on enhancing patients’ quality of life through personalized nutrition, mental health support, physical rehabilitation, and more. By complementing medical treatments with evidence-based lifestyle therapies, CARER is redefining the cancer care paradigm, offering a comprehensive and supportive treatment journey. As a woman entrepreneur, Samara acknowledges both the support and challenges she encountered. The encouragement from Indian women in business facilitated invaluable connections, yet she faced the uphill battle of destigmatizing cancer. The struggle to establish a science-backed protocol, the extended timeline to find product-market fit, and the necessity to resist shortcuts were hurdles she navigated with determination and patience.
“CARER envisions making a positive impact by recognizing the role of lifestyle factors in cancer cases. With 90% of cancer cases attributed to lifestyle-related factors, the CARER Protocol becomes integral in treatment regimens.”
Samara’s journey is a testament to the importance of trusting one’s instincts. Initially seeking everyone’s opinions, she learned to balance external input with her knowledge, credibility, and experience in the domain. Today, she emphasizes taking time to reflect and find solutions based on instinct, while also leveraging the guidance of trusted mentors when needed. CARER stands as a beacon of innovation in the healthcare industry, offering a unique protocol that integrates evidence-based nutritional, physical, and mental well-being therapies with cancer treatment. The CARER Protocol is not only groundbreaking but also scientifically proven, demonstrating significant improvements in patient side effects, quality of life, and survival rates. It represents a holistic approach to cancer care, acknowledging the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit in the healing process.
Samara’s journey is marked by the guidance of esteemed mentors and industry colleagues. Remarkably, her first mentor was her mother, whose independent business endeavors during Samara’s upbringing left an indelible impact. The lessons learned from witnessing her mother’s accomplishments resonate in Samara’s work today, shaping the core values of CARER.
Positive Impact on Industry and Community
CARER envisions making a positive impact by recognizing the role of lifestyle factors in cancer cases. With 90% of cancer cases attributed to lifestyle-related factors, the CARER Protocol becomes integral in treatment regimens. By focusing on lifestyle factors, the protocol accelerates healing, recovery, and potentially reduces the risks of recurrence, presenting a transformative approach to cancer care. To stay adaptable in the ever-evolving business landscape, Samara emphasizes maintaining agility in the team, business model, and services. Active engagement with patients, customers, partners, and colleagues helps CARER stay attuned to the pulse of the business environment. This adaptability ensures that CARER continues to meet the dynamic needs of its stakeholders.
Work-Life Balance as an Entrepreneur
While acknowledging the phases that demand focused attention, Samara prioritizes non-negotiable aspects of life. Health takes precedence, reflected in her commitment to adequate sleep and regular workouts. Short breaks become crucial for connecting with oneself and loved ones. This approach underscores the importance of maintaining a balance between professional and personal well-being.
“The CARER Protocol is not only groundbreaking but also scientifically proven, demonstrating significant improvements in patient side effects, quality of life, and survival rates.”
Samara draws inspiration from prominent women entrepreneurs and business leaders like Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Ameera Shah, and Indra Nooyi, who have paved the way for women in business and continue to set exemplary standards in their respective fields.
Incorporating Technology
CARER seamlessly integrates technology into its operations, delivering services through video and tele-consulting. As a health-tech platform, CARER maintains a balance by incorporating human intervention, ensuring a personalized touch. Technology has expanded CARER’s reach to previously inaccessible parts of India while optimizing business economics. The ongoing expansion of the technological ecosystem includes content, engagement, e-commerce, live tracking, and analytics.
Advice for Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs
Samara offers valuable advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs:
- Gain insights by working for a startup under the founder’s influence.
- Patience is key on the challenging entrepreneurial journey – embrace the slow and steady approach.
- Ensure financial readiness for a prolonged pursuit without compromising your standard of living.
Future Vision
Looking ahead, Samara envisions CARER becoming an integral part of every cancer treatment protocol and prescription. This ambitious vision reflects the commitment to transforming cancer care and making a lasting impact on the lives of patients across India. As CARER continues to grow, its holistic approach is set to redefine standards in the healthcare industry.
Samara Mahindra’s entrepreneurial odyssey with CARER is not just a story of business success; it’s a narrative of compassion, resilience, and a commitment to transforming the lives of those affected by cancer. CARER stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of holistic care in the fight against cancer.
“CARER is not just a healthcare enterprise; it’s a paradigm shift in cancer care, offering a comprehensive and supportive treatment journey.”