Name: Liselotte Stolk
Specialism: Medical Technology
Company: Praxa Sense
As a child, I was fascinated by everything related to building and creating.
Liselotte is the founder of Praxa Sense. Praxa Sense focuses on repositioning Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) devices using advanced laser speckle technology (SPG). This sensor technology solves issues with reduced signal quality in traditional sensors caused by movement and darker skin tones.
What amazes you about your field of expertise?
I love applying technology to solve problems. In healthcare, this connection is very strong, and there is still much room for innovation. I’m amazed by the technical possibilities that can support doctors, but also by the fact that successfully introducing these solutions in healthcare doesn’t require the technically best solution, but the best implementation. It’s more about communication than technology.
What made you choose a technical education in your youth?
As a child, I was fascinated by everything related to building and creating. I think creating things is what makes me happiest. Even as a young child, I was constantly building (huts, LEGO, I made my own furniture for my room), so it felt natural to pursue a path focused on making. During the open day at TU Delft, I immediately felt a spark: things are happening here, the future is being built here!
What do you admire in a leader and why?
I admire leaders who are human and approachable, yet still bold enough to steer a clear course. I think I’m quite good at the human side myself, but I recently realized that in my enthusiasm, I tend to keep far too many options open. I recently read the book *Essentialism*, which describes how to do the minimum and consciously choose what you do, and then focus on that. Since then, I’ve been cutting out a lot of things in my life, as well as in my company. I’ve noticed that this benefits my employees because they now have a better understanding of what I expect from them.
What do you do in your free time?
Running, swimming, cycling, tennis, bouldering, hiking—basically, staying active. I also really enjoy reading; I read 3 to 4 books a month. On weekends, I spend a lot of time with my high school friends, my rowing club, and my studies. My partner and I bought a 1930s house, and I work on it a lot (partly because you can’t avoid that with a 1930s home).
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Changing healthcare. I do many different things in my life, but my main focus is to lead my company to success. I find the journey fantastic and get very excited about the idea that the end result is getting closer every day.
Is engineering part of your DNA?
I think like a technician. For a problem, I often come up with a technical solution. I can also be a dreamer and really enjoy drawing, sports, and spending time with friends, so I’m not always just an engineer.
If you could go on a trip, where would you go?
By train and bike to beautiful nature. As mentioned above, I love being active; I’m not very good at lying on a beach for three weeks (unfortunately, as that might sometimes be good for me).
What has been your most recent personal sustainability activity?
I regularly participate in roadblocks with Extinction Rebellion. I understand that some people view it as an extreme form of protest, but I strongly believe in speaking out as a citizen about issues that need to change. As an entrepreneur, you sometimes need to be bold to address issues or do things that others might initially think are crazy, so I’m used to that. Because of this, I no longer fly and eat vegetarian, but I also think it’s unrealistic to place all the responsibility on the consumer. By the way, I do take long showers, so I understand how challenging it is to do things ‘right.’
What can we wake you up for in the middle of the night?
Nothing at all, sleep is your most important asset!
