2022 CEO of the Year

CEO MONTHLY / CEO OF THE YEAR 2022 31 CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 12 2022 25 Mar22259 A CEO with a Vision for The Future Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disorder that impacts 10 million people worldwide. As one of the leading entities in driving towards a better quality of life for those with Parkinson’s, Charco Neurotech’s work cannot be overlooked. Following CEO Lucy Jung’s recognition as the CEO of the Year 2022 for Cambridge, UK, we took a closer look at the successes, mission and achievements of this crucial company. There are many companies that work towards the betterment of the world, whether it be through sustainability, financial support, community outreach, or a plethora of other ways. The medical industry, and its tangential sectors, is a goliath of progress and innovation, with significant advancements being made every day, and lives changed dramatically for the better. When it comes to innovation, there are few that can match the pace that Charco Neurotech (Charco) sets when it comes to real, substantial quality of life changes for those with Parkinson’s. That is its core mission, and it pursues it passionately. Much of this passion and energy comes from the very top through CEO Lucy Jung, who leads from a place of authenticity, transparency, and creativity. As a result, Charco is a company that practically pulses with the same energy. For one can never sit still on the medical and health landscape, you must continue to evolve, be better, improve, and adapt. Lucy begins by explaining Charco’s ethos, and the road that led to the design of the CUE1. “Despite the best available medical and surgical interventions, people with Parkinson’s are often frustrated, as they remain significantly limited in their activities. Charco Neurotech was founded by a team of designers, engineers, and clinicians with one ambition: to bring back smiles for people with Parkinson’s. This led to our design of the CUE1, a non-invasive wearable device. What started out as a university research project grew into something bigger, something more important. “As we became more and more involved with the Parkinson’s community, we only became more motivated. The CUE1 alleviates certain Parkinson’s symptoms, including stiffness and slowness of movement. It achieves this by utilising two vibration-based therapies: focused stimulation and cueing, both of which are research-validated. It also incorporates discreet medication reminders and an accompanying app, which enables the user to track their symptoms. Parkinson’s affects everyone differently, and the support which Charco offers reflects this.” Moreover, Charco understands that its work should be peoplecentric, always. There is a tendency for the individual to be almost a secondary consideration, behind the device or product or solution being offered. That is certainly not the case with Charco, who take a bespoke, tailored approach – the company understands that everyone is, fundamentally, unique. It is clear to see Lucy’s influence on this focus, as she continues to discuss her leadership style in guiding Charco’s path. “Though my leadership style may be adapted depending on what the situation calls for, I always retain authentic leadership as a primary focus. Building a healthy work environment and ensuring that an atmosphere of trust is created between and among team members, is the most important thing. I also strive to be consistently honest and genuine when interacting with those inside and outside the organisation.” Charco’s core mission and Lucy’s leadership have created a guiding light for the work the company does. Every decision is framed within that ethos, and whether it answers a simple question: will this improve the lives of those living with Parkinson’s? Its passion is evident, its work speaks for itself, and Lucy remains at the helm pointing everything forwards, to better developments in the future. In her closing comments, Lucy emphasises this position and the passion that can be felt at every tier of the company, through every team member. “Every decision we make at Charco is towards the goal with which we were founded: to bring smiles back to people with Parkinson’s. We are passionate about the people and community that we work for, and this shines through in everything we do. Charco is a group of people, brought together by a common purpose: to improve quality of life for people with Parkinson’s. This authenticity is what makes us special, and is the image at the forefront of everything that we do.” Ultimately, recognising Lucy Jung as the CEO of the Year for Cambridge seemed an obvious choice. The company’s future is bright indeed, and its mission remains steadfast and absolute. Company: Charco Neurotech Name: Lucy Jung Email: [email protected] Web Address: https://charconeurotech.com/ Address: wellington house, East Rd, Petersfield, Cambridge CB1 1BH Telephone: 020 8164 0844 Oct22137

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