S2 | Episode #15 - Catalina Turlea - Co-Founder & CTO at nilo.health - "Removing the Mental Health Stigma and Empowering Change"

The Technology Leadership Podcast

About Catalina
Catalina Turlea is a seasoned technology leader and one of the three co-founders of the mental health startup nilo.health, based in Berlin and Munich, Germany. With over 10 years of experience as a software engineer, Catalina has predominantly worked in startup environments. Her passion lies in driving innovation and creating solutions that address mental health challenges. Catalina is also dedicated to mentoring and supporting aspiring developers, particularly women, in their career journeys.
Synopsis
In this episode of the Technology Leadership Podcast we are joined by Catalina Turlea, one of the three co-founders of mental health startup nilo.health, based in Berlin and Munich, Germany. Catalina, with over 10 years of experience as a software engineer, shared insights into the success factors behind their startup. She highlighted the importance of timing and how the COVID-19 pandemic created a more receptive market for mental health solutions, breaking down the stigma around mental health. Additionally, Catalina emphasised the critical role of a passionate and motivated team in achieving success, with team members drawn to nilo's mission of removing the stigma from mental health and making support more accessible.
Key Takeaways:

• nilo.health's remarkable journey towards success can be largely attributed to its ability to draw in a team that was not only highly skilled but also incredibly motivated. This team was not confined by homogeneity; instead, it was a diverse group of individuals from various backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
• A critical element in nilo.health's journey was its unwavering commitment to technology that directly and positively impacted its users. Rather than chasing the latest trends in technology for its own sake, the company prioritized solutions that addressed real needs.
• In the ever-evolving landscape of business, startups, must be nimble and adaptable. This readiness to pivot and change direction in response to market shifts is a crucial factor in a company's ability to thrive.
• nilo.health recognized the immense value of building a team that reflected a diverse array of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. By prioritising diversity in hiring practices, the company achieved more than just a demographic mix; it created a work environment characterised by empathy, support, and open-mindedness.

Episode Outline:
[00:09] Meet Catalina
[01:48] The Challenges within a mental health based startup
[06:58] Product development, tech stack, and operational efficiency
[17:31] Leadership, growth, and team building
[22:24] Balancing technology research with customer value
[25:38] Motivating and hiring diverse tech talent
[37:12] Balancing parenthood and entrepreneurship
[42:33] The significance of work-life balance