FS Women in Entrepreneurship: Morgan Kool, Kennis Automation

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Tell us about your Formula Student journey

I joined Ryerson Formula Racing in 2018, after a fellow biomedical engineering student convinced me there was a place for me on a team that builds race cars. I went to an orientation and was immediately hooked. My first year on the team I learned a bit of everything, and later went on to take a few lead positions. As a Business Team lead, responsibilities include sponsorship, event organization, and the Business Presentation at competition. I am also a Livery and Bodywork lead; this involves exterior surfaces, as well as the designs that go on the car, sponsor logos, vinyl wrapping, and general finishes on the car. I have been to FSAE Michigan, FSAE North, and the University of Toronto Shootout multiple times.

Have you always had an inclination towards entrepreneurship?

Entrepreneurship was something I have always had an interest in, without quite realizing it. Since I was 12, I have always had some kind of “side hustle”. It was not until university that I realized it was something I was passionate about.

What is the problem your company is trying to solve?

Migraine disorders affect nearly a billion people worldwide. A majority face the daily struggle of managing the unpredictability of their own unique illness with an ineffective trial-and-error approach. Kennis Automation is currently working on a product called MiRhythm™. MiRhythm™ provides more effective management through accurate, personalised recommendations and actionable items by determining what techniques are most likely to work, for each specific user. We are the match-maker for migraine treatment.

How did you come about the fact that this is the problem you wanted to solve?

We determined what product to make, based on the needs of the individuals in our market. For us, migraineurs. We spoke one-on-one with dozens of people from across the globe about what their biggest struggles are as migraineurs, and what would be most beneficial for them in a solution. We took this information and found the top pain points, which we turned into goals for MiRhythm to solve.

How did your journey in Formula Student influence your venture into entrepreneurship?

There are many cross-correlations between being in a leadership role on a Formula Student team and running a business. In both cases, you will be working with tight deadlines, sometimes no pay-cheque, and require hard work, organization, leadership skills and determination to make something great. Every aspect from project management to presentation skills to engineering design and validation can be extrapolated in some form when running a technology-based company.

What are your views on the future of the industry you are currently working in?

Biotechnology is a constantly evolving and growing field. Every day, new ground-breaking technologies are being developed. With more assets and talent joining the areas of AI and healthcare especially, I am excited to see what the future holds for the industry.

Are there any pros and cons you could share on being a female entrepreneur in this decade?

As with any minority group in a field, there are extra hurdles to overcome. However, it is all the more reason to take on the journey, in my opinion. Each new woman in entrepreneurship means one more catalyst for change in a society where diversity and inclusion are becoming an important focus. After all, the more heads you put together, the more incredible ideas will grow.

What has been the most important decision that you have made, that has contributed to your self-growth?

It would likely be learning to change my mindset. Instead of wondering whether or not I can do something if it is something important to me, I try to focus on how I will. If you get into the mindset of “I can”, instead of “I can’t”, you are on the right track to be successful. Every successful person – not just entrepreneurs – started somewhere. Also, keep in mind that changes in perspective do not happen overnight. Set small goals that work towards larger ones. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about starting somewhere!

What has been the most difficult aspect about building a brand from scratch?

It is hard to say what the most difficult thing about building a brand from scratch is. Similar to my answer to the previous question, I believe the most difficult thing is changing your mindset, and just going for it. If building a company is something you want to do, then give it your best shot and believe in yourself.

Any popular entrepreneurial advice that you disagree with?

I disagree with the typical model of building a product, then testing it with the market. Impactful products are built based on existing consumer needs. Find a consumer need by talking to people of a demographic you are passionate about, then make a product for it. I disagree with making a product for a need you believe exists, then seeing if it will sell. If you build from the need to product, you already know it is going to do well, if you solve the problem properly.

Since you have a niche product offering, did you have to create a market for it?

The key for us was actually to not create a market for our product, but to create a product for our market. We spoke with people across the globe from a market we wanted to help and found their biggest pain points. From there, we started developing a product to address those pain points, constantly checking in with individuals in our niche market, to make sure it was in line with their needs. If you create a product based on your niche’s biggest pitfalls, and address them properly, you already have a market before you polish the product.

What are your personal aspirations?

I am not quite sure where I will end up 10, or even 5 years from now. All I know is that I want to be doing something engaging that helps make a positive impact on peoples’ lives. Having a growth mindset is also important to me, so a career that constantly pushes me to learn new things and think critically is a must.

What is your definition of success?

Success is an ever-evolving thing. If you have achieved it, you will know. If you haven’t, you will also know, and can use your current definition of it to push you further. Make sure to celebrate the small wins, too!

Any advice you would like to provide to aspiring female entrepreneurs?

For any aspiring female entrepreneurs reading this, my single piece of advice would be to just go for it. There are people in your corner who you may not even realize are there. You have myself and every other female entrepreneur with you on your journey. Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to reach out, even to strangers. Don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself and advocate for your ideas. If you want to do it, go do it, because you can. You don’t have to do it all in a day, you just have to start somewhere!

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This interview may have been edited for grammar. The interview has been collected and collated by Renita D’Souza. For concerns or queries, you may write to media@curiosumtech.in.