My experience in the Visionary Compass Accelerator Program (VCAP) has been one of the most transformative seasons of clarity, strategic execution, and visionary refinement for both myself and the future of Excel Health. What started as a desire to build a meaningful healthcare solution evolved into a journey of deeper positioning, ecosystem integration, and long-term execution strategy through the guidance, mentorship, and teachings I received during VCAP.
One of the most defining moments in this journey was my follow-up session with expert mentor, Dr. Tafa. That conversation significantly reshaped the way I see the future of Excel Health and expanded my understanding of what scalable adoption truly looks like within the healthcare ecosystem. Prior to that session, I largely viewed Excel Health from the perspective of operating independently as a service provider. However, Dr. Tafa introduced a broader strategic framework that completely transformed my thinking.
He helped me identify three clear pathways for growth and adoption – operating independently, partnering with existing healthcare organisations, or integrating Excel Health software directly into established healthcare systems. That level of clarity shifted my perspective from simply building a product to building a scalable healthcare solution capable of serving tertiary, primary, and private healthcare institutions at multiple levels.
Beyond positioning, Dr. Tafa also walked me through high-level five-year financial projections and shared practical planning resources that have now become foundational references for both the launch and long-term scaling of Excel Health. Most importantly, he reinforced the necessity of remaining deeply rooted within the healthcare ecosystem – refining the vision, building credibility, establishing visibility, and becoming a trusted voice within the industry. That counsel has continued to shape every strategic decision I make.
Another major highlight of my VCAP journey has been the Super Sundays with DDK. Every session stretched my thinking, sharpened my execution mindset, and strengthened my resolve as a visionary. The insights were so practical and transformative that I still revisit my notes regularly.
One recurring instruction from DDK was the importance of planting my feet firmly within the healthcare ecosystem rather than building from a distance. That instruction alone changed my trajectory. As a result, I intentionally positioned myself within key healthcare conversations and attended three healthcare conferences within the year, including one in London. Those strategic moves opened doors to valuable relationships and collaborations, one of which has now led to my involvement in a co-authoring project on nursing and artificial intelligence alongside professionals I met through those networks.
DDK also emphasised the importance of mentorship and proximity to people who have already walked the path I aspire to follow. In response, I became intentional about building meaningful relationships within the healthcare and technology space. I have since established connections with individuals whose wisdom, experience, and guidance I believe will play a significant role in the future growth and expansion of Excel Health.
Another execution principle that deeply shaped our strategy was DDK’s emphasis on piloting, starting with a smaller pilot, refining the process, and then scaling progressively toward a full launch. This shifted my approach from rushing toward visibility to building sustainably and intentionally. Today, that phased pilot structure has become a central part of the Excel Health rollout strategy.
The execution journey itself has not been without challenges, but even the obstacles became opportunities for growth and refinement. One of the biggest hurdles we encountered was the difficult decision to transition to a new developer after recognising a significant disconnect between the original development process and the long-term vision for the app. While the transition affected our initial timeline, it also became a defining learning experience that improved the way I communicate vision, manage execution, and establish expectations.
With the new development structure now in place, we have restarted the build process with greater clarity, stronger alignment, and more intentional systems. Although the developer transition delayed our original launch roadmap, we remain focused, proactive, and committed to building a healthcare solution that is sustainable, impactful, and positioned for long-term relevance. We are now preparing toward commencing our first pilot phase.
Throughout this journey, the teachings, affirmations, and confessions from Visioning 2025 have continued to strengthen both my heart and my hands for the work ahead. The constant reminders to reject complacency, pursue excellence, and remain committed to doing good work have become part of my daily posture as a visionary. My prayer throughout this season has consistently been for our processes to move from clarity to refinement and ultimately to perfection.
VCAP has not only helped me make progress on Excel Health; it has transformed the way I think, build, execute, and position vision. It has strengthened my leadership, expanded my strategic thinking, deepened my industry visibility, and equipped me with practical systems for sustainable execution.
I remain profoundly grateful for DDK’s guidance, wisdom, and investment in my journey. What I have experienced through VCAP goes far beyond a program or a coaching cycle, it feels like the beginning of a lifelong journey of growth, refinement, and visionary stewardship. I am deeply grateful for the transformation already evident and excited for the scale of impact that still lies ahead.
Funke Aringbangba Founder Skillset Consulting Ltd
