Mind the Gap

Serial entrepreneur Azran Osman-Rani is laser-focused on redefining modern healthcare to become more holistic and ensure both physical and mental wellbeing are looked after

- Chong Jinn Xiung

Two traits define Azran Osman-Rani: curiosity and purpose. The serial entrepreneur enthusiastically shared how staying curious had played a big part in his life and why he has never hesitated jumping in the deep end, changing industries.

The son of two university professors, Azran recalls that he was always eager to try and experience different things as a child. His parents would often encourage him to read as many books as he wanted, take up music classes or try different types of sports.

In the evenings, his parents would often invite their colleagues from different faculties home for dinner. Azran never shied away from engaging them in conversation, learning about different fields of study as they tucked into a delicious meal.

He graduated with a degree in electrical engineering from Stanford University but enrolled in seemingly unrelated subjects like history, psychology and economics. “I saw that there were a lot of dots that connected between different subjects,” he explains excitedly about his time in California. “Even though the problems seemed different, the way to solve them was similar. That’s how I got fascinated with business management.”

Insatiably curious, Azran says he remains guided by his purpose. “It is important to know your ‘why’ to ensure you are heading in the right direction,” he says, smiling. He admits that he has never been the type of leader that draws out long 5 to 10-year business plans. In his opinion, though plans are important, they sometimes limit your vision and you may miss things happening in the periphery.