Meet the SHEROES - Gabrielle Seacy Of AktivOrtho

With a varied, global career across the textile industry, information technology sector and most recently, healthcare, Gabrielle Seacy, an Irish national moved to Delhi four years ago with her German husband and business partner, Dr. Gerd Mueller to set up AktivOrtho, a European model of rehabilitation focusing on orthopaedic, gynaecological and neurological rehabilitation, prevention and sports medicine.

Let’s get to know her story:

Tell us about yourself

I am an Irish national but like to think of myself as a citizen of the world. I have over 15 years of experience in International marketing and business management in countries across the globe ranging from Ireland, UK, Asia-Pacific and Nordic Benelux. I graduated from University College, Cork with a B.CommHons. At university, I really enjoyed subjects such as international marketing management and strategic management something that held me in good stead throughout my professional career. I moved to Delhi 4 years ago with my husband and business partner, Dr. Gerd Mueller, to set up AktivOrtho, a European model of rehabilitation focusing on orthopaedic, gynaecological and neurological rehabilitation, prevention and sports medicine. I concentrate on the non-medical aspects of the business. I love my life here – it’s very international and we also have many local Indian friends who have taken us under their wings and make us feel at home. The little free time we have we spend with our children.

How did the idea to start AktivOrtho come about?

My husband, Gerd Mueller is a trained Orthopaedic surgeon and a leading Orthopaedic specialist. Besides other areas of orthopaedics, he has been dealing with the branch of Rehabilitation for the last 20 years.  AktivOrtho traces its origin to Germany where he was one of the founders of the Rueckenzentrumcentres, established in the year 2000. Today, there are 7 centres in Germany. The decision to come to India was followed by the advice of patients of Dr. Mueller who went from India to Germany for his treatment. Now we have 4 centers in Delhi-NCR.

What are your core service / product areas?

AktivOrtho is India's first-of-its-kind comprehensive centre for orthopaedic, neurological and gynaecological rehabilitation as well as sports medicine, pain management, prevention, medical training therapy (MTT) and weight management solutions. We have introduced state-of-the-art, German designed rehabilitation equipment together with our team of experienced and certified medical professionals led by Dr. Mueller and Dr. RanaChengappa, MBBS, DSM. We are committed to providing our patients with European standard medical care, personalized one-on-one treatment and leading expertise.

What were the main challenge areas when setting up a company as a foreign national in India?

I think the challenges of setting up a new business are something entrepreneurs face everywhere and at all times, irrespective of where they come from. The initial teething problems were a little more pronounced in our case since we had two young children, aged 4 and 6 who needed our help to cope with the move. However, having succeeded with a great team to open our first centre within 3 months of moving here was a remarkable achievement and something we went on to replicate by adding 3 new centers. We are very happy here. The children are in a super school, our support system at home is excellent and that allows me the freedom to focus on the business. Rehabilitation medicine is hugely under-developed here in India and it’s very much needed and knowing that we make a difference gives us great motivation. 

What are your future goals for yourself and the company?

We are looking forward to building and growing AktivOrtho both geographically and vertically. So many people benefit from our expert team and services and it’s important we make it more accessible to everyone.

Can you comment on the key difference in work ethics you see in India and abroad?

Every country and culture has its own social norms of interacting and working. One has to accept it is different here, adapt but ensure that one maintains a strong personal and corporate culture of respect, honesty and integrity.

Any thoughts you would like to leave our readers with?

Having a positive, can-do attitude hugely helps in life whatever career you choose. I’m an extrovert, love to multi-task but most importantly I need the feeling that each day I have achieved something. So attitude is the key success factor; where there’s a will there’s a way and women tend to be quite determined in this regard!