Coworking: Chris Ellis hears you

Coworking is a weekly segment where we spotlight Tech Brew readers who work with emerging technologies. Click here if you’d like a chance to be featured.

How would you describe your job to someone who doesn’t work in tech?

My job is a bit of everything. As CEO of a growing startup, I’ve played almost every role in the company since its inception. That spans from helping answer support questions and writing blog articles to designing and developing products. On a day-to-day basis, it’s leading our company, ensuring that everyone knows their responsibilities and goals to help achieve our overall mission.

What’s the most compelling tech project you’ve worked on, and why?

My work at AudioCardio, a digital health company focused on reversing hearing loss and relieving tinnitus (ringing in the ears), has been my most compelling work thus far. Our mission is to provide hope and an easily accessible and affordable solution for people all over the world.

Although it impacts more than 500 million people globally, hearing loss is often overlooked and ignored, with very little innovation in the hearing industry over the last 50 years. However, we now know untreated hearing loss is associated with an increased risk of dementia, falling, depression, and many other secondary physical and mental health issues. The stories we hear from our customers about the impact AudioCardio has made on their lives are what drive our organization.

What technologies are you most optimistic about? Least? And why?

I’m most optimistic about digital health. As we advance in our technological abilities, digital software solutions will play a greater role in health. Beyond tracking and monitoring, more and more solutions to help diagnose and actually treat patients will be released. Solutions that can provide treatments using light and sound are readily available and are already making a tremendous impact globally. The possibilities are endless, and will improve the lives of billions of people around the world.

I’m least optimistic about technologies that can only be accessed by wealthy or more privileged individuals or organizations. The future of technology is very bright, but many other societal considerations will have to be evaluated as they develop, creating a need for policies around them.

What’s the best tech-related media you read/watch/listen to?

I find myself reading about startups and new innovative technologies via TechCrunch. I like to learn about technologies and companies as they emerge. I’ve learned a lot about adjacent industries, companies, and novel solutions through their platform.

What’s something about you we can’t guess from your LinkedIn profile?

I really enjoy live events, especially sports. I’ve traveled some long distances and experienced some incredible games and shows. Although work keeps me quite busy, I try to make it out to a game or live show once a month.

What do you think about when you’re not thinking about tech?

I’m thinking about new experiences or restaurants to try with friends and family. AudioCardio keeps me very busy, so I try to spend as much time as possible with the people I care about most.