Candidate name: Zen Tharani
Title: CEO & Founder
Organization: Xenex Consulting Inc.
Zen Tharani is a management professional with over 23 years of experience in various parts of the health and social sectors. He has worked across Canada and internationally in both public and private settings. His experience ranges across various areas including health, education, social services, seniors care, and non-profit organizations. He is currently the CEO and Founder of Xenex Consulting Inc., a boutique and independent firm, focussed on providing bespoke strategic and management consulting services to clients across the globe. In the past, he has worked as the Executive Director of Digital Health Strategic Initiatives for the British Columbia Ministry of Health leading the expansion of Digital Health across the province. He has also worked as a Senior Managing Partner and led the expansion of a privately held health informatics consulting company in Canada. Zen is a leader in digital health and brings the experience of delivering trusted, sustainable, innovative engagements rooted in values of authenticity, trust, and empowerment.
How long have you been a member of Digital Health Canada?
7 years.
Why do you want to join the Digital Health Canada Board of Directors at this point in your career?
I have the privilege and honour of being elected to the board for a first term. With that term coming to an end, I believe I have more to contribute to the board. I have been in the digital health and eHealth space for 23 years and have gained insights through my professional and personal lived experiences that I believe will continue to help the Digital Health Canada Board and overall organization deliver their mandate in a manner that is representative of the membership. In my first term, I spearheaded the first-ever Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiative that was co-designed through extensive consultation and collaboration with the members. Through this work, Digital Health Canada has continued to evolve their commitment to DEI and will also be embedding the DEI mandate as part of the upcoming strategic plan. I do believe that there is more work to be done. And I also know that I can help play a big part in this journey to a more inclusive organization.
How does your experience align with the Digital Health Canada strategic plan and mandate?
My experience aligns closely with the Digital Health Canada strategic plan and mandate in several key ways. Firstly, my extensive experience as a senior management consultant has given me a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing businesses and governments, including those related to healthcare and digital health. This understanding aligns with Digital Health Canada’s goal of bringing together ideas from multiple segments for incubation and advocacy, as I would be able to contribute valuable insights and perspectives to discussions and initiatives related to advancing healthcare through information, technology, and data management. Secondly, my role in shaping the future of informatics through transitioning theory into practice and promoting knowledge exchange and dissemination aligns with Digital Health Canada’s goal of supporting members through professional development at the individual and organizational levels. I am passionate about sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration across professional and geographical boundaries, which would contribute to Digital Health Canada’s mission of fostering network growth and connection. Finally, my commitment to mentorship, community building, and advocacy for ending poverty in the world aligns with Digital Health Canada’s goal of advocating for the Canadian digital health industry. I believe that digital health has the potential to make a significant positive impact on healthcare outcomes and quality of life, and I am committed to working with other professionals and organizations to advance this goal. Overall, my experience aligns closely with the Digital Health Canada strategic plan and mandate, and I believe that I would be able to make a meaningful contribution to the organization’s mission of connecting, inspiring, and empowering digital health professionals creating the future of health in Canada.
What unique skills, perspectives and contributions would you bring to the Digital Health Canada Board?
I have had the privilege and benefit of being a member of the board since 2021. If re-elected to the Digital Health Canada Board, I will continue to bring a unique set of skills, perspectives, and contributions to the organization that are rooted in lived experience. As a seasoned and established digital health professional, I have a deep understanding of the challenges facing businesses and governments. This experience has given me a unique perspective on how to approach complex problems and find effective solutions. Furthermore, my commitment to mentorship and community building highlights my dedication to making a positive impact in our field. This passion will continue to be an asset to the Digital Health Canada community, as I will strive to find innovative ways to support and empower digital health professionals creating the future of health in Canada. Overall, I believe that my unique set of skills, perspectives, and contributions would enable me to make a significant contribution to the Digital Health Canada Board. I am committed to advancing the organization’s mission of connecting, inspiring, and empowering digital health professionals in Canada, and I am confident that my experience and passion would help to achieve this goal.
Do you or have or have you ever had any direct patient care experience (clinical)?
I have worked on the ground in large children’s and women’s hospital interacting with clinical staff, patients, volunteers, and other staff members.
What segments within the Digital Health Canada community do you feel you will best represent?
- Executives/CIOs
- Emerging Professionals
- IM/IT Practitioners
- Leaders
- Healthcare Institutions
- National eHealth Organizations
- Digital Health Entrepreneurs
With which Digital Health Canada committees, task groups or activities have you volunteered in the past five years? Describe your most significant contributions to Digital Health Canada’s mission.
I have been a member of the Board since 2021
What other board appointments or relevant leadership experiences have you had in the past five years?
I have been a member of the Board since 2021. I also hold the position of a sessional instructor with the School of Health Information Science at the University of Victoria. I am the CEO and Founder of a digital health consulting company that is currently serving clients across Canada and internationally. I am also an Executive Fellow with Woxsen University (one of the top schools in India). I work with the Woxsen leadership to bring the latest in marketplace thinking into the school curriculum, connecting students and faculty with marketing leaders to connect the dots between academic theory and industry practice.
Please tell us why you feel Digital Health Canada members should vote for you.
As a current Board member of Digital Health Canada running for re-election, I believe that members should vote for me because I have a demonstrated track record of exceptional leadership and expertise in the field of informatics. Since my appointment to the Board in 2021, I have contributed greatly to the Digital Health Canada community. With over 23 years of experience as a senior management consultant working with organizations across Canada and internationally, I bring a wealth of knowledge and insight to the Board. My key role in shaping the future of informatics, with a focus on transitioning theory into practice and promoting knowledge exchange and dissemination through education, collaboration, and communication across professional and geographical boundaries, has been instrumental in driving the organization forward. In addition to my expertise in informatics, my commitment to mentorship and building strength in the community is also a testament to my leadership skills. I currently mentor a dozen emerging professionals across Canada, helping them reach their true potential and thrive in their pursuit of professional excellence. My involvement in various initiatives, both local and international, that are in alignment with UNDP’s number one Sustainable Goal of ending poverty in the world, is also evidence of my dedication to making a positive impact in the world. Moreover, as a co-author of the book “Corporate Time Theft – You Can’t Afford to Ignore It,” I have demonstrated a commitment to addressing key issues affecting businesses and governments. This highlights my ability to think critically and work collaboratively to find solutions to complex problems. Overall, my leadership skills, expertise in informatics, dedication to mentorship and community building, and commitment to making a positive impact in the world make me a highly qualified candidate for re-election to the Digital Health Canada Board. My experience and accomplishments make me an asset to the Board and the Digital Health Canada community, and I believe that I will continue to be an invaluable contributor to the organization if re-elected.
Do you currently hold the Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems – Canada (CPHIMS-CA) credential?
No
What is your educational background? Please list all degrees and designations.
- IVEY LIFT Advanced Coaching Certification, The IVEY Academy at the IVEY School of Business (2023)
- Executive Education Certificate, Leading Digital Transformation in Health Care, Harvard Medical School
- MSc. Health Informatics, School of Health and Postgraduate Medicine, University of Central Lancashire (United Kingdom)
- Post Graduate Diploma in Health Informatics, School of Health and Postgraduate Medicine, University of Central Lancashire (United Kingdom)
- BSc., Health Information Science, School of Health Information Science, University of Victoria
