Kristine Tompkins and Lila Ibrahim offer compelling perspectives on CNN's Visionaries

HONG KONG, Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In the second episode of Visionaries, Bill Weir speaks with former Patagonia CEO Kristine Tompkins about her mission to channel company revenue towards environmental conservation. Meanwhile, Anna Stewart interviews Lila Ibrahim, Chief Operating Officer of Google DeepMind, as she reflects on her journey as the company's first COO and her efforts to bring more women into tech roles.

Kristine Tompkins on how her business background helps with conservation work

> Any Use of This Material Must Clearly Credit CNN's Visionaries <

Watch the full interview on Visionaries, airing on CNN International on Saturday 14^th December

In a new episode of Visionaries, CNN's Bill Weir sits down with CEO turned conservationist Kristine Tompkins, who has made it her mission to protect the vast South American wilderness.

Tompkins served as the first CEO of outdoor apparel brand Patagonia for 20 years. She talks about founder Yvon Chouinard's commitment to funding environmental causes with the company's revenue, "It shouldn't be based on profit, because if you're not profitable, you're still contaminating things and so on. So, he said, let's make it 10% of our revenue. So, sink or swim, we owed Mother Earth 10% of whatever we were selling. And it's still that way today."

At the age of 43, Tompkins decided to pack up her life in the US and join her future husband Doug, founder of The North Face, in South America. Having both amassed sizeable fortunes in the corporate world, the Tompkins realized that they could use their resources to protect natural ones. Inspired by the US National Park system, they began purchasing land. Tompkins explains that people struggled to believe the concept, "In a lot of ways, that's how we got so far into trouble in the early years because we were telling people about, we'll aggregate these lands together, and then we're going to return them all to the country as National Parks. And that's, now looking at it today, 30 years ago, that was pretty naive. Nobody's going to believe that."

Over the last few decades, the Tompkins acquired roughly 15 million acres of land, converting them to more than a dozen National Parks, and returning them to Chile and Argentina. Among the largest private land donations in history, Tompkins says this proof of performance helped change people's minds, "Once we opened up Pumalín and there were trails, and there were campgrounds, and there was a restaurant, and there was a little hotel […] That really was a tectonic shift because people could see that, crazy though it may have seemed to them then, we were doing what we were saying that we were going to do."

Tompkins believes that her background in business has prepared her well for her current role, telling Weir, "The globalized economy needs ecological and conservation and rewilding ethos. But also, conservationists, rewilders can really benefit from the discipline. You know, you come out of business, you have a financial side to you. You can run budgets. You know what to do if something is under over. People tend to be relentless and especially in conservation, you need that."

Key quotes from Kristine Tompkins:

On Yvon Chouinard's commitment to environmental funding:
"We have to start giving away 1% of our profits every year to environmental groups, who typically had a harder time raising money. And within a few years he said, well, wait a second, everybody can hide profits. So, it shouldn't be based on profit, because if you're not profitable, you're still contaminating things and so on. So, he said, let's make it 10% of our revenue. So, sink or swim, we owed Mother Earth 10% of whatever we were selling. And it's still that way today."

On Patagonia's struggles in the early 90s:
"I loved that period because we were in the doghouse with the bankers, and we weren't sure if we could really get the company back into a form and fashion that we had always believed it should be. And I loved the stress of that. I loved the risk of doing that. And then once things stabilized again, I started to feel like I'm going to be here for the rest of my life."

On buying land to create National Parks in South America:
"In a lot of ways, that's how we got so far into trouble in the early years because we, we were telling people about, we'll aggregate these lands together, and then we're going to return them all to the country as national parks. And that's, now looking at it today, 30 years ago, that was pretty naive. Nobody's going to believe that."

On the success of the first National Park:
"Once we opened up Pumalín and there were trails, and there were campgrounds, and there was a restaurant, and there was a little hotel. And the infrastructure was beautiful and respectful. And the architecture looked like the architecture of the area. And everything was for free, you didn't have to pay passage into the park. You didn't have to pay to camp. And that really was a tectonic shift because people could see that, crazy though it may have seemed to them, then, we were doing what we were saying that we were going to do."

On how her business background helps in her current role:
"The globalized economy needs ecological and conservation and rewilding ethos. But also, conservationists, rewilders can really benefit from the discipline. You know, you come out of business, you have a financial side to you. You can run budgets. You know what to do if something is under over. People tend to be relentless and especially in conservation, you need that."

On how her husband's death has altered her outlook:
"You know, when Doug died, I understood then, I had no fear because the worst thing that could happen to me had happened. He's been gone nine years now, but I feel that every day. Go for broke. You have nothing to be afraid of. And I would tell my younger self the same thing I tell my current 74-year-old self, is live with no fear."

On what she thinks a visionary is:
"I think visionaries are unencumbered. They are not tied to this earth. They're not stuck like an air balloon. And you have to cut the ropes to really think of things from a completely different point of view."

Google DeepMind COO: "I'm not very good at predicting the future, but I'm very good at building it."

> Any Use of This Material Must Clearly Credit CNN's Visionaries <

Watch the full interview on Visionaries, airing on CNN International on Saturday 14^th December

In a new episode of Visionaries, CNN's Anna Stewart talks to the first Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Google DeepMind Lila Ibrahim.

Ibrahim was born in the United States to Lebanese immigrant parents. She speaks about choosing her career path, "I became an engineer because I thought it was a combination of math, art, and science. And along the way, I actually really enjoyed working with people."

While her background made her feel like an outsider growing up, Ibrahim says university was also alienating, "There weren't that many women. By the time I was in my early twenties, I was just had to get comfortable with bringing a different perspective into everything."

After a career working at Intel, then a venture capitalist firm, and as the first president and COO of Coursera, Ibrahim was approached about the job at Google DeepMind. She tells Stewart that the decision came after 50 hours of interviewing, "I'd go home, and I would tuck my daughters in at night saying, what kind of legacy will I leave in the world? Can I bring my 30 years of technology, experience, and social impact of this through line of how technology can make a social impact and bring it into this moment in AI? And at the end of the day, after 50 hours of interviewing, I felt that there was no better place to build AI responsibly than DeepMind."

Ibrahim believes that in her current role she has a responsibility to introduce more women to tech jobs, explaining that, "In my entire career, I have only once had a woman that was above me in my reporting line."

She concludes, "It's my responsibility now in this role, at this time in history, to make sure that I am not just bringing women along, but like thinking about bringing others along. And whether it's gender, geographic diversity, ethnic diversity, because I think to have the impact in society that we need to have, we need the diverse voices in from the beginning."

Key quotes from Lila Ibrahim:

On her outlook:
"One thing I have really learned is I'm not very good at predicting the future, but I'm very good at building it."

On feeling like an outsider as a child and at university:
"Growing up as a child of immigrants in the Midwest, with English as my second language. I was like the dark-haired kid in my school growing up like an outsider."

"There weren't that many women. By the time I was in my early twenties, I was just had to get comfortable with bringing a different perspective into everything."

On her career path:
"I became an engineer because I thought it was a combination of math, art, and science. And along the way, I actually really enjoyed working with people. And what I've enjoyed about my engineering career, is the ability to bring all of that together and bring a unique view into everything that I do. Being an engineer has taught me to ask the question of what, why, and what are we trying to achieve? So that if you can really understand a problem, you can figure out what the right solution is rather than just throw a bunch of solutions at an undefined problem."

On her thought process when accepting the job:
"When you have a chance to work on such a transformative technology as AI and in a role as I'm in, which is the first COO, first chief operating officer of Google DeepMind, how do you say no? So, I actually engaged in the conversations, but very slowly and intentional. I wanted to understand what were the founders' vision for what I could make possible and what were the risks. And I'd go home, and I would tuck my daughters in at night saying, what kind of legacy will I leave in the world? Can I bring my 30 years of technology, experience, and social impact of this through line of how technology can make a social impact and bring it into this moment in AI? And at the end of the day, after 50 hours of interviewing, I felt that there was no better place to build AI responsibly than DeepMind."

On whether she worries about being involved with AI:
"Part of my job is to worry, to think about, what are the risks and how do we mitigate them, and also to think about the opportunities and how do we support them. Have I ever regretted it? Not at all. I feel like I had almost like a moral calling to be in this role, all of a sudden, my very weird, circuitous background kind of makes sense with where I'm sitting right now."

On more women in tech:
"In my entire career, I have only once had a woman that was above me in my reporting line. But I've been extraordinarily fortunate in having men who were leaders who pulled me into their circle, so that I could have a voice and learn from them. So, I do feel like part of that is generational. But I also feel like it's my responsibility now in this role, at this time in history, to make sure that I am not just bringing women along, but like thinking about bringing others along. And whether it's gender, geographic diversity, ethnic diversity, because I think to have the impact in society that we need to have, we need the diverse voices in from the beginning."

On what she thinks a visionary is:
"A visionary is a person who can imagine a future, who can organize and inspire a team around them, to achieve something that may be unthinkable yet have profound impact in the world."

Visionaries airs on CNN International on Saturday 14^th December 2024 at 1:30pm HKT
The show also airs at the following times:
Sunday 15^th December at 1:30am, 12:00pm and 8:00pm HKT

See more from Visionaries:
https://edition.cnn.com/world/visionaries

Visionaries trailer: https://bit.ly/3VwsRP7
Visionaries images: https://bit.ly/4g7s1R1

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Kristine Tompkins and Lila Ibrahim offer compelling perspectives on CNN's Visionaries

Kristine Tompkins and Lila Ibrahim offer compelling perspectives on CNN's Visionaries

New collaboration delivers cashless services, as well as access to expedited appointments for outpatient cancer treatment services and independent cancer medical consultation, ensuring comprehensive and convenient protection for customers

HONG KONG, Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Manulife Hong Kong today announced a new partnership with New Frontier Group, one of the leading healthcare service providers in Greater China, to introduce cashless services for eligible customers through New Frontier Group's subsidiary, Prosper Health. This collaboration strengthens Manulife's integrated cross-border healthcare offerings, providing customers with holistic health management, cancer screening and treatment, and a variety of other comprehensive medical services.

This partnership underscores Manulife's commitment to advancing its health and protection offerings in response to the increasing trend of Hong Kong residents seeking medical treatment in mainland China. As the demand for high-quality medical services continues to grow, Manulife and New Frontier Group are dedicated to delivering diverse healthcare options tailored for Hong Kong residents who work or frequently travel across the border, as well as for mainland Chinese residents visiting the city.

Cashless Services
Eligible customers can now benefit from cashless services for day-case^[1] surgeries at all United Family Hospitals^[2] and for in-patient surgeries within Prosper Health's medical network in mainland China. This simplified payment settlement process greatly enhances the customer experience, enabling Manulife to directly settle medical expenses with Prosper Health upon treatment completion, provided that customers obtain confirmed pre-authorization prior to receiving care.

Under these cashless services, eligible customers will also have access to cashless chemotherapy and radiotherapy at United Family Hospitals, with Manulife settling pre-approved amounts directly with Prosper Health. This arrangement allows customers to focus on their recovery without worrying about unforeseen expenses.

"This new partnership between Manulife and New Frontier Group marks a significant step forward in delivering seamless, integrated healthcare services across the border. By combining our insurance expertise with New Frontier Group's extensive medical network in mainland China, we are uniquely positioned to offer Hong Kong customers access to high-quality cross-border medical care, furthering our commitment to protecting the health and well-being of our customers," said Patrick Graham, Chief Executive Officer of Manulife Hong Kong and Macau. 

"New Frontier Group has always been committed to providing customers with an exceptional healthcare management experience through high-quality medical resources and services. Our collaboration with Manulife fully leverages the strengths of both parties. By integrating our premium hospital network with Manulife's insurance offerings, we are creating truly seamless healthcare solutions for cross-border clients. This is not only a breakthrough in our partnership but also an important demonstration of our joint efforts to create value for society." said Antony Leung, Group Chairman and Co-founder of New Frontier Group.

Expedited Appointment for Outpatient Cancer Treatment Services and Independent Cancer Medical Consultation
This partnership will also offer medical support to customers diagnosed with cancer. Eligible customers^[3] can enjoy expedited appointment^[4] for outpatient cancer treatment services at any United Family Hospital in key cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Tianjin, and Qingdao. Additionally, this offering is complemented by a free one-time independent medical consultation at any United Family Hospital, providing a second opinion for added peace of mind regarding cancer diagnoses.^[5]  

As part of our commitment to exceptional customer care, this partnership offers a first-in-Hong Kong market,^[6] complimentary door-to-door limousine service^[7] to Shenzhen New Frontier United Family Hospital. This exclusive service is available to eligible customers^[3] seeking outpatient cancer treatment at Shenzhen New Frontier United Family Hospital, offering a hassle-free and comfortable journey from their homes directly to the hospital.

"We are excited to partner with New Frontier Group to enhance our cross-border cancer management services," said Carrie Tong, Chief Operations Officer at Manulife Hong Kong and Macau. "By expanding access to essential treatments and value-added services, along with a seamless cashless service, we are not just providing insurance coverage – we are delivering a holistic healthcare experience that truly puts our customers first. Our initiative alleviates the complexities of cross-border medical treatment, enabling customers to focus entirely on their health and well-being, with the assurance that every detail of their medical and travel needs is managed with the utmost care and consideration."

 "With the ecosystem resources of New Frontier, Prosper Health has always been committed to delivering high-quality medical services to the market and improving the synergy of medical services through close cooperation with insurance companies and medical institutions. This cooperation with Manulife will further strengthen the integration and optimization of medical resources in the Greater Bay Area, while also broadening the boundaries of premium medical services, providing more comprehensive support to clients with diverse medical service needs," said Kevin Zhou, CEO and Co-founder of Prosper Health.

Value-Added Services for Enhanced Customer Care^[8]

This partnership also introduces a suite of value-added benefits that will be available at Shenzhen New Frontier United Family Hospital, including: 1) special cross-ward benefits; 2) discounts on health check-ups, making it easier for individuals to stay on top of their health; 3) discounts for specialized post-partum care, ensuring that new mothers and their infants receive necessary medical support during the crucial post-delivery period; and 4) discounts on dental care services.

Last year, Manulife partnered with HEAL Medical, a New Frontier Group subsidiary, making it the first designated medical centre in Manulife's GBA Medical Hub. This new collaboration is yet another key initiative in Manulife's ongoing efforts to enhance its health and protection offerings.

[1] This covers day surgeries across 8 major specialties: Gastroenterology & Hepatology, General Surgery, Orthopedics & Traumatology, Otorhinolaryngology (ENT), Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, and Urology.

[2] Operated by United Family Healthcare, a subsidiary of New Frontier Group.

[3] Eligibility applies to customers of ManuMaster Healthcare Series, ManuShine Healthcare Series, and Manulife Supreme VHIS Flexi Plan, Manulife Supreme Lite VHIS Supplementary Benefit, Manulife Supreme Medical Plan, and Manulife Supreme Lite Medical Supplementary Benefit. This benefit is limited to Cashless Outpatient Cancer Treatment Service, including doctor consultations, chemotherapy/radiotherapy, and related diagnostic tests and services as stated in the Confirmation for Credit Service Arrangement.

[4] Only applicable to designated doctors within the Preferred Medical Service Providers.

[5] The cost of independent cancer medical consultation services will be covered by Manulife. However, any additional expenses (such as medication, tests, and examinations) will need to be paid by the customer.

[6] Based on comparisons with other Hong Kong's major life insurance companies as of December 12, 2024.

[7] Arranged by Prosper Health and available upon request for a limited period.

[8] Shenzhen New Frontier United Family Hospital reserves the right of final decision on eligibility to the value-added services.

About Manulife Hong Kong 
Manulife Hong Kong has been a trusted name for more than 125 years. Since our operations started in Asia in 1897, we have grown to become one of the top-tier providers of financial services, offering a diverse range of protection and wealth products and services to about 2.6 million customers in Hong Kong and Macau. We are committed to helping make decisions easier and lives better for our customers.

Manulife Hong Kong, through Manulife International Holdings Limited, owns Manulife (International) Limited, Manulife Investment Management (Hong Kong) Limited, and Manulife Provident Funds Trust Company Limited.

About Manulife 
Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. With our global headquarters in Toronto, Canada, we provide financial advice and insurance, operating as Manulife across Canada, Asia, and Europe, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States. Through Manulife Investment Management, the global brand for our Global Wealth and Asset Management segment, we serve individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. At the end of 2023, we had more than 38,000 employees, over 98,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners, serving over 35 million customers. We trade as 'MFC' on the Toronto, New York, and the Philippine stock exchanges, and under '945' in Hong Kong.

Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulife.com.

About New Frontier Group
New Frontier Group was founded in 2016 by Mr. Antony Leung, former Financial Secretary of Hong Kong, and Mr. Carl Wu, former Managing Director at Blackstone, with the goal of addressing some of the most pressing healthcare needs today. In the short time since its founding, New Frontier Group has become one of the leading private healthcare service providers in Greater China, offering a comprehensive range of services that span across the entire healthcare continuum.

This includes general and specialty healthcare, rehabilitation care, home care, health insurance services, health technology, and more. Currently, the group operates 32 hospitals with over 9,000 beds, serving 77 cities. It is supported by a dedicated workforce of approximately 12,000 full-time staff, including over 3,000 doctors and more than 2,000 nursing staff. This year, the group expects to exceed 12 million patient visits, with in-patient days totaling 1.9 million. Please visit https://www.new-frontier.com/en/ for more information.

About Prosper Health
Prosper Health is a member-centric health insurance service provider. Collaborating with leading insurance companies and local medical service providers in China, we offer personalized health management services and insurance solutions to both corporate and individual clients.

We integrate medical care into the entire process of health insurance services. Through our dedicated Personal Care Managers, we understand our clients' unique needs and establish a highly engaging, trustworthy, and long-term personalized service model, from prevention, treatment to rehabilitation; Our medical network spans globally, encompassing both public and private healthcare facilities; Digital tools enhance customers experience and create a first-class health insurance service platform. With the ecosystem resources of New Frontier, we are committed to bringing high-quality medical and health services to more people. Please visit https://www.prosperhealth.cn/ for more information.

About United Family Healthcare
United Family Healthcare (UFH), a New Frontier Group subsidiary, is an international hospital and clinic network that has been providing private, premium healthcare in China since 1997. Today, UFH has established a strong presence in the region, operating 10 hospitals, 1 internet hospital, and 24 clinics across the country. The UFH team currently comprises approximately 1000 full-time doctors from over 30 countries and is supported by a dedicated group of over 1,500 nurses. Please visit https://ufh.com.cn/en/ for more information.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Manulife Hong Kong Partners with New Frontier Group to Enhance Cross-Border Healthcare Services

Manulife Hong Kong Partners with New Frontier Group to Enhance Cross-Border Healthcare Services