Hello, I'm Jess Francis.

 

I've always loved technology. When I was eight, I remember sitting with my dad, dreaming up and designing a robot. As an occupational therapist, that same curiosity and drive to challenge the status quo has shaped my entire career - always finding ways to do things better, smarter, and more creatively.

 

My Story

When I was eight years old, I sat with my dad, dreaming up and designing a robot to clean the house. I've always been a nerd. That early fascination with technology planted the seeds for a lifelong curiosity about innovation and how it can solve real-world problems. Over the years, as I built my career as an occupational therapist, that same drive to challenge the status quo has shaped every step of my journey; always striving to do things better, smarter, and more creatively.

In my career spanning 15 years, I’ve worked across diverse clinical settings; from community aged care, inpatient rehabilitation, disability employment, workplace rehabilitation, and the NDIS (our disability scheme in Australia). These experiences have given me a deep understanding of the challenges allied health professionals face in delivering quality care in a complex and evolving environment. I’ve also had the privilege of taking on leadership roles, building and scaling allied health organisations, including co-founding a digital health startup and leading an allied health practice to growth from startup to over 200 staff within two years, achieving significant financial and operational milestones.

Through it all, one thing has remained constant: my belief in the transformative power of technology, not just to make our work as clinicians easier but to create real change for our clients. I’ve seen how tools like virtual reality and artificial intelligence can break down barriers to care, increase equity, and improve access to life-changing support. In a world where workforce shortages and systemic challenges often leave the most vulnerable behind, technology offers us a way to do better; not just for ourselves but for the people who rely on us.

This passion for fairness and innovation led me to complete a Master of Science in research focused on virtual reality and to immerse myself in the field of artificial intelligence. I’ve dedicated the past two years to helping allied health professionals harness these tools, not just to thrive in their work but to drive better outcomes for their clients and create a more just and equitable future for healthcare. 

From webinars and consulting to speaking engagements and contributing to research, I’m passionate about breaking down barriers to innovation. I’ve had the honour of presenting at national and international conferences, contributing to a book chapter on AI and innovation in occupational therapy, and participating in research exploring AI’s role in allied health.

Beyond my professional work, my experiences as a football (soccer) goalkeeper in my younger years have shaped how I approach challenges- with resilience, focus, and a dedication to supporting others to succeed. Just as I learned to trust my instincts and adapt quickly on the field, I bring those qualities to my work, helping clinicians confidently navigate the ever-changing landscape of technology.

Today, my mission is clear: to empower allied health professionals to embrace technology and innovation; not just to survive but to thrive. Together, we can create a more equitable, accessible, and impactful future for client care. Whether through webinars, courses, consulting, or mentoring, I’m here to help you unlock new opportunities, connect with your peers, and create meaningful outcomes for your clients.

My Mission & Vision

My mission is to empower allied health professionals to embrace technology and innovation for the good of our professions and our clients.

My values:

  • Equity & Accessibility
  • Justice & Fairness
  • Empowerment
  • Connection & Community
  • Innovation with Impact
  • Resilience & Adaptability

 

Ready to embrace innovation?

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