Blind entrepreneur: If I hadn't had a disability, I would have been satisfied more quickly

Julian Hadschieff, a blind entrepreneur and president of the Austrian Association for the Disabled Sports, has spoken openly about how his visual impairment has shaped both his personal and professional life. During a recent interview with KURIER, Hadschieff reflected on the challenges and opportunities that have come with being visually impaired, stating that without his disability, he might have been satisfied with less than he has achieved. Hadschieff, who founded the PremiQaMed group, now known as the MAVIE Group, and led it as CEO for over three decades, emphasized that his condition has driven him to push boundaries rather than limit them. Hadschieff was born into a family that treated him just like any other child, which helped him grow up viewing his disability as a normal part of life. However, he quickly realized that he had to approach things differently, often taking more risks than others. He recalls racing bicycles and trying not to let anyone know about his condition. Today, he uses technology such as Apple's Siri and speech-to-text features to navigate daily tasks efficiently, highlighting how advancements in artificial intelligence have made participation easier for people with disabilities. The conversation turned to the broader topic of inclusion and respect for individuals with disabilities. Hadschieff stressed that people with disabilities or serious illnesses do not seek pity but want to live normally. He believes that parents should not only support their children with disabilities but also challenge them to reach their potential. His own experience has shown him that limitations can serve as motivation rather than hindrances. “My restriction has rarely hindered me,” he said, “but it has pushed me to achieve more than I ever thought possible before.” Hadschieff’s entrepreneurial journey began early. At the age of 30, he co-founded PremiQaMed, which later became the leading private clinic group in Austria. As CEO, he led the company until 2023, overseeing its growth and innovation. His career path has always been marked by a drive for excellence and innovation. For instance, during his studies at the University of Innsbruck, he created learning networks to help himself access course materials, offering summaries in return. This experience reinforced his belief in forging one's own path and excelling in a chosen field, which eventually led him to specialize in hospital management. Despite his success, Hadschieff expressed skepticism about the current healthcare reform in Austria. He noted that he was not invited to participate in the discussions, a decision he supports with the saying, “If the king doesn’t call you, don’t go to the king.” He criticized the fragmented nature of the healthcare system, divided among federal and state authorities, social insurance bodies, and interest groups. While acknowledging some positive outcomes, such as the establishment of jointly funded specialist centers, he argued that true systemic change has yet to occur. Hadschieff acknowledged the public's growing awareness of the need for reform, though he pointed out that many people still resist changes close to home. He emphasized the importance of informing citizens about the realities of healthcare quality, using examples like birthing units with low delivery rates. He also highlighted the ongoing dilemma in long-term care, noting that his company Humanocare, established at the age of 34, employs over 1,200 staff members and focuses on rehabilitation and nursing services. The company continues to innovate within the sector, striving for excellence in patient care.