Rose Odette

Rose Odette is a highly accomplished and visionary entrepreneur, innovation leader, and motivational speaker with a legacy spanning over three decades. As the founder and CEO of Awake Technologies Corporation, Rose revolutionized the healthcare technology landscape by developing the first-to-market Electronic Medical Record (EMR) software. Her pioneering EMR solution has been successfully implemented in over 200 hospitals and 5 NHS trusts, impacting millions of patients across the United States and the United Kingdom. By harnessing technology to streamline and improve patient care, she has become a driving force in healthcare innovation, changing the way medical institutions deliver services and ensuring that patient outcomes are continually enhanced.

Under Rose’s leadership, Awake Technologies has achieved remarkable financial success, surpassing $100 million in revenue. This achievement not only demonstrates the market potential of her innovations but also reflects her strategic acumen in navigating the complexities of the healthcare industry. Her ability to identify and capitalize on growth opportunities has established her as a formidable force in the field, inspiring countless entrepreneurs and innovators who look up to her as a role model.

Rose’s contributions to the industry have earned her multiple prestigious awards and recognitions. She has been honored with five IBM Beacon Awards, a testament to her excellence and leadership in driving innovation. Additionally, she received the Enterprising Women Award, showcasing her influence as a leader who not only pioneers technological advancements but also champions women’s participation in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Furthermore, the Edward Lowe Foundation recognized her company as one of Michigan's Companies to Watch, solidifying her reputation as a dynamic business leader with a profound impact on her community and beyond.

Beyond her achievements with Awake Technologies, Rose is also the visionary founder of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Academy. Launched in 2024, this comprehensive online platform empowers entrepreneurs, business executives, investors, inventors, engineers, startup founders, and small business owners through cutting-edge education and resources. The Academy offers a vast array of services, including online classes, webinars, masterminds, consulting, life coaching, and business coaching, all designed to elevate participants’ knowledge and skills. Through her Academy, Rose provides participants with the tools they need to thrive in today’s fast-paced world of innovation and entrepreneurship, helping them transform their ideas into reality and scale their businesses effectively.

Rose’s influence extends to her role as a podcast host. She spearheads two prominent podcasts: The Michigan Innovation Podcast and Cadillac: Simply the Best. The former delves into the vibrant and diverse world of innovation in Michigan, spotlighting the state’s groundbreaking companies, visionary entrepreneurs, and the stories that shape the future. The latter celebrates the rich history and unique character of Cadillac, Michigan, a community close to Rose’s heart. In her podcasts, Rose engages in thought-provoking discussions with business leaders and innovators, sharing insights that inspire and educate her audience. Her engaging storytelling and deep knowledge of the industry make her podcasts a must-listen for anyone interested in innovation and business growth.

A multifaceted professional, Rose’s expertise spans beyond healthcare technology. Her career began at IBM, where she worked for over 14 years as an Advisory Systems Engineer, specializing in content management within the healthcare industry and distribution management systems for small and medium-sized businesses. She played a pivotal role in designing a patented packaging system that protected sensitive chips from electrostatic discharge, saving millions of dollars for IBM. This early achievement showcased her innovative mindset and set the foundation for her future successes.

After leaving IBM, Rose’s entrepreneurial journey took off as she combined her passion for healthcare with her expertise in technology. Bootstrapping her business, she overcame numerous challenges, including skepticism from potential clients and concerns from family and employees. Despite the obstacles, her tenacity and commitment to revolutionizing patient care propelled her company to significant growth and success. Rose’s journey serves as an inspiring example of resilience, determination, and the power of believing in one’s vision.

In addition to her business ventures, Rose is an active and sought-after keynote speaker at global summits and industry conferences. She has delivered powerful presentations, including her keynote speech at the Global Summit of Women, where she inspired audiences with her insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, and the future of healthcare technology. Her passion for empowering others, especially women in business, shines through in her speaking engagements. She is committed to providing individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to achieve their fullest potential, whether they are aspiring entrepreneurs, seasoned executives, or innovators looking to make a significant impact.

Rose’s impact is not only measured by her business achievements but also by her dedication to fostering community and building meaningful relationships. As the host of Cadillac: Simply the Best, she highlights the vibrant spirit of Cadillac, Michigan, and the stories that define its culture and heritage. From exploring the city’s lumbering roots to spotlighting local businesses and events, Rose’s passion for her hometown is evident. She believes in the power of small communities and the importance of celebrating their uniqueness, which adds a personal touch to her professional endeavors.

With her background in packaging engineering from Michigan State University, Rose combines technical expertise with entrepreneurial vision. Her diverse skill set and experiences have enabled her to not only build a successful company but also mentor the next generation of business leaders. She remains a lifelong learner, constantly expanding her knowledge base and staying at the forefront of industry trends to continue delivering value through her work.

Rose is now focused on expanding her influence through the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Academy, where she integrates her decades of experience and industry knowledge into accessible, impactful education for entrepreneurs worldwide. The Academy’s offerings are designed to provide practical and actionable insights that empower participants to scale their businesses, form strategic alliances, and navigate the challenges of the modern business landscape. Rose’s mission is to build a thriving community of innovators who support each other’s growth and success, and she is dedicated to seeing her students excel in their respective fields.

As she continues to grow her Academy and inspire others through her speaking engagements, Rose remains committed to her core values of innovation, empowerment, and resilience. Her story is a testament to the power of vision and perseverance, and she invites others to join her on the journey toward creating impactful change in their industries and communities.

For speaking engagements, consultations, or to learn more about how Rose’s innovative solutions can transform your organization, connect with her on LinkedIn or visit her website, www.entrepreneurshipinnovation.com.