Sumayya Falke’s Journey with Learnovate Healthcare: Empowering Change

What pivotal moments or experiences shaped your journey to success? Can you recount a particular event or realization that set you on your path? 

In 2014, I established a multispecialty medical center in the heart of Abu Dhabi. During the hiring process, I interviewed many highly educated physiotherapists. While they were academically strong, I noticed a gap— they lacked updated, hands-on knowledge that went beyond traditional treatments like hot packs, ultrasound, and TENS. I was searching for professionals who believed in progressive, evidence-based approaches, but they were hard to find. That’s when it struck me: the challenge wasn’t the professionals themselves; it was the lack of advanced, practical education available to them. The idea of Learnovate was conceived almost immediately. I knew that if we could bridge this gap, we could empower an entire generation of healthcare providers to deliver better, more innovative care. 

Every journey is marked by obstacles. What were some significant challenges you faced along the way, and how did you overcome them? Conversely, what are some moments of triumph that stand out to you? 

From the very beginning, I had a clear vision for Learnovate. I wanted the best instructors from across the globe, including founders of renowned techniques, to join our team. Today, we have top-notch instructors approaching us to collaborate, but in the early days, it was quite the opposite. We had nothing to show, no track record to rely on. Convincing these experts to join us was a challenge, and all we had to offer was our passion, dedication, and grit. But that belief in what we were building resonated with them. 

 Another major challenge was making the courses affordable for participants. The kinds of high-quality courses we wanted to offer weren’t cheap, and the balance between affordability and maintaining an exceptional learning experience—while also running a sustainable business—was one of the toughest hurdles we had to overcome. We eventually found that balance, and it’s a triumph. I’m incredibly proud of that and Our ability to respond to the market’s needs and innovate in the face of adversity was a proud achievement. 

What motivates and inspires you to excel in your field? Are there particular values, passions, or beliefs that guide your actions and decisions? 

At the core of everything I do is the belief that education is the key to transformation. I’m deeply motivated by the impact we can make by empowering healthcare professionals to push the boundaries of traditional practice. I’m passionate about bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application, ensuring that our participants leave with skills that make a tangible difference. Empathy, curiosity, and a drive to challenge norms guide my every decision. I believe that if we stay curious and committed to continuous learning, there are no limits to what we can achieve. 

To put it simply, hold hard, and keep close: God/ Your Faith, Family and friends, your Vision of who you 

want to be. 3 Nonnegotiable practices to be done daily: Gratitude, one activity to develop your skill, and Smile. 

Can you identify any key turning points or decisions that significantly influenced your trajectory? How did these moments shape your approach to your goals? 

One of the most unexpected challenges I faced was when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and the market suddenly shifted towards digital platforms. Almost overnight, all our in-person, hands-on courses were canceled, leading to significant financial losses. However, we turned this obstacle into an opportunity. We utilized that time to shift our learning online and developed a comprehensive online learning management system. What initially felt like a temporary adaptation ended up becoming one of our biggest growth milestones. It set us apart from the rest of the market, as we were the only ones offering a hybrid learning model—allowing participants to learn theory online during the pandemic and complete their practical training once the travel bans were lifted. This shift shot our growth trajectory beyond anything we could have anticipated. 

 Another critical turning point was breaking through the usual boundaries of healthcare courses. We didn’t just organize routine programs; we brought in world-famous instructors who practiced evidence-based science. This changed the entire dynamic of our growth and elevated Learnovate to a high pedestal compared to our competitors. These two turning points transformed how participants saw us—we became an organization dedicated to uplifting the profession at a foundational level. 

 Moving forward, I plan to diversify further, expanding our offerings into other medical sciences like psychology and radiography. This, I believe, is the next phase of Learnovate’s evolution. 
Many achievers bring fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to their work. How do you foster creativity and innovation in your endeavors? 

For me, creativity begins with an insatiable curiosity. I never settle for the status quo—I’m always seeking new knowledge, exploring uncharted territories in healthcare, and engaging with thought leaders who challenge my perspectives. At Learnovate, we’ve built a culture where innovation is not just encouraged, but expected. Open dialogue and brainstorming are part of our DNA, and we inspire each other to think beyond conventional limits. 

 We don’t just aim to keep up with trends; we strive to lead them. By daring to integrate physiotherapy with psychology and leveraging cutting-edge technology, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in healthcare education. We believe that by challenging norms, we can create transformative learning experiences that empower healthcare professionals to lead with confidence and innovation. At Learnovate, our mission isn’t just to educate—it’s to revolutionize the way education is delivered, inspiring professionals to uplift the entire industry.