Keren Leshem’s journey into healthcare has been an exciting and transformative experience. Raised in the USA, she later moved to Israel, where she served in the Army. Her time in the military taught her valuable lessons in resilience, teamwork, and perseverance. These qualities have been instrumental in shaping her career. She was drawn to the healthcare field because of its profound impact on people’s lives. Starting her career in Israel’s thriving startup ecosystem, she eventually transitioned into women’s health after joining OCON Therapeutics only then realizing the significant gaps that needed to be addressed. Today, as the CEO of OCON Therapeutics, she is dedicated to revolutionizing women’s healthcare globally. At CIO CARE, we are honored to feature Keren Leshem in the 2025 edition of Breaking Barriers: Women Revolutionizing Healthcare.
As a woman in the healthcare industry, Keren has faced numerous challenges. The field remains male-dominated, and focusing on women’s health presents even greater obstacles due to underfunding and regulatory barriers. She has encountered scepticism, funding difficulties, and resistance to change. However, her determination, strong professional networks, and unwavering commitment to improving women’s health have enabled her to push through these challenges. Despite the difficulties, she remains focused on the bigger picture—making a meaningful difference in the lives of women across the globe.
“Resilience and passion are your best allies, but mentorship can make all the difference.”
For Keren, breaking barriers means leading fearlessly and challenging outdated norms that hinder progress. She is passionate about harnessing innovative technologies to address women’s health issues that are often overlooked or stigmatized. Whether overcoming regulatory obstacles or tackling financial hurdles, she believes that progress requires courage and persistence. On a personal level, breaking barriers also means inspiring others to embrace authenticity, challenge conventional thinking, and lead with confidence.
Motivation plays a crucial role in Keren’s ability to navigate the demanding healthcare industry. Her primary source of inspiration comes from the tangible impact her and her team’s work has on women’s lives. Knowing that her efforts contribute to improving health outcomes is incredibly rewarding. Her team serves as a constant source of motivation. Their passion, drive, and enthusiasm make the work environment both productive and enjoyable. One of the career achievements Keren is particularly proud of is her initiative to support women who have escaped the prostitution cycle. Through a partnership with a local college, her company provides these women with job opportunities, helping them build their resumes and regain independence. This initiative highlights her belief that success is not just about financial gains—it is about creating meaningful social impact and empowering individuals.
There are many misconceptions about women in healthcare, particularly regarding their ability to lead in such a demanding field. Keren addresses these stereotypes by leading with confidence, delivering tangible results, and mentoring others to challenge outdated perceptions. By demonstrating strong leadership and fostering a culture of empowerment, she aims to change the narrative surrounding women in leadership. Balancing professional responsibilities with personal life is never easy, but Keren has learned to prioritize what truly matters.
“Success isn’t just about profits—it’s about making a real difference.”
Mentorship has played a pivotal role in Keren’s career. She has been fortunate to have mentors who guided her through business and personal decisions, and she now finds great fulfillment in paying it forward. Mentoring young CEOs in healthcare is one of the aspects of her career she values most. She believes that mentorship is not just about professional growth but also about fostering a supportive community where women can uplift and empower each other.
Innovation has been a key driver in Keren’s career, particularly in the field of women’s health. At OCON, she has spearheaded the development of a proprietary spherical intrauterine technology that is revolutionizing treatment options for the most prevalent diseases and conditions in women. Initially conceived as a single product focus, this technology has evolved into a comprehensive platform that enables targeted drug delivery to the uterus. This innovative approach enhances the effectiveness of treatments while minimizing side effects. By positioning this technology as a platform rather than just a product, she is addressing major unmet needs in women’s health while creating a scalable and adaptable system for future advancements.
Handling failure and setbacks is an integral part of Keren’s approach to leadership. She views setbacks as a necessary step in the learning process, akin to strengthening a muscle through continuous effort. Rather than simply being resilient, she strives to be antifragile—using challenges as opportunities to grow and refine her strategies. Every obstacle has provided valuable lessons, pushing her to think differently and come back stronger. When faced with setbacks, she takes a step back, assesses the situation, and uses the experience to fuel her drive toward success.
For young women aspiring to enter the healthcare industry, Keren’s advice is to take risks and stay true to their vision. She encourages them to believe in their abilities, surround themselves with supportive individuals, and seek mentorship. Resilience and passion are essential, but having a mentor can provide invaluable guidance. She emphasizes the importance of paying it forward—mentorship is a cycle, and those who benefit from it would most probably support others in their journey.
“Breaking barriers means leading fearlessly and challenging outdated norms.”
Over the past decade, the healthcare industry has made strides in recognizing the importance of women’s health and increasing female representation in leadership roles. However, Keren believes that there is still a long way to go. Greater investments in women’s health and more diverse representation at decision-making tables are necessary to drive meaningful change. The impact Keren hopes to leave on the healthcare sector is one of transformation. She envisions a future where women’s health is no longer treated as an afterthought or niche but as a priority. Her goal is to make innovative, accessible, and inclusive healthcare solutions a reality for women everywhere. She also hopes to inspire others to continue advocating for change.
Diversity and inclusion are critical to the future of healthcare, and Keren believes that fostering an environment where all voices are valued is essential. Supporting women and underrepresented groups in leadership roles and ensuring diverse perspectives in decision-making processes are crucial steps toward achieving a more inclusive industry.
Looking ahead, Keren sees a promising future for women in healthcare. She envisions a landscape where women continue to break barriers, lead groundbreaking innovations, and shape the industry in meaningful ways. As for her role, she remains committed to paving the way for future leaders, mentoring others, and championing positive change in women’s health. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication to making a difference.