Women With Impact #51 - Sara Filipčić
Welcome to Women With Impact, a newsletter all about the journeys of mission-driven women and how they have a positive impact in our world.
I’m Clara Richter and this is the 51st edition of Women With Impact. If you enjoy this issue, please share it with a friend and like it above.
For this edition, I had the pleasure of interviewing Sara Filipčić, CEO & Founder of Be Human(e), a digital mental health startup based in San Francisco, USA. Be Human(e) is developing Rhea, an AI-powered parent coaching platform that provides parents with expert-driven guidance on technology’s impact on their child’s development. Sara's background is in social work, and her extensive research focuses on technology's influence on youth development. She has mentored and delivered keynote speeches at UC Berkeley, Harvard, Stanford, and the St. Gallen Symposium, advocating for a healthier human-tech symbiosis and the emotionally intelligent use of technology. In 2023, she was part of Techstars’ accelerator program in Austin.
Wishing you a pleasant read!
Best,
Clara
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The Journey
Who are you and how do you most like to spend your time?
My name is Sara Filipčić, and I’m the CEO and Founder of Be Human(e), a digital mental health startup developing Rhea, an AI-powered parenting coaching platform for family mental health. I’m also a social worker and researcher, specializing in technology’s impact on child development. Over the past six years, I’ve published studies in this field and worked with institutions like the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence to build frameworks for emotionally intelligent technology use.
I grew up in Croatia, where entrepreneurship was not part of the formal education system. When I was 21 years old, I traveled to the United States for the first time to work as a housekeeper. That experience introduced me to entrepreneurship, and I began self-educating by reading books, listening to podcasts, and studying business independently. I later secured an internship at a startup in Croatia, which gave me hands-on experience in building a company from the ground up.
In my spare time, I enjoy yoga, meditation, and self-reflection, which help me navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. I also love hiking, dancing, and other outdoor activities that keep me grounded.
What is your superpower?
I believe my superpower is my emotional intelligence. This trait has been a defining aspect of my personality since childhood. My background in psychotherapy and social work has further strengthened my ability to connect with people on a deeper level. Emotional intelligence is invaluable in business, particularly in networking, building relationships, and navigating challenges.
Another superpower of mine is resilience. To give some context, I moved to the United States just six months after graduating from university, with only USD $800. I survived three months in New York City before securing funding for Be Human(e). That phase involved moving frequently, battling imposter syndrome, and being away from my family and friends. Adapting to life in the USA took immense courage, but it made me stronger and more determined. I later moved to California, where I am now based. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it has shaped me into the founder I am today.
How did the story behind Be Human(e) come about?
The idea for Be Human(e) emerged when I was 22 years old, during my third year of college. The inspiration came from my personal experience as a teenager. I went through a difficult period that led to struggles with an eating disorder, which made me realize the importance of mental health support. Therapy and personal development helped me overcome those challenges, but I knew that many other children and teenagers did not have access to the same support - particularly those from dysfunctional families.
Determined to help others, I became a social worker and focused my research on mental health and youth development. During my studies, I collaborated with the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, exploring how technology affects children. I wanted to create a resource that educates people about what it means to be human in the digital age - which is how the name Be Human(e) came about.
In 2023, I was accepted into the Techstars accelerator program in Austin, which was my first major step as an entrepreneur.
What are your key priorities for your company for 2025?
Our focus this year is on positioning Be Human(e) within the well-being and healthcare ecosystem in the USA. We are currently negotiating major contracts with health providers and insurance companies to integrate Rhea into healthcare benefits for parents. These contracts are crucial for driving mass adoption of our platform.
Additionally, we are planning an impact study with Harvard's Human Flourishing Program research team to publish scientific research on Rhea’s effect on child development and family dynamics. Our goal is to produce white papers and provide evidence-based validation of our platform’s impact, influencing the development of new frameworks and standardization processes for healthcare and education industries regarding technology’s impact on child development and family dynamics.
Another major priority is expanding our team and fostering an in-person company culture. I built Be Human(e) as a solo founder, and I am grateful to have recently found a co-founder who shares my vision. Strengthening our team is essential as we scale.
The Lessons
From what situation(s) have you most grown from?
There have been many defining moments in my journey, from financial struggles in the early days of Be Human(e) to navigating a difficult co-founder break-up. One of the hardest experiences was when my first co-founder became terminally ill, forcing me to take over all technical aspects of the company. That period tested me emotionally and professionally, but it also made me a stronger leader.
What recent success are you proud of?
One of my proudest moments was pitching Be Human(e) at Davos and winning the ‘Best Pitch Award’ at the House of Trust. Another milestone was reaching our first 1’000 users on our platform. Seeing parents use our technology and become more confident in their parenting is incredibly rewarding.
The Inspiration
What resource, in your opinion, should people make more use of?
I have always loved TED Talks, and they have shaped my learning journey. I also deeply admire Brené Brown, who, like me, has a background in social work and built her career around research on shame and vulnerability.
However, I believe the most valuable resource is your network. When I entered the Techstars accelerator program, I experienced firsthand the power of founder support networks. Having peers who understand the struggles of entrepreneurship makes all the difference.
What’s the most surprising thing on your entrepreneurial journey?
I once heard NVIDIA's CEO say in a podcast that if people truly understood what it takes to be an entrepreneur, no one would do it. That resonates deeply. I knew the journey would be demanding, but I didn’t fully grasp the emotional and physical toll until I was in it.
After Techstars, I experienced burnout and my doctor warned me that if I didn’t change my lifestyle, my body wouldn’t sustain me in the long run, and I was putting my ability to become a mother one day in jeopardy. That was a wake-up call. Founders often neglect their own well-being, but I’ve learned that prioritizing mental and physical health is non-negotiable for building a sustainable company.
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