In today’s episode of Womenpreneur Asia (one which kickstarts the 10th season of our podcast), we delve into the remarkable journey of Louisa Lee, CEO of DP Healthverse of Singapore.
Her evolution from educator to entrepreneur exemplifies the power of self-belief and continuous learning, providing insightful lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders.
Yet she remarked that despite her years of academic success while growing up and later, starting a successful business, she never felt truly confident. She admitted that she discovered her true confidence at 40 which gave her the “wings” to take off and it all began when she met a shaman!
From Educator to Innovator: Louisa’s Unique Journey
Louisa Lee began her career in education but made a transformative leap into entrepreneurship in 2006 with the purchase of a dental clinic with her husband. What started as a modest practice burgeoned into a thriving twelve-chair practice with three branches across Singapore, employing a team of over 50 people. Louisa, alongside her husband Dr Yue Weng Cheu, has turned DP Dental into a boutique practice renowned for its progressive approach to dentistry, particularly in integrating oral health with overall wellness. In this episode, she also spoke about her mishaps in business when she tried to venture beyond her scope.
Entrepreneur of the Year Award & B Corp Certification
Professionally, Louisa has achieved significant recognition, winning the Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2017. Furthermore, under her leadership, DP Dental achieved B Corp Certification in 2023, affirming the company’s commitment to sustainable and ethical practices. (B Corp certification, awarded by B Lab, signifies that a company meets high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. It’s a designation for businesses committed to using their operations to create a positive impact for all stakeholders not just shareholders.)
Her work now as CEO of DP Healthverse embodies her commitment to a root cause approach in healthcare, focusing on treating underlying factors to provide patients with a holistic path to recovery.
Breathe Right, Sleep Well, Live Long
One of Louisa’s favorite quotes, “Breathe Right, Sleep Well, Live Long,” encapsulates her philosophy for a healthy life. Her passion for learning extends beyond professional achievements; she finds inspiration in every person she encounters, reflecting her belief that everyone has a story and lessons to share.
“Mastering both English and Chinese has given me the ability to communicate across different cultures, bridging gaps and forging deeper connections with people from diverse backgrounds. It has allowed me to navigate different social and professional settings with greater ease, whether it’s engaging with international partners or connecting with local communities. It has enriched my perspective and strengthened my ability to empathise, listen, and lead with cultural sensitivity,” says Louisa.
This openness to diverse perspectives is enriched by her bilingual literacy in English and Mandarin, which has enabled her to bridge cultural gaps and connect more deeply with people.
Expanding the Vision: DP Healthverse and Beyond
Louisa’s entrepreneurial spirit is evident in her creation of DP Healthverse, a platform designed to integrate wellness with innovative healthcare solutions. The DP Healthverse ecosystem includes Avantir Wellness, Healthverse Academy Studio and Progressive Practice, all of which support a comprehensive approach to health that blends dentistry with broader wellness initiatives. These efforts to incorporate integrative care into her business paradigm highlight Louisa’s commitment to evidence-based, patient-centered healthcare.
Says Louisa, “I am incredibly proud of the work we’ve done at DP Healthverse. We’ve taken a root cause approach to healthcare that looks beyond just treating symptoms. By focusing on the underlying factors—whether related to oral health, sleep, or overall well-being—we offer patients a holistic path to recovery and health. Our commitment to evidence-based, integrative care helps us address the full spectrum of our patients’ needs, empowering them to live healthier lives.”
Leading The Wellness Movement
Louisa’s achievements extend beyond her business ventures. She is actively involved in the wider community as a Board Member of Connected Women and a Council Member of the Association of Small & Medium Enterprises (ASME) Singapore, where she serves as VP of Communications. Her initiative to set up a chapter for dental and medical practice owners within ASME aims to enhance integration in the healthcare sector, emphasizing the significant oral-systemic links.
In addition, Louisa established TEDxDuxtonHill and The Audacious Project Asia offering platforms for social entrepreneurs to showcase their work aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Louisa Lee’s story encapsulates a dynamic path that is fueled by constant learning, growing and envisioning what could be, rather than what is. As Louisa says, “One of my favourite hobbies is learning new things. I’ve always been curious and have a deep passion for expanding my knowledge, whether it’s exploring new technologies, learning about different cultures, or discovering innovative solutions to challenges in healthcare.”
Krista’s newest program – From Vision To Voice – is now accepting applications for the September 2025 cohort. FInd out more about the program and apply if you qualify!