“I’ve spent decades listening to people’s stories – many of them told in the most vulnerable moments of their lives. As a GP for over 15 years, I’ve witnessed how deeply personal stories shape our lives. Every patient has a story, a legacy, a voice that makes them who they are.
Often, their stories are woven into the fabric of their health, their fears, their resilience, and their hopes. In medicine, you’re trained to save lives, but there’s something you can’t save: the moments that pass, the voices we forget, the stories we wish we’d asked about but didn’t. When talking with my friends and family as well as all my patients, I also saw something heartbreaking: how easily these stories disappear.
The Moment of Clarity
I remember one day distinctly. A close friend shared his story about his father – a man who lived a very interesting life, but never left behind more than a few scattered photos and vague recollections on pieces of paper, and tragically died when my friend was just a teenager. My friend said to me, “I just wish I knew what his voice sounded like, knew more about the kind of man he was.” That hit me. It wasn’t the first time I’d heard someone express that longing, but in that moment, it became so clear to me: the most precious parts of our lives – our voices, our lessons, our humanity – are so often lost.
It wasn’t just something I saw in others; it was personal. I thought about my own life, my own family. My grandmother, my ‘nan’ who I was incredibly close to…. there’s so much I wish I could know about her – questions I never had the chance to ask. Especially during tough times, I find myself longing to understand how she navigated challenges that might have mirrored my own.
What happens to the things we’ve experienced? The lessons and love we’ve shared with our loved ones? I realised how fragile our time really is – and how unprepared we are to preserve them in ways that truly matter. That’s when I knew I had to create something.
Turning Pain into Purpose
But thinking of building The Human Archive wasn’t easy. Like many entrepreneurs, I grappled with self-doubt. Who was I to take on something so big? But every time, I thought about my friend’s words. That friend? My Co-Founder Neil. We thought about the countless people who would someday feel the same ache of longing. People who would want their loved ones to pass on not just their photos or documents, but their essence – their stories, their voices, the memories that define them; and in turn, to pass that on themselves.
We felt a mix of emotions: awe at the richness of human stories, and a pang of urgency to preserve them before they were lost forever. Together, we have built Escendant – The Human Archive, from the ground up, assembling a team of brilliant, passionate people who believed in the same dream. This isn’t just a business; it’s a movement. The Human Archive isn’t just a tool. It’s a promise: that no one’s voice will be forgotten.
Medicine and Meaning
My medical experience gave me a unique perspective. In healthcare, we don’t just treat symptoms – we treat people, their whole story. The Human Archive was born from that same philosophy: to give people a way to preserve their stories, voices, and connections – not just for themselves, but for their families, their communities, and future generations.
Being a deeply caring GP for so long taught me that healing isn’t just physical; it’s emotional, spiritual, and deeply tied to the connections we make and what we leave behind. The Human Archive is a way of expanding that legacy of care. It’s not just about preserving data – it’s about preserving what makes us human.
Why It Matters: A Mission for Everyone
We live in a world moving faster than ever, where so much of what we create is fleeting. But we believe our humanity deserves more. The Human Archive is our way of ensuring that no story, no voice, no memory gets lost in the rush of life, where it all seems to happen too fast and then it’s too late.
Whether it’s a parent sharing life lessons with their child, a grandparent recording their voice for future generations, or someone preserving their daily thoughts, The Human Archive is here to make it possible. For us, it’s personal. We’ve seen what happens when those moments are gone, and I’ve seen the healing power of capturing them while we can.
Why We Built The Human Archive
I’ve spent my life listening to stories – stories of strength, loss, resilience, and joy. I’ve seen how they shape us and how deeply we need them to heal, connect, and thrive. But I’ve also seen how easily they can fade. With The Human Archive, we’re giving people the tools to preserve their humanity. To leave behind not just a record, but a lasting story of who they are. Because our stories deserve to live on – for those we love today, and for those who will come after us.”
Jen, CEO and Co-Founder
Co-FOUNDER
Jen: The Healing Heart
Meet Jen, a medical doctor with a heart devoted to healing and serving others. Her journey led her to establish an empowering private clinic where she has touched countless lives, providing not only medical expertise, but importantly offering emotional support that is often overlooked in healthcare. Jen’s dedication and genuine care for all she meets shines through and she has a profound impact on all those she encounters.
Her compelling personality and decades of passionately and empathetically caring for others equips her with an incredibly deep understanding of the human condition, enabling her to bridge the gap between physical and emotional wellness, emphasising the significance of belonging and togetherness.
Jen’s compassion and ability to create a positive impact in the lives of others form the absolute backbone of our mission at Escendant; a value that she consistently weaves into our collaborative vision.
CO-FOUNDER
Neil: The Tech Maven
Neil, with his coding background and extensive expertise in data security, is a tech aficionado like no other. His previous venture in data security showcased his knack for identifying vulnerabilities and crafting solutions to protect valuable information. Neil’s commitment to safeguarding sensitive data is a testament to his dedication and attention to detail.
Having honed his skills, Neil brings a unique perspective to the partnership. His ability to navigate the complex landscape of technology and his passion for innovation serve as the cornerstone of our endeavours at Escendant.