Behind every LeanTaaS solution are the people who bring our mission to life. Mission in Motion is a blog series that highlights the team members whose experiences, perspectives, and dedication help drive our work to transform healthcare operations with AI.
In this edition of Mission in Motion, we’re featuring Tiane Kneerim, Associate Director of Customer Outcomes for iQueue for Operating Rooms. In her role, Tiane works side by side with health systems across the country to help them improve operating room efficiency and strengthen the way care is delivered in their communities. In recognition of Women’s History Month, we also asked Tiane to reflect on the people who shaped her path, how the themes of the month connect to her work, and why gender diversity and representation matter in the field. In the conversation below, she shares what motivates her work and the perspective she hopes to pass along to the next generation of health tech professionals.
What does your role at LeanTaaS involve, and what do you find most rewarding about the work?
Tiane Kneerim: I’ve been at LeanTaaS for nearly five years, and it’s been an incredible journey. In my role as Associate Director of Customer Outcomes, I lead a team that partners closely with health systems across the country to help them improve how their operating rooms run.
Our work spans everything from the moment a patient is scheduled for surgery to helping ensure clinicians have the information they need so they can spend more time with patients and less time navigating operational complexity. We work with stakeholders across hospital operations to use data and our tools to make decisions that improve efficiency and ultimately lead to better outcomes for their communities.
What I love most is being able to make a lasting impact on how hospitals operate so they can provide better care. All of us interact with the healthcare system at some point, whether for ourselves or for someone we love. We all know what it feels like when the experience is seamless and when it isn’t. Being able to partner with hospitals to improve those experiences and support the work they’re doing for their communities is incredibly meaningful.
Who are some of the people who helped shape your path, and what influence did they have on you?
TK: Many of my role models are women in my own family. My mother is Dutch, which means she’s strong‑headed and outspoken in the best way, while also being deeply loving and kind. Growing up, she showed me what it means to be independent, to speak up for what you believe in, and not let anyone stand in your way.
My grandmother was another powerful influence. She was tall for her time and often felt a bit like the black sheep of the family, but she charted her own path and had a deep love for the arts. She encouraged my passion for ballet from a young age and came to every performance. She believed so deeply in the people around her that everyone felt lifted by her support.
My aunt was also a major influence. She was a literary agent who helped bring important stories into the world, often translating complex academic ideas into books that broader audiences could understand. From her, I learned the power of storytelling and how sharing ideas in the right way can move people and inspire change.
Beyond my family, I’ve also been inspired by women like Ada Lovelace, often considered the first computer programmer. She understood the potential of computing long before it fully existed. Florence Nightingale is another example. Her ability to recognize how hospital conditions affected mortality and then dramatically improve patient outcomes is a powerful reminder of how much impact new perspectives can have.
Left: Tiane with her mom and aunt.
In what ways does Women’s History Month resonate with your career journey and the work you do today?
TK: When I think about Women’s History Month, I think about the many ways women throughout history have worked to improve their communities, often by building connections and bringing different perspectives to the table. That idea of making systems work better for people is something that has strongly shaped the work I’ve been drawn to throughout my career.
I actually began working in education technology, where I helped students and families navigate school options and access the resources they needed. That experience centered on improving access and helping people find opportunities that might otherwise be difficult to reach.
Moving into healthcare has been deeply meaningful because it builds on that same goal of improving access, but in a way that directly affects people’s health and well-being. Healthcare has always been a passion of mine, and helping hospitals operate more efficiently means clinicians can spend more time caring for patients.
When hospitals improve how their operating rooms run, it ultimately helps patients receive care at the right time and in the right way. That’s especially meaningful when you consider how many people, often women, act as caregivers and coordinators for their families’ healthcare. Making that process smoother and more transparent can make a real difference in people’s lives.
Why do diverse perspectives, especially gender diversity, matter in the tech industry?
TK: Much of the tech is still very much a male‑dominated industry. One thing I think is unique about LeanTaaS, though, is that even though we’re a “tech company,” there are many women across the organization, including in leadership roles. That really sets the tone for the culture and trickles down into the rest of the company.
Having that diversity matters because people often notice and respond to different things. When you bring together individuals with different perspectives, especially when we’re working closely with hospitals and healthcare leaders, you catch things that might otherwise be missed.
I have friends who work at very male-dominated tech companies and sometimes struggle to feel like they have the space to bring their full selves to work or speak up about what they’re seeing. I feel very fortunate that LeanTaaS creates the opposite kind of environment, one where people are encouraged to share what’s on their mind and call out when something doesn’t quite resonate.
When there is greater gender diversity in tech, the needs of a broader population are better understood and addressed. It also creates visibility for younger generations, allowing them to see themselves reflected in the leaders of companies they may one day want to be part of, and inspiring them to continue driving meaningful change in how things are done.
Looking back at your time in this field, what accomplishments or work are you most proud of?
TK: I’m most proud of being part of the cultural shifts happening within hospitals as they work to operate more efficiently and deliver better care.
Our team works closely with partners across the country who are deeply committed to improving how care is delivered in their communities. Being able to support them with tools and insights that help make their operations more effective and ultimately improve patient outcomes. Being part of that work is something I’m incredibly proud of.
What guidance would you offer to young professionals exploring careers in health tech, and where do you see opportunities for women and non-binary professionals as the field continues to evolve?
TK: The biggest advice I would give is to pursue what you’re most passionate about, what truly lights your heart on fire, and not let anyone tell you otherwise.
When you care deeply about something and believe in it, that passion matters. The key is finding the right people and organizations that value your perspective and want to support it. Not every environment will be the right fit, but when you find the ones that encourage your voice, it can make all the difference.
As the industry continues to evolve, I see huge opportunities for women and non-binary professionals to mentor and support one another. Building those networks of peers and mentors is incredibly powerful because no one succeeds alone.
With more voices represented across technology, and especially in healthcare technology, we’ll see better ideas, stronger collaboration, and a better future for everyone.
Follow Tiane on LinkedIn for more great insights.
