I’ve often found myself reflecting on the lessons I’ve learned outside the walls of a business school classroom, especially from my experiences as an IVF specialist. Recently, while sitting with a couple facing their fourth cycle of IVF, I was struck by the resilience etched on their faces. It made me think about the profound life lessons that IVF patients teach me, lessons that no business school syllabus could ever cover.
In the world of startups and investments, we often talk about resilience, risk, and reward. But let me tell you, nothing compares to the resilience of a couple going through multiple IVF cycles. It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers game in both investing and IVF — success rates, funding rounds, valuation. Yet, what we often overlook is the human element, the emotional rollercoaster that patients endure with each cycle.
In my practice, I’ve seen women who have undergone as many as five cycles of IVF. The physical and emotional toll is immense — each cycle brings with it hope, anxiety, and sometimes despair. The statistics are sobering: as the number of cycles increases, the quality of life decreases, and anxiety and depression rates rise. Yet, despite these odds, many continue to fight for their dream of parenthood. This tenacity is something that inspires me deeply and reminds me of a key lesson I try to impart to the founders I mentor — resilience is about persistence, not just endurance.
Founders often get disheartened when a product fails or when funding doesn’t come through. But when I think of my IVF patients, I see a different kind of strength — the ability to pick oneself up after repeated failures. It’s a kind of resilience that doesn’t just survive adversity but finds a way to thrive in spite of it. This is a lesson worth learning for any entrepreneur facing setbacks.
Let me share a story. A patient of mine, Lily, went through five cycles of IVF before she succeeded. She continued to work full-time during her treatment, often scheduling her appointments at odd hours to minimize disruption. Her journey was fraught with challenges, from the physical pain of injections to the emotional strain of miscarriages. Yet, she told me she found solace in her work, using it as a distraction from the stress of treatment. This ability to compartmentalize and find peace in chaos is a skill that I believe every founder should cultivate.
In business schools, we’re taught to manage risks by analyzing data and making calculated decisions. But IVF taught me that sometimes, risks are more about emotional investment than financial calculations. Patients invest not just money, but their hopes, dreams, and future happiness. It’s a level of commitment that goes beyond any business venture. This has reshaped how I view investment — understanding that behind every startup is a founder who has poured their heart into their vision.
Moreover, the aspect of managing expectations is crucial in both IVF and startup journeys. In IVF, it’s about preparing couples for the possibility of failure, while still nurturing hope. In startups, it’s about setting realistic milestones while dreaming big. I’ve written about this intersection before in What Indian Startups Can Learn from IVF Patients About Managing Expectations. The parallels are striking — both require balancing optimism with realism, a skill that is honed through experience rather than taught.
Another lesson from IVF is the importance of transparent communication. In my clinic, we don’t shy away from having open conversations about the costs and potential outcomes of treatment. This transparency builds trust and sets a foundation for a supportive patient-doctor relationship. Similarly, in the startup world, founders should not fear transparent conversations with investors about challenges and setbacks. I’ve discussed this in detail in Why My IVF Clinic Doesn’t Fear Transparent Conversations About Costs.
IVF patients also teach me about the power of gratitude. Every successful cycle is a reminder of the miracle of life, something that I never take for granted. This sense of gratitude extends beyond personal milestones and influences how I approach my work as an investor. When things go well in a startup I’ve backed, I make it a point to acknowledge the effort and dedication that went into that success. It’s a practice I encourage in others, and one that I’ve reflected on in When My Patient Taught Me More About Gratitude Than Any Book.
In conclusion, the lessons I’ve learned from IVF patients are invaluable. They have taught me about resilience, risk, communication, and gratitude — insights that I carry with me in every aspect of my life, from running an IVF clinic to investing in startups. These are lessons that aren’t found in textbooks but are learned through real, human experiences. As I continue my journey in both medicine and investing, I remain grateful for the privilege of learning from the incredible strength and determination of my patients.