I sat across from a patient last week, a hopeful couple anxious to start their journey into parenthood. They seemed well-prepared, yet brimming with questions that suggested a deeper uncertainty. It struck me how often these encounters revealed more than just medical histories—they unveiled the human tendency to accept assumptions without question. In both my roles as an IVF specialist and as an angel investor, I see this pattern time and again: we cling to what we believe to be true, often without ever questioning its validity.
As I guide couples through the intricate maze of fertility, I’ve learned that the courage to ask questions is often the first step towards unraveling these assumptions. Patients come to me with a preconceived notion that a healthy lifestyle guarantees fertility or that infertility is solely a woman’s issue. These beliefs, like unfounded myths, stand unchallenged until reality forces a confrontation. In truth, infertility affects both partners almost equally, and a well-balanced diet and regular exercise, while beneficial, are not foolproof shields against complex reproductive challenges.
This same tendency to accept assumptions without scrutiny appears in the world of startups. Founders often assume that a great product will sell itself or that securing funding will solve all their problems. But much like fertility, the path to a successful startup is riddled with unexpected hurdles. As an investor, I appreciate founders who, like my patients, have the courage to question their assumptions, adapt, and pivot when necessary.
In the clinic, I’ve seen how empowering it is for patients to understand their biology. Knowledge replaces fear, and education becomes a tool for making informed choices. A couple might come in convinced that they should immediately start with IVF, only to learn that other treatments might suit them better. Similarly, when a founder truly understands market dynamics or customer needs, they’re better equipped to navigate the turbulent waters of entrepreneurship.
Take, for example, the myth surrounding age and fertility. Many women believe that as long as they maintain a healthy lifestyle, they can delay childbirth indefinitely. But biology doesn’t always align with our personal timelines. The quality and quantity of eggs decline with age, a fact that even well-educated women often overlook. This is akin to a founder who believes that a late entry into a competitive market can be compensated by a superior product. It’s not impossible, but it requires a clear understanding of the landscape and strategic planning.
The courage to ask the right questions is fundamental. In fertility, it means asking whether both partners have been adequately evaluated. It means questioning if lifestyle changes could improve outcomes before jumping into invasive procedures. In the startup world, it might involve challenging the assumption that more funding equals success or questioning whether the current business model truly meets customer needs.
In both domains, the cost of unchallenged assumptions can be high—emotionally and financially. In fertility, it can lead to unnecessary treatments, strained relationships, and prolonged anxiety. For startups, it can mean wasted resources, missed opportunities, and ultimately, failure. Yet, when assumptions are questioned, the path forward, though still challenging, becomes clearer and more purposeful.
Consider the patient who comes to terms with the fact that conception might not happen immediately. By understanding the biological processes and timelines, they can approach the journey with realistic expectations and less anxiety. Similarly, a startup founder who acknowledges the gap between product development and market readiness can better strategize for sustainable growth.
In my experience, both patients and founders who embrace the discomfort of questioning assumptions are the ones who eventually find success. They are willing to pause, reflect, and adjust their course. This isn’t just about avoiding mistakes; it’s about embracing a mindset that values learning and adaptability over rigid adherence to initial beliefs.
So, what can we do instead of clinging to these comfortable but misleading assumptions? For patients, it starts with education—understanding the intricacies of fertility and the factors that influence it. This might involve exploring resources or asking more in-depth questions during consultations. For founders, it means engaging with mentors, seeking feedback, and being open to pivoting when necessary.
Ultimately, whether in the pursuit of parenthood or entrepreneurship, the courage to question assumptions leads to better outcomes. It transforms uncertainty into opportunity, fear into knowledge, and hope into achievable goals. This courage is not just a valuable trait; it’s an essential part of the journey.
Both in the clinic and in the boardroom, I’ve seen how powerful this shift can be. It’s a lesson my fertility patients teach me time and again—a lesson that transcends the specifics of any one field and speaks to the heart of human endeavor. The courage to ask, to challenge, and to learn is what ultimately paves the way for success, no matter the journey.
As I reflect on these experiences, I’m reminded that the real work often lies in dismantling the myths we build around ourselves. By questioning assumptions, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and pave the way for genuine understanding and growth. Whether guiding a couple through their fertility journey or mentoring a startup founder, my goal remains the same: to encourage the courage to ask, so we can all find clarity and purpose in our pursuits.