“In both IVF and startups, the ability to adapt and pivot is crucial to overcoming unforeseen challenges.”
Patience is another shared virtue. In the fertility clinic, waiting is often the hardest part. The waiting period after an embryo transfer, for instance, can feel interminable. I see a similar struggle in the startup world. Founders often face long periods of uncertainty, waiting for funding, partnerships, or customer traction. This is where the lessons from my IVF practice are most applicable. I’ve learned that patience is not passive; it’s an active state of being. It’s about maintaining focus and commitment despite the waiting.
A few years ago, I invested in a promising edtech startup. The founder had a brilliant idea and a well-thought-out plan. However, the journey was far from smooth. Regulatory hurdles and changing market dynamics delayed their launch significantly. I remember a conversation with the founder where we discussed the waiting game. I shared insights from my experiences with patients — how the waiting is often a test of resolve, and how the eventual success feels earned and deeply satisfying. It’s a lesson I’ve written about before in “Trusting the Process: What IVF Patients Teach Me About Startup Patience.”
In both domains, there’s also the ever-present fear of failure. For my patients, the fear that the next cycle will not succeed is a constant companion. Founders, too, grapple with the fear that their startup might not make it. Yet, what sets apart those who succeed is how they confront this fear. Instead of being paralyzed by it, they use it as a motivator to push harder, to innovate, and to persevere.
“Fear of failure is a constant companion, but it can be a powerful motivator for innovation and perseverance.”