I’ve been thinking a lot about the parallels between the founders I work with and the IVF patients I see in my practice. It struck me the other day when I was consulting with a particularly insightful patient who asked questions that went beyond the routine — questions that showed she had really done her homework and understood the process. It was refreshing and reminded me of the importance of being informed and engaged, whether you’re embarking on an IVF journey or launching a startup.
You might wonder what IVF patients and startup founders have in common. At first glance, these worlds seem miles apart, but in my experience, the best IVF patients and the most successful founders share a crucial trait: the ability to ask the right questions. This is not about asking questions for the sake of it, but about being genuinely curious and willing to engage with the complexities of the process they are involved in. It’s about understanding both the possibilities and the limitations of what they are trying to achieve.
In the world of IVF, an informed patient is a delight to work with. They understand that their role is not passive; they are partners in the journey, not just passengers. They recognize the importance of doing their homework, understanding the treatment, and communicating openly with their doctors. This active participation often leads to better outcomes. In the same way, founders who engage deeply with their business, who understand the landscape, the competitors, and the potential pitfalls, are more likely to steer their startups to success.
Too often, founders come to me with a brilliant idea but lack a deeper understanding of the market they’re entering. They expect that their passion and enthusiasm will be enough to carry them through. It’s akin to a patient who believes that simply finding a good doctor will solve all their problems. In both cases, this is a misconception. Just as an IVF patient needs to understand the intricacies of their treatment to manage their expectations and contribute to the decision-making process, a founder needs to grasp the nuances of their industry to make informed strategic decisions.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned from my IVF practice is the value of realism. Patients who are informed and ask pertinent questions tend to have more realistic expectations. They understand the success rates, the potential for failure, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with the territory. Founders, too, need this realism. They need to ask the tough questions about market demand, competition, and the sustainability of their business model. This understanding can prevent the harsh wake-up call that comes from unmet expectations.
Moreover, asking the right questions can be a protective mechanism. In the medical field, it shields patients from unnecessary procedures and helps them avoid becoming victims of medical fraud. In the startup world, it protects founders from wasting time and resources on unviable ventures. An informed question is a powerful tool; it can reveal gaps in a business plan just as it can uncover oversights in a treatment protocol.
It’s also about respect — respect for the process, for the professionals involved, and for oneself. Informed IVF patients earn their doctors’ respect by showing that they value the doctor’s expertise while also bringing their own understanding to the table. Similarly, founders who take the time to learn about their industry earn the respect of investors, advisors, and potential partners. They demonstrate that they are not just dreamers but serious players ready to tackle challenges head-on.
In both fields, the journey is fraught with uncertainty. But those who dare to ask the difficult questions are better equipped to handle the unpredictability that comes with the territory. They are prepared not just for success, but also for setbacks, and they develop the resilience needed to keep going when things don’t go as planned. This resilience is what I often discuss in my blog post “Why Startups Should Learn from the Emotional Resilience of IVF Patients”.
So, to my fellow investors and to the founders I mentor, I say this: learn from my IVF patients. Approach your venture with the same seriousness and curiosity. Do your homework, ask questions, and be prepared for the answers, even if they aren’t what you hoped for. This approach doesn’t guarantee success, but it does increase the likelihood of it and makes the journey more meaningful and informed.
In the end, both IVF and startups are about creating something new and hoping for the best outcome. They both require a blend of science and art, logic and emotion, planning and serendipity. And at the heart of both is the ability to ask the right questions.