I’ve often found that the worlds of IVF consultations and startup pitches are more alike than one might expect. Both require a level of honesty and authenticity that is non-negotiable. When I sit down with a couple for their first IVF consultation, I am reminded of the first time I listen to a startup founder pitch their idea. Both scenarios are filled with hope, anxiety, and the weight of dreams that hang in the balance.
I’ve been in the business of creating families for decades, and I’ve backed countless startups with a belief that they could change the world. In both fields, the stakes are incredibly high, and the truth is, not everyone will succeed. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be honest about where we stand or what we can achieve.
During an IVF consultation, I lay out the facts as clearly as I can. I explain the odds, the costs, the potential emotional toll, and the medical realities. Why? Because a couple deserves to know what they’re signing up for. They need to make an informed decision with eyes wide open. Similarly, when a founder pitches, I wish they’d approach the conversation with the same level of transparency and realism. Too often, I see pitches laden with buzzwords and inflated promises, an attempt to dazzle rather than inform.
In my experience, the best pitches are those that present a clear-eyed view of the startup’s potential and pitfalls. Just like I discuss with patients the possible outcomes of IVF cycles, founders should openly discuss not just their sky-high projections, but also the hurdles they expect to face. It’s the ability to confront these challenges head-on that sets apart the ventures worth investing in from those that are merely castles in the air.
Honesty is a currency in both worlds. It builds trust and lays the groundwork for a relationship that can weather the inevitable storms. An IVF journey is rarely linear, and neither is a startup’s path to success. Both require adjustments, pivots, and sometimes, starting over from scratch. The couples who understand this are often better prepared for the journey ahead. The same applies to founders who are candid about their challenges—they tend to be more adaptable and resilient.
Let me share a specific example from my practice. A couple once came to me, hopeful but anxious. They had been through a failed IVF cycle at another clinic and were wary of promises. I appreciated their skepticism; it mirrored my own when I evaluate potential investments. I laid out their options, discussed the limitations, and we agreed on a realistic plan. They appreciated the transparency and, more importantly, were emotionally prepared for the journey. It reminded me of a founder I backed who, rather than painting an overly rosy picture, shared their struggles with product-market fit. Their honesty earned my respect and investment.
In both domains, the reality is that not every cycle will result in a pregnancy, and not every startup will become a unicorn. But when we approach these endeavors with honesty, we increase the chances of building something lasting. It’s a lesson I wish more founders understood: investors aren’t looking for perfection. We’re looking for potential, yes, but also for integrity and the courage to face facts.
The parallels continue when we consider the emotional costs involved. Just as IVF can be an emotional rollercoaster, so can the entrepreneurial journey. Both require resilience and the ability to pick oneself up after setbacks. This is where honesty plays another critical role. In “The Hidden Emotional Costs of IVF: What Every Doctor Should Address,” I discuss the importance of acknowledging these emotional challenges upfront. Similarly, founders need to be honest with themselves and their teams about the toll their journey might take.
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new venture or the promise of a groundbreaking medical procedure. But it’s crucial to remain grounded in reality. In the end, the truth is that both IVF and startups are about creating something new, something that wasn’t there before. They are about hope and possibility, but also about the courage to confront the unknown.
I often tell my patients that the first consultation is about setting the right expectations, and I believe the same applies to startup pitches. Founders should strive to be as honest and real as they would want their doctors to be if they were sitting in front of me, contemplating an IVF journey. This authenticity not only builds trust but also lays the foundation for success, whatever form it may take.
In the end, whether you’re hoping for a baby or a billion-dollar valuation, honesty is your best ally. It may not guarantee success, but it ensures that whatever path you take, it will be one that you truly understand and believe in. And that, in my experience, is the first step toward achieving your dreams, both in the clinic and in the boardroom.