I’ve often found myself switching roles between the investor’s desk and the consultation room. It’s an unusual blend, I admit, but one that has taught me invaluable lessons about the power of a simple question: “Why?” Just last week, a young couple came into my clinic, and their anxiety was palpable. They had been to several doctors before me, yet their case remained unresolved. The husband, frustrated and exhausted, finally asked, “Why hasn’t anyone been able to help us?”
This question, though seemingly simple, uncovers layers of complexities and truths, whether you’re dealing with fertility challenges or evaluating a startup. It prompted me to pause and consider why this powerful little word is often overlooked in both my professions.
In the consultation room, “Why” is not just a question but a gateway to understanding. It forces us to dig deeper, beyond the surface symptoms, to the root causes. When a patient asks why a particular treatment is recommended, they’re not just seeking information; they’re looking for reassurance and trust. They want to know that the path they’re on has been carefully considered and is not just a one-size-fits-all solution. Similarly, when a founder asks why their pitch didn’t resonate, it opens up a dialogue that can lead to deeper insights about their business model, market positioning, or even team dynamics.
As an angel investor, I find myself asking “Why” more often than any other question. Why does this founder believe in their solution? Why do they think their approach is better than existing ones? Why now? These questions help me evaluate the founder’s conviction and the business’s potential. It’s not just about the numbers or the market size; it’s about understanding the story and the passion behind the venture. A clear, compelling answer to “Why” can be the difference between a quick rejection and a deeper dive into the opportunity.
Let’s take a closer look at how asking “Why” plays out in both domains.
In the IVF Consultation Room
When a couple walks into my clinic, they’re often overwhelmed with information and misinformation. The medical jargon, the statistics, the invasive procedures—all of this can be daunting. But when I ask them “Why”—why they want to pursue IVF, why now, and why they believe this is the right path—it shifts the conversation. It becomes about them, their dreams, their fears. This simple question can unravel years of bottled emotions and bring clarity to their journey.
I’ve seen it many times: a couple arrives with a preconceived notion, only to realize through our conversation that their goals have shifted. Perhaps what they truly seek is not just a child, but a sense of closure or an understanding of their own biology. By asking “Why,” we can align treatment plans that resonate more deeply with their personal narratives.
At the Investor’s Desk
On the investment front, asking “Why” is equally transformative. When a founder presents their startup, they’re often eager to showcase the what and the how. What problem they’re solving, how their technology works. But the “Why” is what captures my attention. Why did they start this? Why are they passionate about this problem? Why do they believe they can succeed where others have not?
Consider a founder pitching a healthcare startup. They might present compelling data and a robust technology stack, but it’s their personal motivation—their “Why”—that tells me if they have the grit to navigate the inevitable challenges. It’s the core of their resilience and adaptability, qualities that are often more critical than the initial idea itself. As I explore in a previous post, listening closely to these motivations can be an eye-opener.
Cross-Domain Insights
I’ve found that the lessons from my clinic often inform my investment decisions and vice versa. In both realms, asking “Why” pushes us beyond the obvious. It’s about peeling back the layers and getting to the heart of the matter. In the clinic, it means understanding the emotional and psychological aspects of fertility. In investing, it means discerning the true drivers of a founder’s vision.
A memorable experience was when a startup founder told me they were driven by the desire to make healthcare more accessible because of their struggles in accessing quality care as a child. This personal connection made their pitch resonate more than any market analysis could. It reminded me of a patient who, after years of failed attempts, finally found success through a personalized approach that considered her unique history rather than just her symptoms.
Embracing the Complexity
Both investing and medicine require us to navigate complexities and uncertainties. The “Why” questions often lead us into uncomfortable territories, challenging our assumptions and biases. But it’s here that the real work happens. It’s in these moments of discomfort that we find the clarity and direction needed to make informed decisions.
In the consultation room, this might mean acknowledging that IVF isn’t the right path for everyone and being honest about the limitations. In the investment world, it might mean walking away from a deal despite the potential for high returns because the founder’s “Why” doesn’t align with their actions or values.
Conclusion
In both my roles, I’ve learned that the power of “Why” lies in its ability to foster deeper understanding and connection. It’s not just about finding answers but about uncovering truths that guide us toward more meaningful outcomes. Whether you’re a patient seeking clarity on your fertility journey or a founder pitching your startup, don’t shy away from asking “Why”—and be prepared to answer it with honesty and depth.
As I continue to oscillate between the worlds of medicine and investment, I remain grateful for these opportunities to ask “Why” and delve into the profound insights it reveals. After all, in both life and business, it’s not just the answers that matter, but the questions we dare to ask.