I’ve been reflecting on how often we’re taught to rely on data, metrics, and rigorous analysis in both the medical and investment worlds. While these are invaluable tools, I’ve come to believe deeply in the importance of trusting one’s instincts—a conviction that has served me well in both the clinic and the boardroom.
In my IVF practice, I’ve encountered countless situations where the textbook approach doesn’t quite fit the nuances of a patient’s case. As much as we rely on science and technology in fertility treatments, there’s an art to it as well—a need to listen to that inner voice that says, “This is the best path for this particular patient.” I’ve seen cases where a patient’s hormone levels or ultrasound results suggest one course of action, but something in their story, their demeanor, or even their unspoken fears, nudges me to consider a different approach. And often, my instincts prove correct.
Similarly, in the world of angel investing, numbers can tell you a lot, but they don’t tell you everything. I’ve met founders who, on paper, didn’t tick all the boxes of a successful entrepreneur. Yet, there was something about their passion, their resilience, or their vision that resonated with me. It’s that gut feeling—an intangible sense that this is someone who will persevere and find a way to make their venture succeed. And I have learned to trust that feeling. In my experience, those investments often pay off in ways that spreadsheets can’t predict.
This isn’t to say that I discard data or that I act on whims. Quite the opposite. In both the clinic and the boardroom, I start with a foundation of solid data and analysis. But once that’s in place, I trust my instincts to guide me through the uncertainty that remains. This balance between science and intuition is something I’ve written about previously in Why I Rely on My Gut Feelings in Both IVF and Startup Evaluations.
One might wonder, are instincts reliable? The answer is, it depends. Instincts become reliable when they’re informed by experience and a deep understanding of the context. In medicine, this means years of patient interactions, learning from successes and failures, and continuously updating one’s knowledge. In investing, it means understanding the market landscape, trends, and the nuances of human behavior.
There’s a common belief that instincts are somehow separate from rationality, but in reality, they’re a synthesis of everything we’ve learned and experienced, working in the background. Neuroscience tells us that our brains are constantly processing information at a subconscious level, drawing on past experiences to inform our decisions in the present.
In a way, trusting your instincts is a form of self-trust. It’s about having confidence in your ability to make decisions even when the path isn’t clear. This is a lesson I’ve learned both in my practice and in my investments. It’s about recognizing that the world is complex, and sometimes, the best decisions are those that can’t be fully explained in logical terms.
In the boardroom, I’ve often seen pitches where all the metrics align, yet something feels off. Perhaps it’s the founder’s inability to articulate their vision with clarity, or a team dynamic that seems strained. Trusting my instincts means paying attention to these subtleties and asking the right questions.
In the medical field, this translates to being attentive to the patient as a whole person, not just a set of symptoms or test results. It’s about understanding their fears, hopes, and the unique context of their lives. Often, it’s these insights that lead to the most effective treatment plans.
A few years ago, I met a patient who, by all clinical measures, should have had a straightforward IVF cycle. However, she seemed unusually anxious, and my instinct suggested that this anxiety might affect her treatment outcome. We spent extra time discussing her concerns and addressing them, which I believe contributed to her eventual success. This experience reinforced my belief that instincts, when paired with empathy and understanding, are powerful allies in patient care.
Similarly, in investing, I’ve learned to value founders who are not only technically skilled but also self-aware and authentic. These qualities often signal resilience and adaptability—traits that are crucial in the unpredictable world of startups. In my blog post Why I Value Authenticity Over Perfection in Both Patients and Founders, I delve into why these traits are so important.
There is a myth that emotions and instincts should be checked at the door in professional settings. The reality, however, is that they are integral to our decision-making processes. Embracing this aspect of ourselves doesn’t mean abandoning rationality; rather, it means integrating all facets of our perceptions to make more comprehensive decisions.
For those navigating the complexities of either field, my advice is to cultivate this balance. Gather all the data you can, but don’t be afraid to listen to that quiet voice inside. Reflect on past experiences and use them as a guide. Over time, your instincts will become a trusted companion in navigating uncertainty.
In conclusion, whether it’s choosing a treatment plan for a patient or deciding to invest in a startup, trusting your instincts should not be dismissed as mere gut feeling. It’s an amalgamation of knowledge, experience, and a deep understanding of human behavior. In a world overflowing with information, our instincts can be the compass that guides us through the noise. As I continue on this journey, I find that the more I trust my instincts, the more they prove their worth.
In the end, it’s about embracing the complexity of both the human body and the business world, recognizing that not everything can be neatly quantified, and having the courage to follow where your instincts lead you.