Show notes
Building a startup requires more than learning how to pitch, raise capital, or develop a product. For physicians, it can also require a fundamental shift in how you think, lead, learn, and see yourself.
In this episode of the Startup Physicians Podcast, Dr. Alison Curfman sits down with Startup Physicians Incubator coaches Ian Maxwell, Amanda Fornal, and Marta Milkowska to talk about the transformation that happens when a physician becomes a founder.
They discuss why habits that serve physicians well in medicine, including perfectionism, working until the job is done, and avoiding mistakes, can sometimes become obstacles in entrepreneurship. And explore coachability, learning to seek feedback, recognizing the leadership skills physicians already have, and becoming comfortable with growth, revenue, and building a sustainable business.
If you are building a company or even considering becoming a physician founder, this conversation offers a look at the mindset shifts that can make the journey easier and more sustainable.
CHAPTERS
00:00Why founder development goes beyond business skills
01:44Ian Maxwell's background in coaching and health tech
03:48Amanda Fornal's work with founders and impact-driven companies
04:55Marta Milkowska's journey through health tech and entrepreneurship
06:17Why physician founders benefit from coaching
08:06When the physician "grind" mindset stops helping
09:39Why founders always feel behind
11:11Rethinking competitors as potential partners
11:58Why even high performers need coaches
13:09Technical vs. adaptive challenges
15:00Why your MVP does not need to be perfect
15:16Learning to seek feedback instead of fear it
17:55How coaching supports the founder journey
19:34Becoming comfortable with your new identity as CEO
20:46Learning the language of business
24:30Turning feedback into a founder advantage
25:49The leadership skills physicians often overlook
27:45Imposter syndrome and physician founders
29:39Can you make money and still do good?
31:28Money as a lagging indicator of impact
32:01Advice for early-stage physician founders
34:15Talk to users, learn, and celebrate the pivot
35:54Supporting the next generation of physician founders
RESOURCES
Explore the Startup Physicians Incubator:
https://www.startupphysicians.com/incubator
Connect with Ian on Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianbmaxwell/
Connect with Ian at Mindset Magic:
Connect with Marta on Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marta-milkowska-a2181a7/
Book a discovery session with Marta’s team at Clear Signal Leadership:
Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadfornal/
Book a discovery session with Amanda’s team at Hypatia Leadership:
https://www.hypatialeadership.com/
Free resources for physician founders:
https://www.startupphysicians.com/resources
Learn more about the Startup Physicians Podcast and other ways physicians can get involved in healthcare innovation:
https://www.startupphysicians.com/