The Physicians-To-Founder Mindset Shift with the Incubator Coaches

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

00:00 – Why founder development goes beyond business skills
01:44 – Ian Maxwell's background in coaching and health tech
03:48 – Amanda Fornal's work with founders and impact-driven companies
04:55 – Marta Milkowska's journey through health tech and entrepreneurship
06:17 – Why physician founders benefit from coaching
08:06 – When the physician "grind" mindset stops helping
09:39 – Why founders always feel behind
11:11 – Rethinking competitors as potential partners
11:58 – Why even high performers need coaches
13:09 – Technical vs. adaptive challenges
15:00 – Why your MVP does not need to be perfect
15:16 – Learning to seek feedback instead of fear it
17:55 – How coaching supports the founder journey
19:34 – Becoming comfortable with your new identity as CEO
20:46 – Learning the language of business
23:03 – Why coachability matters
24:30 – Turning feedback into a founder advantage
25:49 – The leadership skills physicians often overlook
27:45 – Imposter syndrome and physician founders
29:39 – Can you make money and still do good?
31:28 – Money as a lagging indicator of impact
32:01 – Advice for early-stage physician founders
34:15 – Talk to users, learn, and celebrate the pivot
35:54 – Supporting 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:

https://mindsetmagic.coach/

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:

clearsignalleadership.com

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/