The Philosopher’s Corner

This Month’s Philosopher: Brian Holzer, MD, WG’05  
To learn more about Brian, click here.

 

Brian_Holzer.jpgLIFE LESSONS
If I knew then what I know now, I would have...

sought out more experiences with entrepreneurship while at Wharton.  My career path has only more recently gravitated towards corporate innovation and entrepreneurship. I would have greatly benefited from the many opportunities available to students while in school to learn and grow in these areas.

If I knew then what I know now, I would NOT have...

been so focused on “what’s next.” It is so easy early in your career to be overly focused, if not completely distracted, on getting to the next level or the next role.  I have learned to better embrace the journey and fully invest myself in “the present.”  

 FAVORITE QUOTES

  1. “If you want something new, you have to stop doing something old.”
    ~ Peter F. Drucker
  2. “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”
    ~ Babe Ruth
  3. “Stay hungry. Stay foolish.”
    ~ Steve Jobs
  4. “Some people want it to happen; some wish it would happen; others make it happen.” ~ Michael Jordan
  5. “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”
    ~ Dr. Seuss

 RECOMMENDED READING

  1. Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou: The rise and fall of Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos has so many obvious but also subtle lessons about business, culture, and life.  It is easy to dismiss her as a fraud and a failure.  However, our culture unapologetically encouraged her to be the next Steve Jobs and Theranos to be the next Apple.  We embraced her intellect and brilliance as a storyteller and marveled at her courage and vision to change an industry. In the end, these same traits that are often relished in entrepreneurship and innovation, were misdirected and brought her down.
  2. Articles: I prefer to read at least an hour or two a day from online forums such as the WSJ and The Atlantic as well as social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Medium. I try and seek out content from people with perspectives and opinions that I completely disagree with.  In my lifetime, we have never been more divided as a country, and I think it is important to try and understand various points of view to help bridge gaps and also refine my own views.

 

Contact Brian at:
[email protected]