New Beginnings
Today’s post comes as people of the Jewish faith celebrate the beginning of a new year, 5784. A few days ago David DeStafano of Northeastern University published an opinion piece in the New York Times titled “Rosh Hashana Can Change Your Life (Even if You’re Not Jewish)”: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/13/opinion/rosh-hashana-death.html
“It’s a time for new beginnings, for wiping the slate clean and starting over from scratch. In that spirit, on Rosh Hashana Jews say prayers and listen to readings that celebrate the creation of the world and of human life.”
…
“Unlike so many other New Year’s traditions, the Jewish holiday asks those who observe it to contemplate death. The liturgy includes the recitation of a poem, the Unetaneh Tokef, part of which is meant to remind Jews that their lives might not last as long as they’d hope or expect. “Who will live and who will die?” the poem asks. “Who will live out their allotted time and who will depart before their time?”
And we’re not talking about a gentle death at the end of a reasonably long life; we’re talking about misfortunes and tragedies that can cut any of our lives short. “Who shall perish by water and who by fire,” the poem continues, “Who by sword and who by wild beast / Who by famine and who by thirst / Who by earthquake and who by plague?”
This focus on death might seem misplaced, bringing gloom to the party. But as a research scientist who studies the psychological effects of spiritual practices, I believe there is a good reason for it: Contemplating death helps people make decisions about their future that bring them more happiness. This is an insight about human nature that the rites of Rosh Hashana capture especially well, but it’s one that people of any faith (or no faith at all) can benefit from.”
I experienced all of this in an especially strong way this year as I had a second kidney transplant on 8/31/23. It was considered a relatively risky procedure, which had me reflecting heavily on life during the few weeks leading up to the transplant. Everyone who knows me knows that I’m an eternal optimist, but as my physicians told me they were not sure it was safe to proceed, I have to confess I got a bit in the dumps. The following video sent by an idol of mine for more than 50 years, NBA legend and two-time champion Walt “Clyde” Frazier, provided the uplift I needed and refocused me on the task ahead:
It was even more uplifting when the video was followed by personal emails and phone calls from Walt and his partner Patricia, who have continued to check in on me as I recover. They are very special people and have touched my heart.
The true hero of this chapter in my transplant journey is my courageous and generous sister-in-law Ellen Miller, who donated one of her kidneys. She is home and doing well, and I’m pleased to report that I’m doing extremely well too, understanding that it’s still early and there are no guarantees. Having said that, I’m already reinvigorated and looking forward to all that life has to offer in this time of new beginnings.
I continue to be eternally grateful to my first living kidney donor, Darren Lee, whose kidney is still in there contributing to the great renal function I’m now experiencing. I’m also feeling incredibly fortunate to have so many wonderful friends, family, colleagues and physicians who have provided prayers, well wishes, support, good vibes, and in one way or another, had a positive impact on my life. My love and thanks go out to all of you.
I’ll be taking a bit of a break from my role at Rose Ventures for the next few months, and focusing on recovery, planning for the future, and completing the memoir I began writing early in 2022. Currently scheduled for launch in March 2024, the book draws heavily from my career as a genomics entrepreneur. It’s a story of the relentless pursuit of one’s passion, with a central theme around the impact of inevitable, unexpected events on a business and life. In the book I share approaches I’ve practiced which I believe enhance the likelihood of navigating past such events to achieve successful outcomes.
I set out to write this book thinking about helpful messages I could share with aspiring entrepreneurs in life sciences, knowing that 90% of new technology-based businesses fail in their first 5 years. The most common reasons for failure have been well catalogued and regularly taught in business schools and venture incubators. What’s not so commonly discussed is how to be prepared for dealing with the types of problems (or unforeseen opportunities!) that occur when they present in the moment, with no warning, as they often do.
I believe a major reason for business failure is a CEO or management team’s inability to satisfactorily navigate past unexpected challenges or leverage unanticipated opportunities. Based on real life stories from my time in the emerging industry of DNA and genome analysis, this book provides insights and approaches intended to help better prepare one to respond well in those moments of truth.
The messages conveyed are not only for aspiring entrepreneurs but should also resonate with anyone with an interest in business or startups, or what it was like to be involved in the early days of DNA and genome analysis. The core messages quite frankly apply to anyone involved in any creative endeavor, or committed to following their passion, whatever may be their mission in life.
The title of the book is “Can’t Tame A Mongoose: Memoir of a Genomics Entrepreneur.” Stay tuned for more on this book, currently scheduled for launch in March 2024, and best wishes to all for a happy, healthy, and fulfilling year ahead.