Stay True to Self

Over the past few weeks, I was excited to get to know Paul* and Tony* and learning about their ventures. Paul is a lawyer and built his career at big pharma. He is passionate about access and equality so he started a non-profit aiming to raise fund to improve people’s lives in Africa. Paul got to know Tony from previous work in Brazil. Tony changed from running a successful family cleaning business to a social entrepreneur addressing hearing problems. Tony worked with partners to design and manufacturing much more cost efficient hearing aids for developing country. In recent years, he shifted focus to hearing test. Accordingly to him, it’s under-tested and more than 50% hearing loss could be prevented if detecting early. Paul and Tony teamed up anting to bring the hearing test into USA making it’s more accessible and using the proceeds to support operation in the developing world.

Paul introduced me to Tony and his non-profit key members. I liked the people, passion, and mission. I was excited to team-up. I read all the materials provided, planned the project management, and setup the logistics for team collaboration.

Meanwhile, I was reading the book, the prosperity paradox. It struck me of ‘market creation innovation’ to generate long-term, sustainable values.

I thought for a few days then decided to tell Paul and team how I felt. I admired their care for the disadvantaged and there will be social impact if they succeed (I certainly hope so) yet the approach wouldn’t generate self-sustainable value for and by the beneficiary.

I think being truthful is best for all. It saves everybody time and energy to focus on what each believes would be most impactful. Without me, Tony, paul preserve their shares to look for other partners. For me, I want to first complete a public health certificate program started and then look for opportunities to make ‘market creation innovation’.

Best wish to Paul, Tony, and team. I would be thrilled to see their dream come true. It’s a big world and there are many ways to make it smarter, healthier, and better for all!

* names changed to protect people’s privacy