Simon Lorenz is co-founder of Klara, a clinical messaging platform similar to WhatsApp that allows healthcare professionals and patients to securely communicate with each other.

What’s your morning ritual?

I start out every morning with this ritual: hot water with lemon, a 15-minute workout, and reading a book.

Once I get to work, I spend the morning organizing the tasks for my day. I structure my tasks so that I do the one I like least first. This helps me tackle the more challenging things in the beginning of the day. I also try to keep the morning to myself. I try not to schedule any morning meetings so that I can organize my own tasks and goals.

How did you get into the industry?

I come from a family of doctors. I had been set on becoming a physician until seeing how taxing the lifestyle was for my father. I even decorated my room as a teenager to look like a doctor’s office. But I later realized that the physician lifestyle was not for me. I then decided to make it my mission to transform the industry for the better. I went on to pursue my PhD with my final thesis on how to optimize the healthcare industry.

See also: The truth about a doctor’s day: know-it-all patients and no time for lunch

What is the best part of your job?

The best parts are improving people’s lives, being responsible for growth and seeing growth, and deciding on changes and immediately seeing the impact.

What is your greatest professional challenge?

Focus. It’s incredibly important for startup companies to have a laser-sharp focus on reaching clearly defined goals. We all have ideas and often are very inspired to make a difference. Focus makes sure we execute these ideas well.

What is the best career advice you’ve received?

It’s better to fail in something you love than succeed in something you hate.

What do you when you feel uninspired?

I seek new outlets to find inspiration. This can range from exploring new music to watching inspirational speeches from inspiring individuals. I take notes of everything when I feel inspired. I especially recommend checking out speeches online from Bill Gates and Alibaba founder Jack Ma. They can be truly remarkable.

See also: How physician preference for mobile influences strategy

What are some health gadgets or apps you’re currently using?

I use the app Freeletics, which provides personalized workout plans based on your fitness goals. I believe that health and wellness is important in maintaining a balanced lifestyle, especially for entrepreneurs.

What are you reading?

Right now I am reading The Sales Acceleration Formula by Mark Roberge.

From the May 01, 2017 Issue of MM+M - Medical Marketing and Media