Recap of Our Inaugural Founder and CEO Summit

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We wrapped up the year with our fourth healthcare breakfast, gathering Austin's digital health leaders, including CEOs, founders, and executives from early-stage ventures. A highlight of the morning was the exchange of insights on talent and compensation trends, led by Pamela Zients. Pamela provided a comprehensive overview of the market, shedding light on the current landscape and offering perspectives that are crucial for making informed hiring decisions.

Key Discussions and Insights

The discussions at this breakfast centered on making critical hiring decisions in the digital health sector. We explored several nuanced topics, including:

• Industry vs. Functional Expertise: Debating whether to prioritize hiring individuals with specific industry knowledge or those with functional expertise to drive company success.
• Short-Term Goals vs. Long-Term Commitment: Examining the balance between achieving immediate objectives and fostering long-term employee loyalty and development.
• Relocation Trends: Understanding the current appetite for relocation among potential hires and how it impacts talent acquisition strategies.

Looking Ahead

We are grateful to all the attendees for their participation and contributions to these discussions. Your engagement helps us continue fostering a collaborative environment within the digital healthcare community.

Thank you to Pamela Zients for leading the conversation and sharing your valuable expertise.

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This past September, we had the privilege of hosting nearly 20 incredible digital healthcare leaders at our office for another engaging Digital Healthcare Breakfast. As always, the event was a dynamic gathering filled with insightful discussions and forward-thinking perspectives.

Key Highlights

• Captivating Q&A Session: Mike Smerklo led a thought-provoking Q&A session with Garheng Kong of HealthQuest Capital. Garheng shared his valuable insights on the current fundraising environment, touching on changing valuations, how M&A possibilities affect underwriting considerations, and the complexities of the payer-provider dynamic. His expertise provided attendees with a deeper understanding of the evolving healthcare landscape.
• Content Recommendations: Beyond the industry-specific discussions, our attendees exchanged their favorite content recommendations, offering a glimpse into what inspires and entertains some of the brightest minds in digital healthcare. Here are some of the top picks:some text
  • Podcasts: Founders, Good Life Project, True Crime Couple, and Austin Next
  • Television/Film: Untold: Swamp Kings, Salvatore: Shoemaker of Dreams, Arnold, Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, Ancient Apocalypse, and The Sopranos
  • Books: Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson

The breakfast encouraged leaders to not only discuss industry challenges and opportunities but also share personal interests and build stronger connections.

Next Steps

Our Digital Healthcare Breakfast series remains an important part of our efforts to encourage collaboration and innovation in the healthcare sector. Stay tuned for more details and join us for another round of insightful discussions and networking opportunities.

Thank you to all who attended and contributed to the success of this event. We look forward to seeing you at our next gathering!

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Entrepreneurship is an exhilarating journey, but it comes with its unique set of challenges. According to a study by Michael Freeman, PhD, entrepreneurs are 50% more likely to report having a mental health condition and 2-3 times more likely to suffer from depression. This sheds light on the importance of prioritizing mental well-being in the entrepreneurial community.

In April, we had the privilege of hosting a Mental Health Reset with a group of our portfolio founders and CEOs. Led by Laura Shook Guzman, the event provided a safe space for learning, sharing, and resetting.

Event Overview

Next Coast Ventures was excited to host our first event focusing on founder and executive mental health. We understand the importance of well-being in the entrepreneurial world and are eager to support our leaders in navigating the challenges they face. The event featured:

• Two Programming Sessions: The sessions addressed key topics such as stress, burnout, and the link between mental health and performance.
• Casual Lunch: Attendees had the opportunity to connect and share experiences in a relaxed setting.
• Expert Facilitation: Laura Shook Guzman and the Pilea Coaching Network provided valuable insights and practical strategies.

Key Discussions and Takeaways

• Stress Management Techniques: Laura shared practical strategies for managing stress, including mindfulness practices, time management tips, and the importance of work-life balance.
• Building Resilience: Attendees discussed ways to build personal resilience, focusing on the ability to bounce back from setbacks and maintain a positive outlook.
• Creating a Support Network: The event emphasized the value of having a strong support network, including mentors, peers, and mental health professionals.
• Recognizing Signs of Burnout: Participants learned how to identify early signs of burnout and the steps to take to address it before it becomes overwhelming.

Pilea Coaching Network will also offer follow-up support, including consultations to check progress and the option for ongoing support. We ensured a confidential and open environment by not being present during the sessions.

A Special Thanks

We extend our appreciation to Pilea Coaching Network for their partnership and sponsorship of the event. Their support made this invaluable gathering possible.

Moving Forward

At NCV, we are committed to continuing these important conversations and providing the necessary support for our leaders. Stay tuned for more updates and future events focused on mental health and well-being.