Here is a note I received yesterday that encapsulates the essence of cultivating ongoing relationship, rather than transactional interaction.
“Hi Will,
I hope you had a great UK trip. How did the palatial speaking gig go?
Just wanted to fill you in on the most recent decision-making re: Green-Op. The Clean Med conference was an excellent networking opportunity, and I now have legions of eager collaborators from academia and industry. I attended the inaugural meeting of the Council for Sustainable Surgery, which is a physicians’ group hoping to establish a research agenda for the field and take a leadership/advocacy role in the sustainable healthcare movement. These (surgeon) colleagues advised that if I am to have any credibility amongst my peers, I must be a(n at least part-time) practicing surgeon. I had discussions with Greg and Practice Greenhealth’s Greening the OR team, and they are very enthusiastic to collaborate and provide me access to their very extensive network of resources and personnel. Thus, after much soul searching, I have decided to finish surgery according to my original timeline, and to continue to advance sustainable surgery via an academic route during that time. It is clear to me that with full access to existing resources, and the support of a large collaborative academic/Practice Greenhealth community, I can maximize my productivity and impact during this time when I must divide my attentions with finishing residency. I will certainly reassess the market when I’m finished, because as you said, the problem isn’t going to go away. I’m sure there will still be entrepreneurial opportunities within the sustainable surgical field, and Green-Op can reinvent itself. Hopefully the academic achievements and participation in the Council for Sustainable Surgery will have afforded me some name recognition and reputational credibility that will facilitate an entrepreneurial endeavour down the road.
So I must thank you for your generosity of time and mentorship, and for connecting me with your very powerful network. I saw Brian again at the conference, and his Vanguard group really adopted me for the three days. I remain in close contact with Anne, his main sustainability coordinator (and also emergency physician). I also have a telephone appointment scheduled with Robert next week. Thank you!! I will keep you posted as things progress, just for interest’s sake, and I do hope you will stay in touch.
Greg has asked me to put him in touch with you so I will an introductory email later today.
One final update: David went through ten interviews with Bessemer and made it to the final round, but alas, did not get the Cleantech position. Poor guy.
Let me know when you’re next in the UK. Dinner will be on Green-Op:)
Cheers”
(Names in this article have been changed for privacy purposes.)
For related reading: Cultivating reciprocity, not transaction in relationships
For related reading: Plant and cultivate the seeds of your next role or venture now
