Dr. Ariel McGrew is a distinguished business psychologist, licensed professional counselor, and founder of Tactful Disruption®. She leverages her extensive experience in psychological operations and her academic expertise to enhance organizational culture and leadership.
Picture this: You’re a clinician, a healer, a scientist, a person fluent in the language of human anatomy and empathy. You’ve spent years learning how to save lives, manage crises, and soothe existential dread with a well-timed nod. And now, here you are, deep in the entrepreneurial wilderness, asking Google, “What’s the difference between gross profit and net profit?” while simultaneously wondering if you should have just stayed in your cozy clinical lane.
Sound familiar? Congratulations. You’ve entered the world of clinician-entrepreneurship, where the stakes are high, the jargon is confusing, and the coffee is never strong enough. But fear not, you’re not alone. Clinicians everywhere are trading their white coats for business plans and, in the process, discovering that building a business is just as much about identity as it is about strategy.
So how do you thrive in this new role without losing your clinical soul, or your mind? Let’s explore.
From scrubs to spreadsheets: The dual identity dilemma
As a clinician, your professional identity is deeply ingrained. You’re a healer, a caretaker, a champion of science and compassion. Then entrepreneurship comes along, flipping the script and asking you to add “CEO,” “marketing strategist,” and “chief invoice chaser” to your already overwhelming résumé.
This creates what researchers call identity tension, the internal struggle of balancing two seemingly opposing identities (Radu-Lefebvre et al., 2021). On one hand, you’re bound by the values of the clinical world: empathy, precision, and service. On the other, the entrepreneurial world demands agility, innovation, and, let’s face it, a laser focus on the bottom line.
For many clinicians, this dual identity feels less like a graceful ballet and more like a chaotic tug-of-war. You’re not alone in this struggle. Identity work is a crucial (and often messy) part of becoming a clinician-entrepreneur. The good news? This hybrid identity is not only manageable, it’s a superpower. But more on that later.
Entrepreneurship as a process, not a property
Entrepreneurial identity (EI) can be understood in two ways:
As a property: A static set of traits, you either have it, or you don’t.
As a process: A dynamic evolution shaped by your experiences and environment.
For clinicians stepping into entrepreneurship, adopting the process mindset is key. You don’t have to be born an entrepreneur; you can grow into one, leveraging your clinical skills as building blocks for entrepreneurial success (Mäkinen & Esko, 2022).
But let’s be honest, growth isn’t always comfortable. It involves trial, error, and the occasional existential crisis. One day, you’re confidently discussing treatment plans; the next, you’re Googling, “How to negotiate with vendors without sounding desperate.” Growth, my friend, is messy. But it’s also where the magic happens.
The hybrid identity playbook: Thriving between healing and hustling
If you’re going to thrive as a clinician-entrepreneur, you need strategies. Here are some tried-and-true tips for embracing your hybrid identity:
1. Own your clinical superpowers
Here’s the thing: Your clinical training gives you a massive advantage in the entrepreneurial world. Think about it:
Empathy helps you connect with clients and build meaningful relationships.
Critical thinking equips you to solve complex problems under pressure.
Resilience prepares you to navigate uncertainty, because, let’s face it, startups are full of surprises.
The trick is recognizing that these skills aren’t just transferable, they’re invaluable. Don’t leave them at the clinic door when you step into your office. Let them inform how you lead, strategize, and innovate.
2. Redefine success on your terms
In the clinical world, success is often measured in tangible outcomes: healed patients, accurate diagnoses, lives saved. In entrepreneurship, the metrics are different, and often less immediate. Revenue growth, market share, and customer acquisition can feel abstract, even hollow, compared to the life-changing work you’re used to.
The solution? Redefine success in a way that aligns with your values. Maybe it’s about creating a business that empowers others. Maybe it’s about innovating solutions that improve access to care. Whatever it is, make it personal. Your business should be an extension of your purpose, not a departure from it.
3. Get comfortable with discomfort
Here’s a harsh truth: Entrepreneurship is full of discomfort. You’ll make mistakes, feel out of your depth, and question your sanity at least once a week. But discomfort is where growth happens.
Researchers like Jefferson (2024) emphasize the importance of building resilience through mindset shifts and intentional practices. Set micro-goals, celebrate small wins, and remind yourself that failure is just feedback in disguise.
4. Build your village
The entrepreneurial journey can be lonely, especially for clinicians who are used to working in team-oriented environments. That’s why it’s crucial to surround yourself with people who get it.
Your “village” might include:
Mentors who can guide you through the ups and downs.
Peers who can share insights and commiserate over shared struggles.
Coaches who can help you develop resilience, clarity, and focus.
And don’t forget your personal support system. Your friends, family, and community are just as important as your professional network.
Mental wellness: The unsung hero of entrepreneurial success
Did you know that nearly half of entrepreneurs experience a mental health condition at some point in their lives (Freeman et al., 2015)? For clinicians-turned-entrepreneurs, the risks are even higher. You’re hardwired to overdeliver, to your patients, your clients, your business. But at what cost?
Prioritizing your mental well-being isn’t just self-care; it’s smart business. Research shows that entrepreneurs who manage their mental health are more likely to achieve sustainable success (Hinkelmann et al., 2024). Here’s how to do it:
Set boundaries: Learn to say no. Not every opportunity is worth your time and energy.
Practice self-compassion: You’re going to make mistakes. Forgive yourself and move on.
Invest in rest: Burnout isn’t a badge of honor. Sleep, exercise, and downtime are essential.
The secret sauce: Why clinicians make great entrepreneurs
Let’s flip the script for a moment. Instead of focusing on the challenges of being a clinician-entrepreneur, let’s talk about why you’re uniquely qualified for this role:
You thrive under pressure: Whether it’s a medical emergency or a business crisis, you know how to keep your cool and make decisions under stress.
You’re a systems thinker: Your ability to analyze complex systems translates beautifully to running a business.
You’re driven by purpose: Unlike many entrepreneurs, your work is rooted in a deep sense of mission. That’s your north star, don’t lose sight of it.
Final thoughts: Reclaiming the narrative
Being a clinician-turned-entrepreneur isn’t about abandoning who you are. It’s about expanding your identity, leveraging your unique skills, and building something that aligns with your values. Yes, it’s challenging. Yes, it’s messy. But it’s also incredibly rewarding.
So, the next time you’re staring at a spreadsheet wondering why it won’t balance, remember this: You’re not just a clinician, and you’re not just an entrepreneur. You’re both. And that’s your superpower. You’ve got this.
Read more from Dr. Ariel McGrew
Dr. Ariel McGrew, Business Psychologist, Chief Creative Officer
Dr. Ariel McGrew is a highly regarded business psychologist and founder of Tactful Disruption®. With over 15 years of experience in U.S. Army Psychological Operations, she has honed her expertise in leadership and organizational dynamics. Dr. McGrew holds a PhD in Business Psychology, is a licensed professional counselor, and has been featured in Forbes Coaches Council. Her work focuses on enhancing mental health and professional development within organizations.
References:
Freeman, M., et al. (2015). Entrepreneurs and mental health: A comparative study.
Hinkelmann, H., O’Connor, S., & Passmore, J. (2024). Coaching entrepreneurs towards growth. Coaching: An International Journal of Theory, Research & Practice.
Jefferson, S. A. (2024). Entrepreneurial Mental Well-Being: Strategies for Positive Business Outcomes. Walden University.
Mäkinen, E., & Esko, T. (2022). Nascent academic entrepreneurs and identity work at the boundaries of professional domains.
Radu-Lefebvre, M., et al. (2021). Entrepreneurial Identity: A Review and Research Agenda.
