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Interview with Lachlan Soper, General Practitioner

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Interview with Lachlan Soper, General Practitioner

Dr Lachlan Soper is a General Practitioner with over two decades of experience, living and working in Mosman, Sydney, Australia. Lachlan Soper is currently working at the Avenue Road Medical Practice, where he practices health care by demonstrating compassion for his patients in a relaxed and caring environment by listening to them and working together on an optimal treatment plan.

Before beginning his experienced medical career, Dr Lachlan Soper graduated from medicine in 2000 and attained his FRACGP (Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners) in 2006. Lachlan Soper has worked in Dee Why, North Sydney, and Muswellbrook, where he was a partner at the Brook Medical Centre until mid-2017.

As a medical professional, Lachlan Soper values, above all, integrity, family care, quality, and putting the patient first. To deliver quality medical care in the best interests of his patients, Lachlan Soper believes that it is essential to operate with the highest standards of integrity. Lachlan is also a firm believer that to deliver high-quality health care service he must always enable and encourage his patients to maintain a high quality of life. Lachlan Soper considers the patients’ unique needs and interests to determine the care provided.

Outside of his medical profession, of all the roles and responsibilities he’s taken on, being a father is the most rewarding for Lachlan Soper. The responsibility of raising his young children, molding them, and helping them learn how to make their own decisions, isn’t one that Lachlan Soper takes lightly. He feels honored and blessed to have the opportunity to share his life through authentic conversations with his children through that very molding process.

One of his favorite activities to do outside of work with his family is cycling through his community and country. Lachlan Soper’s love for cycling started during childhood and his enjoyment of cycling has yet to diminish decades later. To date, his bike has taken him all over the country, including through the Victorian Alps, the New South Wales Snowy Mountains, and from Melbourne to Sydney twice. In addition to cycling for personal goals, Lachlan has also participated in a number of charity rides.

Dr Lachlan Soper enjoys the full spectrum of general practice from newborns, through their parents, to those in their more senior years. He believes the true reward in general practice lies in the unique opportunity it affords you for continuity of care throughout many generations and over many years, as what patients would refer to as “my family GP”.

Where did the idea for your career come from?

As a medical student, from the start of my degree, I knew that I wanted to be a general practitioner. I took the opportunity to do as many elective rotations as possible in general practice. I sat under the tutelage of about 30+ different practitioners during that time, and felt a particular connection to the method of practice and advocacy of Dr George Quittner, principal of Avenue Road Medical Practice. It then took about 20 years to come back! I was giving a seminar to high school students in 2020, as was Dr Quittner. We reconnected there and the offer to come back was extended and happily received.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

I work Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays at Avenue Road Medical Practice. I start at 8am and finish around 6:30 to 7pm. I also work 1 in 4 Saturdays.
In most general practices patients have to plan to be sick. What I mean by that is that the doctors are usually booked out several days or weeks in advance, however at Avenue Road Medical Practice there are always appointments on the day available and even when all the slots fill up on the day (as they usually do), we make an effort to fit people in, so that if they need to see a doctor an appointment is available for them on the day they need it. This can often result in the days being rather busy.

How do you bring ideas to life?

By reading widely and listening to people both with similar and different viewpoints to me. We can and should always be learning in life. Those ideas then need to be actualised into detailed action plans.

What’s one trend that excites you?

It’s not really a trend, but what excites me is fostering deep, authentic and vulnerable friendships with people who are with you through thick and thin.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

Starting up my own practise which I ran for 8 years before joining the Avenue Medical Practise, I found that regular exercise. no matter what (unless significantly unwell) is very important to be physically and mentally fit. Planning and seeing through regular daily exercise – for me that is cycling 5 days a week, weights twice a week, walking 3-5 days a week is crucial. Along with maintaining a work/life balance, it’s important not to let the burdens of running a business take over all your time.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Read the Scriptures most days from a young age, think through them, pray through them, be humbly moulded by them.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

In the last recession in 1991, I watched as our home dropped in value by 36%.
While very few people who have invested in property over the past couple of decades feel it can go down much, I think unfortunately the property market may well drop 30% from its dizzying heights in late 2021.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

I’m constantly reading medical journals and research to help keep me up to date with the latest technology, information and updates. It’s really important to stay ahead of the curve so you can offer the best treatment options to patients.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

Being the best you can be professionally – daily read new developments in medicine, do your best in your vocation, care for your patients and desire their best outcomes. The rest will follow – if you’re competent, thorough and care for your patients / clients, then your practise will grow. It’s not a quick way to grow a business, but it builds deep roots of quality and integrity which last through the storms.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

Not being patient enough. Developing patience – it’s a lifelong journey (sometimes it’s forced on you, sometimes you choose it).

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

Develop technologies to disprove (de-fraud) “Deepfake” videos – to develop technology to verify whether photos or videos are authentic or not.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

A share platter lunch with my wife by the beach. Great food and better bonding.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

Google Calendar – planning and prioritising my day, week and year.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People – the title is self-explanatory.

What is your favorite quote?

“My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.”
― Abraham Lincoln

Key Learnings:

  • Practice your vocation with integrity – success follows that
  • Regular daily exercise keeps the body and mind fit for purpose
  • Plan and prepare your day, week and year.
Originally published on IdeaMensch.

Interviews

Interview with Jack Carlson, Founder of Rowing Blazers: History, Tradition, and Innovation

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Interview with Jack Carlson, Founder of Rowing Blazers

Table of Contents

Introduction

Jack Carlson is the founder and creative director of Rowing Blazers, a fashion brand that combines classic American style with a contemporary edge. Jack Carlson, a former national team rower, and scholar of history draw inspiration from vintage sportswear and traditional Ivy League fashion. His passion for design and fashion, combined with his unique background. Jack Carlson has resulted in the creation of a brand that stands out in the industry.

Can you tell us about your background and how you became interested in fashion?

I’ve always had a passion for fashion and design, even while pursuing my other interests. I grew up in Connecticut and started rowing at a young age, eventually competing at the national level. While studying history at Harvard, I became interested in the traditional clothing worn by rowers and began to collect vintage rowing blazers. This sparked my interest in fashion and led me to start designing my own clothing. After completing a Ph.D. in archaeology, I decided to pursue fashion full-time and founded Rowing Blazers in 2017.

What inspired you to start Rowing Blazers?

I wanted to create a brand that celebrated the rich history and tradition of American fashion, particularly the preppy style of the Ivy League. At the same time, I wanted to bring a contemporary edge to classic designs and challenge the boundaries of traditional fashion. I was inspired by the vintage rowing blazers that I collected and wanted to create my own versions that were both authentic and modern.

Can you walk us through the design process of creating a new collection?

The design process always starts with research and inspiration. I spend a lot of time looking at vintage clothing, archival photographs, and historical documents to get a sense of the styles and aesthetics of a particular time period or culture. From there, I sketch out ideas and work with my team to refine the designs and select fabrics. We always strive to balance classic elements with modern twists and unexpected details. It’s a collaborative process that involves a lot of trial and error, but we always end up with something that we’re proud of.

How do you stay true to your brand’s identity while also keeping up with current fashion trends?

For us, it’s not about following trends, but rather creating timeless pieces that will never go out of style. Although we draw inspiration from the past, we don’t limit ourselves to it. We’re always looking for ways to innovate and push boundaries while staying true to our brand’s core identity. We’re not interested in fast fashion or disposable clothing – our pieces are meant to last and be treasured for years to come.

Can you tell us about a particular challenge you faced while growing Rowing Blazers and how you overcame it?

One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced is scaling the business while maintaining the quality and craftsmanship that we’re known for. We’ve had to find the right partners and suppliers who share our values and are able to produce our garments to our high standards. We’ve also had to be very strategic about our growth, taking things one step at a time and not rushing into anything too quickly. It’s been a learning process, but we’ve been able to grow the business in a sustainable way that we’re proud of.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own fashion brand?

My advice would be to stay true to your vision and never compromise on quality. It’s also important to be strategic about your growth and not try to do everything at once. Start small and focus on doing one thing really well before expanding. And always be willing to learn and adapt – the fashion industry is constantly changing, so it’s important to be flexible and open to new ideas.

What’s next for Rowing Blazers?

We’re always working on new designs and collaborations, but we’re also focused on expanding our brand beyond just clothing. We want to create a lifestyle brand that encompasses all aspects of American style, from furniture to home decor to travel accessories. We’re excited to continue growing and evolving while staying true to our brand’s identity and values.

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Jack Carlson’s passion for fashion and history has resulted in the creation of a unique and innovative brand that stands out in the industry. His dedication to quality and craftsmanship, as well as his commitment to sustainability, sets Rowing Blazers apart from other fashion brands. To stay up to date with Jack Carlson and Rowing Blazers, you can follow him on LinkedIn.

Liked this interview? Check out this interview with Gracie Cedres

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Interview with Gracie Cedres: Insights on Entrepreneurship and Work-Life Balance

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Interview with Gracie Cedres, Founder of G.R.A.C.E.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Gracie Cedres is the founder and CEO of G.R.A.C.E., a company that provides virtual assistance and project management services to entrepreneurs and small business owners. With a degree in communications, Gracie has always been interested in helping others succeed in their businesses. Her passion for helping entrepreneurs led her to create G.R.A.C.E., which has been helping entrepreneurs and small business owners increase their productivity and profitability. In this interview, Gracie will share more about her journey as an entrepreneur and the success of G.R.A.C.E.

Can you tell us about yourself and your journey as an entrepreneur?

Sure, my name is Gracie Cedres, and I am the founder and CEO of G.R.A.C.E. I have always been interested in helping others, especially entrepreneurs and small business owners, succeed in their businesses. After completing my degree in communications, I worked as a virtual assistant for various entrepreneurs and realized that there was a need for high-quality virtual assistance and project management services. That’s how the idea for G.R.A.C.E. was born, and since then, I have been working hard to help entrepreneurs and small business owners achieve their goals.

How did you come up with the idea for G.R.A.C.E.?

After working as a virtual assistant for several entrepreneurs, the idea for G.R.A.C.E. came to me. I realized that many entrepreneurs were struggling to manage their time effectively and needed high-quality virtual assistance and project management services to help them become more productive and profitable. I saw an opportunity to help entrepreneurs and small business owners by providing them with top-notch virtual assistance and project management services, and that’s how G.R.A.C.E. was born.

What are some of the challenges you faced in starting and growing your business?

One of the biggest challenges I faced in starting and growing my business was finding the right team members. It’s important to have a team that shares your vision and is passionate about what they do. I also faced challenges in marketing my services and reaching out to potential clients. However, I overcame these challenges by networking, building relationships, and creating high-quality content that showcased the value of my services.

What is your vision for G.R.A.C.E. in the next five years?

My vision for G.R.A.C.E. in the next five years is to become the go-to virtual assistance and project management service provider for entrepreneurs and small business owners worldwide. I want to expand my team and services to be able to help more entrepreneurs and small business owners increase their productivity and profitability. I also want to continue building strong relationships with my clients and providing them with top-notch services.

Can you share with us some of your favorite success stories from working with your clients?

One of my favorite success stories is working with a small business owner who was struggling to manage their time effectively. By providing them with virtual assistance and project management services, we were able to help them increase their productivity, improve their marketing strategies, and ultimately grow their business. It’s always fulfilling to see my clients succeed and achieve their goals.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to educate themselves and never stop learning. It’s important to constantly learn new skills, stay up to date with industry trends, and seek out new opportunities. It’s also essential to have a strong work ethic, be persistent, and not be afraid to take risks. Don’t let failure discourage you, instead use it as a learning opportunity and keep pushing forward.

How do you maintain a work-life balance as a busy entrepreneur?

Maintaining a work-life balance can be challenging as a busy entrepreneur, but it’s essential for your well-being and the success of your business. One of the things I do is prioritize my tasks and delegate when necessary. I also set aside time for self-care activities like exercise, reading, and spending time with family and friends. It’s also important to know when to disconnect from work and focus on other aspects of your life.

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Gracie Cedres is an inspiration to entrepreneurs and small business owners worldwide. Her dedication to helping others and passion for entrepreneurship has led to the success of G.R.A.C.E. With a vision for continued growth and success, Gracie is sure to make an impact in the virtual assistance and project management industry. To learn more about Gracie Cedres and G.R.A.C.E., visit her website and follow her on LinkedIn.

Liked this interview? Check out this interview with Evan Cagner

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Interview with Evan Cagner: Insights into the World of Tech and Entrepreneurship

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Interview with Evan Cagner, CEO of TechBlue

Table of Contents

Introduction

Evan Cagner is the founder and CEO of TechBlue, a company that provides managed IT services to businesses of all sizes. Evan has over 15 years of experience in the tech industry and has helped numerous businesses grow by leveraging technology. He is a thought leader and innovator in the IT industry, with a keen eye for emerging trends and technologies. In this interview, Evan Cagner shares his insights into the world of tech and entrepreneurship.

What inspired you to start TechBlue?

I’ve always been passionate about technology and how it can be used to solve business problems. I started my career working for a large IT consulting firm, and I quickly realized that there was a big gap in the market for managed IT services. Small and medium-sized businesses often struggle to keep up with the latest technology trends, and they don’t have the resources to hire full-time IT staff. That’s why I decided to start TechBlue – to help these businesses leverage technology to grow and succeed.

What sets TechBlue apart from other managed IT services companies?

There are a few things that set TechBlue apart from other managed IT services companies. First and foremost, we are incredibly focused on customer service. We believe that building strong relationships with our clients is the key to our success. Second, we have a team of highly skilled technicians who are constantly learning and staying up to date with the latest technologies. Finally, we are very flexible and can customize our services to meet the unique needs of each of our clients.

How do you stay on top of emerging trends in the tech industry?

I’m always reading and staying up to date with the latest news and trends in the tech industry. I attend conferences and meet with other thought leaders in the industry to discuss new technologies and how they can be used to solve business problems. I also encourage my team to stay up to date and share their knowledge with each other.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the IT industry?

The pandemic has had a significant impact on the IT industry. With so many people working remotely, there has been a huge demand for cloud-based services and virtual private networks (VPNs). There has also been an increased focus on cybersecurity, as remote workers are more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Overall, the pandemic has accelerated the shift toward digital transformation and has highlighted the importance of having a reliable and secure IT infrastructure.

What advice do you have for entrepreneurs looking to start their own businesses?

My advice would be to focus on building a strong team and never stop learning. Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you and who have different skill sets. Be willing to take risks and make mistakes, but also be willing to learn from those mistakes. And finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice from other entrepreneurs who have been through it before.

What is your vision for the future of TechBlue?

My vision for TechBlue is to continue to grow and expand our services to meet the changing needs of our clients. I want to stay at the forefront of emerging technologies and continue to be a thought leader in the industry. Ultimately, I want to help as many businesses as possible leverage technology to achieve their goals.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and staying active. I’m an avid runner and I also enjoy playing basketball and golf. I’m also a big fan of music and enjoy going to concerts and discovering new artists.

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Evan Cagner is a true leader and innovator in the IT industry. His passion for technology and customer service has helped TechBlue become one of the most respected managed IT services companies in the business. With his keen eye for emerging trends and technologies, Evan is sure to continue to make an impact in the industry for years to come. To learn more about Evan Cagner and TechBlue, you can visit their website or follow them on LinkedIn.

Liked this interview? Check out this interview with Makayla Gordon

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