The call I almost canceled (and why I’m so glad I didn’t)
A few years ago, when I decided to launch TayTalks, I made a list on my iPad of people I wanted to interview (exhibit A still exists!). It took longer than I expected to actually get started, but once I did, the momentum began to build. A few months into filming, my friend Heloisa messaged me about a colleague of hers who was thinking of launching a podcast and had some questions. That’s how I met Felix.
The day we were supposed to connect was one of the most chaotic days I’d had in a while, and I seriously considered canceling, as I was still mid-commute from one campus to another. I decided not to, pulled into a coffee shop off the highway, grabbed a latte, and jumped into the call. And I’m so glad I did.
You know those conversations where things just click effortlessly? This was exactly that. What began as a quick tech Q&A turned into a surprisingly deep and thoughtful conversation about career pivots, fulfillment, and what it really means to live with intention. Felix is one of those people whose wisdom sneaks up on you, not flashy, but grounded, experienced, and quietly transformative.
When I was deciding on which episode to launch TayTalks with, it just felt right to start with our interview. Felix is a physician, medical strategy consultant, and entrepreneur with over two decades of impressive experience in medical communications, biotech, and drug development. He's founded multiple companies, including Tarmeta Biosciences, an early-stage drug discovery company focused on innovative cancer treatment methods.
Felix's own journey, from completing an orthopedic surgery residency and realizing he wasn't fulfilled, to pivoting entirely into medical innovation and entrepreneurship, is powerful proof of his philosophy. He's a living example that "checking boxes" doesn't equal happiness or satisfaction. Accomplishment is nuanced, deeply personal, and goes far beyond professional milestones.
What resonated most deeply with me was his emphasis on continuous self-improvement, something evident not only through our conversation but also his extensive book recommendations (here’s the full list!). Felix reminded me (and everyone who listens) that success isn't linear and doesn't come without trade-offs. To excel, we need to be disciplined, intentional, and honest with ourselves about what sacrifices we're willing to make. Balance isn't accidental, it’s thoughtfully constructed.
I left our conversation reflecting on this critical insight: pursuing a goal requires genuine dedication. If you truly want something, like this podcast for me, you can't give half-effort and expect extraordinary results. What am I willing to commit? What trade-offs am I comfortable with? Is the pursuit worth the personal costs?
I'm deeply grateful for Felix's openness, vulnerability, and wisdom. Our conversation felt like catching up with an old friend, picking up right where you left off years later. I'm excited for you all to hear this conversation, and I'd love to know what resonates with you.
Grab your coffee (look at this video of me reflecting on this episode, and getting distracted by my favorite horchata lately…), get comfy, and join us for this thoughtful chat. And if something strikes a chord, please share it with someone who might benefit.
If you want to keep up with Felix, follow him on Instagram or LinkedIn, and shoot him a message with some feedback on the episode too! He’s starting his own podcast soon, so keep a lookout for Doctors in the Know Podcast to drop.
Welcome to episode 2 of TayTalks, I hope you’ll stay for the ride. Subscribe to our newsletter here to get monthly behind the scenes posts, bloopers, more reflections on life (not necessarily just episodes we filmed), and much more. Launching in a few weeks!
“A few years ago, when I decided to launch TayTalks, I made a list on my iPad of people I wanted to interview (exhibit A still exists!). It took longer than I expected to actually get started, but once I did, the momentum began to build.”