I recently went one-on-one with Navin Goyal, co-founder of LOUD Capital, LOUD Collective, and OFFOR Health.
Adam: Thanks again for taking the time to share your advice. First things first, though, I am sure readers would love to learn more about you. How did you get here? What experiences, failures, setbacks, or challenges have been most instrumental to your growth?
Navin: My journey has been anything but linear, and that’s been a huge part of my growth. I spent over a decade as an anesthesiologist and medical director, and while that work was meaningful, I started to feel a growing restlessness I couldn’t ignore. A desire to challenge the status quo beyond the walls of medicine while leaning into parts of myself I had neglected along the way meant forging a new path into VC and co-founding two health companies.
Stepping away from that career wasn’t easy. It meant leaving behind stability and stepping into uncertainty; a lot of people doubted my decision. Along the way, I faced plenty of setbacks and tough decisions that forced me to lean into vulnerability and humility. Those moments taught me the value of persistence and adaptability. More than anything, I learned that growth happens when you’re willing to question what you think you know, lean on others for support, and stay open to reinventing yourself while also staying true to yourself. That mindset has shaped not just my professional path, but how I approach life; always looking to dream bigger, lead with purpose, and help others find their way forward.
Adam: What do you look for in companies you invest in? What are your best tips for investors?
Navin: When we invest, we start with people, always. I’m looking at the leadership team’s character, how deeply they believe in their vision, and whether they’re coachable enough to grow through the inevitable challenges. Experience matters, but so does humility and the willingness to surround yourself with people smarter than you in key areas.
For investors, one of the best things you can do is talk to other investors who’ve already backed the company or are considering it. It’s a fast way to get real, unfiltered insight. Then layer that on top of your own diligence. It’s not about rushing to be first; it’s about making informed decisions and investing in people you’d want to be in the trenches with when things get hard.
Adam: What are your best tips for entrepreneurs?
Navin: Execution is the unglamorous, behind-the-scenes work that makes the dream real, and it is shockingly underrated. Ideas are exciting, pitch decks are shiny, and vision gets people in the room, but execution is what keeps the lights on and builds something that lasts. Too many entrepreneurs fall in love with the concept and forget the grind it takes to bring it to life day after day.
My advice is to fall in love with the process, not the outcome. Build systems, hold yourself accountable, and surround yourself with people who can help you deliver, not just dream. Investors, customers, and your team will all remember whether you did what you said you would, and that is where credibility and momentum come from.
Adam: In your experience, what are the keys to growing and scaling your business?
Navin: In my experience, the key to scaling starts with building processes that can grow with you and a culture that welcomes change instead of resisting it. If your team is adaptable and your systems are designed to handle more volume or complexity, growth becomes a lot smoother.
At the same time, it is easy to get caught up chasing new sales and forget about the people who already believe in you. Investing in customer service and making client retention a priority will keep your foundation strong, because happy customers not only stick around but often become your best advocates. When you can grow without losing the trust and loyalty of the people you serve, you create a business that can thrive in the long term.
Adam: What do you believe are the defining qualities of an effective leader? How can leaders and aspiring leaders take their leadership skills to the next level?
Navin: An effective leader earns their keep every single day by showing up, serving others, and actively investing in the growth of their team. It is more work than I ever imagined, but if you value people and purpose, it is one of the most fulfilling roles you can have.
For aspiring leaders, the biggest investment you can make is in your own personal development. Learning to manage your emotions, becoming aware of your strengths and weaknesses, and committing to growth in every way. Surround yourself with peers and mentors who challenge you, support you, and care about seeing you succeed. Leadership is not about a title; it is about consistently showing up for the people you lead and the mission you believe in.
Adam: What are the most important trends in technology that leaders should be aware of and understand? What should they understand about them?
Navin: AI is one of the most important trends leaders need to pay attention to right now because it can drive efficiencies, unlock new capabilities, and help businesses operate at a higher level. For many leaders, it still feels new and overwhelming because it is such a broad field, but ignoring it is not an option- if you do, you’ll get left behind. You don’t need to be the expert, but you do need to be curious, explore how it could apply to your business, and, if needed, bring in someone who can help you integrate it in a way that actually moves the needle.
Adam: What are your best tips on the topics of sales, marketing, and branding?
Navin: I fully believe in playing the long game, and that starts with creating content your community truly resonates with. When you share insights, experiences, and stories that speak directly to your community’s needs and aspirations, you’re doing far more than pitching a product or service. You’re earning their attention and trust in a way that makes the sales process feel natural, sometimes even unnecessary because they already believe in what you’re offering.
A strong newsletter is one of the most underrated tools for building that trust. When you consistently show up in someone’s inbox with something valuable, whether it’s perspective, resources, or encouragement, you’re creating a direct relationship that’s not dependent on algorithms. Over time, your community begins to see you as a trusted advisor rather than just another voice trying to sell them something. That trust turns into engagement, and engagement turns into opportunities.
Branding and marketing aren’t just about what you say; they’re about how you make people feel and what you stir up in them. If you’re putting out content that reflects your values, solves problems, and invites people into your journey, you’re not just attracting customers, you’re building a community of supporters, advocates, and long-term partners who will champion your work. In the end, the best sales tool you’ll ever have is the trust and connection you’ve already invested in.
Adam: What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received?
Navin: “Tomorrow is a new day.” It’s simple, but it’s been a grounding reminder through every stage of my life. On the hard days, it helps me reset and keep moving forward without carrying yesterday’s weight. On the great days, it keeps me humble and reminds me not to get complacent. Every day truly is a chance to start fresh and keep growing.
Adam: Is there anything else you would like to share?
Navin: Vulnerability is one of the most overlooked competitive advantages a leader can have, especially for men. I know it can feel uncomfortable at first. It can feel like you’re giving up strength or control. But in my experience, it’s the opposite. When you’re willing to be open about challenges, doubts, and even failures, you create space for trust to grow and for people to connect with you in a real way. It invites more meaningful conversations, deeper relationships, and ultimately, much stronger teams.
