Dr Alvin Lum had just successfully completed his Specialist studies to become a Surgeon when he arrived at a life altering decision. He decided to leave the civil service and enter the corporate world. His reasoning was a simple one: He wanted to enjoy the quality of his life, not lose it simply for holding the title of Surgeon. Today Dr. Alvin Lum is the CEO of Magnitude Group and the Senior Partner of Magnitude Capital.
In a recent conversation with Medic Footprints Malaysia (MFM), he provided some useful pointers to help doctors succeed in the corporate arena.
Networking Outside of the Medical Fraternity is a Stepping-Stone to the Corporate Arena
If a doctor wants to succeed in the corporate arena, he/she must network outside of the medical fraternity. Doctors spend so much time in the medical field that their knowledge of the outside world tends to be limited.
While doctors are academically factual about healthcare, they must also indicate a clear understanding of socio-politic and political economic issues and be able to enunciate their views effectively. This implies holding conversations with people outside of the medical field. It was this ability in Dr Alvin that paved a way for him to enter into the corporate world.
If in a social gathering within the corporate world, when a majority of the people in attendance are from the political economy background, then that would be the “language” that the doctor must speak. Likewise for banking and finance.
It took Dr. Alvin sleepless nights to learn about the economy and finance because they weren’t his forte. As is often the case, whenever a career transition occurs, a steep learning curve follows that move. It’s interesting that when one learns about finance, he/she would invariably learn about economics and politics as well because they are interconnected.
Social Skills Maketh a Man/Woman!
Possessing social graces in the corporate arena matter. How a person carries him/herself, whether they are able to hold their drink etc. speak volumes about them. “You will be observed and if you show yourself to be knowledgeable about current affairs and possess social graces, corporate leaders are willing to take you under their wings to guide you” says Dr. Alvin.
“Of crucial importance is your treatment of, and interaction with people. What’s your demeanour when you speak to a person? Soft skills maketh a man!” exclaimed Dr. Alvin. Treating people at face value is key and it is essential that respect is shown to everyone irrespective of how they have treated you. Always standing up, putting out your hand in friendship, giving proper respect, and showing common courtesy is a mark of finesse. Being aware of the sensitivities in society is also crucial to keep a doctor from putting his/her foot in the mouth.
Don’t Expect to be Respected for Being a Doctor
It’s almost certain that doctors will not get the respect they obtained during clinical service in the corporate arena. But that ought not to stop a doctor who’s transitioning to the corporate world. For transitions to occur successfully, a combination of adaptability and flexibility is needed. Due recognition and regard will be given when the doctor performs well on the job.
Dr Alvin humorously noted that because of his seniority in clinical service, he had people carrying his bags for him. But it’s a very different ballgame in the corporate world. “You’ll be stuck at the bottom of the rung, you’ll have late nights, you’ll have to carry bags and follow people around…You have to humble yourself. Basically, you’re starting over”, he adds. Just as a doctor shadows the Specialist or the Consultant who’s training him/her in clinical service, in the corporate world the transitioning doctor would need to shadow the leader who’s training him/her.
