In 25 Words or Less
That’s it. Leaders and influencers, who are usually given the floor for as long as they like, are limited here to condensed responses (no more than 25 words) that get straight to the point.
To own your own business, ask if you are willing do what it takes to succeed and are you okay flying without a safety net.
Name: Collin Smikle
Age: 50s • Status: Single • Kids: Yes
Place of Birth: Spanish Town, Jamaica, WI • Raised: Bronx, New York
Professional Background: Dr. Smikle graduated from Cornell University in 1981, Yale Medical School in 1985, and completed his residency in OB/GYN at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital of Harvard Medical School in 1989. He served as a medical officer in the USAF before attending and completing his fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology from UCSF.
What achievement or position are you most known for? Helped to create more babies within our community than many realize.
WORK
Job(s) held that is most unlike what I currently do now: Worked as a baker at Zaro’s Bake Shop in the Bronx.
Field: Healthcare
Years of Experience: >20
Title: Medical Director
Organization: Laurel Fertility Care • San Francisco, CA
What it does and what I do: Fertility treatment for patients trying to grow their families.
Current Big Project: Managing growth and development of Laurel Fertility
Staffing/Resource Needs: 2
PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Significant Challenge: Time management. It’s hard to have time to be a doctor, manage a business and manage your staff with equal levels of passion and compassion.
Significant Mistake/Regret: Not having the right business mentor.
Significant Accomplishment: The number of families around the world that I’ve been privileged to help. 15 countries and counting!!
Biggest Strength(s): Perseverance and dedication. I’ve been told countless times that I’d never accomplish what I’ve done.
Biggest Weakness(es): Not saying “no” as much a I should have.
Career Advice: To own your own business, ask if you are willing do what it takes to succeed and are you okay flying without a safety net.
PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE
Significant Challenge: Having the right balance of personal time for myself and my family.
Significant Accomplishment: Having three beautiful young adults that I admire each day as they struggle through the world.
Life Advice: Give freely of yourself and you may have returns many times over. (It isn’t always financial).
Trait(s) most admired in others: Dedication, strong work ethic, diligence to detail.
Among several global issues of deep concern, one(s) that stands out to me: Global warming, availability of resources.
Some causes/organizations I support: Child education, mental health.
Some of my most-admired people (excluding parents): Dalai lama, Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu.
LIFESTYLE
Hours of “personal” downtime/week: 5
Favorite activity(s) in my personal downtime: Watching sports, wine tasting, spending time with family and friends.
Some of my favorite local hangouts: Michel’s, Bocanova, Miss Ollie’s
Some of my favorite TV shows: Game of Thrones, Orphan Black, Blacklist, Luther (Idris Elba)
What news outlets or media sources do you most rely on? NPR, KTVU
Favorite Vacation Spot(s): Napa Valley, CA.
Place(s) I would like to visit: Spain, Portugal, Nepal.
Favorite Pastime/Hobby(s): Wine tasting, reading, listening to music.
Favorite Book(s): “Faces at the bottom of the well”, ” And we are not saved” (Derrick Bell), “The Art of Happiness” Conversations with myself”.
Something about me that may surprise you: I’m a really good listener even when it doesn’t appear that way.
