Women in Health and Tech: Fireside Chat with Dr. Cathy Zhang

Students from the School of Science and Technology joined peers from across IE University for a fireside chat organized by the IE Women in Business Club with Dr. Cathy Zhang, who shared tips about creating your own life path. 

A board-certified physician, investor, and innovator, Zhang supports health startups as a medical advisor, angel investor, and through angel syndicates and venture funds. 

She also invests in private equity real estate, including real estate development, multi-family value-add, private mortgage syndicates, and pre-construction condos.

In this event, she talked about her broad professional background and how she pursues and juggles various interests. She gave students professional and personal pointers she learned along the way.

Zhang said the one lesson always served her well is, "if you want something in life, you have to show up and ask." 

She encouraged the attendees to take chances and reach out to people.

"When you are young, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain," explained Zhang. "The upside is absolutely in terms of possibilities."

She encouraged students to network and ask for things they want because not doing so means they will rob themselves of future opportunities.

"Your network is your net worth," reminded Zhang. "It is not about what you know, but who you know."

Although the early stages of a career can be scary and frustrating, Zhang explained the benefits of being in the beginning.

"The beauty of inexperience is that you don't know your barriers, so you have the audacity to take on greater responsibilities," Zhang said. "And you go out of your way to earn your place."

Another tip she shared with the students was to keep investing in themselves because "you never know which skills will be useful."

"Live like you are going to die tomorrow, so make the most out of every single opportunity you have. But at the same time, learn like you are going to live forever."
Dr. Cathy Zhang

She highlighted the importance of separating personal and professional identities because and focusing on what you can control like your attitude and your mindset.

Most importantly she discussed how to put their efforts into improving strengths rather than working on weaknesses.

"Of course, you have to work on your weaknesses to make them more adequate, but what will make you stand out are your strengths," explained Zhang. "Your strengths will make you shine."

Penelope Van Heems, Women in Business Community Building Coordinator, said she "found Zhang very inspiring because she talked about both her professional and personal life honestly."

Students said they appreciated the opportunity to learn from successful women.

"It's always good to come to these events and take advantage of all these professionals that come from different industries," said Joana Rocha Camargo, a second-year student of Data and Business Analytics.