In this special interview, we explore the illustrious career of Dr. Adil Quraish, a renowned private investor, strategic counselor, and leadership coach. With a rich history encompassing clinical dentistry, military duty, and executive management, Quraish has made the leap to full-time investing and advising high-performing leaders in multiple business sectors. Famed for discipline, long-term perspective, and service to others, Dr. Quraish attributes his military experience to having taught him resilience and mission-driven leadership. Our discussion delves into his special formula for professional and personal development, his perspective on overcoming setbacks, and his ideas on building a legacy full of purpose and integrity.
What is a normal day like for you now that you are no longer in clinical dentistry, but rather in private investment and leadership advisory? How do you schedule your time so that you remain concentrated and productive?
A typical day in my current role as a private investor and leadership advisor is markedly different from my previous life as a practicing dentist and CEO. My schedule used to be dictated by external demands specific patient appointments and strategic organizational priorities. Transitioning into investing shifted my focus from execution to discovery, a transition that demanded a more observant and reflective approach.
For example, I can visit markets or trends, sometimes without a firm agenda, to see how various companies function. This type of interaction keeps me in touch with new opportunities. My role as a leadership coach involves more technicality, however, to keep a regular schedule with my mentees so that their growth and development remain on course.
With your activities now crossing mentorship, finance, and personal branding, how do you keep yourself in the know of new opportunities and trends in such varied arenas?
Being current demands a constant effort to interact with information in real-time because markets and trends are constantly changing. I draw on several information channels, including analysis from practicing industry professionals, interviews with operators who deal with day-to-day operations, and edited content from niche media channels. This enables me to stay at the leading edge, as mainstream media tends to follow.
Can you tell us about a defining moment or professional failure that challenged your values, and how you navigated through it to come out stronger?
Setbacks have been not only inevitable but also necessary throughout my life. They give feedback on direction and method, usually in the guise of being a blessing. Failures for me have always been lessons and learning. I've noticed that those who find uncommon success share setbacks with humility, curiosity, resilience, and tenacity. These setbacks make one's adaptability stronger and enable him or her to move forward without slowing down. It's a mentality that has been instrumental in my life and career.
In reflection, what was the worst or least satisfying job you ever had—and how did it influence the way you lead and counsel others today?
During my early years, I had a diversity of hard-working jobs that I found neither monotonous nor unfulfilling. Every occupation, regardless of its character, presented learning opportunities. The essence, as far as I am concerned, lies in the attitude that one takes when dealing with these kinds of jobs. Instead of being controlled by the surroundings when it comes to attitude, it is more effective to control one's attitude. This attitude management philosophy has powered my leadership and advisory practice, enabling me to influence and lead.
Dr. Quraish's experiences and journey provide lessons on purpose, resilience, and adaptability in leadership. He has learned through his experiences to have a deep appreciation for taking different opportunities to make a significant impact.
You've excelled in multiple industries. What personal habits or traits have been most important to your success?
Along the way, through clinical dentistry and military service, to business enterprise and investment, some personal qualities have been my rock. Honesty has always been my rule: I do the right thing, even when it is hard or goes unnoticed because this earns trust over time. Humility has helped keep me grounded and receptive to learning from all the people around me, whether senior advisors or junior staff. Grit has been key in staying the course through adversity, and curiosity has ignited my passion for learning. Through exposure to new topics and interaction with experts, I can stay intellectually nimble in a rapidly changing environment.
Who are those mentors or figures in your life who have guided your style of service and strategy?
It's extremely hard to develop and lead in a vacuum. I've consciously surrounded myself with people who are smarter, stronger, and more capable in every area of life. They're my board of directors, comprising my family and subject matter experts in such fields as fitness, spirituality, and career development. These trusted advisors give me ongoing feedback and direction. They need to have strengths that exceed your own since their superior abilities need to be considered a valuable asset, rather than a threat.
What would you say to someone in mid-career who is attempting to re-invent their professional identity or build a meaning-based legacy, as you did?
Understand that opportunity is plentiful and you can recreate any life that you want. I suggest you take a week off from all distractions to reflect deeply. In that time, do an exercise I refer to as The 30 Reps write out 30 things that are very meaningful to you. The first 10 will flow easily, the next 10 will be difficult, and the last 10 will stretch you very deeply. This process will reconnect you with your core values, setting the stage for an intentional life and legacy.
When considering a new venture, what is your starting point for turning an idea into reality?
The foundation is careful research. I hear from subject-matter experts, do preliminary web searches to collect pertinent material and go deeper into interviews and books on the opportunity. This multi-level approach allows me to have a full-picture perspective before deciding. It's a disciplined beginning in the spirit of inquiry and diligence.
Dr. Adil Quraish's life is proof of the strength of staying true to one's values, being humble, and being curious in all walks of life. His mentorship and investment styles are based on good knowledge and planning, which have enabled him to thrive and leave a positive impact. With every new generation, he continues to inspire through his wisdom and counsel, Dr. Adil Quraish continues striving to leave a legacy that is service- and purpose-based.