Dr. Ricardo Rossello Nevares serves as the Chief Visionary Officer (CVO) of the Regenerative Medicine Institute (RMI Health), where he spearheads transformative research focused on longevity and cutting-edge regenerative therapies. With a unique background as both a scientist and the former Governor of Puerto Rico, Dr. Rosselló channels his dual expertise in public service and biotechnological innovation to shape impactful health advancements on a global scale.
In his new book, The Reformer’s Dilemma, he calls for a Radical Middle; in American politics, promoting a vision of rational discourse, collaborative policymaking, and forward-thinking leadership to counteract the polarization gripping modern governance. Through his dedication to science and thought leadership, Dr. Rosselló remains a committed advocate for pioneering practical solutions to today’s complex societal challenges, from healthcare to public policy reform.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I have habits that are must-dos every day. These work as anchors throughout the day (meditation, exercise, reading, writing, cold plunge, sleeping 7hrs). I do the most thoughtful work in the morning, between 4:30 and 6:30, before anyone wakes up. This sets the tone for the rest of the day. I spend time with my kids before school and then set about executing the day’s plans.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I draw maps. I like to connect invisible dots. For this, I schedule blocks of 2hrs plus.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’m engaged with trends in the economy, in policy, and around longevity research. What excites me most is the possibility of reprogramming our own stem cells to make them younger and to keep our regenerative system young and fully functional.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Brain dump (journaling) and mapping timelines and goals. They allow me to see the big picture and focus on what’s important.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Eat better. It is the most important lifestyle component. It affects energy, mood, cognition, aging, et al. Also – Be intentional with your time and energy. Spend them on what truly matters and let go of distractions.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
President Trump has both fantastic attributes and enormous flaws. Most people I’ve spoken to are on one side or the other. Also, leftovers are often better than the original meal.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Breathing exercises. I used to think them silly, but I tried it and it changed my life. Think about it: you can live months without food. A few days without water. But only a few minutes without breathing. The universe tells you what’s important.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I take a 15-minute run, or a shower, or I use my BrainTap app for meditation/breathing exercises.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
I developed a polling platform in the early 2000s. It was a very good idea that was not implemented correctly, was a bit early-to-market, and that was later picked up by other bigger outfits. Lessons? 1) Team matters more than Idea; 2) Good ideas don’t self-execute; and 3) Timing is everything.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Investing in government-sponsored entities. Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac have been in receivership for over a decade. With pricing affordability being such a challenge, one strategy to mitigate this pain point will be to release and recapitalize Freddy and Fannie. If this happens, they should be able to raise capital and have a higher value.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Lumosity, a personal brain training app. It helps me get my focus back – plus it’s one of my habits.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Relativity: The Special and General Theory by Einstein. It stretches my mind to incredible perspectives, both when I first read it as a kid and still today. Even a nonscientist can gain a lot from it.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
An Apple TV series called Foundation by David S. Goyer. As a Chief Visionary Officer, I like to think long-term and connect invisible dots. This series focuses on that, and it’s superbly entertaining, exploring how ideas can shape and influence civilizations over millennia. It talks about the cycles of rising and falling, and human resilience – themes that I also explored in The Reformer’s Dilemma.
Key learnings
● What excites me most is the possibility of reprogramming our own stem cells to make them younger.
● Brain dump (journaling) and mapping timelines and goals allow me to see the big picture and focus on what’s important.
● Lessons learned from a failed venture: 1) Team matters more than Idea; 2) Good ideas don’t self-execute; and 3) Timing is everything.