Tina Wellman is a seasoned healthcare, biotech, and business leader with a track record of transforming ideas into thriving businesses. A natural leader with expertise in enterprise development and strategic partnerships, she built a $5 million company with 200 employees across the US and India. After successfully selling the company to a larger organization, Tina continues to inspire as Vice President of Consulting at Hand PIQ Consulting. She is known for her clear, consistent communication and problem-solving skills that encourage collaboration and innovation within teams. Throughout her career, Tina has demonstrated entrepreneurial leadership, guiding cross-functional clinical programs and launching multimillion-dollar startups. She is also a Six Sigma Lean-certified professional with a strong commitment to mentoring and empowering future entrepreneurs through initiatives like the Tina Wellman Scholarship for Entrepreneurs. Tina currently resides in Mayfield, NY, where she continues to be a trusted business advisor, helping businesses grow and transform in the rapidly evolving healthcare and biotech industries.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I start my day early with a clear plan in place. I prioritize my tasks, beginning with the most challenging projects, and allocate focused time slots for deep work, free of distractions. My day typically involves meetings with clients, mentoring team members, and working on business strategy. To stay productive, I use time-blocking techniques to manage my schedule, ensuring each hour is dedicated to specific tasks. I also take regular breaks to reset and maintain high energy throughout the day.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I believe in the power of collaboration. Whenever I have a new idea, I involve my team early in the process, encouraging brainstorming sessions and feedback from different perspectives. Once the idea is refined, I break it down into actionable steps and set clear goals and timelines. My philosophy is to always test ideas on a small scale first, learn from the outcomes, and then scale up successful initiatives.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I am excited by the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare and business operations. The potential of AI to streamline processes, improve patient outcomes, and reduce costs is transformative. I see AI as a key driver of innovation that will shape the future of industries across the board, from healthcare to entrepreneurship.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I attribute much of my productivity to my habit of morning planning. I dedicate the first 30 minutes of each day to reviewing my priorities, setting intentions, and aligning my tasks with long-term goals. This simple habit keeps me organized and focused, ensuring that I make the most of my day.
What advice would you give your younger self?
The most important advice I would give my younger self is to trust myself more. Don’t let other people’s opinions or doubts shake your confidence. Stay true to your instincts and follow your own path, even when others second guess you. You have the ability to make great decisions and find your way, so don’t let fear or external pressure sway you. Believe in your strength and resilience, because you’ve got it in you to handle whatever comes your way.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I firmly believe that every setback is an opportunity to pivot and innovate. While many people focus on the negative aspects of setbacks, I see them as moments for reflection, learning, and discovering new, creative solutions.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I consistently practice gratitude. I take a few minutes every day to reflect on the positives in my life, whether personal or professional. I find that this practice shifts my mindset, keeping me grounded and motivated to keep pushing forward, even in difficult times.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed, I step away from the situation, go for a walk, or engage in a non-work-related activity to clear my mind. This brief pause helps me gain perspective and return to the task with renewed focus and clarity.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building strong relationships has been instrumental in my career. I invest time in understanding the needs of my clients, customers, and team members, and I consistently follow through on my commitments. This approach has led to lasting partnerships, repeat business, and a strong reputation for reliability in the industry.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I faced the challenge of a product launch that did not meet its revenue targets. Instead of giving up, I gathered my team to reanalyze the market, adjust the product’s positioning, and refine the sales strategy. Through persistence and adaptability, the product eventually succeeded. The key lesson I learned was to never stop learning and iterating.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
I see an opportunity in developing a platform that connects aspiring entrepreneurs with industry mentors. The platform would match users with successful entrepreneurs in their field, providing guidance, support, and feedback as they grow their businesses.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I use Trello for project management. I organize my projects into boards and use color-coded labels to prioritize tasks. The visual layout helps me track progress and ensures that I meet deadlines efficiently.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
One of my favorite books is Atomic Habits by James Clear. I love how it breaks down habit formation into actionable steps, helping me implement small but impactful changes in both my personal life and career.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed watching The Social Dilemma. It opened my eyes to the complex relationship between technology, social media, and human behavior. The documentary encouraged me to think about ethical considerations in tech-driven business models.
Key learnings
- Regular morning planning helps maintain focus and productivity throughout the day.
- Collaboration and open feedback are essential to bringing innovative ideas to life.
- Embracing failure as a learning experience is key to long-term success.
- Building and nurturing strong relationships is vital for business growth.
- Consistently practicing gratitude can improve mindset and overall productivity.