Episode 33: Alex Harstrick - Do the job that you would do for free

Today’s guest is Alex Harstrick. Alex is a Principal at Shields Capital where he leads investments in ambitious entrepreneurs looking to make positive disruption in the future of healthcare. Alex is very passionate about innovation and investment in healthcare and defense, two industries he has personal experience in. Prior to Shields Capital, he worked at Blue Cross Blue Shield where he helped manage their multi-stage venture portfolio and develop their internal strategy function. During this time he also received a commission as a Military Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Army Reserve, leading Soldiers trained in counterintelligence and human intelligence operations. Upon his return from deployment on a special ops mission in the Middle East, Alex was then recruited to work at the Defense Innovation Unit. There, he worked on the Human Systems portfolio where he focused on human performance and what was going on to the actual bodies of military personnel. I should also mention that, in the weeks following our conversation, Alex secured a partnership with the CEO of Oura Ring to advise the company’s expansion into the healthcare and defense markets. In this interview, we get into Alex’s karate background, how the death of his mother shifted his reality and mindset, his college years, and the various jobs he’s had over his career so far.

Timestamps

00:02:32 Growing up and death of his mother

00:10:47 Karate background

00:18:20 College years

00:24:43 Days as a consultant

00:27:02 Blue Cross Blue Shield + US Army Reserve

00:38:05 Defense Innovation Unit

00:41:20 Shields Capital

00:47:00 His daily routine

00:49:18 His driving force

00:50:25 Career advice for the 20-something year old listening