Dr. Bryant graduated from university with a degree in Cell and Molecular Biology. After graduating he was dissuaded from continuing on to traditional medical school and chose to pursue a path in conservative management healthcare to help people who are suffering needlessly.

What’s your story?
I was originally on a traditional Western medical tract, graduating from the University of Michigan with a degree in Cell and Molecular Biology and completing pre-medical requirements and the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test). After spending roughly a year in and around the research and pharma/biotech industry after graduation I was essentially dissuaded from going to medical school by doctors and researchers who had been in the industry and didn’t believe that modern medicine was heading in the right direction, for lack of a more brief way to put it.

To make a long story short, I decided that I wanted to be involved in conservative management healthcare because, quite simply, I feel this is the simplest and most effective way to impact the health and quality of life of the largest number of people who are suffering needlessly. Having experienced for myself great benefit from chiropractic care as a teen, and seeing many others sharing the same experience over the years, I decided to complete my graduate studies in chiropractic and additional coursework in physiotherapy. I’ve been fortunate enough to live and practice in Singapore over the past 7 years, and have recently launched a new clinic specialising in modern chiropractic care and advanced therapeutic rehabilitation.

What excites you most about your industry?
I think the current lack of understanding and utilisation of my industry on a large scale in Asia is very exciting for any ambitious entrepreneurs in our field. The macroeconomic trend of growing middle and upper-middle class in many areas of Asia, along with an ageing population and the many common afflictions which we specialise in treating that come with that should give fertile soil for a number of quality brands in chiropractic and other conservative care specialities to thrive over the coming years.

The largest hurdle for my industry, in particular, is that there are no major accrediting bodies or teaching institutions in Asia, and we still have ways to go at educating the public, other healthcare professionals, and government sector regulators about what we actually do. I believe that as this changes and there is more collaboration between our industry and current mainstream health channels that patients will benefit as their options for receiving the kind of healthcare which fits their needs best will be more open to them.

What’s your connection to Asia?
I was always intrigued and interested in Asian culture growing up and had studied martial arts for many years when I was a child and adolescent. I suppose that intrigue never left me and I decided to move to Singapore shortly after finishing my graduate studies. It has been a great place to live, work, and travel from for the past 7 years and I’ll be making it my home for some time to come.

Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Speaking from experience, I can really only say I’ve done business in Singapore up until now. Having traveled quite a bit through various parts of Asia I can say there are several other compelling cities I could see wanting to expand my brand to in the future. However, each country will have varying regulations as they pertain to my industry and I’ll have to see what makes the most sense when we look to expand in the region.

What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Learn from the past. Plan for the future. Live in the present.
Don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s all small stuff.

Who inspires you?
I could name some big figures in the business world, but honestly all the self-made entrepreneurs and business people I’ve met over the years who started from scratch and have built their own successful businesses (large or small) inspire me most. I believe those of us who have worked hard to put ourselves in a position to not only succeed but do so by contributing something positive to society are the most fulfilled at the end of the day.

Taking that leap from the safety of employment to the unknown of an entrepreneur is difficult, especially for those without a safety net waiting for them. Kudos to every person who has done so and striven to make their dreams a reality.

What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
I forgot where I even read it, but an article I came across the other day was talking about the “knowledge-doubling curve” which Buckminster Fuller introduced in 1982. IBM predicts that by 2020 the rate of knowledge doubling will be only 11-12 hours. That is pretty astounding given that just a couple of generations ago it was 25 years! I’m curious to see how we humans will fare with an ever-increasing amount of information, and whether we have the wisdom to use it wisely.

If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
If I could go back, I might try to spend a little less time accomplishing tasks and preparing for the next step and a little more time nurturing relationships with friends and family. I think it is difficult for all of us with busy schedules and finite time to find a balance between these two, but having quality relationships with others requires the investment of time and effort just like anything else. Hopefully, as time goes by I can continue to work on balancing the two to the best of my abilities.

How do you unwind?
I find exercise is a good way to blow off some steam and relieve stress, so I try to get to the gym 4-5 days a week when possible. Other than that, on my off days, I also like to catch a few pints at the pub with my friends and listen to live music or just catch up. Some days a good book and a breeze while sitting on the balcony is a nice mental respite as well.

Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
That is a difficult one to choose since there are so many good places but I would probably have to choose Laos. I love that it is off the beaten path and the scenery is really vibrant and amazing. Especially some of the waterfalls and areas with rivers winding through the mountains, definitely an amazing energy every time I go there.

Not to mention the food is really nice (even better than Thai food in my opinion) and prices are quite friendly for whatever you want to do, see and eat.

Everyone in business should read this book:
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. It is a classic originally published in 1974, but I think is just as, if not more relevant today. There are several main themes explored throughout the book but the primary one is that of defining and achieving quality in our endeavours. I think this is a great book that can put our work and life into context and force us to really evaluate what is important.

Shameless plug for your business:
I’ve recently launched Elite Spine Centres, where we strive to bring patients the highest quality and combination of modern chiropractic care along with other unique and comprehensive rehabilitative services, all under one roof. That means we are able to handle nearly any spine, nerve and body concerns as well as offering treatment and guidance for those looking to optimise their health and wellness.

We have already had a number of patients who have been to other chiropractic and/or physiotherapy centres both in Singapore and abroad and quite universally people are impressed with our clinic and services and have given feedback that we are different from anywhere else they have been to. I urge people to come down and experience the Elite Spine difference for themselves.

How can people connect with you?
You can reach me directly at [email protected] or you can go to our webpage,
or FB and contact me through there:
www.elitespinecentres.com
www.facebook.com/EliteSpineCentres

This interview is part of the ‘Callum Connect’ series of more than 500 interviews

Callum Laing is an entrepreneur and investor based in Singapore. He has previously started,
built and sold half a dozen businesses and is now a Partner at Unity-Group Private Equity and Co-Founder of The Marketing Group PLC. He is the author two best selling books ‘Progressive Partnerships’ and ‘Agglomerate’.

Connect with Callum here:
twitter.com/laingcallum
linkedin.com/in/callumlaing
Download free copies of his books here: www.callumlaing.com

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