We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Donnell White a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Donnell, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
My optimism comes from the people I’ve surrounded myself with throughout my life. From a young age, I’ve always gravitated toward relationships that are uplifting and inspiring. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have wonderful friends and mentors who have a forward-thinking mindset and who remind me that challenges are additional opportunities to grow.
Positivity is contagious; you are more hopeful about the future when you surround yourself with people who genuinely care about your success and share a vision for making the world a better place. I’ve also learned that optimism doesn’t mean ignoring difficulties—it means focusing on solutions even in the most challenging moments.
Additionally, coming from a small town taught me to appreciate the power of community. I’ve seen firsthand how important it is for people to support and uplift one another, and that sense of belonging and shared purpose continues to inspire me. Everyone has their unique role to play in society, and our world becomes stronger and more vibrant when we support each other in becoming the best versions of ourselves.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Whether it’s through my work in clinical sciences, my leadership in co-founding Nucleate New Orleans to empower biotech innovators, or the resilience I’ve gained navigating challenges in my academic journey, I’ve seen the power of collaboration and support in action. In my experiences, I’ve witnessed how meaningful change happens when we embrace our individual strengths and work collectively toward shared goals. As a medical student, researcher, and advocate for inclusivity in science and medicine, I’ve always aimed to help create environments where people feel empowered to be their best selves. By helping others succeed, we don’t just elevate individuals—we elevate entire communities and industries. It’s this belief that continues to inspire my work and my approach to life.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Be Kind
Kindness and empathy have been foundational in my journey. They’ve allowed me to build genuine, meaningful connections, whether in personal relationships, professional collaborations, or interactions with my patients. Kindness fosters trust and understanding, which are essential for teamwork and creating a supportive learning and work environment. My advice is simple: always listen actively, approach every interaction with compassion, and be someone who others feel comfortable turning to.
2. Never Settle
A key driver of my success has been the determination to never settle—for myself or for those around me. I’ve always believed in setting high standards and pushing beyond comfort zones to grow and achieve. My advice is to embrace a growth mindset: don’t fear failure, because it’s often the best teacher. Seek feedback, challenge yourself, and surround yourself with people who inspire and motivate you to be better every day. In medicine and science, this mindset has continued to foster my curiosity for potential new therapeutics, better patient outcomes, and more satisfaction in my work.
3. Be Organized and Intentional
Organization and intentionality have been critical in balancing the demands of an MD/PhD program, leadership roles, and personal growth. Staying organized helps me prioritize, meet deadlines, and approach challenges with clarity. My advice is to develop habits that work for you, whether that’s using planners (I used Trello and Google Calendar religiously), and creating routines. More importantly, be intentional in how you spend your time and energy—focus on what truly matters and aligns with your goals.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
One book that has had a big impact on me is How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. Many of the principles in the book—like showing genuine interest in others, listening actively, and focusing on solutions instead of criticism—were things I had already practiced naturally. But reading it gave me a framework to think about these interactions more intentionally.
The idea of truly valuing people and making them feel seen resonated with me deeply. Now, I think about these lessons daily, whether I’m building relationships, leading a team, or navigating challenges in a clinical setting. It reinforced for me that kindness and empathy aren’t just about being nice—they’re tools for meaningful connection and growth.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_donnwhite/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnellwhite3/
- Twitter: https://x.com/_donwhite
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