WORK (Cont.)
INTERNATIONAL UPDATE Meet the Member
Interview with Danuta Cichocka from Resistell The 5th Floor is an international collaborative pro-work space where members are able to enjoy international collaboration benefits in our 5th Floor locations and connections throughout the world. We would like to introduce you to Switzerland member, Danuta Cichocka. 1. How did Resistell come about? We created Resistell to develop a test to help physicians around the world to find the right antibiotic in time. We also want to contribute to the fight against Antimicrobial Resistance. 2. Could you give us a short overview of Resistell? Resistell proposes an alternative to current antibiotic suscepti-
bility tests (AST) which are also known as antibiograms. Currently, phenotypic ASTs take up to several days, which is too late for the evidence based decision making. Resistell is able to deliver AST results within a few hours, based on measurement of vibrations of living bacteria using micromechanical sensors. As this cutting-edge technology does not rely on bacterial growth, patients can be treated with the optimal medication from day one.
3. What makes Resistell future-oriented? Before the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) was already one of the biggest global health challenges. In many countries, patients hospitalized with COVID-19 receive antimicrobial therapies as part of the standard clinical care package. Excessive and arbitrary use of these powerful medicines trig-
gers the development of multidrug resistance. This leads to higher costs for the healthcare system and more deaths due to resistance of bacteria. 4. Resistell is a company founded and based in Basel. What do you particularly appreciate about this region? The region offers excellent infrastructure, access to an excellent talent pool and global industry.
Top 20 Books for an Entrepreneur’s 2021 Reading List
Whether it be through an iPhone, laptop, or tablet, the internet’s infinite resources are never farther than a fingertip away, making it easier to search Google than search through a book. However, books offer stories and anecdotes that the internet does not, which is why it is important to read in order to be successful in whatever way you wish. If you’re an entrepreneur looking to create the most successful version of yourself and your business, here is a list of 20 books that should be on your reading list for 2021. Note that this list is not in any particular order. 1. Ignore Everybody: and 39 Other Keys to Creativity by Hugh MacLeod In his book, MacLeod breaks down the 40 ways through which to increase creativity. No matter what kind of business is being run, creativity is key when it comes to generating ideas. Perhaps this book’s best quality is that MacLeod writes in a relatable way using easy-to-understand language, making it perfect for both the beginner and the expert. 2. The Empathy Edge: Harnessing the Value of Compassion as an Engine for Success by Maria Ross Something that is often overlooked but always necessary for a successful business is the development of emotional intelligence, and Ross’s book discusses just that. Her main argument is that many problems that plague businesses stem from a lack of empathy, or understanding, for clients and coworkers. If you’re looking to improve your business holistically, or if you can’t figure out why something is not working within your business, Ross’s book is for you! 3. What It Takes: Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence by Stephen Schwarzman One of the best ways to become a successful entrepreneur is to examine the journey of and advice from someone whose success is similar to what you seek. Schwarzman, who is the CEO of one of the most prominent investment firms in the world, details his journey from student to CEO. This book is good for everyone, but especially those whose careers are just beginning. 4. The Non-Obvious Guide to Emotional Intelligence by Kerry Goyette In the same vein of Ross’s book is Goyette’s The non-Obvious Guide to
Emotional Intelligence. This book emphasizes the importance of creating connections with clients, coworkers, and the rest of the world, while also outlining the ways through which entrepreneurs can build more useful relationships and lead with a purpose. This book is helpful for anyone trying to create more meaningful and fulfilling relationships.
5. Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins While easier said than done, many entrepreneurs credit their success to a simple change of mindset. Although conceptually intense at times, Goggins argues that most people only use 40% of their capabilities, and his book encourages the development of these capabilities. This book works for both the beginner and seasoned entrepreneur looking to overcome fear in order to reach their full potential. 6. How to Get Sh*t Done: Why Women Need to Stop Doing Everything So They Can Achieve Anything by Erin Falconer If you’re a woman in business who just can’t find a book that understands you, Falconer’s might be the answer! Many traditional self-help entrepreneurial books are written by men and therefore tend to overlook the struggles that women in business face every day as a result of cultural and societal pressures. From anecdotes to real advice, Falconer’s book is best suited for women looking to restructure their ideas of productivity in order to work smarter, not harder. 7. Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal Newport As mentioned in the beginning of this article, using technology is often the easier alternative to reading and working. In his book, Newport discusses the many gadgets that distract us and offers ways to effectively use and prioritize technology to aid productivity rather than increasing distractions. If you, like most of us, find yourself often down a rabbit hole of Instagram posts or YouTube videos, Newport’s book can help you determine the best ways to use the technology that surrounds us. 8. How I Built This: The Unexpected Paths to Success from the World’s Most Inspiring Entrepreneurs by Guy Raz (Cont...)