Hootan Melamed is a successful entrepreneur and medical professional operating out of Los Angeles, California. Having initially pursued a career in pharmaceuticals, Hootan also enjoys developing innovative lifestyle products and has created some of the most successful brands on the market today. Currently working on a new set of products, Hootan enjoys the challenges of new professional opportunities. When he is not working, he is volunteering in his local community and spending time with his children.
What interests you most about your industry?
I consider myself very fortunate to be able to not only have a career as a pharmacist, but also as an entrepreneur. Not many individuals have the opportunity to pursue both passions in life, so I think that really puts me in a unique position. What I love most about business is that it is always evolving, always changing. I always need to be one step ahead of the competition, but I enjoy the challenges that come with my career.
My first experience running a business was at my family’s pharmacy. There, I was responsible for a wide range of daily operations, and I got my first taste of the business landscape. I have been passionate about both sectors since then.
Was there ever a time you doubted your ability to succeed?
It is very easy to fall into the self-doubt trap, especially in the business world. It is something that I still struggle with to this day. I think the best thing that anyone can do is fully commit themselves to their craft, and then find ways to be better every day.
How do you avoid stress and burnout?
By spending time with my friends and family. I am someone who is fully committed to my professional career; however, for me to be at my best 100 percent of the time, I need to ensure that I make time for myself and take care of my mental and physical well-being. Many individuals, especially those in medicine or entrepreneurship work more than forty hours a week and then suffer from stress and burnout. Take the time to decompress and unwind. I am most productive when I am alert and well-rested.
Do you find balancing two professional careers challenging?
Balancing anything can be challenging without the necessary time management skills. Fortunately for myself, my two careers go hand-in-hand, so I am able to divide my time accordingly. I am also thankful that both these paths are in areas that I am most passionate about, so I never complain about having to put in a couple of extra hours here and there.
What’s your best advice for time management?
This is a bit of a difficult question to answer because everybody functions differently. For some people making a list of tasks is what fuels their productivity, but for me, it is self-awareness. I used to think that I could manage every aspect of a business on my own; however, experience has taught me that this is not the case. Now, if I have a considerable amount of tasks that I know I will be unable to complete, I simply ask for help. There is no shame in having to delegate certain responsibilities. No business is run by a single individual, and that is a tough lesson that I was forced to learn early on in my career.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I am really into health and fitness. I also think that taking care of your mind and body can contribute to one’s overall success. As a dad, I spend a lot of time with my kids, and I encourage them to be active as well. We spend a lot of time outdoors, whether it be playing in the backyard or watching sporting events. I am also an avid reader and huge movie fan.
What are your future career goals?
I think I have accomplished a lot in my life to date, but I am definitely not finished yet. I am currently working on a new product line, and I hope to get that to market in the next several years. I consider myself a lifelong learner and an opportunist, so I am always looking for new and exciting business ventures.
