Bill Gruber, Medical Device Executive and Author, shares a client horror story that starts off puzzling—but ends with a powerful lesson in emotional intelligence and professionalism.

The story dates back 20 years, when Bill was head of sales and marketing for a spinal products company. His team was preparing to launch a new device and had secured a respected surgeon to perform the first-ever procedure on a human patient. Everything seemed on track—until they entered the operating room. The once upbeat, easygoing doctor suddenly turned volatile—screaming at nurses, cursing at the team, and even causing the patient to slide on the table. Then, just as abruptly, he returned to his cheerful self after the procedure.

It wasn’t until later that Bill learned the doctor was in the middle of a brutal divorce—and the anesthesiologist in the room was his soon-to-be ex-brother-in-law.

This eye-opening episode is a masterclass in understanding how personal issues can spill into professional settings. Don’t miss it—you’ll never look at “doctor demeanor” the same way again.

Morgan Friedman

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