What if everything you've done in life has been preparing you for an opportunity you can't see yet?In this episode of Authbition, host Andrew DiMeo sits down with Dr. Ruben Salinas, a medtech entrepreneur, executive coach, pilot, and researcher, to explore how unexpected experiences, childhood dreams, and moments of uncertainty can shape our purpose.After spending 11 years developing medical diagnostics, Ruben sold his third company and took a sabbatical to reconnect with the dreams he'd held as a child. Then, in April 2020, an unexpected phone call changed everything. His years of experience in diagnostic technology had prepared him to contribute to the National Institutes of Health's RADx initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic.But this conversation goes far beyond professional success.Andrew and Ruben explore why achieving our biggest goals can sometimes leave us feeling unfulfilled, how to balance preparation with surrender, and what our childhood passions might reveal about the lives we actually want to live.They also dive into the science of awe and the overview effect, exploring Ruben's PhD research into heart rate variability, nervous system responses, and the transformative experiences astronauts describe when viewing Earth from space.From entrepreneurship and personal growth to mindfulness, mentorship, and finding meaning in everyday experiences, this episode challenges the idea that purpose is something we simply discover.Sometimes, we create it through the choices we make, the questions we ask, and our willingness to embrace the unexpected. In This Episode, You'll Discover: Finding purpose through unexpected experiences: How Ruben's decade of work in medical diagnostics prepared him for an opportunity he never anticipated.Why success doesn't always bring fulfillment: What happens when you achieve a major professional milestone but still find yourself asking, "What's next?"Reconnecting with childhood dreams: Why the things we loved before money, expectations, and responsibilities entered the picture may hold clues to our authentic selves.The science of awe: What the overview effect, virtual reality research, and heart rate variability can teach us about experiencing wonder.Living authentically: Why meaningful relationships, everyday experiences, and personal connection may matter more than conventional measures of success.About Ruben Salinas Ruben F. Salinas, PhD, is a medtech entrepreneur, executive coach, pilot, and researcher whose career bridges medical innovation, human performance, and personal development.After building and selling companies in the medical diagnostics industry, Ruben contributed his expertise to the NIH RADx initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic. He currently serves as President and CEO of EyeCool Therapeutics, a company developing an investigational treatment for chronic ocular surface pain.He also writes Your Next Ascent, where he explores personal growth, curiosity, and the lessons we uncover while pursuing a meaningful life. Explore Ruben's writing: https://www.masterylessons.com/ About Authbition Authbition explores what it means to author yourself and live your dreams.Hosted by Andrew DiMeo, the podcast features thoughtful conversations about authenticity, ambition, purpose, personal growth, and the choices that shape our lives.Through honest stories, unexpected insights, and meaningful questions, Authbition encourages you to challenge conventional definitions of success and create a life aligned with who you truly are.If this conversation resonates with you, subscribe to Authbition, share the episode with someone navigating their own next chapter, and join us as we explore what it means to live authentically. Behind-the-ScenesHost: Andrew DiMeoMusic: Jeff TollefsonGraphic Design: Stefanie MorejonEditor: Katie HartProduction: The AGN Group
