Innovation Happens Where Innovators Gather: Inside Connect Labs at The Pearl
Our Connect Labs community toured IRCAD North America. What struck me most wasn't the technology — it was the reminder that innovation happens where innovators gather.
What I Love Most About Working at Connect Labs by Wexford at The Pearl
Last week, our Connect Labs community had the opportunity to tour IRCAD North America, one of the world's premier surgical training and research centers—and it just so happens they're our neighbors.
If you've never heard of IRCAD, it's where surgeons from around the world come to train on the latest minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques. Walking through the facility, seeing the operating suites, robotic technology, simulation labs, and hearing about the impact they're making globally was incredibly impressive.
But what struck me most wasn't just the technology.
It was the reminder that innovation happens where innovators gather.
Why We Chose The Pearl
One of the reasons I chose to locate 5 Stones Growth Systems at Connect Labs was because I believed something special was happening at The Pearl. Every week seems to bring another opportunity to learn from founders, healthcare leaders, researchers, investors, and organizations that are building the future of healthcare.
Being immersed in that environment changes the conversations you have.
It changes the ideas you're exposed to.
And ultimately, it changes the opportunities you create. Charlotte is building something remarkable, and I wanted 5 Stones Growth Systems to be part of that story from the beginning.
Thank You to the People Who Made It Happen
A big thank you to Scott Bond, Associate Vice President and Head of Administration & Operations for IRCAD North America, for giving us such a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at an incredible organization.
Thank you as well to Craig Scharton at Connect Labs by Wexford and Igor Gorlatov of Advisory5 for bringing our community together and creating opportunities like this. It's another reminder that one of the greatest benefits of being at The Pearl isn't just the workspace—it's the people and the ecosystem surrounding it.
If you're building a healthcare company in Charlotte and haven't spent time at The Pearl yet, I highly recommend it. Sometimes the best investment you can make is simply putting yourself where innovation is happening.