The Founder’s Paradox: How to Say No When Big Customers Say Yes
It is harder to say “no” than it is to say “yes.” This is not just my opinion. There is significant research devoted to this concept. Acquiescence bias, social…
Leadership
Set a clear strategy for company and product success so you stay grounded in what you want to achieve. Find practical advice on goal-setting, cross-functional planning, prioritization, and leadership.
The Founder’s Paradox: How to Reject Work/Life Balance and Still Have a Happy Team
I reject work/life balance. I always have. But some people find this hard to understand at first, which is why I share my perspective on the topic fairly often. So, it…
The Founder’s Paradox: How to Succeed When Most Founders Fail
Every summer I go on a backpacking trip to the Sierras in California. This year it was to the Emigrant Wilderness, just north of Yosemite. Jagged granite peaks, ice-blue…
The Founder’s Paradox: How to Be an Entrepreneur When No One Is Born an Innovator
What do you whisper to yourself when you think no one is listening? <p>“I am not a words person.”<br /> “I am terrified of speaking in public — because I am terribly…
The Founder’s Paradox: How to Promote for Achievement and Not Tenure
The word “promote” is interesting in a subtle way. It can mean different things depending on the context. Advancing in rank or placement. Contributing to growth or…
The Founder’s Paradox: How to Sell When You Have No Salespeople
“Hi there, this is Fred from X!7ZO…” So glad I answered the phone because I cannot wait to be sold to, thought no one ever. But when you walk into a store, browse a…
Why You Need a Strategic IT Roadmap
“IT manages technology and projects — not customer experiences.” Have you heard this before? Not lately, I hope. Most companies are taking on major initiatives to focus…
The Founder’s Paradox: How to Start a Company When the Time Never Seems Right
“What is holding you back?” That is the question I asked a job candidate who shared that they wanted to eventually start their own company. Their response was that “the…
