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…
Founder's paradox
In this series, we challenge concepts that may seem contradictory. Healthy organizations thrive by examining conventional thinking and delving deeper.
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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…
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…
The Founder’s Paradox: How Do You Get Out of the Details When You Care More About the Details Than Anyone Else?
Most founders care deeply. I know that I do. About everything that Aha! is and will be — the people and the product. About everything that does not go the way we want it…
The Founder’s Paradox: How Do You Build a Company Without Venture Capital When People Want to Give You Lots of Money?
“Can we grab a cup of coffee?” For some reason, this has become the casual beverage of choice for venture capitalists and just about anyone else who wants to get together…
The Founder’s Paradox: How to Always Work and Avoid Burnout
Burned out on burnout. No, that is not a typo. You read it right. Although it can seem like the flames are inescapable. This person is smoldering, that person is about to…
The Founder’s Paradox: How To Deal With People Who Tell You It Cannot Be Done
The brother of a friend — I had spoken with him in the past and he was thoughtful. Plus, I knew he was an experienced product manager who had built a number of important…
The Founder’s Paradox: So You Want a Team of Superstars?
Pelé. Beyonce. Chavez. Oprah. Salk. Magic. There are some names that require no explanation. You know exactly who these superstars are. The level of talent and impact…
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