July 25, 2018
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
Uncensored advice from our CEO for entrepreneurs and business leaders who want to build high-growth companies that last.
Collection50 articles
July 10, 2018
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…
June 13, 2018
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…
June 7, 2018
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…
May 15, 2018
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…
May 1, 2018
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…
April 13, 2018
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…
March 30, 2018
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…
March 14, 2018
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…
February 1, 2018
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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