Startup Advisor and Early Stage Investor. Helping to create more value in the startup world
The past few years I‘ve gone through a significant change not only in mind-set but more importantly in the words and actions I use. Growing up in California, I have the typical optimistic and overly enthusiastic attitude about a positive future that defines us on the west coast. The major change in my life isn’t … Continue reading What if…
It just so happens that this blog topic came to me in the same week as Thanksgiving. Coincidence or not, it's where my head is right now. If you asked me 12 Months ago, where I would be today, the answer would be astonishingly close. The difference is how I got here. It has been … Continue reading Thankful
Growing a company has so many daily struggles, it’s important to not only have the right structure which allows growth to be possible, but also to have the right mindset. Speaking with a mentor or someone with Startup experience is always a major help when identifying and later focusing on attributes to help keep … Continue reading Adjusting your mindset
"I know exactly what my customers want” is a red-flag statement I hear from founders. Normally this is when I surprise them by slamming my hand on the table to get their undivided attention. BAMMM! “No, you actually have no idea what your customer wants”, is my reply. While this is a clear overstatement, I … Continue reading You have no idea what your customers want…
This is somethings which I found many years ago. Unfortunately I don’t know who originally wrote it. Whoever they are, I would like to thank them as it has helped me on my journey... A time comes in your life when you finally get it. When, in the midst of all your fears and insanity, … Continue reading The Awakening
I was at a client meeting the other day. Everyone had narrow eyes and that look of intensity. There was a task force which needed to immediately be created to solve a massive problem. At one moment I took a step back and realized that all this negative energy was becoming an even bigger problem… … Continue reading Embrace the Struggle
Take a step back. Breath. Remove yourself from the situation. Just look, watch, observe and try to get an understanding of the big picture. Not that one problem or customer or strategy, but the whole thing. If it doesn’t work, then you have to go back further until everything makes sense. This is advice which … Continue reading The 36.000ft view, and why everything makes sense from up there…
A friend of mine once told me that he needed to "stay in his lane" many years ago. In the meantime I have heard that saying quite a lot. And I think it's terrible! Staying in your own lane might keep your manager happy but are you really going to grow long-term if you keep … Continue reading Get out of your lane!
