The last topic we covered in our startup course: "How to be a great founder?"
Compared to
the lecture from Reid Hoffmann taught in Stanford a year ago, Bala chose a
slightly different approach - more philosophical.
We talked
about several leaders, for instance Mahatma Gandhi, Rosa Parks, Nelson Mandela
etc. and what they have in common with founders. There are a few skills that
become apparent if we look at these people. All of these skill sets (listed
below) are important to run a successful business or be a great leader. As ReidHoffmann mentioned,
“…you’re not good at all these things. You can’t do it alone.”
As a founder who leads his company, you have to focus on the short term
and the long term, take risks on the one hand and minimize them on the other
and be flexible and persistent.
Leaders and great founders have the ability to
focus on a pattern that does not include an OR. You are not looking for a
fifty-fifty balance between the extremes, it is about having a stable vision
that drives you even if you act in an uncertain environment.
Again, the
founding team is one of the most important inputs on “How to be a great
founder”. No one will ever be a perfectionist in these skill sets, however, as
a team with balanced skills you might get close to perfect.
“If you have wealth, it is your duty to help those who don’t.”
Manoj Bhargava, founder of 5-Hour Energy, was one of Bala’s last examples. An
incredible story about this successful entrepreneur, he has pledged 99% of his
wealth to charity. His current project “Billions in Change” is a leading
example for how wealthy people should act. It is about really making a
difference rather than just putting money into some sort of charity
organisations. Regarding the growing world population and the distribution of wealth,
his organization faces three major initiatives: WATER, ENERGY & HEALTH! How
is he going to do that?
That should
be an inspiration for every entrepreneur to keep going with his venture. Never
give up something you believe would make the world a better place! I hope you
enjoyed reading my blog so far. My startup course is coming to end with the
final pitch this week! I will keep this blog alive, posts are going to follow
maybe every two weeks with some diversified input about startups, my
entrepreneurial thoughts and things that change the world ;)
Peace!