What shift in mindset has allowed you to see things differently?
Do things. Don’t be afraid of making a decision. It costs you more to postpone it than to make it. Be scared and do. You will learn far more, much faster, and go further.
What quote or saying has stuck with you?
“97% of people who gave up are employed by the 3% who never gave up.” I don’t know the author or whether the ratio is true. But the message is staggering - do not give up! Be persistent.
What book do you recommend the most?
I strongly recommend “Mindset” by Carol S. Dweck. It literally changes your mindset about almost every aspect of your life.
What do you wish you had known 10 years ago?
I wish to know how strategically crucial HR is. It goes beyond sourcing and recruiting. HR is your critical ally in fostering the company’s culture and building a great team, thus the company.
What’s a guiding principle that informs the way you build and run your business?
Business is all about people. People working at your company and client’s end. If you care for your people, they will care for your clients. But only if you hire the right people for the right job.
What helped you accelerate your growth as an entrepreneur?
The people you surround yourself with. It’s good to be the stupidest person in the room. It means you’re in the right room.
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Here’s More, From Other Founders Around the World
What do you wish you had known 10 years ago?
I always thought that my life can be balanced between personal, business, health, family, finances and love. In that sense how much energy I put in and get back. But with the years, I learned that life is imbalanced by nature. It's still a goal for me and I believe if all parts are some kind of balanced, this speaks of a highly valuable life, but accepting that there will always be a certain imbalance, helped me a lot.
What's the biggest insight you learned in recent years?
It’s always a good idea to be connected to your product – even if you have to deal with high-level topics, always remember the things you offer.
What personal habit helped you accelerate your personal growth?
In one of the hardest times of my life so far, I started journaling for 1-2h on Sundays. Not digital, but with paper and pen. Always answering the same questions related to self, social life and work. This brutally honest and regular reflection once a week helped me identify problems early and iterate fast.
When times are tough, who or what is an anchor for you?
My co-founders are my anchor in work-related topics. Having an environment where failure is welcomed with a helping hand and where weakness is valued as openness, once you are down those people will drag you up.