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.
What shift in perspective has allowed you to see things differently?
The moment we realized that the current product was not serving a real business need. We decided to pivot hard, even if we had already invested 2 years in building it. With 3 months of cash in the bank it was a make-or-break moment. Advisors told us later that 9 out of 10 wouldn’t have taken the 'make' decision. Since that day, our work mindset changed for the good - and so the product did.
What's a question you like asking — yourself or others?
“What is your biggest wish until the year ends?” This is one of my favorite questions because of 2 things.
First, because 90% of the people I ask this do not have a direct answer and have to think about it. The few who have, know much better what they want and are more focused. I’m immediately aligned with them - no matter what their answer is, just because they have a clear target.
Second, because 90% of the answers you get will show you how great our life is. We live in a world where most of us aim for more ARR, archiving PMF (as I did for long), a promotion, finding a house to live a better live - because most of us do not have life-threatening problems.
Life is good!
What should leaders understand about their own role and responsibility?
Once, in a hard time with a lot of pressure, an advisor told me: “Your most important job is to absorb negativity. Even in 'shit hits the fan' times. This is what makes a real leader." This perspective inspired me often to go through painful times without complaining or blaming others.
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Here’s More, From Other Founders Around the World
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.
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.
What's a mistake that you're happy you've made?
When I was 16 (way before the internet) I founded a travel-partner agency to connect people from different backgrounds seeking travel companions. After a year, I had to close the agency due to a lack of customers and the confusion some callers had regarding the nature of the “service.” Despite this setback, I gained invaluable insights into sales, communication and people’s needs, solidifying my desire to run a business that helps people.
What motivated you to become an entrepreneur?
After graduating, I worked for an extremely well-paying automotive company. But I always had the feeling that there was more out there. So I quit and went into research with the aim of becoming a founder.