The Complex System: Story of an Entrepreneur

Transformation is not Linear

It sure would be nice if transformation happened all at once, but it doesn’t and isn’t linear either. Transformation takes time and is a gradual process, at least when it comes to business. I found this funny version of the evolution of man which is appropriate for this post.

The reason I bring this up is that it relates to some of the things going on here right now. We’re going through a serious transformation right now and as much as we all want to be there yesterday, it doesn’t work that way. It’s not the first time and it won’t be the last. In fact I think this is the stuff I really play for. It’s the challenge of managing radical change that really gets me fired up.

The other interesting thing about transformation is that you don’t really notice it until you look back and compare. I’ve found that while amidst a transformation the change is obscured from view. This is the irony of it all. Right when things are getting hairy we start to question it and wonder if we are in fact making any progress.

Transformation occurs in action not in contemplation. Action requires decision making. Of course I don’t recommend making ill advised decisions, but we can’t get stuck in the deliberation either. I think that it’s easier to navigate the chaos of a bad decision than it is to wallow in uncertainty.

Investor Add-In; Investor Add-Out

One interesting aspect about having an investor is the inevitable conflict of interest. Sometimes this conflict of interest is in our favor, sometimes it’s not (hence add-in/add-out). Your investor is also investing in a company that you want to do a partnership with: conflict of interest add-in. You want to raise more money and your investor gives you advice about how much and at what terms: conflict of interest add-out. Your investor has another portfolio company that you want free service from: add-in. You get the picture. I guess there are pros and cons of just about everything. I think when it comes to investors, and you’re dealing with a conflict of interest not in your favor (add-out), just hope you picked the right investor. I’ve had my share of battles with our investors, but in the end there is respect and I know they have integrity. Sadly, that’s not the case with all of them.

I do not Shrink from this Responsibility, I Welcome it

I just love this quote from JFK’s inaugural address on January 20, 1961. Its part of the very famous speech we all know that includes “ask not what your country...” While there is certainly a lot to get inspired about from his talk, I think this particular quote speaks to me the most. JFK set out to make a big impact on our country and indeed he did that. But he was also challenged with adversity which in the end killed him. I have this speech in audio format and I regularly return to it for inspiration.

In the face of obstacles and uncertainty it’s not only about having the courage to push forward, it’s about the obsessive yearning to find a path.