I embarrassed myself this week ???? Building a #Startup software platform 100% bootstrapped can be tough when your run rate depends on ?? dollars on hand, new customers, and ongoing negotiations. The real challenge isn’t just balancing the budget or ensuring runway—it’s dealing with what happens externally, things out of your control. ?? We can control what we can control—that’s simple math. ?? But when life throws a curveball—like an unexpected emergency ??, a surprise bill ??, or a customer backing out—the runway suddenly becomes even more critical. ?? Thankfully, we’ve got two key advantages: 1?? Before starting Grapevine: Your Virtual Office Platform, I received RSUs (restricted stock units) from a company acquisition where I was previously employed. ?? 2?? We’ve partnered with an amazing firm, Dtechsystems.co ??, led by Talha Mujahid, who has supported us every step of the way. Now, here’s the embarrassing part… Due to some personal circumstances and external stressors, I’ve been more on edge lately. ?? To top it off, I’ve been feeling under the weather ?? for over two weeks, struggling with poor sleep ?? and feeling drained. All that said—those are just excuses. Earlier this week, I had a call with a fantastic partner, and I let my stress get the better of me. I overreacted in a situation that escalated into an argument. ?? Instead of trying to see the other person’s perspective, I was wrapped up in my own issues and projected them onto the conversation. We misinterpreted a payment situation, and the argument arose because neither of us was really listening. ???? That’s where the run rate relevance comes into play. The payment would impact our runway, but if left unresolved, it could also impact their business. ?? Both sides had a lot on the line. Here’s the lesson: Passion and pressure are necessary for any company’s success. ? Pressure can shape stronger leaders—if you let it. ?? Reflecting on this situation reminded me of the importance of taking a deep breath and seeking to understand before reacting. ??♂? The more embarrassing part is that one of Grapevine’s core values is, “Don’t criticize what you don’t understand.” ??♂? I failed to live up to that by jumping to conclusions instead of learning the intent behind the conversation. So, here’s what I took away: We need to remind ourselves daily to seek to understand before we act. ? Ask questions before making assumptions. ? Realize that almost anything can be resolved with an honest conversation once you fully grasp both sides. ?? And even when passion and pressure try to create tension, focus on turning it into diamonds. ??? #Leadership #StartupLife #GrowthMindset #Entrepreneurship #CommunicationMatters #LessonsLearned #PersonalDevelopment