Big Vision, Loosely Planned

I finally understand why.

I've worked with several founders in various roles over the years, and I think - now being a founder myself - I've finally understood the other side of the story - the source of some of the interesting [ and oftentimes frustrating ] idiosyncrasies involved in working on a small team with someone with a Big Vision.

Let me give you a peek behind the curtain.

As a founder, I never stop thinking about the company. I think about it as I'm falling asleep, in my dreams and when I wake up. When I brush my teeth, as I drive to work, while grocery shopping, while at the gym. It's non stop. And actually, sometimes I get the best ideas when I'm not actively working on the startup, but doing something completely random - and I suddenly get a great idea. Even if I'm not thinking about it - subconsciously I still am. And that is my job, at least in these early stages. It's like a newborn, and I'm on maternity leave. It requires 24 hour supervision in order to survive.

What that means, though, for anybody not living in my brain - is that the Vision is shifting, changing and growing at an exponential rate. This is why working with a founder in early stages can be maddening - it seems chaotic and overwhelming. Like building a castle on the side of a sand dune.

Often, the Vision changes without the scaffolding to support it along the way. But I trust that through baby steps, the details will fill themselves in. I know where we are going. I just don't know how we will get there. I have a general plan, but also a deep understanding that the plan is going to change several dozen times in the process. As a prior project manager and someone who LOVES plans - I understand. It bothers me as well.

In some ways, the Vision is solid. In others, it's completely malleable. It's a non-Newtonian fluid, changing consistency depending on the levels of stress at any one time.

But there is a level of freedom in the chaos, of letting go of expectations and adherence to a strict plan. Stepping off that cliff is often not the brave leap I described prior - but I think it's more like a blind trust fall into the Unknown. Assuming that not only the plan will become clearer over time, but other resources - funding, partners, advisors, etc. - will be there to support you throughout the journey. You just have to trust, and do. Then repeat.

I am so incredibly lucky to be supported by a wonderful community of folks - I am consistently shocked and humbled when people offer their time and their expertise - their most valuable assets - to the Vision I have. And I hope that through supporting me, I am able to support them on their journey.

I've found that networking often feels like throwing seeds into the wind, rather than a careful planting strategy. I devote a lot of time [maybe too much] to going to events, meeting people, offering up my Calendly - I often get to 5pm and I haven't even had time to make a to do list for the day yet. But very rarely do I feel like that time was wasted. I've met some amazing people - and been able to connect them with others, or offered [hopefully] useful resources. There is a special joy in helping others, without ulterior motives. But - being generous enables us to build up fertile ground for our own growth as well.

In the end, uplifting others can only benefit us all, in one way or another.

What can you offer others?

?? If you're an early stage founder, know that you are not alone. If you know an early stage founder - reach out to them. Let's support each other as we build the future together. Let's not go alone.