I've been advising and mentoring idea-stage founders for over a decade. During an Ariana Huffington talk in 2012, I had an eye-opening moment. She took the stage with just a few powerful words, and it hit me—I was doing it all wrong. Here's what I adjusted: 🛑 Overcomplicating things, talking too fast, and not anchoring myself by taking breaks. 🛑 The joke I was telling was a mix of cultures and heartbroken poets, it didn't work in a professional setting. 🛑 My knowledge wasn't being delivered in an effective manner. Now, my approach centers on: 🎯 Listening carefully and responding promptly, with a focus on respecting others' time. 🎯 Using fewer, more impactful words—allowing time to heal and shed old habits. 🎯 Communicating directly in ways that truly connect with my audience, prioritizing their needs and challenges over my own. The outcome? A 150% increase in conversions! What’s the best communication advice you’ve received? Do you think clarity is essential for a pitch?

For founders and builders: What’s your biggest challenge right now?

If You’re Not Pursuing Your Dream Because You Don’t Have Previous Experience… No Honey, Think Again! The founders of Bird had no experience in micromobility. The founders of ByteDance (TikTok) had no experience in social media. The founders of Stripe had no experience in payment processing. The founders of Notion had no experience in productivity tools. The founders of Figma had no experience in design software. The founders of Cazoo had no experience in automotive sales. The founders of Rivian had no experience in electric trucks. Startups are launched by generalist visionaries and scaled by industry experts. Don't forget that. #startups #entrepreneurship

I spent the last decade in the innovation hub of (dtpa) Palo Alto, I have witnessed an incredible transformation: countless coders evolving into successful founders. If you’re a coder aspiring to start your entrepreneurial journey, here are 10 essential skills you should focus on: Sales: Mastering the art of selling is crucial. Your product won’t succeed without effective sales strategies. Design: Whether or not you're a designer, understanding design principles will help ensure your product resonates with users. Coding: Your technical skills are invaluable, but also recognize when to delegate to scale effectively. Fundraising: Cultivate relationships with investors and learn what they seek in startups. Funding is often a key vehicle for growth. Storytelling: Every great startup has a story. Be able to articulate your vision to investors, customers, and your team. Data Analysis: Use data to make informed decisions. Analyzing user behavior and market trends is essential for refining your strategy. Market Research: Knowing your audience and understanding the competitive landscape can guide your decisions. Funnel Optimization: Improve your sales funnel to convert leads into customers more effectively. Team Hiring/Management: Building the right team is crucial. Hire not just for skills, but also for culture fit. Marketing & Product Strategy: Know how to position and promote your product to stand out in a crowded market. 🌟 Quick Takeaway: Many think being a founder is only about fundraising and strategy, but that’s just the beginning! Success requires a powerful blend of creativity and execution. Stay humble, keep learning, and be ready to pivot—execution is everything! 💬 What skills do you think are most crucial for founders? Let’s discuss! 👇 ♻ Found this helpful? Repost it so your network can learn from it, too.