Right-size Your Ego For A Better Business

Raise your hand if you’ve ever been resistant to an idea because you didn’t come up with it.

Or if you’ve refused to tell someone about your Big Idea because you were afraid they’d “steal it.”

Or you’ve hired an expert to advise you on something specific and then ignored their expensive advice and done it your way… to your own detriment.

(Pretty much every entrepreneur ever raises their hand ✋✋✋)

I can make these jokes because I’ve been there, too. Like, many times.

Starting a business is a wild ride. Us founders can get hyped about our big ideas, but I’ve seen a lot of us stumble on the same things: worrying too much about competition, stressing over timing, and letting our egos call the shots. 

A little confidence? Sure, it’s needed. But too much? That’s where things start getting messy. After 10+ years of working in tech, founding three of my own companies, and helping launch countless more, I’ve learned some things the hard way AND picked up some tips from helping my clients navigate their businesses.

Ego: The Secret Saboteur of Startups

One ego trap founders love is rushing headlong into building mode - it’s so much sexier than testing and validating! The temptation to skip testing and validation is real, but trust me, sloooow down. 

We’ve all heard, “You need to be first!” but being first doesn’t pay the bills—being the BEST does.

Look at Apple. They’re rarely first to market, but they always show up with something polished. So instead of throwing your cash at a quick and dirty prototype, spend that time and money on market research, surveys, or even a simple landing page test. You want a solid, validated foundation that’s ready for investors, not a half-baked concept.

(Sidenote: This is what we do when we help our clients build Minimum Viable SELLABLE Products, not just another MVP nobody asked for!)

Timing Is Important… But Not That Important

If I had a nickel for every time I heard “We have to launch this NOW or we’re toast,” I’d have at least $1.35. 

Sure, timing can give you an edge, but it’s rarely life-or-death. Uber wasn’t the first in ride-sharing, and Apple didn’t invent the cell phone or computer. They took their time, did it right, and delivered something people wanted.

Founders who rush tend to cut corners, like hiring cheaper teams or skipping a proper discovery phase to get to market faster. This “rush job” mentality often leads to budget disasters and frustration. 

Spend the time to figure out what’s truly valuable in your product. Get that solid product-market fit first, and let the right investors back your thought-out plan—not a rushed, patched-together MVP.

Balancing Ego with Accountability: A Few Tricks

Growth takes confidence, but it also takes humility. Here are some learned-the-hard-way tips to keep your ego in check while staying sharp:

1. Ask for Feedback: Don’t be afraid to hear the hard stuff. Constructive criticism from customers, investors, or even your team can be a goldmine.
   

2. Keep Learning: See challenges as a chance to level up, not as a reason to throw in the towel. Failures? They’re just lessons with a bit of bruising.
   

3. Trust Your Team: Real leaders know how to hand off responsibilities. If you’re still clinging to every little decision, it’s time to start trusting your crew.
   

4. Celebrate Wins, Big and Small: Recognize milestones to boost morale and show your team you appreciate their hustle.

Bottom Line: Leave Room for Growth—Not Just Your Ego

When it comes down to it, founders who succeed in the long run don’t just rely on big dreams or big egos. They keep a balanced approach, combining ambition with patience and a whole lot of humility. Keep the ego in check, stay focused on what truly matters, and you’ll build a business that’s not just here for today, but here to stay.

P.S. This email is inspired by a conversation I had with Chris Sheng on his podcast Real Fuckin’ Talk. If you have a podcast about business, tech, or leadership I’d love to be on it!