[Founder’s Journal][Date October 26, 2016]
I was on a conference call today with our five-member team. We discussed raising the capital needed for a successful launch into retail shops in March 2017. The money required exceeds 1 million dollars and is needed within 60 days. The thought of 1 million dollars in debt or equity makes me uncomfortable because of my own fears, but amidst this discussion, I became calm. The founder of the company has so much grit and tenacity that any objections we had in our conversation she countered with not only logic but passion. It’s hard to argue with someone more convicted in a position than you.
My lesson today — Champion the Champions — put your bets on those who believe without a shadow of a doubt that they will be successful.
[Update to Journal][Date April 19, 2021]
Five years later, I can reflect on that day through a different lens of experience. I’ve come to realize that her passion came from a deep-seated conviction that women needed healthier alternatives in feminine care products. She knew that this idea would be helpful to women globally. As I’ve invested resources into other brands, I bet on founders who see a problem with the status quo and find solutions that work for them and are maniacal to share it with the world.
I believe you need this conviction because starting a company is hard, and you will have more days that feel like a failure than success. You’ll need your belief to power you through those days when you don’t even feel like getting out of bed. So the lesson remains the same; champion the champions who have ideas that are useful and worth sharing with the world.
