Self first, business later
Founders sacrifice self at the cost of their businesses
Entrepreneurs do not take time to check in or take care, about each other or about themselves. They are always wanting to build the next big thing, or prove a point. ‘Working too hard’ is one of the top ten regrets of people.
Jerry Colonna was a venture capitalist. In 2001 he stopped investing in the startups. He founded Reboot, a conference and CEO coaching service. He insists that entrepreneurs should grow up first. Then, they should think about doing a business. He suggests practicing radical self inquiry.
In his interview to Dot Dot Media he says, “ I am fired up right now because if we miss this opportunity, I will be heartbroken. …I don’t like silver linings either, but the opportunity here is to finally put people ahead of profit. It’s finally to put people and the planet ahead of profit.”
His key teachings include not judging ourselves harshly. He also wants entrepreneurs to ask the question, “why are you doing what you are doing?” It’s important to understand the motivations that make entrepreneurs the kind of person they are.