'Founder' is a state of mind, not a job description, and if done right, even CEOs who join after day 1 can become founders.
Interpretation
Being a founder is about mindset and approach rather than formal title or position.
Reid Hoffman's quote emphasizes that the essence of being a founder lies in one's mindset and attitude towards innovation and leadership, rather than merely holding the title of 'founder.' It suggests that even those who join a company later, such as CEOs, can adopt a founder's mentality by embodying creativity, a willingness to take risks, and a vision for growth—qualities essential for driving a company's success.
In practice
In a motivational speech to aspiring entrepreneurs, you might say, 'Remember, being a founder is a state of mind.'
Leaders, whether in the public or the private sphere, must understand the responsibilities that come with their role. They are the most visible standard-bearers of their organizations. Holding them accountable to this responsibility protects the promise of our organizations and our communities.
The same instincts that make us good students can make us lousy entrepreneurs.
The entrepreneurial journey starts with jumping off a cliff and assembling an airplane on the way down.
Any effort to make the death penalty speedier and less costly - more 'efficient' - will inevitably make it less just.
I've long believed that if you're not embarrassed by your first product release, you've released too late.
Good ideas need good strategy to realize their potential.
A government must not waiver once it has chosen its course. It must not look to the left or right but go forward.
I am comfortable with my level of public discourse.
Good leaders make people feel that they're at the very heart of things, not at the periphery. Everyone feels that he or she makes a difference to the success of the organization. When that happens people feel centered and that gives their work meaning.
It take 15,000 casualties to train a major general.
People work in the system. Management creates the system
I think that the larger and more complex the business gets, I have to listen twice as much as I speak.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.