Shark Mindset and other myths killing young entrepreneurs

I’ve spent a lot of time lately watching Ted Talks, reading books and blogs about business strategy, innovation, entrepreneurship, and other multiple topics, most of the time because I find useful strategies and methodologies to implement workwise. I do find some of that content useful, however, there are other times when I think it’s just another annoying video of a pretentious man.

Let me explain: there is this new wave of entrepreneurs that have been successful in turning small businesses into escalated and VC-supported startups who have taken as a hobby giving “inspirational” conferences talks about how they got to where they are and how, if you follow their steps, you will too.

Well, I call bullshit.

I think it’s irresponsible swearing to have the key to success, especially when these so-called self-made entrepreneurs, from the beginning, had better opportunities than 90% of the population. So they stand on a stage, in front of tens of people, and proclaim that if you work hard enough you will get to where they are.

What upsets me most about this, is that in a highly unequal world, working hard doesn’t guarantee you will have the same results as another person in a totally different context that did the same thing as you. So there’s a huge possibility that when someone doesn’t get the same results, stops being motivated and consequently, quits their project.

Look, there isn’t one key to success, there are multiple variables that together lead entrepreneurs to certain paths. A project’s success doesn’t fall on one person, because we can’t control everything around a project, we can, however, mitigate risks and action towards better results, productivity, and growth.

So next time you’re watching a Ted Talk of a mostly privileged man telling you to love your project enough or know yourself enough or try enough or fight for your goals enough, please have in mind that your context is also important and what you should be keeping in mind primarily.