Sidebar

Tyler Perry was homeless, lived in his car and worked odd jobs for his dreams. How he broke through after 6 years: Tyler Perry’s struggle was real. As a child, he was involved in abuse, family discord and school failures. But his upbringing created a mentality of steel and pushed him to chase after his dreams. In 1992, Tyler moved to Atlanta with the dream of staging his first play. When that effort failed (and failed, and failed, six times over), he was left homeless, disheartened, and broke—but not broken. He worked on selling cars, worked at hotels, saved up to $12,000 to put his play up. On opening night he expected 1,200 people to show up, but only thirty people did. He was devastated it didn’t work. In March 12, 1998, Perry made the choice to do one last show. But this time it worked. There was a line of people around the corner lined up to buy tickets for the seventh staging of the show he’d devoted his life to, "I Know I’ve Been Changed." From that moment on, the show has been sold out everywhere. Tyler Perry’s story is one of a few ultra-successful men who came from nothing and had to dig from scraps to make his dreams viable. How far would you go to make your dreams a reality? “I don’t think the dreams die – I think that people give up. I think it gets too hard.” -Tyler Perry If you liked this post, be sure to follow me for more: Lexy Franklin

Your creative ideas aren’t unique to you. How Michael Jackson’s rivalry with Prince led to brilliant ideas: Though they weren’t enemies, their public comparisons pushed each other to act fast on their creativity. One time, MJ woke his producer at 3 a.m. with an urgent request to record a song about butterflies that came to him in a dream. When the producer suggested they could wait until morning, MJ’s response was clear: “No, if I don’t do it now, Prince will do it.” MJ understood that people are just receivers of creativity. By accepting this, rely on urgency to act upon your ideas. If you have a creative idea, follow it now. Don’t wait. Timing matters. If you liked this post, be sure to follow me for more: Lexy Franklin

We're a proud sponsor of this year's Product Leader Summit, and it's wonderful to see this intersection with Sidebar members coming together to share lessons from their leadership journeys.

Kobe & Pau won back-to-back NBA championships. It wasn't because they had the best players, but because of this: The Lakers team had potential, but something was missing. Kobe Bryant, then a lone star struggling to lift the team, found his missing piece. Kobe needed Pau’s calm, unselfish play, while Pau needed Kobe’s relentless drive. They were the ultimate compliment to each other. Sometimes, in business and life, we hit a wall just like Kobe did. When you’re stuck, it’s often because you’re missing a key partner who brings the skills and strengths you don’t have. Pau was to Kobe what a perfect business partner can be to us. Here’s the twist: you need to actively seek out your version of Pau. How? Start by being clear about what you need. Ask yourself, “What skills do I have? What skills am I missing?” Then, look for partnerships that balance your weaknesses and boost your strengths. It’s easy to fall into the trap of limiting our choices. We often make decisions too quickly without exploring the full spectrum of possibilities. Think of it like hiring: sometimes it takes meeting 100 people to find the right fit. It’s about being diligent and open-minded. So, next time you’re feeling stuck, remember that finding your Pau might be the key to unlocking your next level. h/t to @kobehighlight on TikTok If you liked this post, be sure to follow me for more: Lexy Franklin

GenerativeAI Agents are transforming how we interact with software. Join Tatyana Mamut, Founder & CEO of Wayfound.ai, for Sidebar Speaker Series Event this Friday where she will share frameworks and case studies to help leaders and their teams build and create value with GenAI. Tatyana will discuss the adoption of Conversational UI, Agentic workflows, and unstructured data retrieval by companies, and what this might mean for your business. Additionally, Tatyana will guide attendees on experimenting and prototyping powerful GenAI products with AI Agents without needing to code. Join us for this provocative and practical talk! Sidebar members can learn more and RSVP on Sidebar’s Event page. Interested in joining Sidebar events? Click here:https://rb.gy/viwfs3

There’s one trait that separates billionaires from the rest of the world. Why risk-taking is the most valuable skill: Nate Silver, author of “On the Edge: The Art of Risking Everything”, argues that many of us are inherently risk-averse. Those who master the art of strategic risk-taking find themselves on the path to extraordinary success. Some masters you may know are Elon Musk, Richard Branson, Steve Jobs, Amelia Earhart, Dolly Parton etc. These individuals aren’t just gamblers; they’re strategists constantly searching for that elusive “edge” that sets them apart.  They’re not fazed by the possibility of failure because: They take calculated risks. They understand that when they’re right, they’re really right. Takeaway: Success isn’t about having a flawless track record or making every decision perfectly. It’s about having a calculated strategy and a willingness to play the long game.   In the world of venture capital, the process matters more than the individual’s day-to-day performance. This applies equally to how we build our teams and our professional relationships. When choosing to collaborate with others, focus on the long-term horizon. Seek out people who you not only respect but genuinely enjoy working with—those who complement your strategy and share your vision. If you liked this post, be sure to follow me for more: Lexy Franklin

What makes a good coach? Frequently highlighted as crucial for career advancement, coaching is a complex and evolving art that requires continuous learning and practice. Tomorrow Sidebar we have an exciting workshop, “So You Want to be a Better Coach.” Sidebar member Ching Yee Wong Wong and Sidebar facilitator Oliver Spensley-Corfield delve into the world of coaching and the essential skills it entails. Sidebar members can learn more and RSVP on Sidebar’s Event page. Interested in joining Sidebar events? Click here: https://rb.gy/viwfs3

I’m happy to share that I’ve started a new position as Founding Member at Sidebar - a private, highly vetted leadership program that accelerates your career. We have the people, the process, and the technology to drive your impact and growth.

Stephen Curry has made 2.52 million shots in his career. Most of which you’ve never seen. Here's why: In the world of professional sports, the spotlight often shines on the final moments—game-winning shots. But behind every impressive achievement lies a story of relentless dedication and hard work that often goes unseen. Consider the incredible journey of the greatest 3-point shooter in NBA history. For over 15 years, Curry has been perfecting his craft with unparalleled commitment. Shooting 500 shots a day, 7 days a week, throughout his entire adult life and most of his teens, he has accumulated 2.52 million shots in his professional career alone. 2.52 million shots! This line from the video hit me the hardest: "People get rewarded in public for what they practice in private." This is a powerful reminder that public success is rarely an overnight phenomenon. It’s the result of countless hours of practice, often spent in solitude, far from the cheering crowds and flashing lights. Takeaway: The next time you see someone achieving remarkable success, remember that what you see is often the culmination of tireless effort and practice done out of the spotlight. Embrace your own journey of consistent, private practice and hard work. The rewards will follow, often in ways you might never have imagined. How are you investing in your private practice to achieve your goals? If you liked this post, be sure to follow me for more: Lexy Franklin

What does deep conversation about professional and personal growth look like? This. We love to see Sidebar members coming together in person to discuss in depth what it really takes to achieve breakthrough professional and personal growth. Thank you Ha Nguyen for organizing, Greg Isaacs for hosting, and Jenny L. for facilitating.