Lotus (Techstars'23)’s Post

I almost made a MASSIVE blunder yesterday. As a #founder, I’m almost always overloaded (trust me, I delegate up the wazoo 🤝) So when I got an invitation to attend Pivotal Ventures’ Founder Summit, I was… hesitant. The obvious, instinctive and gut reaction was - “say No”. Not because it wouldn’t be helpful, but “think of all the work I could finish!” On the other hand, I may learn by talking to other founders. So I took a bet. And went. . .. … I can’t tell you how glad I am that I did. And not just for the obvious - yes, as expected, talking to other founders was incredible. You get to swap both strategic and tactical notes. Your idea/strategy seems like magic to them; their idea/strategy seems like magic to you. But there was an even bigger benefit that I didn’t see coming at all - Emotional. I couldn’t put into words how HAPPY I was just meeting founders - because you commiserate. You understand each other’s challenges. You celebrate each other’s wins. You support each other’s falls. And you realize at the end of it all - You. Are. Not. Alone. What you do, matters. You, matter. It’s surprising how many of us have had the same experience, but think we’re the only one facing this feeling. I’d love to learn from you all. So if anyone’s got a similar story, do share. In the words of one of my favorites songs: here’s to my “partners in crime” 🙂 “It’s been a long day, without you my friend And I’ll tell you all about it, when I see you again.” #Lotus