A walk in the park - "It is you driving the company, not the opposite."

Once a week, I take a walk with other fellow founders to connect and share experiences. Connection is a significant need for human thriving, and founders are notoriously alone.

Here are some thoughts from the last one.

Entrepreneurs are deep in the trenches: there is always more to do that can be done. With that comes the usual focus on setting priorities and effectively executing decision-making.

Advisors, experts and incubators will help you identify strengths, weaknesses and best practices in every aspect of your business. Investors will highlight the best fundraising strategy to build the most profitable large company. Your customers and prospects will show you.

What is left out? The most important question for a founder: are you building the best possible company for yourself? Which exit for you?

It is easy to always think from the perspective of your company and forget yourself. A founder's journey is usually 7 to 10 years long (if everything doesn't go dramatically wrong or well). It is more or less 15-20% of your available cognitive work time (since it is hard to stick to 40 hours a week). And I mean over a lifetime of a standard length, not over a short period.

The process and the life spent while driving the company are what will stay with you no matter the outcome. Different product and funding routes will significantly impact your commitment to the company, exit possibility and overall life (what you will be doing in those cognitively available hours). Put things in perspective and think honestly about that. It will help you build the best company for you.

Having thoughtful conversations with founders at different times of their journey will help you reflect on these questions. If you want to chat, join me for the next walk in the park!