We talk about building empires, about companies that grow like crazy, serving millions of people (sometimes Billions…), those startups that make history. We talk about those incredible singular founders with a vision, a strong customer & product focus, building a superb culture within their team, executing their (uncertain) master plan.
Oh yes we talk a lot about those exceptions, unique stories and role models. We talk about those few, though we don’t forget the many. we also don’t forget that:
The consensus has never predicted a success;
Many empires were out of the consensus when they were funded;
A lot of founders have experienced failure before success;
You never know in advance the combination of events, people, timing and places that you will have to cope with;
Competition is fierce. You can be great and still fail. You had to be greater than the competitor;
The past and present events have never predicted the future;
Many great individuals will suck at leading or managing;
Et cetera…
Without the many, we can’t extract the few. Without the few that cover the losses, we can’t allow ourselves to bet on the many. This is the Power Law.
I know we talk a lot about the few.
Though believe me we love you.