'Founder' is a state of mind, not a job description, and if done right, even CEOs who join after day 1 can become founders.
Interpretation
Being a founder is about mindset and approach rather than formal title or position.
Reid Hoffman's quote emphasizes that the essence of being a founder lies in one's mindset and attitude towards innovation and leadership, rather than merely holding the title of 'founder.' It suggests that even those who join a company later, such as CEOs, can adopt a founder's mentality by embodying creativity, a willingness to take risks, and a vision for growth—qualities essential for driving a company's success.
In practice
In a motivational speech to aspiring entrepreneurs, you might say, 'Remember, being a founder is a state of mind.'
Leaders, whether in the public or the private sphere, must understand the responsibilities that come with their role. They are the most visible standard-bearers of their organizations. Holding them accountable to this responsibility protects the promise of our organizations and our communities.
The same instincts that make us good students can make us lousy entrepreneurs.
The entrepreneurial journey starts with jumping off a cliff and assembling an airplane on the way down.
Any effort to make the death penalty speedier and less costly - more 'efficient' - will inevitably make it less just.
I've long believed that if you're not embarrassed by your first product release, you've released too late.
Good ideas need good strategy to realize their potential.
A leader is one of the things that distinguishes a mob from a people. He maintains the level of individuals. Too few individuals and a people reverts to a mob.
I would rather be accused of breaking precedents than breaking promises.
It was not a religion that attacked us that September day. It was al-Qaeda. We will not sacrifice the liberties we cherish or hunker down behind walls of suspicion and mistrust.
Hence the saying: The enlightened ruler lays his plans well ahead; the good general cultivates his resources.
Those who govern must see how the people react to administration. Ultimately, the people are the final arbiters.
Since it has pleased Providence to place me in this station, I shall do my utmost to fulfil my duty towards my country; I am very young and perhaps in many, though not in all things, inexperienced, but I am sure that very few have more real good will and more real desire to do what is fit and right than I have.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.