Right-size Your Ego For A Better Business

Raise your hand if you’ve ever been resistant to an idea because you didn’t come up with it.

Or if you’ve refused to tell someone about your Big Idea because you were afraid they’d “steal it.”

Or you’ve hired an expert to advise you on something specific and then ignored their expensive advice and done it your way… to your own detriment.

(Pretty much every entrepreneur ever raises their hand ✋✋✋)

I can make these jokes because I’ve been there, too. Like, many times.

Starting a business is a wild ride. Us founders can get hyped about our big ideas, but I’ve seen a lot of us stumble on the same things: worrying too much about competition, stressing over timing, and letting our egos call the shots. 

A little confidence? Sure, it’s needed. But too much? That’s where things start getting messy. After 10+ years of working in tech, founding three of my own companies, and helping launch countless more, I’ve learned some things the hard way AND picked up some tips from helping my clients navigate their businesses.

Ego: The Secret Saboteur of Startups

I know nobody wants to hear it, but here’s the truth: ego is at the heart of a lot of startup headaches. Click To TweetYou’ve gotta be confident to get a business rolling, but overconfidence can be just as dangerous as under-confidence. Founders are often convinced we’ve cracked the code on the next “must-have” product but our inventions aren’t always as world-shaking as we think. 

Instead of spending our time convincing ourselves that our idea is genius, what if we directed that energy towards testing our idea on the people who really matter—our future customers?

Are they excited? Are they willing to open their wallets? If not, it’s back to the drawing board – no matter how good we think the idea is.

Ego aside, validation will prevent you from wasting a ton of time and money on something no one actually wants. Click To Tweet

Slow Your Roll- Validate Before You Build

One ego trap founders love is rushing headlong into building mode – it’s so much sexier than testing and validating! The temptation to skip testing and validation is real, but trust me, sloooow down. 

Look at Apple. They’re rarely first to market, but they always show up with something polished. So instead of throwing your cash at a quick and dirty prototype, spend that time and money on market research, surveys, or even a simple landing page test. You want a solid, validated foundation that’s ready for investors, not a half-baked concept.

(Sidenote: This is what we do when we help our clients build Minimum Viable SELLABLE Products, not just another MVP nobody asked for!)

Timing Is Important… But Not That Important

If I had a nickel for every time I heard “We have to launch this NOW or we’re toast,” I’d have at least $1.35. 

Sure, timing can give you an edge, but it’s rarely life-or-death. Uber wasn’t the first in ride-sharing, and Apple didn’t invent the cell phone or computer. They took their time, did it right, and delivered something people wanted.

Founders who rush tend to cut corners, like hiring cheaper teams or skipping a proper discovery phase to get to market faster. This “rush job” mentality often leads to budget disasters and frustration. Spend the time to figure out what’s truly valuable in your product. Get that solid product-market fit first, and let the right investors back your thought-out plan—not a rushed, patched-together MVP.

Execution Over Ego: It’s All About Delivering the Goods

So many founders obsess over having the best “idea,” but here’s the truth—ideas are a dime a dozen. What matters is how you bring that idea to life. Execution is where the true heavyweights stand out.

Think about it this way: every song has already been written before, but new hits come out every year. It’s the authenticity and execution that make them stand out. Instead of getting caught up in the idea phase, think about whether your plan can scale. 

Is there room for it in different markets? What’s the pricing? Is it sustainable? These questions might sound boring, but they’re what actually builds a long-lasting business.

Stay Resilient: Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff (Or the Copycats)

Another big ego pitfall: obsessing over competition. Founders often panic when they see a similar product crop up, but if someone’s copying you, take it as a good sign. Competition is just proof that you’re onto something valuable. Click To Tweet

Adopt a resilient mindset and keep the focus on what makes your business unique. Instead of fixating on what others are doing, hone in on your own strengths. Build a business that’s solid enough to weather a few knock-offs. Ultimately, it’s your execution and consistency that’ll make you stand out.

Make Yourself Redundant (It’s a Good Thing!)

One of the best things you can do as a founder is aim to work yourself out of a job – something I’m working on myself as a new dad! If your business relies too much on you, it’s not designed to scale. To grow, you need to hire a team who not only matches your skills but exceeds them.

When you put the right people in place, your business doesn’t just survive—it thrives. It’s not about being hands-off; it’s about empowering others. If you’re still micromanaging every little thing, not only are you stifling growth, but you’re also sending the message that you don’t trust your team. Letting go is tough, but it’s also what will give your business room to grow.

Balancing Ego with Accountability: A Few Tricks

Growth takes confidence, but it also takes humility. Here are some learned-the-hard-way tips to keep your ego in check while staying sharp:

1. Ask for Feedback: Don’t be afraid to hear the hard stuff. Constructive criticism from customers, investors, or even your team can be a goldmine.
2. Keep Learning: See challenges as a chance to level up, not as a reason to throw in the towel. Failures? They’re just lessons with a bit of bruising.
3. Trust Your Team: Real leaders know how to hand off responsibilities. If you’re still clinging to every little decision, it’s time to start trusting your crew.
4. Celebrate Wins, Big and Small: Recognize milestones to boost morale and show your team you appreciate their hustle.

Bottom Line: Leave Room for Growth—Not Just Your Ego

When it comes down to it, founders who succeed in the long run don’t just rely on big dreams or big egos. They keep a balanced approach, combining ambition with patience and a whole lot of humility. Keep the ego in check, stay focused on what truly matters, and you’ll build a business that’s not just here for today, but here to stay.

P.S. This blog post is inspired by a conversation I had with Chris Sheng on his podcast Real Fuckin’ Talk. If you have a podcast about business, tech, or leadership I’d love to be on it!