Mike Maples, Jr, of Floodgate discusses the importance of savoring surprises for founders. He shares insights on how unexpected feedback can drive breakthroughs, the role of self-awareness in navigating surprises, and the value of seeking unexpected elements for enhancing success.
Founders should seek surprises over validation for breakthroughs.
Noticing positive surprises can uncover new opportunities and refine startup strategies.
Deep dives
Embracing Surprises for Breakthrough Ideas
Emmett Sheer's journey from validating ideas to seeking better ones highlighted the importance of savoring surprises for breakthroughs. Instead of seeking validation alone, founders should focus on noticing unexpected insights that can lead to significant progress. This approach, exemplified by Twitch's creation from Justin TV after recognizing gamer needs, emphasizes the value of positive surprises in unveiling new opportunities.
Value of Surprises Over Validation
Scott Cook's emphasis on seeking surprises over validation underscores their significance in driving breakthroughs. Positive surprises, like Twitch's success catering to gamer needs, reveal unexplored potential. Negative surprises, although initially disheartening, offer valuable insights that can guide startup refinement by either altering implementation, re-evaluating the target audience, or re-assessing the foundational insight.
Savoring Surprises for Success
The podcast advocates for founders to actively seek and appreciate surprises as catalysts for success. By deeply understanding why positive surprises occur and adjusting strategies to aim for more of them, entrepreneurs can unlock untapped opportunities and differentiate their approach. Training oneself to recognize and leverage surprises can lead to groundbreaking ideas and substantial impact in the startup landscape.
The ability to notice and savor surprises is a key overlooked skill of the greatest founders. It allows you to narrow in on the types of capabilities that will lead to breakthroughs. In this Breakthrough Lesson, Mike Maples, Jr of Floodgate calls on the lessons learned by Twitch co-founder Emmett Shear to discuss why founders should seek surprises instead of validation, and how positive surprises can be a key source of greatness.Check out the new Pattern Breakers Blog at patternbreakers.substack.com
for even more Pattern Breaking content from Mike.
Mike's new book Pattern Breakers is available now wherever you buy
books.
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