

#386: Co-Founder of MapQuest Chris Heivly on Why Building a Company is like Building a Fort
Jan 4, 2024
Chris Heivly, co-founder of MapQuest and seasoned entrepreneur, draws fascinating parallels between entrepreneurship and fort-building. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability, illustrating how shifting strategies can pave the path to success. Passion, he asserts, fuels persistence, making it essential for overcoming business hurdles. Furthermore, Heivly reflects on the profound lessons learned from both triumphs and setbacks in his journey, advocating for a mindset that embraces change and prioritizes clarity in communication for effective team dynamics.
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Early Passion for Computer Mapping
- Chris Heivly discovered his passion for computer mapping despite it being the 'wild wild west'.
- His curiosity led him to collaborate with his professor and experiment with early mapping software.
Embrace Simplified Experimentation
- Entrepreneurs today overthink and have access to too much information, leading to analysis paralysis.
- Chris suggests adopting a childlike mindset of rapid experimentation and iteration, like building a fort.
Validate Ideas Widely Early
- Socialize your business idea with as many people as possible to gather feedback.
- Avoid guarding your idea too tightly; ideas alone hold little value without validation.