The Foundr Podcast with Nathan Chan 592: (Solo) The Truth About Originality: What Great Founders Really Do
Sep 30, 2025
Many founders wrongly believe they need an original idea to succeed. Instead, proven strategies can accelerate growth. This discussion highlights how to ethically borrow and adapt ideas, showcasing successful brands like Canva and Airbnb. Learn how to grow your social media and improve product designs by studying what works. It’s all about finding existing successes, adding your twist, and making it better. Embrace this mindset to free yourself from the pressure of innovation and focus on effective strategies!
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Episode notes
Model Who Already Wins
- You don't need to reinvent the wheel; study who has achieved what you want and mimic their approach.
- Focus on who is succeeding and adapt their methods rather than inventing everything from scratch.
Foundr's Instagram Growth Hack
- Nathan studied big magazines' Instagram posts and noticed entrepreneurial quotes got the most engagement.
- He adapted that idea with his own twists and grew Foundr's Instagram fast.
Modeling Is Practical, Not Shameful
- Modeling competitors is polarizing but common and effective.
- Lyft modeled Uber and still became an incredible company by making the model their own.
