So many things need to be reinvented: the way we eat, get around, shop, build houses, feed people, produce energy, teach our kids, build organizations, build teams, manufacture products, etc.
The opportunities to start a valuable company are almost endless.
Knowledge and technology are so abundant that they are not a problem either.
Anything is possible: that’s our society’s narrative.
So why is meaningful progress not happening faster?
Why are we still hesitant to make the critical calls and switch to technologies that create a net positive impact on our planet, for instance?
The enemy is the status quo, the pressure to conform that slows down the speed of innovation adoption.
As a business leader, redefining the way we’ve previously done something requires that you stick your neck out.
The early adopters of your product also take a risk by agreeing to change a habit, potentially abandon something they love, and try something new. It’s a lot to ask them.
Like David Lee Roth, lead singer of the hard rock band Van Halen said:
“You stick your head above the crowd and attract attention, and sometimes somebody will throw a rock at you.”
The question is not if someone will throw a rock at you, but when.
So get ready and take a chance. Learn to take the hit as early as possible, and after, keep going.