Imagine the thrill of launching a startup that rockets to fame and fortune overnight—it's the dream that draws countless aspiring entrepreneurs into the fold. But what if the real secrets to succeeding—and truly appreciating—those trailblazers lie not in their glittering successes, but in the gritty reality of trying it yourself?
Kunal Shah, the visionary founder of CRED (a popular fintech platform that recently partnered with IndusInd Bank and RuPay to unveil an eye-catching 18-carat gold credit card, as detailed on StartupPedia), has a profound take on entrepreneurship. From the sidelines, it all seems so alluring: viral funding rounds, high-profile acquisitions, and those jaw-dropping exit stories that make headlines. Yet, Shah insists that the heart of being an entrepreneur can only be grasped by stepping into the arena yourself. In a recent tweet on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter), he shared this powerful insight:
"The only way one truly learns to respect other entrepreneurs is... by trying to be an entrepreneur oneself."
But here's where it gets controversial... Many might argue that you can admire entrepreneurs from afar through their biographies or podcasts, without the risk. Is Shah right, or does watching from the sidelines offer enough wisdom? Let's dive deeper.
Shah's message hit home for many because it uncovers a hard-earned truth that budding founders often learn the hard way—after they've jumped in headfirst. Starting a business isn't a walk in the park; it's a marathon filled with obstacles. Every 'overnight sensation' you hear about? Behind it are endless all-nighters, a string of defeats, and the relentless battle with the unknown. When you embark on your own venture, even something as modest as a side hustle or a small online project, you start to witness the sheer effort and stamina required up close.
As Shah puts it, "That's when one begins to respect every entrepreneur, regardless of their success." This rings true for thousands who have chimed in, sharing how only after grappling with setbacks—like cold rejection from investors, the stress of financial instability, and the weight of personal accountability—do you gain a deep appreciation for the grit and endurance that entrepreneurship demands. It's not just about the wins; it's about the lessons that come from relentless trying.
And this is the part most people miss... Admiration from a distance can't teach you these nuances. For instance, picture a young graduate who idolizes tech moguls like Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos. They might think it's all about genius ideas and lucky breaks, but once they launch their own app or service, they encounter the everyday grind: coding bugs that keep you up till dawn, customer complaints that sting, and pivots that feel like starting over. Suddenly, those same moguls' stories transform from fairy tales into relatable sagas of perseverance. Shah's view serves as a timely nudge in our results-driven society, where we often prioritize flashy outcomes over the behind-the-scenes hustle.
Real admiration for entrepreneurs doesn't stem from envying their spotlights or bank accounts. It emerges from treading the same path, embracing flops as teachers, and realizing just how daunting it is to forge something valuable from pure ambition and thin air. Shah's tweet underscores an eternal principle: entrepreneurship isn't about quick fixes or superficial charm. It's rooted in resilience, continuous growth, and a genuine empathy for those bold enough to innovate from scratch.
What do you think? Is firsthand experience the only true teacher of respect, or can we learn just as much by observing from the outside? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with Shah, or is there a counterpoint that challenges this idea? Some might say that learning from others' mistakes via books or mentors is a smarter, less risky path. Let's debate: does the entrepreneurial journey really require 'walking the walk' to appreciate the talk?
Also Read: Lenskart is set to introduce UPI-integrated B Camera Smartglasses, featuring voice-command payment technology for seamless transactions (check out the full details on StartupPedia).
