Technologist Passionate About Biotechnology, Synthetic Biology, and Materials | Author of Multiple US and Foreign Patents
Leadership coaches on LinkedIn frequently outline approaches for leaders to build environments rooted in decision-making inclusion, minimal micromanagement, and a balanced work-life approach. There’s merit in tools like Radical Candor for fostering clarity or Insights Discovery for better team understanding—I’ve found value in both. Adaptive leadership, as promoted by Blanchard’s programs and Tribal Leadership, serves a purpose too, bringing people together in shared commitment to the mission. But my perspective is also shaped by my study of history, by the understanding that this country’s fabric was woven through hard work and grit. Perhaps it’s my Generation-X roots, that “go-getter” mentality, or my firsthand experience in startups—where precision and execution mean survival—that have given me an ingrained bias toward relentless focus. Impactful ventures aren’t 9-5; they demand the kind of dedication that pushes past comfort and drives real innovation. Simply put, I’ve only ever seen success come through obsession. To be clear, there’s nothing wrong with a stable 9-5 job in a low-stakes environment. It’s a commendable path. But that isn’t the startup way. In high-stakes tech and biotech startups, success isn’t optional, and a 9-5 mindset will almost certainly shift outcomes toward failure. Impactful organizations work in “hard-core” mode; here, work isn’t just a job—it’s a mission. In our gritty start up, we realize we need missionaries and not mercenaries. Times have changed, and so has stability in larger organizations and public institutions. The days of the golden watch and retirement party are gone. With intensifying global competition, our ability to push hard isn’t just a matter of personal grit; it’s a matter of national relevance and security. The U.S. was built on this kind of drive, from its founding to today. We risk losing our edge if we choose fringe over focus. For those absorbed in the startup world, this is a “hard-core” calling. And as Elad Gil warns in High Growth Handbook, if you see pool tables and a drift from the mission, take heed: winter is coming. Is our drive strong enough to keep us competitive?
Technologist Passionate About Biotechnology, Synthetic Biology, and Materials | Author of Multiple US and Foreign Patents
1moWinter is coming