I've wanted to share some thoughts, as they've haunted me, especially over the last few days. So I'm going to say it out loud. Here it comes.

Be ready.

Life in a startup is fast and challenging but also rewarding. Being in a startup demands certain qualities from us that might not be suitable for everyone, and that's OK. Many of us have chosen this path, and we're stepping up every day, proving that we have what it takes.

Based on my personal experience, observation and studies on innovation management, here's the list of essential qualities for succeeding in a startup.

✔️ Adaptability: This isn't a 9 to 5 job where everything is predictable. When working in a startup, things may change rapidly, and you must be able to change when the situation requires it.

✔️ Versatility: People working in a startup must feel comfortable wearing different hats simultaneously. That's its beauty because it enables you to learn and grow constantly.

✔️ Self-motivation and Initiative: There's no room for complacency. Every person in a startup is a player and every single match counts. A startup environment isn't a place where you wait around - wait for the instructions or someone telling you what to do. It's about taking the initiative, stepping up, and showing others what's possible.

✔️ Resilience: Yes, there will be setbacks and challenges. Yes, there will be long hours. But the experience you will gain through those experiences paves your road to success in the future.

✔️ Problem-solving skills: Problems are just opportunities in disguise. Problems are life's creative way of making you think outside of the box. If you're able to turn them to your advantage, you will succeed.

✔️ Passion: You're here because you believe in what you're doing. That belief, that fire, is what drives you.

✔️ Teamwork: People who you work together with are not just your colleagues. They're your team. Together, you're unstoppable.

✔️ Learning Mindset: Every day is a school day. Stay curious, stay hungry for knowledge.

Working in a startup is different from your traditional job. The goal of the startup environment is not to maintain the corporate status quo. Startups are here to disrupt different layers of society, innovate, and make a real difference. That's why it's essential to let go of traditional ways:

❗ Innovation and Creativity: We're not here to follow. We're here to lead.

❗ Speed and Adaptability: Slow and steady won't win the race in our world. Fast and flexible does.

❗ Resource Constraints: We don't need endless resources when we have endless creativity.

❗ Unique Culture: We're not just another company. We should support each other, learn from each other, and grow together. There should be zero tolerance for brilliant jerks. No one should be bigger than the group.

❗ Customer Centricity: Our customers are why we're here. Their needs are our mission. It's our job to educate them about possibilities and show them the future we can offer that they haven't even dared to dream about.

Now, I know all of this might feel a bit overwhelming, but the truth is that change isn't always comfortable. But it's important to remember that growth and magic are only possible outside your comfort zone. It's OK to try, stumble, fail, and feel uncertain. What's important is that we keep going, learning, and pushing ourselves. That's how we grow. That's how we succeed.

So, let's embrace the hustle, embrace the challenges. Let's stay passionate, stay focused, stay resilient. Above all, let's create an impact, let's leave our imprint.

Are you ready to innovate, to disrupt, to make a difference? Are you willing to move fast, be resourceful, foster the culture, and always put customers first?

I won't sugarcoat it - this is a challenge. It's going to be hard, and it's going to push your boundaries, making you feel uncomfortable at times.

So, are you ready? Ready to stumble, prepared to learn, willing to grow? Ready to celebrate the big and small wins and pick yourself up after the setbacks?

If yes, Bring your A-game, and let's do this!

Are you in?

Reelika